Community News

Government plans to restructure fees for probate applications have led to delays for families looking to settle their loved ones’ affairs as people rush to beat the intended deadline.

National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP says a Government proposal to increase the fixed fee of £155 (for solicitor applications) to a fee dependent on the value of the estate - which could amount to £6,000 - had backfired.

The new fees were due to come in to effect on April 1, but the relevant legislation was hit by opposition - and lack of Parliamentary time.

Carol Cummins, a consultant in the private capital team at Clarke Willmott, said: “The last-minute influx of applications from people keen to beat the deadline means that instead of waiting two to three weeks for their application to be granted people will be putting up with delays of between three to four months.

“This delay could cause significant problems in the administration of an estate. For instance, Personal Representatives (PRs) have no access to the assets in the estate until the grant is issued.

“This means, for example, that if a sale of the deceased’s property has been negotiated, exchange of contracts on that sale can’t take place until the grant is issued.

“Similarly, shares held in the deceased person’s name cannot be sold which could have serious financial implications in the event of a substantial market downturn.

“Moreover, if the PRs had to apply for a loan to pay the inheritance tax due on application for the grant, this delay will substantially lengthen the time that the loan is outstanding and the interest payable on it will be greater.”

Carol Cummins said the effect of making the increase dependent on the date of the application rather than the date of death was bound to lead to problems processing grant applications.

“Bereavement is a very stressful event and this delay in issuing the grant can only add to the distress of the deceased person’s family,” she said.

Clarke Willmott LLP is a national law firm with seven offices across the country.

The number of new homes built last year in the West Midlands has bucked the national trend to show strong growth.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 10,640 new homes were started in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area last year – a seven per cent increase on 2017. Across England, the average increase was zero.

Within the West Midlands, the number of homes started last year went up the most – by 18 per cent – in the Black Country.

Housing completions in the West Midlands increased by 13 per cent to 10,960, compared to the average increase of one per cent in England.

The highest rise in housing completions was in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area, where 40 per cent more new homes were finished than in 2017.

The WMCA has committed to delivering 215,000 new homes across the region by 2031.

Gareth Bradford, director of housing and regeneration at the WMCA, said: “Our economic success and new job creation are driving the demand for new housing across the West Midlands.

“These latest statistics show that we and our partners are making good progress. However, this is only the start and there is still much to do.

“We are working with the local authorities in our area to unlock land and accelerate the delivery of new homes and jobs.

“For example, we are introducing a single framework to distribute £610m of funding quickly and efficiently, helping to speed up developments and, ultimately, the regeneration and growth of our cities and towns.”

The housing figures relate to the WMCA’s three LEPs: Black Country (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton), Coventry and Warwickshire, and Greater Birmingham and Solihull.

This August, Birmingham Hippodrome will present its first home-grown youth production as a fresh new production of West Side Story comes to the main stage this August.

After   extensive   rounds   of   auditions   and   over   one   thousand   applicants,   forty   local   young performers have been announced who will bring the legendary musical to life in an exciting first of its kind production marking the theatre’s 120th birthday.

Leading   the   cast   as   the   star-crossed   lovers, Tony   and   Maria, are Alex Cooke (15) from Kingswinford and Kamilla Fernandes (18) from Coventry. They are joined by Ruby Hewitt (19) from Harborne as Anita, Gibsa Bah (18) from Great Barr as Barnardo, Matthew Pandya (18) from Coventry as Riff, Olivia Allen (21)   from   Harborne   as   Anybodys and Carter Smith (16) from Yardley as Chino.

The full company is comprised of Luke Rossiter (14), Harvey Zafino (16), Brook Jenkins (14), Diarmuid Gaffrey (17), Hugo Montgomery (19), Kane Taylor (17), Alan Lewis (21) and Harry Chamberlain (16), Maisie Lodge (16), Ella   Kenrick   (24),   Olivia   Caddick (14),   Ebony Roy-Palmer (17), Tumba Katanda (18), Bethan   Day   (21),   Rhiannon   Lee Street   (18), Evie-May Harding (17) and Nancy Ling (22) who make up the ‘Jets’.

The ‘Sharks’ gang features Jaye Fordham (20), Demi Walton (16), Jasmine Bromfield (17), Justine Matthews (22), Isabella Polidori (16), Ashley Savage (17), Alexandra Whitehead (25) and Elle Carter-Knowles (21), Oliver Cowlishaw (20), Aadil Din Mohammad (17), Harry Cooke (14), Tom   Silverton  (25),   Adam   Robinson   (17),   Adam   Newton   (17),  Alexander   Wooliscroft (25) and Kai-Daniel Augustin (17).

Joining the young company will be four Birmingham Hippodrome staff members who will take on the adult character roles; Benjamin Jones will swap Visitor Services for the role of Gladhand, Marketing   Officer   Chris   Cooper   will   play   Lieutenant   Schrank,   Visitor   Services Administrator Nicola Entwistle will be Officer Krupke and Visitor Services Assistant Sabrina Naz Nabi will play the role of Doc. The creation of West Side Story will be overseen by a professional creative team which includes Matt Hawksworth (Director & Choreographer), Paul Murphy (Conductor & Musical Director), Sarah Burrell (Assistant Musical Director), Ruth Saeger (Assistant Choreographer), Al   Parkinson   (Designer),   Philip   Gladwell   (Lighting   Designer),   Rachel   Baynton   (Costume Designer) and Olly Steel (Sound Designer).Director,  Matt Hawksworth said; “We were overwhelmed by the response when initial audition notices were posted for this very special production of West Side Story.

After seeing a thousand young people at auditions, we now finally have our exceptionally talented cast. “Rehearsals have already began and we can’t wait to celebrate Birmingham Hippodrome’s 120th birthday with this brilliant new production of a truly iconic musical.”

Fiona Allan, Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and Chief Executive added; “It is fitting that we mark our 120th birthday by funding a major new production, giving back to young people in our community.

West Side Story remains just as relevant now as when it was first written, and holds many parallels we can still see in our everyday lives. Our director, Matt Hawksworth has drawn together a tremendously experienced professional creative team, who will ensure that the company experience all aspects of mounting a major musical in the large scale.

“Our birthday celebrations are headlined with the strapline Then, Now, Always-this production will encompass this message in its entirety.

Then being the staging of this classic musical, Now is bringing a new production to our main stage, and Always is the hugely talented cast of young people who are the performers and audience members of our theatre’s future.

“I can’t wait for the curtain to rise on this brilliant new adventure for our cast, creatives and Birmingham Hippodrome.”

West Side Story plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from August 29 – 31. Tickets go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Patron scheme members from 11am, 25 April - general on sale begins Mon 29 Apr, 11am.

As longer-term mortgages become more common, new research from Santander Mortgages reveals almost half (48 per cent) of potential home-buyers in the Midlands would consider taking out a 40-year mortgage to keep monthly repayments more affordable. Furthermore, first-time buyers who take out a 40-year mortgage could save £178,500, 77 per cent of the average UK house price, when compared to the cost of renting over the same period³.

With 66 per cent of those in the Midlands saying they see renting as just a way of lining someone else’s pockets, Santander has become the latest lender to extend its mortgage terms to up to 40 years, giving more customers a way to manage the cost of buying a home and potentially break the costly renting cycle.

The bank’s findings show that a 40-year mortgage could help 507,750 more first-time buyers get onto the property ladder in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. These are people who would otherwise not be able to afford the monthly repayments associated with a 25-year mortgage based on their salaries and living costs.

The UK average shows the cost of an average monthly repayment for a 25-year mortgage falls by £263 when spread over 40 years⁴.

However, nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of buyers in the Midlands didn’t realise that spreading a mortgage over a longer term would mean lower monthly repayments. Many people would look to reduce the term of a 40-year mortgage later down the line, a quarter (25 per cent) of buyers in the Midlands would look to reduce the term of a 40-year mortgage if their finances improved, a third (34 per cent) would pay off extra whenever they could to reduce the mortgage term and a fifth (19 per cent) would look to re-mortgage to a shorter term when they moved to a different house.

Miguel Sard, Managing Director of Mortgages at Santander UK said: “The possibility of owning a property may seem like a distant dream to some aspiring buyers, many of whom have found themselves locked in a ‘rent trap’ and unable to get onto the property ladder.

“By offering first-time buyers the option of a longer-term mortgage, our aim is to address some of the affordability restrictions they face and support hopeful home owners in getting a foot on the property ladder with more manageable monthly repayments”.

When considering budgeting for monthly mortgage repayments, almost half (47 per cent) of prospective buyers in the Midlands would still want to maintain a certain quality of life and 47 per cent must also factor in other monthly financial commitments such as their car finance. Saving for major life events is another consideration for more than a quarter (29 per cent) of potential buyers, while a third (32 per cent) need to consider saving to cover the costs of having children.

Santander’s research estimates that around 15 million people are looking to purchase a property in the next five years, with data suggesting that first-time buyers are responsible for over half of all property transactions.

Dates for the 50-piece group include their debut appearance in a cathedral, and conclude with the prestigious Festival Finale spot at Towersey Festival, one of the UK’s oldest music festivals.

Their appearance at Lichfield Cathedral - the country’s only medieval three-spired cathedral - is in aid of the magnificent venue and When You Wish Upon A Star, a leading charity which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Other tour highlights include hosting Power Folk 6, in their home city of Birmingham. A one-day mini-festival (and guaranteed sell out), this year sees the group perform alongside invited guests such as singer-songwriter Kevin Dempsey (Dando Shaft, Swarb's Lazarus, Whippersnapper), new folk/ fusion band Gathering Tides, and trio Threaded.

The jaunt kicks off with a special two-set show at their Conservatoire HQ. Due to the logistical challenges of performing with such a sizeable company, this is the first time the entire ensemble have played their complete live set on home turf in several years.

Says band leader Joe Broughton: “Every year we bring something new to the ensemble’s shows, and this year is no exception. Throughout the summer we’ll be playing plenty of the old favourites, yet with some slightly different arrangements. But we also have some amazing new tunes, which are just getting better and better every time we perform them.

"With this number of musicians on stage at any one time, things never stand still. It’s just a joyous, joyous thing!”

The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble’s energetic and powerful live sets are indeed a sight to behold, presently featuring an 18-piece horn section, five cellists, seven percussionists and five electric guitarists, plus fiddles, flutes, clarinets, euphonium, and accordions! They also all sing too.

Though rooted in traditional folk tunes, the personal influences of each member steers the set, pulling in everything from full-on rock grooves, to funk, jazz, hip-hop and reggae, to sounds from Eastern Europe and Asia. It’s a sound they’ve dubbed ‘Power Folk.’

Formed in 1997 by fiddle player, arranger, producer and tutor Joe Broughton, they’ve played dozens of major music festivals, released four lauded albums, established their own annual mini-festival, packed out the Royal Albert Hall, become an online sensation, and provided the launch pad for countless other acts.

In the last 12 months, the ensemble have unleashed the exceptionally diverse ‘Sleepy Maggie’ mini-album, recorded their first ever professional music video, and in March they brought shoppers to a standstill with a pop-up performance at the famed Bull Ring, in Birmingham - one of the country’s busiest retail centres.

Featuring dazzling work-outs with all 50-plus musicians alongside hushed solo performances, here’s a rare chance to really experience the shape-shifting collective in all their spectacular glory as they head out on tour.

Dementia UK, the only charity caring for people with dementia and their families with specialist dementia nurses, has published tips on having a happy Easter holiday.

Mutsai Hove Bird, Admiral Nurse, said: “Easter is a time for many families to come together. However it can prove challenging for families if a family member has dementia, particularly if routines change and there are lots of people around”.

Mutsai suggests:

1.   Including the person with dementia. Make the person with dementia feel included in activities and conversation. Tailor what they do to their abilities, hobbies, likes and dislikes.

2.   Enjoy Easter traditions and the memories they bring. As well as attending an Easter church service or a Seder dinner during Passover, there are many activities for the family which can also be enjoyed by the person with dementia. These can include: arts and crafts, such as painting eggs, or perhaps going for a walk to burn off those extra calories. You can also put on a favourite Easter film or piece of music enjoyed by the person with dementia.

3.   Easter eating and drinking. Inviting a family member with dementia to help out with meal preparation can be a great way to make them feel included. Making a simnel cake or eating hot cross buns together can tap into positive memories. Remember, some people with dementia can struggle with big food portions so keep it small to begin with, and then offer more if appropriate.

4.   Make time for yourself. Never be afraid to ask for help if things get a bit too much for you. Asking family and friends to look after any house duties during Easter can give you some time to recharge and relax. You could also ask if they’re willing to sit with your family member with dementia to talk to them and help them feel included. People are often happy to help, but might not think to offer themselves.

5.   Be prepared. A bit of preparation can reduce stress over Easter. Keep a list of useful telephone numbers such as out of hours medical services and the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline. If you are going away, make sure your relative has packed medication and any personal care support aids they may need.

If you have any concerns around dementia, call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678.

The Helpline is open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm on weekends. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline will be closed on Good Friday 19^th April, Easter Sunday 21^st April and Easter Monday 22^nd April.

A new study has revealed just how much the British and Irish love to complain, identifying daily struggles with traffic and the weather as top causes of complaints.

A survey of 1,000 UK and Irish adults commissioned by Emo Oil, a home heating oil supplier, has revealed that on average Brits and the Irish complain as many as 28 times every day – an average of 10,220 times over the course of a year. The number one thing Brits and the Irish love to complain about has been revealed as traffic, with 61% of people admitting to regularly moaning about jams and congestion. More than a third of those surveyed (34%) confess to whingeing about traffic as many as three times a day.

Predictably perhaps, the weather came in second, with 53% of those surveyed complaining about this. After traffic and the weather, being too hot or cold was named as the third biggest gripe (49%).

Money troubles was also cited as being one of the most complained about topics with 47% of people saying they regularly complain about not being able to afford something.

Getting ill completed the top five list, with 43% of participants naming this as a top gripe.

Mark Hackett, Project Manager at Emo Oil said: “It’s quite shocking to see how guilty we are of complaining – it really stacks up when you think about how many times we do this per day.  

“This time of year can be particularly gruelling. If the cold weather and endless stream of illnesses being passed around the office weren’t enough to put you in a bad mood, the sheer volume of traffic on the roads is certainly worthy of a whinge. There are plenty of simple ways to keep spirits high though; such as enjoying a nice warm meal with friends or cranking up the heating to keep cosy in the colder evenings.”

The UK and Ireland’s top 10 complaints:

1. Traffic – 61%
2. The weather – 53%
3. Being too hot or cold – 49%
4. Money troubles – 47%
5. Getting ill – 43%
6. Working long hours – 40%
7. Potholes – 40%
8. Annoying colleagues – 31%
9. Queueing – 23%
10. Noisy neighbours – 22%

Tickets will be on general release for this year’s blockbuster Heavy Metal exhibition, Home of Metal: Black Sabbath – 50 Years, from Thursday 18^th April. The exhibition opens to the public on 26 June through to 29 September at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

From the humble beginnings of 1960s Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward created Black Sabbath, in turn forging a new sound, a new aesthetic, and a new musical culture – Heavy Metal. With the full support of the original founders of Black Sabbath, the exhibition will detail the history of this iconic band, and their links to Birmingham, as the early pioneers of Heavy Metal. The show will celebrate their significant contribution to British music heritage and their unique relationship to their fans.

Iconic artefacts and personal items such as photographs, fans’ gifts, stage costumes and jewellery, plus more, will be on loan from the band members themselves. In addition, demonstrating the extraordinary scale and diversity of their global fan base, the show will include Black Sabbath memorabilia stretching back to the 70s, ranging from gig tickets and mixtapes, to motorbikes and battle jackets.

The exhibition will also showcase Black Sabbath’s Birmingham roots with photographs, posters, tickets and programmes from local venues that were instrumental in the band’s early success.

Also, a collection of 3,000+ commissioned portraits of Metal fans from countries as far afield as the USA, Botswana, Eygpt, Indonesia and Japan will throw light on this huge global community, one which Spotify* recently identified as the most loyal across all music genres.

Home of Metal is conceived and produced by Capsule, under the leadership of its founder and artistic director, Lisa Meyer, and is presented in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust.  In collaboration with Capsule, Morag Myerscough and Luke Morgan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed designer duos, will design Home of Metal: Black Sabbath - 50 Years for the Gas Hall within Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the largest exhibition space in a museum or gallery outside of London.

The exhibition is at the centrepiece of six shows being staged this summer by Home of Metal, each devoted to the music that was born in and around Birmingham.  Music that turned up the volume, down-tuned the guitars, and introduced a whole new meaning to the word ‘heavy’ that has reached into all corners of culture.

The UK’s leading fine art retailer, Castle Fine Art, is soon to unveil its biggest gallery yet in the heart of the Midlands.

The brand new gallery will open to the public in a stunning 6,000 sq ft space at the Mailbox, in Birmingham, showcasing the best contemporary artists from around the world.

Adding a splash of colour to the designer destination, the new-look Castle Fine Art is the latest in the company’s network of 38 galleries across the UK. Four times the size of the current Mailbox gallery, it will be home to some of the biggest names in art; from Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood and Lorenzo Quinn, to Marvel, Billy Connolly and pioneer of the Pop Art movement, James Francis Gill.

Living by the business’ ethos of ‘Your World, Our Art®’, making art accessible to all, the brand new Mailbox gallery will play host to headline-grabbing collection launches and welcome worldwide names for personal appearances and events.

Speaking about the new gallery, Ian Weatherby-Blythe, group managing director of Castle Fine Art and Washington Green, said: “I cannot believe we are just weeks away from revealing our amazing new gallery space at the Mailbox. It has taken many months of planning to create the perfect experience and place to showcase our signature artists and introduce you to the best original and limited edition fine art.

“The new gallery really makes a statement about our direction as a business; more than two decades on and we are still dedicated to finding and presenting the best artists in the world. The Mailbox has been a fantastic home to us and now, with such an impressive homewares offer, we can’t think of anywhere better to bring our art into your world.”

Melanie Taylor, Head of Retailer Relations at Milligan, joint owners of the Mailbox, said: “Castle Fine Art’s excellent range of exciting artists and beautiful artworks are perfectly in tune with the Mailbox’s discerning customer base. We’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Castle Fine Art over the past decade and are delighted to support them as they continue to grow their business at the Mailbox.”

The new Castle Fine Art Birmingham gallery will open on Saturday June 8 in a new prominent location at the front of the Mailbox.

Local Churches in Birmingham will unite as, on Good Friday (April 19), Handsworth & District Christian Outreach (AKA Hands Outstretched) brings together some 3000 people from several churches and communities’ for the ‘Good Friday Walk of Witness’, reaching out to the local community along Soho Road, demonstrating and sharing the love of God on this special day in the Christian calendar.

This is an important day on the Christian calendar which is celebrated by all Christians around the world. It is a time for reflection with an outpouring of love, which is one of the most important values that Christ taught us, who was sacrificed on this day.

Now in its 15th year, Christians can celebrate and rejoice by sharing the Good News with Handsworth’s multicultural community. This is reflected in the Christian representation on the day, of not just walking, but, also singing, waving flags and dancing on the main road running.

Chair, Reverend Bryan Scott, said: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate and share with the community the Good News of Easter for the fifteenth consecutive year this Good Friday.

As a group of local churches it is a wonderful opportunity for us all to reach across cultural, linguistic and religious divides to meet and greet the community.

So why don’t you come and join us as we walk along the Soho Road on this very important day in the Christian Calendar?”

Community activist and Minister, Reverend Dr Desmond Jaddoo, said: “This is a great opportunity to bring our diverse communities in Handsworth together and celebrate The Good News of what Easter is all about. It is a time when we educate our communities of the true meaning of Easter; not just with words but also with action; promoting love, unity, sharing by the fellowship that we share during the Walk of Witness - now in its 15th year”.

The timetable for activities is: 12.30pm - Gather outside Beacon Evangelical Church, Sandwell Road, Handsworth in Birmingham.

1.00pm - The Walk of Witness commences. There will be two stops: the first, outside Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church Soho Road Handsworth. The second will be outside the KFC on Soho Road Handsworth near to the junction with Grove Lane.

2.30pm - Arrive at Temple Row House (Soho Road) for praise and worship.

Four British native broadleaf trees, awarded as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project, were planted in the grounds of Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham.

Ninestiles, in Acocks Green, is believed to be the only school in Birmingham to be awarded the trees as part of a project that was launched in 2015 with the aim of creating a network of conservation initiatives across the Commonwealth to raise awareness of the value of indigenous tree populations.

In the presence of - and led by - Clive Stone DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands on behalf of Her Majesty, the tree; including rowan, silver birch and hazel, were planted with pupils overlooking and very much being part of what was a historic occasion

Each of the trees planted  was selected by children to represent an aspect of Ninestile’s role as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School which focuses on wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem - all designed to make a positive impact on the whole community; Each represent the right to health; the right to protection from violence; the right of non-discrimination and finally, the right to freedom of expression.

Thrilled that they were selected, Ninestiles’ joint head Andrea Stephens, said: “This initiative is a fitting way to celebrate The Queen’s long reign, but it also symbolises our school’s belief in growth and nurture. It is to be hoped that these five saplings will be appreciated in the years to come by many generations of schoolchildren as well as their parents, carers, families and the wider community.”

He added: “I also want to pay tribute to Lucy Fisher and Holly Turton, two teachers at our school, who were instrumental in applying in the Commonwealth Canopy ballot. They are both dedicated to our Academy being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and it is fitting that we should be combining these two elements.”

The landmark project was recently featured in a conversation between Her Majesty the Queen and Sir David Attenborough in the ITV documentary; ‘The Queen’s Green Planet’.

The role of Sikhs in todays society was highlighted on the 9^th April at the Ramada Hotel Sutton Coldfield as Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street brought together dignitaries, public figures, entrepreneurs faith leaders and community champions to celebrate Vaisakhi.

In the beautiful Ramada Hotel, formerly Penns Hall hotel and the location for Crossroads, the gathered group included former Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Paul Sabapathy CVO CBE, Deputy Lieutenants Satinder and Jagjit Taunque as well as Ninder Johal, and representation from a number of faith leaders from across the city.

The actual date of the Sikh Festival is the 13^th April, although this year it is to be celebrated in Birmingham by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham (CSGB) on the 29^th April, and is expected to draw over 100,000 people from around the region and beyond, culminating in a large open air community celebration open to all in Handsworth Park.

After recently opening it’s Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies, Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar from The University of Wolverhampton spoke passionately about the history of Vaisakhi, and also more information about the 5 K’s.

Vaisakhi is the holiest day in the Sikh faiths calendar. It marks the ceremony in 1699 when on the first day of the month of Vaisakh, the tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj created the order of the Khalsa. On this day, the Panj Pyare (the 5 beloved ones) came forward to offer their heads to their Guru. The Amrit ceremony marked their “rebirth” as the first of a new order.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave them an identity (Five Kakar), a strong sense of self-discipline and a moral code of conduct. The combined code of conduct made them Saint Soldiers with a commitment to defend faith and the oppressed.

“What I’ve learned over the last few years since standing as Mayor, is that the Sikh community is numerous, nearly 150,000 across the region, and the contribution made is incredible across business, professions, the health service, and education,” beamed Andy Street.

“What you do to set the standards for larger society. If I look at the values that you profess, they are the values that I hope are shaping the West Midlands society as we build it. This is seen so clearly at every Gurdwara, and in Langar, with Midland Langar Seva Society, and Langar Aid being seen in day to day life by everyone.”

This year also marks 100 years since the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on the same date, the 13^th April, an atrocity recognised by Andy Street, who called upon the government to issue an apology for what happened following his visit to Amritsar back in October.

“It is my honour to have drawn everyone together tonight. Thank you for making one of the things I said I would do when I was elected Mayor possible. I said that I would be Mayor for ALL communities, whether they voted for me or not, but I am a firm believer that this role has to unite everyone in the West Midlands, and the Sikh community above all communities has come forward and said lets work together in that spirit.”

Ninder Johal DL also spoke of his upbringing as a very “different” child at school to all of his classmates. “I didn’t change my beliefs, or my name and I’m glad. As I grew up being a Sikh began to become more acceptable, and I suddenly realised that the Turban was a massive asset and a competitive advantage in Business, as people regard Sikhs as those with integrity, authenticity and trust.

“Sikhs are entrepreneurs, in engineering, hospitality, and in the highest levels in professions such as health, accountancy and construction. The UK is now a multicultural society where how you look, the colour of your skin, or how you spell your name no longer matters.”

“All of you should be proud of what you have achieved in the past, what you have achieved today, and what you are going to achieve tomorrow, for your children, the younger generation and the UK.”

And in the spirit of celebration, it couldn’t have been put better.

Still with plenty to shout about, singer, songwriter, actress and national treasure Lulu embarks on another mammoth tour of the UK as she returns to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Sunday October 6 with a brand new ‘Lulu – Still On Fire’ tour.

She has stayed the course, when many have faltered, why? Simply because her talent as an artist and her determination as a person.  Her powerhouse performances have ensured a loyal following of fans who come out year after year to witness a legend at work.

Lulu recounts her remarkable life now at 70 years old and a career that has outshone many of her contemporaries.

‘Lulu – Still On Fire’ is a show packed full of hits, in which Lulu takes us on her own personal journey through her music. Supported by a 4-piece band, LED screen with carefully selected family and career defining moments.

Lulu will have you sitting, standing, dancing, singing, laughing and simply listening to an amazing story that started on 3rd November 1948.

Something to shout about? Lulu has plenty!

NB: Due to University graduation ceremonies at the Grand Theatre this week, Box Office counter service will only be available from 2pm – 3:30pm on Wednesday 17 April and from 10am – 12pm on Thursday 17 April.

An outline planning application for the second phase of the regeneration of Perry Barr has been formally submitted to Birmingham City Council.

Proposals for the 12.27 hectare site could see the delivery of around 400-500 new homes, associated public open space and a new secondary school for 1,260 pupils.

The area, between Holford Drive and Aldridge Road in Perry Barr, is adjacent to the site of the former Birmingham City University Campus – already being demolished to make way for the residential element of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Village, which will then be converted into approximately 1,400 new homes for the public post-Games.

The Phase Two site, the subject of the planning application submitted today, is set to come forward for development after the Games, as it will initially form part of the Athletes’ Village, accommodating a number of facilities during the period of the Games such as the dining hall and other temporary facilities.

As this site is not proposed to be developed until after the Games the exact details regarding the mixture of housing type and tenure are unconfirmed at this stage, but it is expected to provide mainly family housing. There would also be a sporting legacy through improved access to facilities in the area including the retained Doug Ellis Sports Centre and associated all-weather pitch currently at the heart of the Phase Two site.

A decision on this outline application is due from the council Planning Committee in summer 2019. The secondary school would open in 2021 if approved at planning.

The application can be viewed on the city council’s Planning Portal.

Birmingham city centre will be visited by the Compassion Experience on 27–28 April. This 70-foot mobile trailer, created by Christian child development charity Compassion UK, is a great way for both adults and children to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a developing country. This family-friendly experience will give visitors an insight into what life is like for some of the most vulnerable children in the world.

The trailer houses the interactive, tactile, audio and visual stories of Sameson, a boy from Ethiopia, and Shamim, a girl from Uganda. Both Sameson and Shamim grew up experiencing the vulnerability, restrictions, and dangers that poverty brings in their respective cultures and contexts but now are bringers of hope to their own communities.

The Compassion Experience will be in Birmingham city centre on:

Saturday 27 April 2019 10am – 5pm

Sunday 28 April 2019 10am – 5pm

The event is completely free, and open to members of the public. Booking is not compulsory, but if preferred, advance bookings can be made at: compassionuk.org/experience

Birmingham resident, Kirk McAteer comments: “The work of Compassion UK is life-changing for children living in poverty around the world. I was lucky enough to visit some of the child sponsorship projects that Compassion runs for children in Indonesia and Haiti and saw first-hand the huge impact it is having in these children’s lives. Following my experience I’m really excited that the Compassion Experience is coming to Birmingham this month, giving people the chance to step into a different world and glimpse how people live, even just for 20 minutes. I’d encourage everyone to visit.”

Compassion UK is an international child development charity with more than 60 years' experience of working with some of the world’s poorest children. At present nearly 2 million children attend Compassion’s church-based projects in 25 of the world’s poorest countries.

Justin Dowds, CEO of Compassion UK says, “The Compassion Experience brings the developing world to our doorsteps. When people think of poverty, they often think of the lack of material things, but actually, poverty is the lack of freedom to make meaningful choices. Poverty narrows children’s horizons and undermines their ambitions. Through our holistic child development programme, Compassion stirs hope in children. You can witness that hope coming to life through the Compassion Experience.”