Community News

Visitors to Wolverhampton city centre will now see streets, public features and open spaces brought to life by new LED lighting throughout the year.

Phase one of the Lighting Up the City project got underway in August and is already helping create a brighter and more inviting environment that feels safe during both day and night.

The focus of the scheme is on a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.

It has so far seen the dressing of the Dudley Street and Cheapside trees with lights along with other locations, as well as a light curtain in Exchange Street.

The Queen Square fountain and steps, and St Peter’s Gardens have had new lights installed, while uplighters now showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue outside St Peter’s Church and Lock Street open space.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “This project aims to showcase some of the many architecturally interesting features and buildings in the city, create a more interesting and attractive environment throughout the night and day, and create a greener and more inviting environment.

“The lighting up of selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment.

“In creating a more inviting and safer environment it is anticipated that footfall will increase within the city resulting in economic benefits for the area. In addition, the inclusion of a walking route within the city is anticipated to contribute towards healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity participation levels.

“The scheme is of course being carried out with the environment in mind by using LED lighting to reduce energy demand.”

Prior to phase one work to upgrade existing lighting schemes within the city, including the Cenotaph at St Peter’s Square, and the Ionic Order at Wednesfield, was completed.

Long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks - small green spaces in an urban setting.

A number of buildings and structures have also been identified across the city centre for enhanced lighting and will require agreement and support from a number of different partners.

The council has had discussions with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, House of Fraser, and the Mander Centre, as the final proposal is developed.

The council is also looking to introduce lighting schemes as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project, and within forthcoming public realm improvement and connectivity projects that are being developed as part of the Connected Places Strategy delivery plan.

Efforts will also be made to introduce planning conditions that require developers to bring forward lighting schemes as part of any future city centre sites.

The council intends to lead by example by proposing a specific lighting scheme to enhance the main entrance of the city’s art gallery to showcase the many architectural aspects of the building.

British parents will spend an average of £4,886.28 on birthdays through primary school according to new research from Barclays. This is despite a third (33%) admitting that they buy more presents than their children need and 31% admitting they should spend their money in more intelligent ways.

In a survey of 1,000 British parents with children aged eight or below, it was revealed that the average parent will spend £164.65 on presents, £433.39 on parties and £100.06 on presents for other children every year. In addition to this high expense, parents also revealed they will spend as much as £223.05 on party bags. And with parents expected to have to fork out an average of £60,000 on the expenses children’s school years bring, from school uniforms, to trips, to extra-curricular activities, the strain on savings is only going to deepen in later life.

Looking at the regions in the UK most guilty of overspending on their children’s birthdays, London came out on top – the average Londoner set to spend £5,047.72 through primary school. This was followed closely by the North East and North West regions, with inhabitants set to spend an average of £4,313.72 and £3,532.01 respectively.

The research showed that parents feel immense financial strain due to the amount they spend on birthdays, with half (50%) admitting to having sacrificed other financial commitments such as saving and investing to afford extravagant birthday costs.

• The people of Scotland are most aware of their overspending, with almost half of people surveyed (42%) thinking that they buy their children more presents than they need
• Londoners are most guilty of dipping into their savings to pay for birthdays, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting to dipping into their rainy day fund
• The research found that the people living in the West Midlands are the most remorseful, with over a third (38%) believing  they could have used the money spent on presents in better ways
• Those living in East Anglia are most likely to sacrifice their own needs to throw their children the perfect party, with almost a quarter (23%) admitting this.
• Londoners admit that their children are the most spoilt due to the amount of presents they receive (27%)

Clare Francis, Savings and Investments Director at Barclays, said: “As a parent, it’s easy to understand why people spend so much money on their children on their birthdays, but the money you spend on this one day adds up and ultimately can end up having quite an impact on the savings you might have otherwise put aside for your child’s future, especially since many of us are juggling just to make ends meet each month already.

For anyone spending more than they think they should, it’s perhaps time to reassess the amount you’d typically spend on birthdays and take a longer term view. Although it seems worthwhile now, there are plenty of moments later in their lives when having that bit of extra money will help, whether it be funding items for school or a trip abroad. So make the decision to not get carried away and hold firm in not bowing down to peer pressure for their next birthday – it could make a big difference in the future.”

Naughty naughty

The research also revealed some of the misbehaviours of children at birthday parties, which included anecdotes about children blowing out candles on the birthday cake, eating the sweets they brought as gifts and stealing the birthday money.

Looking at the most common misbehaviours, a fifth (20%) of parents have said they have witnessed a bust up between children at their child’s party. One in five have endured a child’s guest having a tantrum and one in 10 have had a child turn up uninvited.

Parents ranked their home as the most stressful place to host a children’s birthday party, followed by a swimming pool and a restaurant – completing the top three.

Latest figures released by the National Custom & Self Build Association reveal that 33,000 people have already signed up to the Right to Build register since October 2017, which means that at least half of the demand for serviced plots will have to be authorised by October 2019. To support more people in their desire to build homes in the region and inspire remodelling projects, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 22-25 March 2018. Over four packed days, visitors will benefit from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses in the extended venue.

The event is a best-in-class marketplace for all the latest products and services provided by specialist companies in industries ranging from kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; heating; energy efficiency; architecture; design; financial services; planning permission and much more. Aside from providing advice and guidance, real case studies will be at the show to discuss the dilemmas they faced during their self-build/renovation experience, helping visitors with similar problems.

On site, visitors will be able to book bespoke consultations with celebrity experts who present their favourite TV property programmes. Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be on-hand to discuss homes of the future, new architectural ideas and eco living. Julia Kendell, interior design expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS The Build’ and ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’, will also be there to meet with visitors and talk about trendy interior adaptions and offer inspiration to anyone who wants to revamp their home.

The Advice Centre, a drop-in hub for one-on-one impartial guidance, is open to people who are interested in running ideas past property specialists with years of experience in their field. This show area will see the return of the Ask the Builder zone, where visitors will be given tips on locating approved construction workers from members of the Federation of Master Builders.

Visitors who are interested in free one-on-one appointments with chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will want to stop by the Ask the Architect area, which will cover a wide array of topics such as extensions, new builds, internal alterations and much more.

For objective tailored advice, the Ask the Expert zone will provide 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s leading property specialists. Visitors will be able to talk through their plans with Michael Holmes (director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Jason Orme (editorial director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Mariana Pedroso (interior designer and architect); Hugo Tugman (chair and founder of Architect Your Home); Tim Pullen (eco-expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (building expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Allan Corfield (self-build expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine) and Sally Tagg (an expert on planning permission).

Wolverhampton will come together remember the victims of Nazi persecution, the Holocaust and other genocides around the world when the City marks Holocaust Memorial Day later this month.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu will lay a wreath during a service led by Inter-Faith Wolverhampton at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square on Friday 26 January, 2018.

Mayor Councillor Mattu said: "Holocaust Memorial Day represents an opportunity to remember the millions of people who were murdered or whose lives were changed beyond recognition as a result of the Holocaust, persecution or genocide.

"It is hugely important that we do not forget what happened during the Second World War and that we educate future generations about the Holocaust, because everyone has a responsibility to fight the evils of discrimination, racism and xenophobia."

The service in St Peter's Square starts at 11am and will be attended by representatives from various faith communities, Trade Unions and pensioners’ organisations, Civic leaders and members of the public.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January – the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkena – and is organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

This year's event will focus on the power of words. It will recognise that spoken and written words from individuals, corporations, community organisations or the state can have a huge impact, whether good or bad, and explore how language was used in the past and is being used today.

A £6.49 painting kit could follow in the footsteps of fidget spinners by becoming 2018’s first new toy craze.

Online marketplace OnBuy says it has seen demand for the simple painting package soar as a fad for pebble-hunting gathers pace up and down the nation.

The game, often driven by Facebook and Instagram, sees people painting pebbles and hiding them around their local area for others to find, photograph and share on social media before re-hiding them for someone else to find.

It started in America and is now sweeping Britain, with reports of coloured rocks being found everywhere from Devon, Dorset and Hampshire to Yorkshire, Norfolk and Scotland.

With the strangely addictive fidget spinner the fourth most searched term on Google in 2017 after Meghan Markle, the iPhone 8 and Hurricane Irma, the thirst for the next new trend has never been greater. Pebble painting kits could take up one of Google's top spots next year, says Cas Paton, Managing Director of OnBuy.

He said: “We think this creative craze looks set to continue and be the next big thing for 2018.

“It’s so much cheaper than some of the things we’ve seen catching the imagination in the past – anyone can go out and pick up pebbles from the beach, or even their own back gardens, and parents love it because it gets the kids away from their phones and tablets.

“It’s something that appeals to every generation, and the creative possibilities with the designs are endless.”

OnBuy’s rapidly-growing online marketplace is the perfect one-stop shop for all your favourite toys, with thousands of product lines from registered sellers.

Based in the UK, low fees for sellers mean savings for customers, making OnBuy the better value alternative to Amazon.

The voluntary organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, based in Birmingham, UK, has agreed to develop Sheetal Kund near the Rajgir Gurdwara in India into a tourist spot.

On the request of Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, GNNSJ took on the initiative. The foundation stone was intended to be laid by Nitish in December last year but the programme was deferred.

Chairman of GNNSJ Bhai Shahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh mentioned that the blueprint for the development of Sheetal Kund Gurdwara is already drawn up.

"The Jattha will bear whatever funds are required. Sheetal Kund gurdwara is the first project taken up by the Jattha after Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City," said Mohinder.

Sheetal Kund is associated with Guru Nanak, and is believed that Guru Nanak visited the Kund at Rajgir in Nalanda district with two disciples about 450 years ago.

"Mardana, a Muslim, suddenly felt thirsty. After taking permission from Sri Guru Nanak Dev, he went to a nearby kund (waterhole) which was hot. Unable to quench his thirst, he returned and requested the Guru to help him. After repeated requests, the Guru visited the waterfall. When Guru Nanak Dev's feet touched the water, it cooled down, earning its name Sheetal Kund," said Trilok Singh Nishad, chairman of Shree Sanatani Sikh Sabha.

Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro's immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020.

The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination.

“With such incredible demand, and high occupancy experienced throughout the year at the Resort, extending the Field of Light to 31 December 2020 will allow even more guests to enjoy this extraordinary experience,” said Voyages Executive General Manager Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Ray Stone.

“Since opening, more than 200,000 guests have been deeply moved by the Field of Light, it's hard not to be. This further extension offers guests the opportunity to enjoy not only the spiritual nature of the destination, but experience it in a unique and mesmerising way,” said Ray.

The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara, is Munro's largest work to date, with more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of nine football fields. It is also the artist's first work to be illuminated entirely through solar power. The spheres, connected via illuminated optical fibre, bloom as darkness falls. Pathways draw viewers into the artwork, which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars.

Tourism Australia MD, John O'Sullivan welcomed the decision to extend the exhibition until the end of December 2020. “Field of Light has been a remarkable success and there's clearly still significant demand amongst people both here in Australia and overseas to make the journey to Uluru to see what is unquestionably one of world's most spectacular and immersive exhibitions. People travel to experience difference and this is about as unique a way of connecting with one of our country's most spectacular natural wonders as you're ever likely to get,” he said.

The award-winning exhibition has received extensive media attention during its two seasons, significantly featuring in 2017's Qantas Safety Video with over 90 million views worldwide.

“I am greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork.  It's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this – flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru, is immensely powerful to people,” said Bruce.

Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning 'beautiful flavour' in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.

Kodo is one of the best known and most influential taiko performing arts ensemble in the world and returns to the Birmingham to drum in the new year on Monday 5 February at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This exclusive date for the Midlands is just one of five performances across the UK and marks the European premiere performances of Evolution.

Under the forward-looking artistic direction of kabuki luminary Tamasaburo Bando, Evolution showcases the creative development of Kodo, its past, its present and its commitment to the future of taiko performing arts.

Evolution is presented under Kodo’s One Earth Tour banner and received its world premiere in Tokyo in 2016. The five UK performances in Brighton, Manchester, Canterbury, Birmingham and Gateshead between 30 January and 7 February mark the production’s very first performances outside of Japan.

Based on Sado Island in northern Japan, Kodo debuted at the Berlin Festival in 1981.  Since then the internationally-renowned group of taiko drummers has presented over 5,800 performances in 49 countries on five continents. Kodo strives to preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts in productions that encompass energetic and physically-charged ensemble drumming to smaller groups and soloists that feature authentic percussion instruments alongside Western counterparts and song and dance.

In Japanese the word ‘Kodo’ has two meanings: ‘heartbeat’, the primal source of all rhythm - the sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations; Kodo can also mean ‘children of the drum’ and is a reflection of Kodo's desire to play the drums simply and with the heart of a child.

In an evening that spans over four decades of taiko, Evolution tells the artistic and creative development of Kodo as phrases from signature pieces first heard in 1973 (performed under the name Ondekoza, the group that later became Kodo) to new works created for the premiere in 2016 showcase the ensemble’s meticulously honed skills.

Opening the evening is Kei Kei (2014) as the full cast of 15 performers take to the stage playing okedo-daiko (barrel drums) placed over their shoulders allowing the musicians to move amongst the reverberations. The versatility of this taiko drum is also showcased in Phobos (2009), Mute (2013), and Kusa-wake (2013).

After a break from recent One Earth Tour productions, the gigantic o-daiko drum returns to the stage in Evolution. Weighing 300 kg and measuring 140 cm in diameter, the flagship taiko drum is flanked by timpani and bass drums and conjures up deep and powerful rhythms in O-daiko.

Act one ends with Kodo's timeless signature piece, Monochrome (1977) is by legendary composer the late Maki Ishii. Contrasting the simple yet wild nature of taiko performance that is symbolic of Kodo’s direction today, the next generation of musicians use a balance of raw power and skill and play the shime-daiko, a high-pitched roped drum.

Act two opens with Color (2009) which utilizes the shime-daiko but in a completely different way. The performers put down their drumsticks and experiment with different percussive sounds as they tap the drums with their fingernails, rub the drums with their hands and throw clusters of jingling bells onto the skins of the drums.

Tackling the gender disparity often associated with taiko, Ake no Myojo (2012) raises the profile of female drummers as women of the ensemble take to the stage in a taiko, dance and song performance. The melodic bamboo flutes in Yuyami (2013) follows and creates a sense of nostalgia that leads into a newer piece Ayaori (2016).

Rasen draws the evening to a powerful close. Rasen features eight performers - the main soloist playing a hirado (large flat) taiko surrounded by seven performers on nagado (long) taiko, okedo (barrel) taiko and timpani. The octet produces complex and precise rhythms and reveals the remarkable variety of drumming techniques Kodo has perfected during its illustrious history.

Connexions Sandwell are hosting their annual New Year, New start event to help young people aged between 14 and 19 and looking for work, training or further education.

New Year, New start is at Sandwell College’s Central Sixth campus in New Street, West Bromwich, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 20 January 2018.

There will be around 45 colleges, universities, apprenticeship/training providers and professions including law and accountancy there to give young people advice.

Big name companies will have exhibits at the event including Aldi, EY (formerly Ernst & Young), Carillion, meat and butchery specialists Tulip and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

There will also be stands from local colleges and universities including Sandwell College, Walsall College and the University of Wolverhampton.

For those who attend, there's also the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "Last year’s event was really successful and attracted more than 1,300 people.

"I urge young people to come along and get advice that could help in making choices about qualifications and careers."

Parents and carers are also welcome to attend.

There was a community meeting on December 28th which was held at the Afro-Caribbean Millenium Centre, chaired by Desmond Jaddoo and Bentley Cunningham. The general consensus of the meeting was that there was a lack of information and transparency about community projects, businesses and organisations that are currently in serious trouble. There was uproar when the issue of The Mohammad Ali Centre was raised, and it became apparent that within this room, no one knew what was happening with the project, although it was also confirmed that there was a 999 year lease that is now in the hands of Hermin McIntosh who as you know is also the Chief Executive of Kajans Womens Enterprise, who ran Kajans Hospitality and Catering Studio College which had a massive amount of funds poured into it, although it has been documented that it failed to satisy the expectations required by the Government and was forced to close. Hermin is now at the head of the Mohammad Ali Centre, but was not available on the day to answer specific questions about who would benefit financially within the community with Kajan and herself holding the lease on such a well loved community initiative. There are many speculations around this issue, but it is fair to say that although there was not much public awareness given to the outcome of this decision, the community still feels that they have a right to know how it came about and why they have been granted the lease. The newspaper has been informed that Hermin would like a special meeting with those people who want to contribute to the development of the centre, either in ideas, resourcefulness or in labour. If this is enough for you, then please feel free to exercise your right to demand transparency as a member of the community. We have contacted the City Council for an official statement on the Mohammad Ali Centre, and will report back once we have had a response to this.

The Drum

We are liasing with Councillor Sharon Thompson and Birmingham City Council regarding The Drum, so that we can have a greater understanding as to what is happening to it, and again, how the community can get involved. Once again, this is a building that was purpose built for community use. It now stands empty, waiting for a prognosis on its future. We have not received any information pertaining to movements at The Drum, for, or against any developments with this particular organisation, but we are keen to keep you informed once we have spoken to the right authority so that we can give you definite responses and answers to your queries. Councillor Sharon Thompson has expressed that this is an initiative very close to her heart and she would like to see everything dealt with in the correct manner with full transparency for the benefit of the community at large.

The Bullring Indoor Markets

The Bullring Indoor Markets is such a sensitive issue, as with anything else that affects the Birmingham community, but it is one that keeps coming up time and time again. We were privileged to interview Alan Doherty, a well established and long serving butcher in the markets, who has expressed his concerns about the lack of footfall that the market is currently receiving, and has been for some time. Barlows, in particular, said that they would guarantee a sellout on Good Friday when 95% of his customers were from the Afro-Caribbean Community. How many of you remember the days when The Bullring Market was an integral place to meet friends, family and associates? If you’re like me, you’ll remember the atmosphere and vibrancy surrounding shopping days such as Tuesdays, where you could guarantee that public transport would be filled with our senior citizens along with people coming from all over to visit our wonderful market to get the finest cuts of meat. The displays were beautifully laid out, with succulent fresh choices of meat on display, with every counter promoting themselves with pride, inviting us to buy their produce. With that said, I have to say that this is unfortunately no longer the case. I very rarely go to the markets myself because it is no longer that wonderful place that it once was, in fact if I may say so myself, it’s rather scary. Although we appreciate that there are those who do purchase offal, and other parts of the animals not usually on display, it can be a little daunting for someone walking in to the market to see a display of numerous goat heads with eyes staring back at you from the counters, and the stench is said to be like no other. There are no longer attractive displays to encourage us to spend our hard earned money, and you no longer see the senior citizens out to buy produce in their droves. Do you remember when you could choose from an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, tatalisingly displayed to choose from? Now all we have are 2 bowls for £1. Everything is in a bowl, and although it may be a bargain for the few die hard shoppers, it seems to be a no-go area for many shoppers who used to delight in the pride of the stallholders of the markets. For butchers like AP Doherty, and Barlows that I personally remember from back in the day, I can only say how sorry we are to see the demise of such a legendary institution. Many things undergo change, and the Bullring Market is one of those changes that has truly affected an integral part of Birmingham and its communities. We respect the views and concerns of the market traders and sincerely hope that things will get better moving forward.

The Bank of England in partnership with Windsor Fellowship is recruiting for the African/African-Caribbean Scholarship Programme. The Programme is for students from a Black or Mixed African/ Caribbean background who are currently living or studying in Greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and surrounding areas and planning to start a full-time undergraduate degree in autumn 2018.

The African/African-Caribbean Scholarship Programme will offer successful applicants: · Up to £30,000 to be used to support living costs during an undergraduate degree · Paid Internships at the Bank of England in the summer holidays between 1st and 2nd years and 2nd and 3rd years · Mentoring, Coaching and Support from a member of the Bank of England team.

Eligibility and Application Criteria

· The Programme is open to students who have no restrictions and are eligible to work and study in the UK · Expected to secure at least 104, (Pre 2017, 260 UCAS points) UCAS points and have 5 A*-C GCSEs (or equivalent) including Mathematics and English · Have a household income below £50,000 · Have no restrictions on living/working in the UK

To find out more about the Bank of England and their Early Careers Programmes visit www.Bankofenglandearlycareers.co.uk/our-programmes

Further information about the Programme is available on the Windsor Fellowship website www.windsor-fellowship.org together with the link to the on-line application form.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midday GMT on the 22nd January 2018.

Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice is aiming to reach more local families as it launches The Way Ahead, its new Three Year Strategic Plan.

The hospice, which has been at the heart of the city for more than 100 years, will achieve its aim by extending the hours of its Hospice at Home service which cares for people at end of life in their own homes, updating its day service and introducing new clinics.

An expert in providing care to people with a range of conditions including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, John Taylor will also expand its non-cancer provision, ensuring more people with terminal illnesses can receive help when, how and where they need it.

Hospice CEO Penny Venables said: “We are really proud of our three year strategy which will help us achieve our mission of a compassionate and dignified death for all.

“We know that John Taylor Hospice can make all the difference as people approach end of life and we are determined to ensure that care is available for more and more people in the future.”

The strategy document, which is available to view or download on the hospice website,also sets out the hospice’s plans to increase income by opening shops and supporting fundraisers in organising events.

“Like most hospices, we receive funding from the NHS but we also need the financial support of people and businesses to ensure we can provide the care we know local families need,” said Penny.

And John Taylor, which was a pathfinder for the national Hospice UK Open Up Hospice Care campaign last year, is also committed to changing society’s perceptions around death and dying.

“The more society talks about death and dying, the more people will demand specialist care which meets their needs,” added Penny. “As a hospice, we have an essential part to play locally and nationally in ensuring end of life care remains a critical part of healthcare funding. We’re also building partnerships with other health providers including hospices to meet local need.”

John Taylor Hospice was founded in 1910 and became part of the NHS in 1948, becoming independent in 2011. It provides care for local families at its hospice in Erdington and in the local community.

Services include its In-Patient Unit, Living Well Centre which provides day services, Well-Being Service and Community Teams including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists and Patient and Family Support Worker.

Penny added: “Our mission is to provide specialist care for people living with a terminal illness and their families and we need to respond to an every changing health environment. The Way Ahead - Our Three Year Strategic Plan provides us with the tools to do that. It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to the changes we will be making to bring our specialist care to more local families.”

A University of Wolverhampton art graduate was short listed in this year’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition.

Lindsay Pritchard, 46, from Wolverhampton graduated with an Honours and Master’s Degree in Illustration in the Visual Communications department of the Wolverhampton School of Art.

Having worked in the financial sector for 20 years, she left banking in 2007 to pursue her interest in art and now works in the creative industries running workshops, exhibiting her work and taking commissions.

Lindsay entered the national competition and recently appeared as one of eight shortlisted artists on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2017 filmed at Knaresborough Castle in Yorkshire.

She said:  “My work is mainly focused on the urban environment with a particular interest in dereliction and decay so I spend quite a lot of my time in derelict factories and junk yards.

“It was an amazing adventure being short listed for such a prestigious competition.  All the artists had to set up and complete a landscape painting in one day whilst being filmed so the pressure was really on.  Then we had to wait for our work to be judged. Whilst I didn’t make it through to the next stage of the competition, the experience was incredible.

“Studying Illustration at the University really opened up a whole new world for me and helped me to harness my true potential as an artist.”

Lindsay is an active member of the Black Country Urban Sketchers whose aim is to encourage people to sketch in their local environment. She is also a member of the Wolverhampton Society of Artists exhibiting in their exhibitions and attending their regular meets.

One in ten UK adults said they were considering buying or giving a home to a dog or cat before the end of the year, according to new research from Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, with an even split between those intending to get a cat or  a dog.

Throughout the festive season 5% of UK adults said they were considering buying a puppy or a kitten while 3% planned to give a home to a rescue dog or cat.

Sainsbury’s Bank says those who have a new puppy or kitten should get their pet insured from a young age as they can be particularly vulnerable to parasites and prone to accidents as they explore their new home.

Analysis of Sainsbury’s Bank’s claims data shows that from 2013 to 2017 there were 24% more claims for pets aged under two than those aged between two and three.

Further analysis of the claims data shows that the ailments that younger pets (aged 0-1) suffer more frequently than older pets (aged 2-3) are: leg/hip/shoulder disorders (56% more common), skin disorders (41% more common) and accidents and injuries (38% more common).

West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Deputy Chief Executive, Diane Scott, has been named in this year’s New Year’s Honours List as one of only two England- based recipients of the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM).

The QAM ensures that the dedication of ambulance staff has the same level of Royal recognition as other members of the emergency services.

Diane is an Executive Director of the Trust Board and is responsible for the Corporate and Clinical Directorates. She is also a Health and Care Professions Council registered paramedic.

Speaking about her award, Diane, who’s career spans more than 30 years having started with Hampshire Ambulance Service in 1985, said: “I am immensely proud and honoured to receive this award. It is a great privilege and the QAM represents the pinnacle of my ambulance career.

“I have been proud to work for, and with, many good people at all levels throughout the ambulance service and the NHS, including many skilled and compassionate colleagues who provide excellent care on a daily basis to patients and the public.

“Whilst I have been fortunate to receive the award, it would not have happened without the hard work and support of my colleagues from within the ambulance service to whom I am extremely grateful.”