Community News

A Hamilton takeaway beat off competition from 30,000 restaurants and takeaways to be crowned the Just Eat Best Takeaway In Britain as the Asian Curry Awards. They have successfully defended this title for the second year running.

Mushtaq's Restaurant in Almada Street, was named the Best Takeaway in Britain.

Over 1,000 VIP guests attended a glittering gala dinner at The Great Room, Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday 18th November, to honour the winners.

The awards were co-hosted by BBC TV presenter Babita Sharma and Tommy Sandhu from the BBC Radio Asian Network.

Chef Director Ajmal Mushtaq said, “It was overwhelming when it was announced that we had won the title of being the Best Takeaway in Britain.  This is great news for Hamilton and we are just honoured to have put Hamilton on the culinary map once again. We are really grateful for the love and support we have received from the people of Hamilton – they are the best!  My wonderful team deserve this great award. There is an incredible amount of hard work, skill and quality control that goes into making every meal the very best it can be and for Mushtaqs to be recognised at the highest level was a great achievement.”

Asian Curry Awards chairman Yawar Khan said, “The standard of takeaways across Britain continues to rise and it is an honour to be recognising Mushtaqs at the pinnacle of this industry. They run the most impressive takeaway service that I have ever seen.”

Graham Corfield, UK Managing Director of Just Eat said, "The curry industry is a multi-billion-pound sector thanks to the sheer hard work and dedication of every entrepreneur, restaurant owner, chef, waiter and delivery driver. I'd like to congratulate all the winners."

Yawar Khan added, “The judges were really impressed by Mushtaqs and their very high standards of hygiene, efficiency, flavour of food and their important role in the community.”

Head Chef Garry said, “I am just so delighted for the team. The competition was very tough indeed and this award is testament to the great work that goes on behind the scenes.  We are a team based here in Hamilton, and to be recognised at the highest level in the industry is a truly special feeling.”

Mushtaqs is officially the biggest takeaway operation and was featured on BBC2's Best of British Takeaways. Head Chef Ajmal was crowned Scotland's Chef of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland in August last year where he beat off competition from the best fine dining and Michelin trained chefs in the country.

Birmingham Hippodrome is urging people to dig deep during their annual festive fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £20,000 for Relaxed Performances. To achieve this ambitious target the theatre has joined The Big Give’s #ChristmasChallenge18, which will see all donations doubled for just seven days (27 November – 4 December).

Money raised will go towards the expansion of the theatre’s existing Relaxed Performance programme, enabling theatre-goers with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and special needs to experience the magic of live theatre.

The inclusive shows see loud noises and bright lights reduced, and house lights raised. Guests are free to walk in and out of the auditorium and if anyone wants to take a break there are calm spaces and sensory rooms nearby.

Birmingham Hippodrome staged its first Relaxed Performance in 2013, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Since then, thanks to the generosity and support of donors, volunteers and funders there has been12 other inclusive shows.

Vicki Darby, Relaxed Performance attendee, said: “I was so impressed with the way Birmingham Hippodrome include all types of disabilities with the use of audio, signing and captions available.

“I liked that staff were very visible with their sparkly hats handing out toys for children to choose and hold. The word searches and puzzles were great and kept my daughter busy while we waited to go in and then the performance was so perfect for them.”

Rob Macpherson, Director of Marketing & Development at Birmingham Hippodrome commented: “As a charity, fundraising support is essential to help us continue our Hippodrome Projects work with the community. Our Relaxed Performances are incredibly popular and by supporting this campaign you can help ensure even more people get to enjoy the magic of live theatre.

“I encourage everyone to donate as much or as little as they can remembering that all donations will be doubled!”

When the air is cold, and the sun isn’t shining it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get off your comfy sofa and stay active. However, your dog still needs exercise and stimulation in the autumn and winter months, no matter how cosy they look curled up by the fire! Exercise is vital for a dog’s physical and mental wellbeing and is also a crucial part of maintaining that special bond with your pooch.

Lintbells, manufacturers of natural supplements, has put together some handy tips on how to keep yourself motivated and active with your dog during the winter seasons:

Walkies!

The weather might not be very welcoming outside, but your dog will need to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air – you’ll probably need it too.

When outside, be aware of those fallen conkers and acorns. While they are a wonderful part of the colder months, they can be harmful to dogs and can cause nasty stomach problems. Also watch out for the salt and other chemicals used to prevent ice on roads and pavements as this can be harmful to your pet. Don’t let this stop you from walking them, but always wash their paws when you get home.

It’s always best to walk your dog in the daylight, but if that isn’t possible with the nights drawing in earlier, stay safe and get high-visibility jackets for you both. You could even get your dog an LED jacket, making them both safe and the coolest dog in the neighbourhood!

Indoor Activities

When the weather is too cold to take your dog on a walk, make sure to keep them active indoors instead. Hide and seek is a brilliant activity, as it can be done safely even in the smallest homes. Hide yourself in a room away from your four-legged friend and shout “come” when you’re ready. Once your dog finds you, reward them with a treat!

You can even find fun, engaging toys that encourage them to bat, run, jump and play. When playing with pets indoors, be safe and make sure there are no dangerous items around that could injure your dog and yourself as well.

Agility Classes

Why not start a new hobby that is fun for both you and your dog? Agility courses can be indoor or outdoor, but either way you’ll keep warm with the amount of running you’ll both be doing. With tunnels, see-saws, hurdles, and other stimulating obstacles, your dog will have the time of their life all while staying active. Taking part in agility classes and competitions is also a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your pup further.

Stay Sociable

Making new friends while staying active as you walk or run around the park and play games can also be a good motivator. You could even turn it into a fitness group. Get your running shoes on, and off you and your four-legged friend go! Today, most phones have a health and fitness app that you can use to set a target number of steps or active time. Maybe even increase it every few weeks to give yourself an extra challenge. Having a target and making you and your dog’s workout a social experience, will make you far more motivated to get outside this winter.

Start a new health routine

Being less active, especially during the colder months, can give rise to stiff joints. Joint stiffness can be quite common in dogs, regardless of their age. So, this winter why not take a pledge to stay active and eat right to ensure you and your dog are getting all the right nutrients.

Asylum Art Gallery has become the first City of Wolverhampton project to benefit from a new pot of council match funding via the Crowdfund Wolves platform.

City of Wolverhampton Council is interested in funding a range of projects that contribute to improving places, spaces or residents’ quality of life.

The council will provide up to ten per cent of the total project costs to projects that have reached 50 per cent of their funding target on Crowdfund Wolves.

Asylum Art Gallery in Chapel Ash has been running for four years and is fundraising to continue offering free space for artists in the community to develop and showcase their artwork.

It has received £430 from the council, which is one of 57 Crowdfund Wolves backers that have so far pledged £3,854.

The project only needs to find another £431 to reach its goal by December 10.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “Crowdfund Wolves is part of our approach to community engagement where we enable communities to support and develop the projects that they are passionate about.

“The council is delighted to be able to support the Asylum Art Gallery project and we look forward to helping many other projects towards their goals.

“We are hoping to see many more unusual, interesting and innovative projects to make the City of Wolverhampton even better.”

Asylum Art Gallery will use the funding to deliver mentoring and exhibition space for students, six more free places for local artists to exhibit, space for the Junction Festival to provide local music, free space for local artists workshops and local bands to rehearse and arrange events, a free workshop delivered by Royal College of Art students, and a safe space for people affected by mental health or disabilities to develop art.

Hannah Taylor of Asylum Art Gallery said: “We believe that regeneration is possible through culture and the renovation of unused spaces into public spaces. When people are given space, projects develop that benefit the entire community.

“Our crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfund Wolves if successful will enable us to continue giving the Asylum Art Gallery for free, inclusively to the community, and finish renovating our new studio spaces.

“We want to close the gap between institutions and the market and provide invaluable experience for artists to achieve and grow – keep creatives in the City of Wolverhampton!

Crowdfund Wolves is a website that connects people, communities and businesses to everything they need to make their idea a reality.

The council has joined with the Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council to develop the platform.

Anyone can back the great ideas on this site and play their part in bringing them to life. To view other projects head to: www.crowdfundwolves.co.uk. Online donations can start from as little as £2.

A free online tool being launched by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) aims to cut through the “noise and confusion surrounding Brexit”.

The Business Brexit Health Check helps businesses find information on how Brexit may impact their organisation, tailored to answers they provide to in a questionnaire.

Businesses will also receive a personalised report which includes suggested steps for preparing for Brexit related risks or taking up opportunities.

According to research released by British Chambers of Commerce earlier this year, 62 per cent of businesses in the West Midlands had yet to undertake a risk assessment on the impact of Brexit on their business.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at the GBCC, said: “We are starting to get more and more questions from businesses on what they can do to start preparing for Brexit now. You asked – and we delivered. There are thousands of pages of Brexit related advice, guidance and news reports published each day. With this tool we’re aiming to cut through the noise and confusion surrounding Brexit and get businesses the practical information they need to ramp up their preparations.

“The recent huge uncertainty regarding the proposed Withdrawal Deal has highlighted how important it is for businesses to be as informed and prepared as possible. As it stands, there’s only just over 18 weeks until the UK leaves the European Union, 29 March 2019, which is not long at all in business planning terms.

“This tool shows businesses where they may be exposed to Brexit related changes and signposts to relevant Chamber materials highlighting what we know so far about two key scenarios on the table: the draft withdrawal deal and a “no-deal” Brexit.

“While clarity on the final Brexit outcome remains elusive there are practical steps that businesses can take now to understand how Brexit may impact their business and reduce their exposure to potential risks.

“Of course, while comprehensive, this tool cannot cover every possible Brexit related impact for businesses. But it does provide a lot of useful insight into the core areas exposed to Brexit related change for the majority of businesses and will be continually updated with the latest available information.”

Ms Brealey added: “I’d particularly like to extend my thanks to our GBCC Brexit Advisory group for their support in creating this resource. Their expert guidance has been invaluable.”

The GBCC Brexit Advisory Group is a sounding board of Brexit experts and business representatives who act to inform the GBCC’s Brexit activity. Current members include:

• Clare Francis, Partner, Pinsent Masons
• Jennifer Crisp, Public Affairs Manager, University of Birmingham
• Mark Modena, Director, Winning Moves
• Martin Hanson, Regional Director Business Banking, HSBC
• Omer Simjee, Partner, Constantine Law
• Paul Knobbs, EU and Large Projects Partner, Aston University
• Richard Guy, Co-Founder and Joint MD, SimkissGuy Recruitment
• Rick Grain, MD, Effigy Blinds
• Rachael Badger, Business Development Manager, RSM
• Steve Brittan, Business Advisor, BSA Tools Ltd

Legendary Indian movie playback singer Asha Bhosle is returning to the UK for one last time, and as part of her tour she will be performing at Genting Arena (soon to be renamed Resorts World Arena) on 02 March 2019.

Bhosle has lent her voice to many famous Bollywood movies including Gumrah, Waqt, Aadmi aur Insaan, Hamraaz and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Her biggest movie hit songs include Parde Me Rehne Do, Chura Liya Hai, Ude Jab-Jab Zulfein Teri and Zara Sa Jhoom Lu Mein. Today, Asha Bhosle holds the Guinness World Record for the most recorded songs by an artist. This tour is dedicated to Bollywood’s Greatest Music Director and her late Husband RD Burman. She will be accompanied with most versatile singer Sudesh Bhosle.

Asha Bhosle  will come to the Genting Arena on 2nd March 201

Individuals and groups across Wolverhampton have been busy preparing for this year's Orange Wolverhampton campaign to end violence against women and girls by making thousands of ribbons.

They will be worn with pride during the 16-day safeguarding campaign, which begins on Sunday (25 November), the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls) and continues until Monday 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.

In total, over 20,000 ribbons have been made by groups of volunteers from groups and organisations including Women of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, the City of Wolverhampton College, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Prem Vadaw, Wolverhampton's Safeguarding Boards and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Also making ribbons were members of Jaikara Ltd, Wolverhampton Diabetes Self Help Group, St Chad's Women's Group, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, the B-Safe Team, Hope Community Project, scouts and numerous other friendship and social groups, while Wolverhampton Councillor Rupinderjit Kaur arranged a ribbon-making session at Springvale Library with local residents and fellow councillors.

By wearing the ribbons and helping to Orange Wolverhampton, people will not only raise awareness of gender-based violence – violence primarily committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and sexual violence – but also the help and support that is available to victims.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Support for the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is growing each year – as demonstrated by the fact that so many individuals and groups have been willing to give up their time and energy to create thousands of ribbons for people to wear during this year's event."

Steve Dodd, from Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards, said: “The response to our appeal for people to make ribbons for this year’s campaign has been incredible and I would like to thank everyone who has helped out.

“If you haven’t got a ribbon, don’t worry as there are plenty of other ways in which you can support the campaign – not least by wearing something orange on Wear Orange day, which this year will be Monday 26 November.”

To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, which is championed and run by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, please visit www.orangewolves.net.

Follow the Orange Wolverhampton campaign on Twitter and share your support and photos using the hashtag #OrangeWolves and by following www.7905d1c4e12c54933a44d19fcd5f9356-gdprlock/wvsafeguarding, or via the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards’ Facebook page at www.2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/wolverhampton-safeguarding.

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

·         The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400

·         St George's Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904

·         National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247

·         National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327

·         NSPCC FGM helpline - 0800 028 3550

·         Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247

·         Wolverhampton Adults Social Care - 01902 551199

·         Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392

In an emergency, always call police on 999.

Employees from Mondelēz International have chosen Sense, the national disability charity, to receive a grant of £5,000 from The Cadbury Foundation, as part of its ‘Your Charity, Your Choice’ scheme.

The charity’s pioneering, multi-purpose TouchBase Pears centre, which provides specialist services for people with complex disabilities in Birmingham, will benefit from the grant.

Staff from Mondelēz International have been supporting Sense throughout the summer. In May, they volunteered at a disabled-led arts festival at TouchBase Pears. Employees have also raised over £200 through fundraising activities at the Sense shops in Kingstanding and Shirley.

Carl Williams, Community Fundraising Manager at Sense, said:

"We are delighted to have been chosen as a charity to benefit from the generosity of Mondelēz International. TouchBase Pears is a place that brings people together in a welcoming environment. The grant will enable Sense to continue to provide opportunities to the people we support in Birmingham.”

Kelly Farrell, Community Affairs Manager at Mondelēz International, said:

“We are extremely proud to be able to support the charities that are important to our employees through our ‘Your Charity, Your Choice’ scheme. Sense supports people with complex disabilities to be understood, connected with and valued. It is the perfect choice for this donation, and we’re delighted The Cadbury Foundation will be making such a difference.”

City of Wolverhampton Council has seized an A-Class Mercedes after discovering it was being used to store counterfeit tobacco by a Wolverhampton shop owner.

The city council’s Trading Standards team carried out ‘operation icarus’ on Friday 16 November after receiving reports of illegal sales of counterfeit and foreign cigarettes at The Romanian Shop, based at Merridale Street West in Wolverhampton.

Along with West Midlands Police, and specialist BWY Canine search dogs, the team inspected the entire property to search for hidden tobacco.

The team walked out the premises almost empty handed until specialised search dog Yoyo, had taken a liking to the business owner’s illegally parked A-Class Mercedes outside the store.

A shocking £15,000 worth of fake and genuine cigarettes - which have avoided UK duty were found in the boot of the £22k vehicle.

Along with the Mercedes, over 25,000 counterfeit cigarette packets were seized by Wolverhampton Trading Standards and taken for further examination.

“Selling and supplying counterfeit tobacco is a serious crime that not only robs the public purse of much needed revenue, but also poses a real threat to public health.

“This is a perfect example of the hard work that is being undertaken by our trading standards team and the fantastic work we do with sniffer dogs who play a vital role in our success.”

Council officers also alerted its in-house Environmental Health team alert them of cockroaches discovered on the premises. The team inspected the property the following morning and formally closed the store and is currently awaiting a court date.

A Birmingham group presented a cheque for £500 to the charity Parkinson’s UK.

Members of the Birmingham Branch of the Association of Secretaries raised the money by holding a car boot sale in the summer, raffles throughout the year and collecting twenty pence pieces in Smarties tubes and proudly handed over the cheque to Regional Fundraiser Gayle Kelly on 15^th November 2018.

Parkinson's UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

The group decided to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK in memory of one of their longest serving members who lived with Parkinson’s for many years and sadly passed away in 2017.  Formed in 1988, with members in Birmingham, Walsall and Lichfield, the group have raised over £20,000 for different charities over the years.

Sue Morgan, secretary of the Birmingham Branch said:

“The branch closed in October and as it was our 30^th anniversary this year, we wanted to choose a charity close to our hearts.  One of our member’s dad’s also recently passed away after living with Parkinson’s, so it’s something that has affected many of us in different ways and we really hope that our money will make a difference.”

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and it affects 145,000 people in the UK including [121,927 in England / 12,184 in Scotland / 7,692 in Wales / 3,716 in Northern Ireland].

Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition.  As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.

Gayle Kelly, Regional Fundraiser for Birmingham and the Black Country at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Nobody should have to face Parkinson’s alone - or without hope that one day we’ll find better treatments and a cure.

“The money raised means that we can be there for more people when they need us most and invest in further research that will one day bring an end to the condition.

“So we’d like to say a huge thank you to the Birmingham Branch of the Association of Secretaries for fundraising for Parkinson’s UK.”

A Hayward Gallery Touring exhbition will open at Wolverhampton Art Gallery next month.

Hand Drawn Action Packed showcases ten international artists who explore the many ways that drawings convey narratives: from stories unfolding through a sequence, to single images combined with words, and animation.

The free exhibition can be viewed between Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, March 3, during the Lichfield Street gallery’s opening hours of Monday to Saturday (10.30am – 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am – 4pm).

The artists in Hand Drawn Action Packed make imaginative use of their tools - from a smartphone, a stick of charcoal to pen and ink - for storytelling, social critique and political allegory.

The artists exhibiting are: Marcel Dzama, Marcel van Eeden, Inci Eviner, Yun-Fei Ji, William Kentridge, Nalini Malani, Otobong Nkanga, Raymond Pettibon, Amy Sillman and Rinus Van de Velde.

Three artists have created new works for the exhibition: Marcel van Eeden mixes fact and fiction in a series of 28 film noir style drawings, inspired by a 1930s newspaper reports of a secret intercept station and a body found in a ditch on the outskirts of St Albans; Nigerian artist Otobong Nkanga visualises humanity's relationship with the earth’s resources in a suite of pictographic acrylics, illustrating the politics and poetics of geography; Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde’s two large scale charcoal drawings on canvas depict an imaginary artist, a self-mythologising painter who is preparing his own story for prosperity.

Accompanying these three artists are Raymond Pettibon, who mixes image and text in his drawings, in ways that open up the meaning of both. Language generates imagery in the animated drawings of Amy Sillman, created using smartphone technology and in collaboration with poet Lisa Robinson, or in a different work, in response to Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’.

In the video animation by Turkisk artist Inci Eviner human figures interact robotically with a hand-drawn underground scene - an allegory of artistic resistance to tyranny. Political realities are subtly communicated in Yun-Fei Ji’s brush and ink scroll drawings depicting dispossession, forced migration and dictatorial power.

Hindu cosmologies and fantasmatic creatures are present in Indian artist Nalini Malani’s painterly drawings on Mylar, whist her animated film - which references Greek mythology - is a quiet meditation on transience. William Kentridge’s sequence of intimate charcoal drawings of a woman getting into the bath are like stills from one of his renowned stop-frame animations. Marcel Dzama’s portrays a theatrical world of masked and costumed performers in delicately drawn illustrations.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy said, “Drawing has developed through the years and is not limited to the traditional pencil skill we know. Through this exhibition we see a set of skills from international artists that introduce a new form for visitors to explore. Each work and artist is unique and I urge visitors to go to the gallery and see this exhibition for themselves.”

The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated publication, designed by Stinsensqueeze, which maintains the spirit of the exhibition and features texts by exhibition curator Roger Malbert.

He said, “This is an all-star cast of brilliant artists, from many different backgrounds, and shows how many ways there are to tell stories and depict the complexities of the world with the simplest of means.”

Hundreds of big-hearted Santas will be taking over Birmingham this Christmas, in a bid to raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.

The charity’s ‘Jingle Bell Jog’ – which is a festive 2.5k and 5k fun run – is returning to Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club on Sunday 2 December.

Taking place at the club’s ground in Billesley Common, the Hospice is expecting a record number of ‘Father Christmases’ to take part, with over 700 runners set to run, jog or walk the festive routes.

All fun runners and walkers will be given a free Mr or Mrs Claus suit before the race and rewarded with a medal and tasty mince pie once they cross the finish line.

There will also be a festive market for both runners and spectators – selling gifts, crafts and one-of-a-kind stocking fillers – as well as a special appearance from Dr Seuss’ ‘The Grinch’.

Josephine Wardell, who lives in Hopwood, has been running the Jingle Bell Jog for two years, with the fun run quickly becoming a much-loved festive tradition. She runs in memory of her sister Letitia – or Tish for short – who was cared for at the Hospice in 2016.

Josephine said: “When I first found out that Tish’s lung cancer was terminal, I was completely and utterly heartbroken. Tish was my older sister but she was also my best friend and I couldn’t imagine life without her.

“I was hesitant about Tish coming to a hospice at first but as soon as I visited Birmingham St Mary’s, I couldn’t believe how calm and peaceful it was. The nurses and doctors were just amazing – they really made Tish feel at home – and they always had time for my sister and our family.

“It was that kindness that made me want give back to the Hospice, which is why I always take part in the Jingle Bell Jog. It’s such a brilliantly festive day and I always have a lot of fun putting on my Santa suit, celebrating Tish’s memories and showing my support for the Hospice.”

This is the fifth year that the Hospice has hosted the Jingle Bell Jog and all funds raised will help provide expert care to people living with life-limiting illness across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “"Every day Birmingham St Mary's cares for 400 people across Birmingham and Sandwell, whether that's directly providing care, helping people live life to the full or supporting families and loved ones. It's going to be great to see a huge crowd of jolly Santas raising money to make that happen and having loads of Christmassy fun while they do it!

“It costs £22,000 to run the Hospice on Christmas day so we really do rely on people's generosity to continue to provide free care and support"

The Jingle Bell Jog will be kicking-off the Hospice’s ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign, which is a festive appeal that aims to boost support for the charity leading up to and over the Christmas period.

Children in Dubai have learnt how their counterparts in Wolverhampton marked Remembrance weekend.

Pictures from last Friday’s school remembrance parade in Wolverhampton were used as part of a lesson in the United Arab Emirates.

Regent International School in Dubai wanted to demonstrate to a class of eight and nine year olds how the UK marks remembrance.

It chose Wolverhampton because the school’s head of year four – Rebecca Madeley - is from the city and her father, Andrew, works for City of Wolverhampton Council.

Andrew, who works in facilities management, was at the parade where more than 300 young people marched through Wolverhampton City Centre alongside veterans and serving forces.

Knowing Rebecca was teaching her students about the world wars, he put her in touch with the council’s communications team who supplied her with a gallery of photographs from the parade.

Rebecca said: “I used the pictures on Sunday in a lesson with my class. They went down fantastically and the children genuinely loved it.

“I explained what Wolverhampton, my hometown, had done to commemorate the 100 years since the end of the First World War.

“We study the war later in the academic year, so it sparked a huge amount of interest. The children have now developed a huge interest in both world wars and equally in Wolverhampton. We looked on google maps as well so they could see the area.

“I spotted St Edmunds school in some of them, which was my old school, which my class got very excited about.”

Councillor Linda Leach, chairwoman of Wolverhampton Remembers, said: “Our schools’ parade was a wonderful event where different generations came together to remember those who died in war.

“I am delighted that the images from that event have gone around the world and have helped to teach young people living so far away how we in Wolverhampton honour our war dead.

“Remembrance in Wolverhampton was so special this year as we pulled out all the stops to mark the centenary of the end of World War One.”

The latest Lloyds Bank Business and Charity Index reveals that half (51 per cent) of West Midlands SME organisations lack the basic digital skills that could drive growth.

By embracing digital skills, UK businesses could generate an additional £85 billion in turnover according to the report. Yet only 16 per cent of West Midlands businesses are gaining a transactional benefit from trading online domestically, significantly below the UK average of 23 per cent. This figure falls further when it comes to targeting international markets, with just six per cent of West Midlands businesses using online channels to trade overseas.

The report also found that only two per cent use digital channels to search and discover growth opportunities for their business.

Worryingly a third (35 per cent) of West Midlands SMEs have no interest in developing their cyber security capability.

For those businesses embracing advanced technologies including cloud IT, online accounting software and digital training tools there is the opportunity to generate more than £100,000 in extra annual turnover compared to those who have none.

The benefits can go beyond finances too, with 2.5m businesses saving time through digital, more than twice as many compared to 2014. Small businesses and charities with advanced digital capabilities are able to save a day a week according to the report.

Martin Dodd, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for the Midlands, said: “We have a really advanced technology sector here in the West Midlands, contributing £5.4 billion to the local economy, yet many of our SME businesses and charities are lacking the basic digital skills that could help them to grow.

“We know from our work with local businesses that having a strong online presence can attract business both in the UK and internationally, so it’s disappointing that just 16 per cent and six per cent respectively of SME organisations are using their digital channels in this way.

“With almost 3,000 specially trained digital champions in the Midlands, we are helping the region’s businesses and charities develop their skills to facilitate growth, as part of our Helping Britain Prosper plan. Over the coming 12 months we will continue to provide free to access training events for SMEs to help them close the digital skills gap.”

Despite its tropical setting, Mexico's Pacific Coast radiates traditional Christmas character. Throughout December, you'll find brightly decorated streets, festive scenes and restaurants serving up the finest seasonal cuisine. Add Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, with its pristine beaches, crystal waters and cheerful events, and you get two unmissable Christmas destinations.

A Colourful Christmas Month

In Puerto Vallarta, the run-up to Christmas starts 1 December with the Guadalupe processions. Bearing the name of Puerto Vallarta and Mexico's patron saint, this 12-day series of parades is a sight to behold. Expect floats, folk dancers, great music and fireworks to kick off the month with a bang.

12 December marks the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, an important religious and social holiday. Hundreds of people gather in Puerto Vallarta's central plaza to enjoy the region's specialties along with a fireworks display. You can also head to Quimixto, a small south shore community, where a “flotilla” of decorative fishing boats illuminates the coast.

During Christmas Week, 16–24 December, everyone celebrates with gatherings called posadas, re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Then, on Christmas Day, there's a big party full of festive dishes, piñatas and Mexican Christmas traditions.

Sun, Sand and Sea Adventures

On top of the celebrations, beach bums will be glad to hear that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have 250 miles of coastline, as well as an average water temperature of 23°C in December.

December is also one of the best times for whale watching as migrating humpback whales flock to Banderas Bay to give birth. Eco-tours provide the chance to learn about these incredible creatures and see them up close.

If you like to hit the waves, drop by Sayulita in the Riviera Nayarit, a tranquil fishing village that draws surfers from all corners of the world. The Surf Classic is an annual surf event in December that is popular with both locals and international surfers. Bucerías is another great option to catch a wave and wind for those Kitesurfing adrenaline lovers.

Not forgetting Christmas gifts! The stalls in Riviera Nayarit are full of the native Huichol's colourful crafts. These beautiful souvenirs make for unusual presents for your loved ones, bringing a touch of Mexico at Christmas time.

New Year's Eve

In Mexico, the end of the year is celebrated with fiestas in clubs, hotels and restaurants. Live music rings out through the night and parties last well into the morning.

So, if you want a break from the dark and cold in the UK but still want all the festive spirit and colourful traditions, Mexico's Pacific Coast is the place to go. And if you can't make it this time, there's always next year.

Fly Direct

Celebrating the season? Book a direct TUI flight to Puerto Vallarta International Airport from London Gatwick and Manchester, or via AeroMexico to Mexico City from London Heathrow.