Community News

This year’s Arabian Travel Market witnessed a 10% increase in visitors from the GCC and a 7% increase in international visitors to the event, which was held in Dubai World Trade Centre from April 24-27.

For the second year in succession, visitor numbers smashed through the 28,000 mark – the show saw a 71% increase in visitors over the last five years.

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “The continued growth of ATM is testament to the strength of the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East. The event has also built on its quality year on year and the professionalism of exhibitors and stands not only increases the brand value of their own organisation, but also that of Arabian Travel Market.

“Exhibition stand contracts signed during ATM 2017 for next year are up 38% year-on-year, with exhibitors keen to reserve their space for what promises to be a record-breaking event in 2018 as ATM celebrates its 25^th anniversary.”

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, ATM has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. The 2017 edition, on the theme of experiential travel sponsored by La Perle, boasted an additional hall, with 466 main stand holders representing 87 countries and over 100 new exhibitors making their debut. The number of countries represented at ATM 2017, taken from all attendees, totaled 157.

The show got off to an inspiring start, with an informative discussion on the legacy of Expo 2020. Now just under three years away, it was revealed that plans for the site after the world showcase concludes will see 80% of the plot re-developed with all Expo’s assets and transport infrastructure re-purposed for future use by a range of tenants and major private sector firms.

Commenting on the overall session, Press said: “The seminar also explored the importance of Dubai’s sustainable tourism initiatives, the expansion of the emirate’s airports’ capacity and the engagement of global audiences through partnerships with celebrities and social media influencers.”

National charity Action on Hearing Loss is urging people to abandon any stereotypes they might have about the 11 million people living with hearing loss in the UK and help bridge the communication gap for Deaf Awareness Week.

According to the charity, more than 900,000 people in the UK are severely deaf; 24,000 use sign language as their main language; and due to our ageing population by 2035 it is estimated that 15.6 million people will have some form of hearing loss.

During this week, May 15 to 21, the charity is asking people to help stop the prejudice that many of those with hearing loss still experience when out and about, in the workplace and meeting new people.

Senior audiologist at Action on Hearing Loss, Gemma Twitchen, said: “Hearing Loss affects people of all ages and can be caused by a number of factors, including exposure to loud noises, virus or disease, aging and it can be inherited.

“Small changes in our lives can make a big impact on people with hearing loss, so let this be the week you forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard and just make some new friends.”

Here are some useful tips from Action on Hearing Loss you can use:

• Even if someone is wearing hearing aids it doesn't mean they can hear you perfectly. Ask if they need to lipread.
• Speak clearly but not too slowly, and don't exaggerate your lip movements – this can make it harder to lipread.
• Don't shout. It can be uncomfortable for hearing aid users and it looks aggressive.
• If someone doesn't understand what you've said, don't keep repeating it. Try saying it in a different way instead.
• Check that the person you're talking to is following you during the conversation. Use plain language and don't waffle. Avoid jargon and unfamiliar abbreviations.
• To make it easy to lipread, don’t cover your mouth with your hands or clothing.
• If you’re going on a date at a restaurant, find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from loud speakers and distractions.
• Get the listener's attention before you start speaking, maybe by waving or tapping them on the arm.
• Use natural facial expressions and gestures.
• Make sure you have face-to-face contact with the person you are talking to.
• If someone is working with a BSL interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person you are communicating with, not the interpreter.
• If you're talking to a group that includes deaf and hearing people, don't just focus on the hearing people.

A strong Alzheimer's Society presence at Birmingham's Grand Central will mark this year’s Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May) with events being held at the station on 16th and 18th May.

Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers will be out and about in Birmingham to encourage residents to unite against dementia. People will be able to put their questions to the experts. Trained staff will be on hand to provide information and advice to anyone worried about or affected by dementia.

Staff and volunteers from Alzheimer's Society will be present at the Grand Central station concourse from 7am-10am and 3pm-6pm on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th May. Anyone is welcome to come and speak about dementia. 

This year, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to come together to unite against dementia, forgetting their differences to help urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding during Dementia Awareness Week.

Steve Hayward, Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Birmingham and Solihull said:

“We’re calling on people across Birmingham to show their support at any of our events this Dementia Awareness Week.

“Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. It’s set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone. We hope these events will help give people a better understanding of the support available to them.

“People with dementia often feel – and are – misunderstood, marginalised and isolated but with the right support and understanding they can continue to live fulfilling lives and make a contribution to their communities.”

Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia.

The Sarojin, Thailand's luxurious 56-roomed boutique residence, is celebrating the start of this year's wedding season with the launch of a new and enchanting wedding package. Offering the highest level of personalised service, in addition to beautiful beach weddings, couples can now join together at the foot of a mesmerising waterfall in the heart of the jungle, the perfect location for a truly unique and intimate ceremony. Inclusive of luxury accommodation, a wedding ceremony, photography, spa treatments, romantic private candlelit dining on the beach and a special Buddhist blessing of love, The Sarojin's 'Wonderful Waterfall Weddings' can be booked year-round.

On waking at The Sarojin a truly luxurious service awaits, and this is especially true of the resort's brand new 'Wonderful Waterfall Weddings' package. Inclusive of three nights' accommodation in one of the resort's Garden Residences – upgrading to a Spa Suite subject to availability – The Sarojin's dedicated team will be on hand every step of the way, perfecting even the smallest of details to make for an unforgettable celebration of love. Joining together with Thailand's natural beauty as the backdrop, couples will choose between a Thai or Western wedding ceremony before making their life-long vows to the hypnotic sounds of a captivating waterfall.

As part of the package, nuptials include tailor-made vows, readings and music; a Buddhist monk or celebrant; an elegant one-tiered wedding cake; venue hire and set-up; venue decoration including luck chains, frangipani and orchids; a bottle of sparkling wine; a personal wedding planner for bespoke requests; and 4-hours of photography, allowing couples to cherish their special day for a lifetime.

Beware of the T-Rex when it goes on the rampage in Bilston for a fun family-friendly day dedicated to all things dinosaur. Bilston Gallery is celebrating dinosaurs on Saturday, May 27 from 11am to 3pm.

Young visitors can meet a life-like T-Rex, dress up and have their faces painted just like a dinosaur, and find out lots of fascinating dinosaur facts with the amazing Dr. Fossil.

Visitors can either buy tickets in advance at The Ticket Factory or simply turn up on the day (cash payments only on the day).

It has been organised to celebrate the gallery’s current, free Discover Dinosaurs exhibition featuring Beaky, Tiny and Barry - the pet names for the huge dinosaur models on show.

Marguerite Nugent, City of Wolverhampton Council Manager for Arts and Culture said: “The Discover Dinosaurs exhibition has already attracted hundreds of visitors. This Bank Holiday weekend family fun day features an amazing T-Rex model, which comes to life, as well as lots of great child-friendly activities.”

Among the popular exhibits in the current show is Stan – a model of a T Rex skull measuring almost two metres long. Joining Stan is Tiny, a not-so small animatronic baby T Rex which hunts for a herbivore creature as it would have done when creatures like it walked the earth millions of years ago.

Barry the Baryonyx gives visitors the chance to learn about one of the largest fish-eating dinosaurs. Its crocodile-like head and dangerous claws made it a master hunter of rivers and lakes around 125 million years ago.

Flying above the gallery space is the two metre-long head of Beaky - a Pterosaur, which was neither a bird or a bat but a reptile which soared above the land more than 200 million years ago.

Fast-forward to the Ice Age and meet Fluffy, a full-size mammoth, which towers above the other models. The Discover Dinosaurs exhibition is free and runs until August 13. Bilston Gallery, in Mount Pleasant, is open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 4pm.

Internationally acclaimed performers Blue Man Group have announced their first UK shows since 2009 as part of a new world tour, with Birmingham being chosen as the host city. 

Thousands of visitors are expected at Wolverhampton’s West Park for the annual Vaisakhi celebrations this weekend.

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton together with the Asian community is holding the popular cultural festival on today between 10am and 5pm.

It promises entertainment for all the family, including a fun fair, stalls and prominent Asian musicians and singers performing live on stage.

There will be speeches by religious leaders, a variety of local organisations will showcase their services and free food will also be served throughout the day. Entry is also free.

Beforehand, there will be a parade from the Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road to West Park, starting at 9am. Motorists are advised that temporary road closures will be in place while the procession makes it way to the park.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival, and this year marks the 318th Anniversary of the Creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Solider by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

The search is on to find the West Midlands’ most inspiring surveyors - working in the land, property and construction sectors - and helping to make the region a better place to live, work and visit - following the launch of the 2017 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.

Surveyors are essential in key areas such as housing, commercial property and our road and rail systems. The national Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards launched three years ago, in a bid to raise awareness of the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices working in such areas – aged 35 and under – and helping to shape and improve the communities we live in.

The nine categories to enter are: Apprentice of the Year, Asset and Facilities Management, Building Surveying, Land (Rural and Urban), Mentor of the Year, Property (Residential & Commercial), Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Valuation.

There is also an overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ accolade which is awarded to the professional who has not only achieved great success in their respective role and sector, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving the industry and the wider profession.

Last year Sophie Bullock of Aston Knowles Chartered Surveyors in Royal Sutton Coldfield won the ‘Residential Young Surveyor of the Year’ title. Since setting up Aston Knowles Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents in 2014, Sophie has sold over £64million worth of Sutton Coldfield’s finest properties. Furthermore through her passion for property and continual development, she has went on to build a second firm, Marwood Surveyors offering valuation services across the Midlands.

Lynn Robinson, RICS Regional Director said: “The West Midlands has some of the very best properties – from our airport, sporting arenas, schools and award winning infrastructure - which our talented young professionals in the built environment sectors either help to deliver and, or, maintain.

“To put it simply, surveyors measure, value and protect all our physical assets across the region, which ultimately keeps our towns and cities vibrant and attractive to locals and visitors. These awards celebrate such inspirational talent, which I know the West Midlands has in abundance, so we’re looking forward to recognising and rewarding these role models.”

Amy Leader MRICS, Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board – a networking and support group for young surveyors -  is heading up this year’s judging panel. She commented: “These awards celebrate the very best young role models in our industry who are enjoying hugely successful careers, working on some of the most exciting built projects and initiatives in their respective communities. So they provide an ideal opportunity for companies – however large or small - to showcase the achievements of their young talent and help inspire future talent into the industry.”

The UK’s leading heating and hot water manufacturer is searching for local deserving youth sports teams, to receive a surprise visit and £1,000 donation towards their club.

Worcester, Bosch Group has launched the search as part of its commitment to heating up the nation’s parents and grandparents as they endure the great British weather to watch their children play sport each week.

To kick off the campaign, ex-England footballer and ‘I’m a Celebrity’ contestant, Wayne Bridge, and ex-England rugby star and ‘Dancing on Ice’ winner, Kyran Bracken, returned to their grass roots to surprise players and spectators on the sidelines.

As well as joining the young aspiring players on the pitch for a pep talk and coaching session, the sporting legends had an extra treat for parents, as they helped keep them warm on the sidelines with hot drinks, bacon sandwiches and blankets during the game.

The Which? Best Buy heating supplier is now calling for locals in Birmingham to nominate a deserving youth team for the chance to receive a special visit and £1,000 donation when the season kicks off again in September.

Sue Pennington, consumer brand manager at Worcester, Bosch Group, said: “Youth sport is such an important part of local communities, so this year we wanted to give something back – not just to the players, but to the parents and coaches who give up their time and energy every week to celebrate their children’s love of sport.

“It would be great to visit a grass roots team in Birmingham, so we can show local parents and spectators that they can rely on Worcester to keep them warm.”

Coca-Cola Pakistan is providing a grant of Rs. 19 million to the Indus Earth Trust for a project entitled Water for Women, focusing on water replenishment access and conservation and replenishment of ground water and rainwater, in Kohistan Union Council area of District Thatta. The project will especially focus on the local women, who presently are tasked with the duty of fetching water, walking several kilometres to perform this arduous task, even in the hot summer months.

Catalysing IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management) through a combination of indigenous knowledge and modern interventions of communication tools, the project will cover about 600 households in some 40 villages. Water harvesting will be done through 10 lined water reservoirs with a combined capacity of approximately 100,000 gallons. Some existing reservoirs will be restored as they have collapsed and new ones will be located in line with rain water run off channels. Rehabilitation of 20 dug wells will be done through brick-lining, capping and installation of hand-pumps. The water extracted will be collected in covered tanks and then and distributed through channels for household use, kitchen gardening, and for troughs for the livestock.

Other key components of the project include construction of check dams to capture water from hill streams, to irrigate over 1000 acres, setting up of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), trainings to build the capacity of women local leaders, awareness generation of awareness of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), etc. The project implementation period will be one year.

“Water replenishment remains a priority goal of Coca-Cola’s CSR strategy throughout the world, and our focus is especially on marginalized communities,” stated Rizwan U. Khan, General Manager Coca-Cola Pakistan and Afghanistan. ”This is a part of the pledge which The Coca-Cola Company made in 2007, to give back to the environment all the water that we use for our business, by year 2020. This target was actually already met by 2015, but we are continuing with doing more to replenish water in our markets.”

The project implementing partner, Indus Earth Trust is an experienced not-for-profit organization established in 2000, and working in the area of sustainable development to aid neglected coastal communities in Pakistan. Speaking about the partnership with Coca-Cola, IET’s CEO, Shahid Khan stated that the project will lead to meeting SDG 3 and SDG 6, and encourage reverse migration, as rural people will tend to return to their home villages from trying to find livelihood in cities, if their own areas are provided at least with water for their traditional occupation of agriculture and livestock keeping.

IET has previously partnered with Coca-Cola and UNDP in providing potable water to 30 villages in interior Sindh. This project provided water on tap for the very first time to the beneficiaries, using solar pumps to extract the water and pump it to an overhead tank, for distribution as close to households as the communities require.

The Arcadian is lending its support to the Birmingham Comedy Festival for the sixth consecutive year.

Recently voted Best Midlands Arts Festival in the What’s On Readers’ Awards 2017, the festival runs from Friday 6 October to Sunday 15 October 2017, and will see a host of established and fast-rising names taking to stages across the city.

The Arcadian, which is owned and managed by leading commercial property investment and management company LCP, is home to a variety of leisure and entertainment businesses, including the multi-award-winning Glee Club - one of the UK’s leading comedy venues.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We’re delighted to be working with The Arcadian again this year. The centre’s many restaurants, cafes and bars make it an ideal destination for a night out, and it’s of course where The Glee, one of our core venues, is based.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some great shows at the club during the festival, including our official opening night launch event, the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award.”

The Arcadian first signed up as official sponsor for the ten-day event in 2011.

Jo Kinsella, Centre Manager at The Arcadian, said: “We are only too pleased to lend our support once again to this excellent event that takes place on our doorstep. It always attracts a great crowd of visitors from across the country.”

This line-up for this year’s festival will be officially announced over the summer. For more information, visit: www.bhamcomfest.co.uk

The Arcadian is a unique entertainment venue in Birmingham city centre, located in the heart of vibrant Southside, Chinatown and the Theatre District.

30 years ago, Rickshaw Travel's local partner in Borneo decided to design a tour that would provide real interaction between tourists and a longhouse community in Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states in Borneo. Reaching the furthest points of the Delok river, they came across the Nanga Sumpa Longhouse in Batang Ai and met the Iban tribe who settled there in the 15th century. Because their key objective was to involve the longhouse community in a meaningful way, in order to not disrupt their way of life, it was important to see how receptive the community would be to hosting visitors. Following discussions with the elders of the community, they agreed to build a lodge for travellers adjacent to the longhouse to minimise disruption to the families living there.

What began as a simple camp is now the Nanga Sumpa lodge housing up to 18 guests at a time. As well as offering guests a glimpse into the tribe's lifestyle, visiting the lodge provides a substantial income to the Iban communities in some of the remote areas such as Sumpa, where around 2500 visitors come each year.

In Rickshaw's new Brilliantly Borneo itinerary, travellers can stay in the longhouse and learn about the Iban 'headhunting' culture. Offering a mix of wildlife-spotting, rugged and pristine beaches, adventure and magical sights, this Borneo itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to see everything that Borneo has to offer. Whether its staying with the famous Iban tribe and learning about their traditional way of life, or exploring the Mulu caves in search of bats and keeping eyes peeled for wildlife, there's a whole host of activities to keep travellers busy. And, with some added beach time at the end, travellers can relax and recuperate on the shimmering shores of Lankayan. This 24-day trip is priced from £3495 pp including accommodation (price based on two sharing) with breakfast, permits and other meals, transport and excursions as described in the itinerary.

Work on Wolverhampton’s new city centre market is set to start in early August after planning permission was granted. City of Wolverhampton Council announced in January the relocation of the market from Market Square.

The new Southside site, fronting Cleveland Street, will boast 20 cabins and 48 stalls. Dozens of enquiries have been received from prospective traders interested in being part of the new market and there is already a waiting list for some of the new facilities.

The council is now only taking applications for cabins from street food vendors as all the retail units are taken, and there is limited space remaining on the outdoor stalls.

The new market will provide increased footfall from the Wulfrun Centre and transport Interchange, as well as situating the market in a student catchment area.

The current city centre traders have had first refusal on obtaining licenses at the new market, which will offer the flexibility to trade from bigger cabins, a secure site, CCTV, integrated lighting and power, free WiFi, canopy-covered walkways, offices, customer toilets, and comprehensive parking and storage facilities.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “Demand for the new city market is high and now the plans have been approved we can secure a contractor to deliver the scheme.

“We are consulting regularly with the current traders over the relocation – and we are delighted with the interest we have had from new applicants.

“Their addition will provide a more varied range of sales lines to differentiate it from a traditional market offer.

“The new market, funded by the sale of Market Square as part of the Westside scheme, has loads of potential – and we want this to be the people’s market, where events are also encouraged.It will prove an asset to the city centre.”

The former Netto store and adjoining buildings were cleared from the Southside site last year, paving the way for the move, which will see 48 tented stalls and 16 purpose-built cabins transferred from Market Square in phases.

It is anticipated the move will be completed in winter 2017/18 – but not during the Christmas trade period.

The Market Square location is to be absorbed into the new £55 million leisure-led Westside development by developer Urban & Civic.

This will deliver a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments, and public realm to the heart of the city centre, in two phases, over five years.

A temporary market has been in place since April last year when the indoor traders joined the outdoor traders in Market Square to enable the demolition of Heantun House and the old indoor market.

The city centre market is one of three markets in Wolverhampton, with Bilston and Wednesfield markets also popular places to shop.

A range of events, activities and challenges have been planned by property specialist Leaders in support of Children’s Hospice Week later this month.

Employees at Leaders will bake, walk, cycle, dress up, hold raffles and much more in an effort to raise as much money and awareness as possible for their charity partner Together for Short Lives and their local children’s hospices.

Allison Thompson, managing director at Leaders, says: “Children’s Hospice Week is the UK’s only awareness and fundraising week for children with life-shortening conditions, their families and the services that support them. The theme this year is ‘Turn up the Volume’ and we are proud to be shouting our support from the rooftops for this extremely worthy cause.

“Each of our branches across the country has been paired with its local children’s hospice so the money we raise locally goes towards supporting local children and their families. This is our third year partnering with Together for Short Lives and our staff are as enthusiastic as ever about doing what they can to raise funds and awareness during Children’s Hospice Week.”

Some of the events confirmed by Leaders branches ahead of Children’s Hospice Week, which runs from 22nd to 28th May, include sponsored walks, runs and cycles; a wine and cheese evening; raffles and tombolas; competitions, dressing up and even a sponsored leg wax! There will also be the opportunity to donate a day’s rent for landlords who wish to support the cause.

Nick Appleby, head of corporate partnerships at Together for Short Lives, says: “Children’s Hospice Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the number and needs of children with life-limiting conditions and to celebrate all the lifeline services that children and families rely on. We are thrilled to have the support of Leaders once again this year, and we are very excited to see the wonderful variety of fundraising activities their employees and branches undertake in support of the week.“

Leaders first named Together for Short Lives as its Charity of the Year in 2015. Since then the company has raised over £95,000 and is aiming to raise another £50,000 this year.

A scheme which encourages parents who have received help from Children's Services to "champion" the support available to other mums and dads has received a national award.

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Parent Champion scheme manager Reeta Shemar was named Coordinator of the Year by the Family and Childcare Trust last month – and representatives of the Trust have subsequently visited Wolverhampton to meet local Parent Champions and see the scheme in action.

The Parent Champion scheme recruits local men and women to talk to other parents about their experiences of children's social care services.

The volunteers work to build trust among families, and inform parents about the various opportunities available to them – such as the free childcare for three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.

They also offer a befriending service, encourage new and prospective mums and dads to get help and support from their local Strengthening Families Hub and elsewhere, and enable parents to have their say on the development of services.

As well as helping others, Parent Champions reap benefits of their own. Becoming a Parent Champion strengthens participants’ employability by developing their skills and confidence – and a number have gone on to secure paid employment or join training programmes thanks to the support they receive in their voluntary role.

Emma Harriott, who started accessing children's services in 2013 when she became a mum for the first time, became a parent champion last year. It gave her the experience and confidence to look for a job working with children, and she was encouraged to apply for a role as a Strengthening Families Worker at one of the City’s Strengthening Families Hubs, a post she secured in July.

She said: “The support and confidence that I gained while volunteering encouraged me to apply for a job that I thought I would never get.

“I have no hesitation in recommending the Parent Champion programme to families as it really does change people’s lives. Now I help families to improve their prospects, just like I did."

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "The Parent Champions scheme is a wonderful initiative which enables mothers and fathers who have had first-hand experience of children's services in Wolverhampton to share their knowledge with others.

"They give a few hours a week to talk to other local parents about the services which are available to them, and because they are parents themselves, they are able to share their own experiences in a relatable, trusted and informal way.

"We have trained up 18 volunteers over the last year or so, and have just recruited a third cohort of nine who will soon be out and about sharing their knowledge with local families.

"Emma is a fantastic example of the benefits of volunteering as a Parent Champion can bring, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in taking on this important role to contact us to find out more.” She added: "I am delighted that the efforts of our Parent Champions, and the fantastic support of the City of Wolverhampton Council, has been recognised on a national stage by the Family and Childcare Trust, particularly as the scheme has only been running in Wolverhampton for 16 months.”