Community News

More than 300 global and African thought leaders, eminent and emerging leaders from Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth, and friends of Africa will converge at the 5th Annual Commonwealth Africa Summit on March 12th – 15th 2018 in London, United Kingdom. The event will spark new thinking on how to achieve Shared Prosperity and Common Good for Africans and how Africa’s growing youth population can transform the continent.

Under the theme: Common Good, the summit conversations seeks to promote the benefits and interests of all through improved collective action for the common good of humanity within and outside the commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit provides an opportunity not just to contribute to reimagining what the continent might be, but an opportunity to network, strategize and mobilise valuable resources so as to bring the Africa Dream to fruition. Vukuzenzele! Let's Get Up and Do It! says Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, Chairman Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

Past speakers at the CAS Summit have included HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Lord Watson of Richmond; Lord Ahmed of Rotherham; Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green; Simon Walker, Director General of the British Institute of Directors (IOD); Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council on Africa; Dr. Caroline Harper CBE – CEO Commonwealth Sightsavers; Sorious Samora; Mr Tonye Cole – CEO Sahara Energy; Ministers of Government, Ambassadors and many other Global Leaders.

Among speakers expected this year are 3 Former Presidents, 2 Current Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers from Africa and the Carribean, First Ladies, Ministers of Government and Governors of Central Banks.

“Africa must leverage on its relationship with other parts of the world to enrich and develop her countries. Constituting the highest bloc of the commonwealth member countries undoubtedly provides a strategic advantage with a huge development potential that must be fully explored”, says Chad Blackman, the Co-Chair of the 2018 Summit steering committee. The numbers associated with the Commonwealth are staggering. More than two billion of the world’s seven billion people live within the commonwealth. With many of its member states still developing or yet to develop appreciably, the potential for the future is obvious if the trade and collaboration within the commonwealth is increased and this will be at the forefront of conversations in London”.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit is a high level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from the Commonwealth and allies to facilitate dialogue and action on key and relevant issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, Security and counterterrorism, Energy and Power amongst other relevant issues in Africa. The event, annually as part of activities to celebrate the Commonwealth Week in London, is organised by the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, to provide a veritable platform for the generation of new ideas, trade agreements, business relationships and investments.

The Day 2 of the 2018 CAS Summit on March 14th will feature the CAFI Forum on Africa’s Political Future

“Over 100 key players in the African youth development sector will meet on the side-lines of the Summit to deliberate on reshaping the agenda for youth participation in political leadership on the continent” says Atieno Opondo a senior member of the steering Committee. “The Summit will Feature a CAFI Forum on Africa Political Future. The Forum with the theme: Opening the space, taking the place is hosted as part of a series of conscious efforts and action plans to fulfil the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 of an Africa whose youth shall be socially, economically and politically empowered through the full implementation of the African Youth Charter, An Africa of 2063 that will have full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of elected public offices at all levels; an aspiration achievable with the youth”.

The CAFI Forum will provide a high-level platform for dialogue on how African countries can create more space for younger people in elected public offices by formulating recommendations that will culminate into sustainable youth friendly policies and regulations. The forum will also provide a unique opportunity for youth leaders and aspiring young leaders in Africa to network and exchange views on Africa’s political future, while also creating a mentoring platform for the ageing African leaders to inspire a younger and better succession.

Overall, “the CAS summit will include presentations from various leaders and speakers and will feature first-hand experiences and interactions from government and business leaders in the continent, while providing credible opportunities and encouraging foreign investments” says Seeke Adams, CAFI Events Manager.

The Summit will also feature a Gala and Award Dinner to celebrate the contributions of Eminent and Emerging leaders to Africa’s growth story; as well as One to One Business meetings between investors and Entrepreneurs.

With the February half term just around the corner it can sometimes be tricky to think of things to do to keep the littles ones entertained for a whole week, let alone find an activity that doesn’t cost the earth. Victorian Arcade in Walsall has a great solution though - bring the gang along to meet the famous Lightning McQueen from the popular children’s film Cars.

Lightning McQueen will be situated outside the entrance to Victorian Arcade on Saturday 24th February. Free for everyone to meet, the superstar replica car will be in situ from 11am to 4pm, and local families are encouraged to come and say hi and grab some photos with the ‘racing legend’.

Anyone that takes a photo and then uploads it to Victorian Arcade’s Facebook page will also be entered into a competition to win a whole hamper of Cars film related goodies*.

Darren Griffiths, Senior Regional Facilities Manager of Savills for Victorian Arcade, commented: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the Lightning McQueen replica to the Arcade to meet with our loyal shoppers and local families. I am looking forward to seeing all the photos that are taken on the day - good luck to all who enter our competition too!”

*Terms and conditions apply - see Victorian Arcade’s Facebook page for details.

Whether it's whilst watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon, wildlife spotting in the USA's national parks or canoeing on beautiful Lake Crescent, TrekAmerica has seen friendships blossom into more on many of their epic US road trips. With countless weddings, anniversaries and even a few babies on the way there's a lot of #TrekLove in the air.

Trekker, Sonja Polman booked her first TrekAmerica trip in 1994, said: “I chose TrekAmerica because I was travelling with two friends and we thought it was a safer way for three girls to travel around. It was also good for our budget, with the cost of accommodation and travel costs paid upfront.”

Sonia continued: “I never imagined I would meet my future husband, but it was pretty much love at first sight for both of us. We met in the foyer of the Skyline hotel in New York, the evening before the trek started, and we've been pretty much inseparable ever since.”

Despite Sonia and John living in different countries they were determined to make things work and will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this coming April, showing it wasn't just a summer romance. Sonia added: “Over the five months following our tour, we saw each other about every six weeks, until John moved to England in 1997. We got married the following year in 1998, in the little chapel of the flowers in Las Vegas – well it would be wrong not to!”

Richard Hanson, Managing Director of TrekAmerica, said: “We in no way see ourselves as a match-making service but it's so wonderful to hear that TrekAmerica has allowed people to form such amazing relationships on our tours over the years. We pride ourselves on creating itineraries that offer unique, unforgettable adventures, and to be there at the start of a love story makes our job even more rewarding”.

Sonja Polman concluded: “TrekAmerica changed our lives! We describe our TrekAmerica experience as an 'experience of a lifetime' even after 22 years we talk about it frequently and reminisce about all the extraordinary things we got up to. We absolutely loved every minute, one of the happiest times in our lives.”

MPs, housing association bosses and celebrities today launched a campaign to make Britain’s homes safer.

The Axe Safety Tax initiative to abolish VAT on all safety products and services that go into UK homes was unveiled at a House of Commons breakfast event.

The Government is being urged to scrap the 20% tax on a range of products including fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, gas safety checks, fire doors and fire extinguishers.

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale & Member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, said it was vital landlords supported the “lifesaving” initiative.

He said: “We are all aware of the tragic consequences of fires in housing blocks. We need to work together to improve safety and reduce fire risk. It is important we look at all options to make our homes safer.”

Other supporters of the Axe Safety Tax campaign include Emma Dent Coad, the MP for Kensington, whose constituency includes Grenfell Tower.

She said: “It is a total disgrace that safety products are taxed as if they are luxury items. VAT must be reduced so that everyone can afford to buy them and be safe in their homes. It’s a no-brainer.”

Celebrities including former England footballers Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler, the musician Midge Ure and TV personality Paddy McGuinness have also put their names to the initiative.

The gas safety technology company, Gas Tag, is behind the campaign. The Liverpool-based company’s CEO Paul Durose said: “Abolishing VAT on safety products would allow housing associations to accelerate the investment they are making in health and safety.

“Raising money in taxation from making homes safer is shameful and not a reflection of the compassionate society in which we live.”

Several leading housing associations are also backing the campaign. The VAT raised annually on safety products and inspections across the social housing sector is in excess of £200million.

Tom Dacey, Group Chief Executive at Southern Housing Group, said “The fact that safety is taxed at the maximum rate is unjustifiable. We’re backing the Axe Safety Tax campaign and we’re asking other housing associations and councils to give their backing and support it too.”

The launch was also attended by Mike Cunningham, Deputy Director, VAT & Excise, who invited campaigners to take part in further discussions over the coming weeks.

Birmingham pianist Lauren Zhang has been named as a finalist in the prestigious BBC Young Musician competition, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018.

Lauren impressed the judges during the regional auditions in late 2017 and is now one of five musicians to have progressed to the Keyboard Category Final. All five Category Finals – strings, keyboard, woodwind, percussion and brass – will take place in Birmingham between Friday 16 and Tuesday 20 March 2018.

The 16-year-old musician studies at the Junior Conservatoire, part of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with the music and acting college also hosting the Category Finals of the competition, as well as the Semi Final on Friday 23 March.

The Final will take place at Symphony Hall Birmingham, led by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. The competition will be broadcast on BBC television and BBC Radio 3.

Lauren Zhang said: “The fantastic musical education, supportive environment and long-lasting friendships that I have made at the Junior Conservatoire have always inspired me and immensely helped my musical development.”

Lauren is taught by Dr Robert Markham at the Junior Conservatoire, who himself was a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 1986, where he was awarded the Piano Prize. Lauren also studies violin at the Junior Conservatoire under Sam Mason.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lauren applied for the Junior Conservatoire in 2010 while her mother, Hui, was taking a sabbatical year in Birmingham. Despite planning to return to the USA, after Lauren began working with Dr Markham her family decided to remain in the UK as a result of what Hui calls “the power of music tuition at the Junior Conservatoire.”

Lauren began her piano lessons with Madeline Ignazito in the USA when she was four years old. Since studying at the Junior Conservatoire, Lauren has enjoyed musical guidance under Terry Coulton, Kenneth Hamilton, Madeline Ignazito, and Rebecca Omordia.

The Junior Conservatoire offers specialist training to young musicians between the ages of four and 18 with exceptional potential and the ability to achieve that potential. They train young musicians to a level where they could gain a place at a senior conservatoire or music college, as well as offer preparation for the Associated Board exams to Grade 8 and Diploma levels.

Timothy English, Head of Junior Conservatoire, said:

“It is very exciting that one of our own young musicians has qualified for the Category Finals in one of the first major competitions to be held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

“Lauren has been a student at the Junior Conservatoire for the past eight years and it has been a great privilege to watch her develop into an extraordinary young pianist. She is a musician of exceptional talent and commitment, and this latest success is richly deserved.”

Lauren achieved distinction in the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music exam in piano performance and the Licentiate of Trinity College London in violin performance respectively, at the age of 12. She achieved the fellowship of Trinity College London in Piano recital at the age of 13.

Lauren has won many classes at local, regional and national festivals and competitions. In 2016, she was the first prize winner of the 15th Ettlingen International Piano Competition. She was also a prize winner at the Young Pianist of the North International Competition in 2015. She won the first prize of the European Piano Teacher Association (UK) in the 15 years and under category in 2015. She also secured third place in the Beethoven Intercollegiate Junior Piano Competition at the Austrian Cultural Forum London in 2015.

In 2016, Lauren was awarded the first prize in the prestigious Emanuel Piano Trophy which is open to the winner of the top senior piano award at any music festival held in the previous year.

The competition was adjudicated by Christopher Elton, Professor Emeritus of the Royal Academy of Music, who said of her performance of Ravel:

“She played a remarkable ‘Scarbo’ and was really impressive – not just her virtuosity, but the ability to make the piece sound ‘French’ and to play with subtlety.”

Lauren is interested in history, biology and physics and in her spare time she enjoys reading, fencing and chamber music.

BBC Young Musician is a part of the BBC’s ongoing commitment to supporting and providing a platform for new and emerging talent.

Part of Birmingham City University, the new £57 million Royal Birmingham Conservatoire which opened in the Eastside region of the city last September, will also welcome the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award Final in 2018.

Launched three years ago, the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award runs alongside the established classical music format and aims to showcase another group of exceptional young musicians to audiences across the UK. Current Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student Elliott Sansom reached the finals in 2016.

Trailblazing women who successfully fought for the right to vote have been honoured in a life-size paper tribute handcrafted in the UK to mark 100 years of women’s suffrage.

Students on Birmingham City University’s Design for Performance course used 1,600 metres of brown paper and 500 metres of corrugated cardboard to craft an exhibition which features key figures from the Suffragette movement in the run up to the 1918 Representation of the People’s Act – which first handed women the vote in the UK.

Among the iconic characters on show are Christabel Pankhurst – daughter of perhaps the movement’s most famous name Emmeline Pankhurst – Flora Drummond who was nicknamed ‘the General’, and Ethel Smyth who was famed for conducting protests from her window using a toothbrush.

It also includes a full-scale horse and carriage being drawn through the streets of Georgian London, an act of civil disobedience, as a protester throws a stone through a shop window while two policemen look on, and a Suffragette who has chained herself to the railings of a government building.

The installation comes almost 100 years to the day (6 February1918) that the Act was first passed and at a time when women’s rights are in the spotlight following the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and the Presidents Club Charity Dinner scandal.

Students were given three weeks working around the clock to produce the exhibition which will be open to the public from tomorrow (Wednesday January 31) to Friday February 16 at the University’s Parkside Building.

Eleanor Field, who teaches the module at Birmingham City University, said: “For centuries, it has been a given that, in moments of sharp civic discontent, you and I and everyone we know can take to the streets, demanding change.

“People, often against tremendous odds, answer a call to show up and be counted for what they believe in.

“To celebrate 100 years of certain women getting the vote, the students chose to focus the installation on The Suffragettes and the lengths they went to make their voices heard.

“With links to modern day movements and protests the students have been keen to explore how, with the current state of the world, it is important to be inspired by The Suffragettes and have the courage to stand up for what we believe in and that there is still work to be done if this world is going to be a fairer place.”

The exhibition commemorates the prominent figures in the movement during 1918 and even has a nod to the Cat and Mouse Act which the government introduced in 1913 in a bid to counteract the hunger strike protests of imprisoned activists.

Student Becks Hazell said: “It’s pretty hectic and you end up finding brown paper everywhere in your life. In your pockets, in your hair - it follows you everywhere.

“The theme is great timing with it being the anniversary. But even then, that first step was only for women over 30 who were married, so there was still some way to go.”

First-year students were initially given the idea of ‘protest’ to base their exhibition around and after discussions opted to commemorate the centenary of women’s suffrage.

Student Peter Hollands said: “When the theme of ‘protest’ came up, it seemed like a no brainer to pick the Suffragettes with it being the anniversary. With everything that is going on at the moment we are still seeing women’s protests right now and unfortunately it’s problem something we’ll still be seeing in another 100 years.”

Student Willow Smith said:  “Because it’s such a serious and important theme you want to make sure you do it justice. These are real people from history that you’re modelling so you have to make sure things are correct and that everything is accurate.

“We’re all so used to seeing people and human form that it’s easy to spot a mistake, so we’re spending a lot of time making sure all the body shapes and movements of the active models look right.

“We’ve had a lot of late nights, staying at university until 11pm working and ordering pizzas because you have to give 100 per cent to a theme like this.”

Helen Tomblin and Jamie Bloomfield, who are part of the team that have delivered Make, Move & Munch Clubs across Sandwell since 2016 have been recognised for their work working alongside the National Charity Partnership, a partnership between Tesco, Diabetes UK and British Heart Foundation. The Make, Move & Much Clubs are a programme where mums are supported and motivated to improve their health through physical activity and healthy eating.

Helen was honoured with the Working in Partnership award and Jamie received the Most Improved Use of PR at the third annual National Charity Partnership Awards - a black tie event at the Riverside Park Plaza hotel in central London on Thursday 25 January 2018.

Helen who works for Accord Group has transformed the way Make, Move & Munch Clubs are delivered in Sandwell to ensure a lasting legacy. She commissioned five different local providers, trained them and has since led the team to outstanding results. In 2017, 170 clubs were delivered with 700 people taking part.

Jamie who works for Groundwork West Midlands (one of the five providers who deliver the Clubs) embraced a new approach to increase the profile of the Clubs which were funded by the National Charity Partnership. He coordinated a successful taster event with several local partners and secured TV coverage in the West Midlands. Furthermore, he rose to the challenge of his first media interview hitting all the key messages with confidence.

Mr Bloomfield said “I’m very proud to win this award. I felt it was important to provide an opportunity for the delivery partners and funders to work together on an event that would really demonstrate to the public what fantastic work everyone was doing on MMM. It was an extremely successful programme that made a huge difference to many people’s lives and made a lasting impression on the public’s health going forward.”

Ms Tomblin said “I am delighted to have won the award for ‘Partnership Working’ but credit must also go to those I have working in partnership with; our programme delivery partners Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Complete Kidz, Ideal for All, Groundwork, and My Time Active. We have also continued to develop strong relationships with Sandwell Public Health enabling us to build on the legacy of the National Charity Partnership and secure more programmes with the Sandwell Learning Communities in 2018. On Friday, Accord are very excited to be holding a dissemination event with Public Health England which will bring together all the learning, as we continue to explore how we develop this work further across the West Midlands.”

Jenna Hall, Director of National Charity Partnership said “I’m delighted that Helen and Jamie have been recognised for all the hard work they have contributed to making a success of the partnership. This dedication, enthusiasm and creativity has seen not only local families engaged but also the wider public and I’m excited to hear their contribution to changing health behaviours in Sandwell will continue in 2018.”

Nominations are now open for the Wednesbury Community Awards - a chance to celebrate Wednesbury people who help improve the town.

It's an opportunity for local people to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the town and its people.

The Wednesbury Community Awards Panel is seeking nominations for six categories to recognise the work of people in the community and voluntary sector in the Friar Park, Wednesbury North and Wednesbury South wards.

The categories are: Outstanding Volunteer Award, Outstanding Young Person Award and Outstanding Good Neighbourhood Award, for someone who has helped their neighbours.

There is a Community Project Award, for a scheme that has made a difference in the town, and a Community Special Ward for an individual who has contributed positive lifelong service.

The Outstanding Partnership Award is for someone (or a group) where partnership working has made a positive contribution to local people.

To nominate local people, go to the awards website www.wednesburycommunityawards.com by 23 February.

Councillor Pam Hughes, town lead member for Wednesbury, said: “This awards scheme is an excellent way of rewarding people for the outstanding work that they do in the town.

“Wednesbury has a great tradition for community-minded people getting involved in voluntary work and the panel is anxious to recognise the work they do as individuals or in a group.

“People who have been helped by these hard-working volunteers should get involved in the scheme and nominate those they believe should be recognised.  We hope that there will be a good response to this to mark the excellent work done in the town by so many community-minded townspeople.”

Selected finalists will be invited to an awards evening to be held on Thursday 15 March at Wednesbury Town Hall.

According to Lloyd’s of London boss, Igna Beale, Brexit negotiations are causing anxiety for UK businesses, many of whom “can’t live with this uncertainty”. As pressure mounts on central government to provide increased clarity relating to Brexit, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce have announced they have received funding from the European Commission to deliver the Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC) for the Black Country, a local information contact point relating to Europe and the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

Furthermore, during the Brexit negotiation process, the Centre will work to ensure that businesses and residents of the Black Country are kept up-to-date with the latest developments through a series of events and workshops, as well as dedicated newsletters.

“Locally, business confidence in the Brexit negotiations has been relatively low, and this lack of confidence has led to nervousness about exporting and importing, both inside and outside of Europe. As part of our manufacturing campaign, Making the Future, Black Country businesses stressed the importance of clarity on future trading relationships and post-Brexit immigration policy. Hopefully, the information provided as part of our EDIC programme can deliver the clarity over our future relationship with the EU that local businesses and residents desperately need.”

BRITISH lovebirds will be nesting at home for Valentine’s Day this year, according to new research. A survey of 1,012 UK adults carried out by lighting store, LED Hut, found that 52% are planning on staying at home for their date this Valentine’s Day.

Cooking and enjoying a meal (45%) topped the list as the number one thing to do at home for couples on Valentine’s Day.

This was closely followed by watching a movie, with 38% of the votes.

33% of those surveyed said listening to music was what they plan to do when staying in with their sweetheart.

Not as popular as music, but remaining in the top five, making cocktails came in fourth place (29%).

And more than 1 in 5 (21%) said that they play a board game when at home with their significant other on Valentine’s Day.

Paul Garner, Ecommerce & Marketing Director at LED Hut commented: “Ahead of Valentine’s Day, many partners have already started to think of how to sweep their loved one off their feet, which is great to see. Whilst going out is always going to be a popular option, many Brits want to add their own unique touches, and what better place to do so than in their own homes?

“This trend is being prompted by Netflix, boxsets and the fact that it is taking people longer to get on the property ladder, which means it is becoming more customary for people to spend time together at home.”

Paul continued “By planning ahead and setting a romantic mood using everything from the food served to special mood lighting, the perfect atmosphere can easily be created for your admirer in the home. Valentine’s Day is a great time to show your other half just how much they mean to you and how much you value them, which is why staying at home is now such a popular option.”

Cost was also an important factor when it comes to deciding to stay at home, as 34% of Brits said it was less expensive than going out.

The data also revealed that this trend of staying in at Valentine’s Day is most prevalent amongst a younger demographic of those aged 18 – 24 years old.

Wynn Resorts adds a new level of modern vigor to its world-class art collection with the acquisition of Smiling King Bear, a pop-surreal sculpture created by the famed Spanish contemporary artist Okuda San Miguel. At a towering 16-feet tall and executed in the artist’s signature prismatic style, the sculpture is a multicolored geometric masterpiece featuring a whimsical bear with a spiked crown, holding an equally imposing smiling ball.

“We are delighted to include Okuda’s Smiling King Bear in the Wynn Resorts Collection of Fine Art. It is an exuberant, sophisticated and original statement of joy, and a colorful reference to a cherished childhood toy or the memory of a fictional character of benevolent protection,” said Roger Thomas, Executive Vice President of Design for Wynn Resorts. “Steve Wynn established the first important art collection in Las Vegas, and has continued to add significant examples of 20th and 21st century art in each Wynn resort. The most delightful and rewarding aspect of designing our iconic destinations has been the selection and installation of these wonderful creations. Each work is selected for its beauty, joyous expression, and distinctive relevance to the art of its time.”

Fashioned from fiberglass, aluminum, and highly pigmented synthetic enamel, Smiling King Bear originally arrived in the United States from Spain as part of an outdoor art exhibition in Downtown Las Vegas curated by global creative house, Justkids. After its acquisition, the sculpture was installed at Wynn Las Vegas during a meticulous multi-day process overseen by the artist, and is now on display in the Wynn Plaza rotunda as part of the resort’s continued appreciation and commitment to public art.

“It is great to be displayed in a prestigious Las Vegas resort like Wynn, and to continue the collaboration with Justkids in the United States. Wynn has a remarkable art collection and I am honored to be a part of it. The architectural elements of the hotel and its luminosity highlights the shapes and colors of my Smiling King Bear. This juxtaposition of classical and contemporary is very often part of my artistic concept, so the resort is a perfect fit for the sculpture,” said Okuda.

Okuda is considered to be one of the most renowned artists among the contemporary art movement, celebrated for his unique geometric structures and patterns that have developed their own instantly recognizable iconographic language. Featured in hundreds of solo and group exhibitions, his works can be seen in streets and galleries around the world including India, Mali, Mozambique, United States, Japan, Chile, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Mexico, many parts of Europe, and beyond. Highly sought after for large scale projects, Okuda is perhaps best known for his conversion of an abandoned Spanish church aptly named Kaos Temple, which has become a new icon of contemporary art.

Headlining the Jam House this February and considered one of the most successful bands ever to come out of the 70’s, Hot Chocolate. The only band ever to have had a hit every year in the UK charts during the 1970’s.

The five-piece band started their recording career with a reggae cover of John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a Chance’ which John himself highly rated. During the disco era Hot Chocolate boomed, their tight vocal harmonies presented success with big hits such as ‘You Sexy Thing’ and ‘Everyone 1’s a Winner’ which also peaked in the US. The band’s enduring popularity ensured that two of their compilation albums reached No. 1 in the UK Albums chart. In 1986 the group disbanded only to reform in 1992 and they are now touring with Kennie Simon as vocalist.

Hot Chocolate said “We love the Jam House and are genuinely looking forward to be playing here! There’s always so much energy, the people are fantastic! Overall such a good atmosphere. We love it.”

One of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s largest annual fundraising events, Big Bandage is back for 2018, and the charity is looking for it to be BIGGER, braver and better than ever with its Big Bandage Day on Friday 9 March!

Urging supporters to be brave in bandages, the charity is asking people to step out of their comfort zone and take on a brave challenge in support of the hospital’s many courageous kids. From taking on our sponsored abseil on the 10 March, to braving the shave and going bald in aid of the charity, there are many ways to fundraise and help the 90,000 sick children fight another day.

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Big Bandage Day is back, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! And all we’re asking is for people to be brave. Of course, we’re not expecting everyone to jump out of a plane or scale the side of a building (although you’re more than welcome to!). We’re just looking for people to take on a challenge which tests their nerve and pushes their comfort zone.

“However people decide to fundraise, all money raised will support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity in our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all our incredibly brave children, offering them the best experience possible when treated at our hospital.”

One inspirationally brave patient in particular is four-year-old Penny Powell, who is a regular visitor to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Sutton-born Penny underwent a renal transplant in June last year after she was born weighing just 1lb 7oz and diagnosed at birth with renal failure.  First time parents Michelle and Stuart were keen to be Penny’s donor, but after tests revealed they were unfortunately not a match, Granddad John Powell stepped in.

Since her transplant just over six months ago, Penny is doing extremely well and Mum and Dad describe her as ‘the bravest little girl they know’.

How can you get involved in Big Bandage Day?

All it takes is three easy steps!

1.       Save the date – Friday 9^th March

2.       Register to get your free fundraising pack at www.bch.org.uk/bb18

3.       Start planning your Big Bandage Day!

Get your work place or kids involved too and boost your fundraising by getting everyone to pay £2 and wear a bandage in support of our extraordinarily brave children.

The University of Wolverhampton has secured an additional £460k funding to deliver training for Degree Apprenticeships to non-levy paying companies.

The allocation of money was approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) recently and means that the University can widen its support for local businesses looking to upskill their workforce.

The University is already offering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in Chartered Management (CMDA), Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management with pathways for Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Chartered Surveying, Chartered Legal Executive and Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeships.

Future Higher/Degree Apprenticeships will include Digital Technologies, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design & Engineer, Civil Engineering, Policing, Social Work, Nursing, Nursing Associate and Paramedic Degree Apprenticeships.

Having been awarded £250,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) in 2017 to develop its Apprenticeship offer, over 150 apprentices are already studying for Higher and Degree level qualifications at the University.

Michele Roberts, Head of the Apprenticeship Hub at the University, said:  “This is fantastic news for the University and will really help us to build on the work that has already gone into developing our industry-standard Degree Apprenticeships.

“Companies with a wage bill of under £3 million are eligible for 90% funding for Degree Apprenticeships and this additional money will allow us to increase our offer and support more and more businesses looking for Higher/Degree level Apprenticeships for their employees.

“For example, companies will only pay 10% of the course fees, with the other 90% being funded by the government through this allocation. Other incentives will mean that for SMEs with less than 50 employees and who recruit a 16-18 year old the training/course element of the Apprenticeship will be fully funded.”

Derby man Phill Alcock has backed Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity’s appeal to bring the revolutionary Heart in a Box to the hospital, saying that it has the potential to change the lives of people like him who are waiting for a heart transplant.

Heart in a Box keeps a heart waiting to be transplanted alive outside of the body, greatly increasing the window of time that surgeons have to transplant it into the recipient before the organ begins deteriorating. QEHB Charity is fundraising to bring Heart in a Box to the hospital and doctors estimate that it will increase the number of heart transplants carried out at QEHB by up to 50%.

This will make a world of difference to patients such as Phill Alcock who is currently awaiting a heart transplant. Sadly, 20% of people on the waiting list for a heart transplant will die before an organ becomes available.

Phill has had four heart attacks in the past ten years, with the first occurring in 2007 whilst playing football. He made a swift recovery and was playing football again within seven weeks however; a year on Phill was once again playing football when he was hit by a second heart attack.

Phill went on to recover from this second heart attack only to have a third, two years on in 2010 after coaching his football team Holbrook Sports to the fifth round of the FA Vase. Phill said: “I started to feel unwell during extra time of the match and the next day I had a heart attack, my third in only three years.”

After being taken to Papworth for tests, Phill was told that he was not healthy enough for a heart transplant due to high pressure on his heart and lungs. He then faced years of waiting for his health to improve to the state where he could be considered for a transplant.

In 2015, Phill had a fourth heart attack whilst playing walking football and was taken to QEHB where Dr Lim decided that Phill required an LVAD machine to be installed. An LVAD is an artificial pump that keeps a patient with heart failure alive. It works through battery packs that the patient carries around with them, and can also be plugged into the mains.

The decision to fit Phill with an LVAD was taken around his50^th birthday and this proved to be a tough time, he said: “I thought that I was going to have to say goodbye to everyone and that I wouldn’t make it. This was especially tough on my daughter Olivia who was only 15 at the time.”

Phill had separated from his wife over the previous years and said that he was “determined to carry on for my daughter’s sake.” He decided to take a trip to Liverpool with his friends and family before being admitted to hospital for his procedure.

On the Sunday night before his operation, Phill went to see a local band, The Modest, with friends when he happened to get chatting to a woman called Sarah, telling her of his reasons for going to see the band and the procedure that awaited him the next week.

Sarah said that this first encounter came out of the blue: “He initiated our first-ever conversation and came and sat down next to me. We chatted lots and made each other laugh. I remember he touched on the fact that he was going into hospital the next day, I was impressed as I would have chosen to be at home, worrying, rather than out having a good time.

“I had no idea just how inspirational to my life I would find this man in the future and when I found out the extent of the operation I was blown away by his attitude to life.”

The LVAD operation was a success and two months later Phill was well enough to leave hospital. Upon leaving, Phill returned to see The Modest, where again he bumped into Sarah. Sarah said: “He had only just come out of hospital and I was struck by how he had chosen to ‘live’ the rest of his life, his determination to live and not choose to lie on the sofa all day.”

Phill said: “I never intended to find love, I was focused on my health and taking care of Olivia but it was wonderful to meet Sarah.”

In November 2015 Phill received some wonderful news at his six month assessment; he was told that the valves in his heart and lungs had recovered sufficiently that he could go onto the list for a heart transplant. “I finally had a plan B” Phill said, “I decided that it was high time that I asked Sarah out on a date.”

Sarah said that Phill asking her out was “The best birthday present ever. Life definitely began at 40!”

However, following a couple of incidents including the bag carrying his LVAD batteries being pulled by a bystander at a gig, and falling and hitting his head on the counter at home, Phill had a bleed on the brain and went into a fit.

Phill’s family were told that he was unlikely to survive the ambulance journey. Against all the odds, Phill made it to hospital and received life-saving surgery to remove the pressure on his brain and spent the next two weeks in a coma.

Whilst Phill was in a coma, Sarah was in contact with his sister-in-law who told her that Phill had confided in her some time ago, saying that he was in love with Sarah.

He spent weeks in hospital surrounded by his family and Sarah, who said: “These weeks went by very slowly, everyone was really supportive of me, telling me all the lovely things that he had said about me. His family and friends kept me strong. I refused to believe that I had found my one and that he was going to be taken away from me.”

Phill recovered well and upon leaving hospital they were finally able to go on a date. Phill said: “It was a little surreal; she had met my entire family by this point so it was hardly a traditional first date!”

Since then, Phill and Sarah’s relationship has gone from strength to strength as Phill’s recovery has continued. Phill said: “Sarah is a wonderful person; she is always there for me and has given me a confidence and hope for the future.

“She’s had a positive impact on the whole family, especially taking the pressure off Olivia and my mother when it comes to caring for me. She is able to help me with my LVAD machine, helping to charge the batteries and plug me into the mains!”

Sarah is glad to have been able to make a difference not only to Phill’s life, but to Olivia’s too, saying: “I recognised from early on that Olivia, his daughter, had put all the pressure of keeping her father alive on her own shoulders because she wanted her father in her life for as long as possible.

“I wanted to give her the support and security that she had been without for so long.  At the same time, she had been used to being Phill’s main carer for so long that I couldn’t expect her to give up this role straight away.

“Between us we shared the responsibility and Olivia grew confident to know that she could spend time away and her father would be cared for and that I would contact her for help if I needed her.”

Phill’s recovery continues, saying: “I’m in a much better way physically, I’m back up to 11 stone from a low of just eight, I’m back doing some DJ-ing and even coaching the occasional football match. My life use to revolve around my health to the point where every conversation I had was about it. Now, I just want to talk to people about things that I like. Sarah and I are planning on going on holiday next which proves how much better I am now!”

Speaking of life with an LVAD machine, Phill said: “It can be tough. Every time I go to Sarah’s house I have to take two suitcases full of batteries and other things to keep me going. Whenever I’m on the road I’m worried about my batteries, we all hate it when our phones die on us but I’ve got even bigger things to worry about!”

Phill knows that the long term plan has to include a heart transplant and is still waiting on the call to come through to say that there is a heart ready for him. One thing that keeps him going is the thought of competing in the transplant games: “I love to play sport and I really miss that aspect of my life, it would be amazing to be able to compete again if I have a heart transplant.”

Speaking of the difference that Heart in a Box would make, Phill said: “It sounds like an incredible invention. At the moment it’s hard to stay positive whilst waiting for a transplant, I know that the chances of a suitable heart becoming available for me are slim.

“A lot of the difficulties come from basic factors like geography. If a heart becomes available in Glasgow it’s going to take a long time to get to where I need it and during this time it’s going to be deteriorating. The longer it’s out of the body the less chance you’ve got of it being accepted by the recipient’s body.

“Heart in a Box can change this, and I know that it will have such an amazing impact on people like me who are waiting for a heart to become available.”

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising for QEHB Charity said: “Phill has been through such a lot and his story of survival is frankly incredible. It means a huge amount to have his support for the Charity’s appeal, Phill’s story highlights the need for this amazing piece of equipment and demonstrates the difference it will make to people’s lives.”

“The generous donations that the Charity receives will make it possible to bring Heart in a Box to QEHB, changing lives and increasing the number of transplants carried out at the hospital.

“I look forward to hearing the stories of patients in the future who have benefitted from Heart in a Box and I wish Phill and Sarah the very best for the future.”

To find out more about Heart in a Box and to donate to the appeal, go to qehb.org/heart

Some of the images from the Celebration of Life of Cyrille Regis MBE at West Bromwich Albion Football Club

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