Community News

The UNESCO International Memory of the World programme has recognised the immense significance to world culture of the ‘Shakespeare Documents’ – the key archival sources for William Shakespeare’s biography. This material now has equivalent status in the documentary sphere as the pyramids have for the world’s built heritage.

The successful nomination was led by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in partnership with The National Archives, Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service, the College of Arms, the British Library and London Metropolitan Archives in the UK, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C, USA. Together these specialist archive and library repositories care for the precious ‘Shakespeare Documents’.

Their inclusion on the International Memory of the World register recognises the universal cultural and historical value of 90 documents relating to Shakespeare’s baptism, burial, family matters, property records, legal actions and business dealings.

Amy Hurst, Collections Archivist at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said, “The documentary trail left by Shakespeare during his life time provides a rich narrative of his life, giving unique insights into his personal circumstances and how these may have influenced his creative work. We hold 31 of the hand-written documents from Shakespeare’s lifetime that mention him by name and provide a vivid insight into his life as an Elizabethan gentleman and businessman. This material allows audiences to connect with Shakespeare, getting closer to the world’s most celebrated poet and playwright.”

The international registration follows the successful collaboration between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and The National Archives, since their ‘Shakespeare Documents’ entered the UK UNESCO Memory of the World programme in 2014. This led to a special exhibition to mark the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016, and the return of Shakespeare’s will - loaned by The National Archives - to Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time since it was written. “The attention and excitement this generated demonstrated the vibrancy and draw that documentary heritage can have,” said Amy Hurst. “Our mission as a charity is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times. It is tremendously exciting to be working with our international registration partners to open up even more opportunities to promote these documentary treasures and engage with international networks and audiences.”

UNESCO’s International Memory of the World initiative works specifically with documentary heritage - manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials and publications – that have “universal value” which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. While the first principal of the programme is to safeguard material, from neglect, disaster or deliberate destruction, the internationally recognised status also opens up funding opportunities for conservation, digitisation, and use of innovative technologies to widen access.

Dr Katy Mair, Head of Early Modern Records at The National Archives, said, “You often hear it said that we don’t know much about Shakespeare; the personality behind the plays. But it is possible to piece together a substantial amount about his life. The Shakespeare documents held by The National Archives form the largest collection of its kind and feature nearly half of all known contemporary references to his life – including four of his six known signatures.

“Our collection provides a priceless perspective on Shakespeare’s life in London. It shows him appearing as a resident in the Elizabethan city, with the documentary trail then charting his rise in fortune, both professional and financial, reaching the heady heights of success at the court of James I and ending with his famous will. Paper and ink analysis of the three-page manuscript conducted in 2016 has forced scholars to reassess many of the assumptions about Shakespeare’s family life and death. He was a canny businessman who revised his will several times during his lifetime to provide for his family.

“We are pleased to see the global significance of these 400-year-old documents being recognised by the UNESCO International Memory of the World Programme.”

Dr Lisa Snook, User Services Manager, Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service, said, “Three documents in our collections at The Hive, Worcester, help to tell the story of Shakespeare's personal life in Stratford rather than his literary life.  The bond for the marriage of William and Anne, and the subsequent recording of the marriage licence in the Bishop of Worcester's register of 1582 are part of the vast Diocese of Worcester collection.  They show the process through which Shakespeare sought to marry, and in turn they reveal much about his circumstances at the time.   The will of Thomas Whittington gives a fascinating insight into his personal networks and connections in Stratford, as well as the connections of his wife and her philanthropic work.  Thomas names Anne Shakespeare and specifically requests that she distributes money to the poor of Stratford.  We are very proud of our Shakespeare connections, and are delighted that the collective documents relating to his work and his life are being recognised in this way.”

Dr Lynsey Darby of the College of Arms said, “Our archives have for centuries preserved official records of grants and confirmations of coats of arms, as well as records of genealogy and state ceremonial. Among the treasures of this archive are records of the grant of arms made to William Shakespeare’s father John of Stratford upon Avon in 1596. This application for a coat of arms on his father’s behalf shows the value the playwright placed on a visible symbol of his family’s gentry status, and the importance of having this status confirmed by the heralds of the College of Arms. We are delighted that these and other vital Shakespeare documents have been granted this special recognition of their significance.”

William Frame, Head of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, “The British Library is delighted that UNESCO has chosen to recognise the importance of these documents.  The four British Library documents, which all date from the last 15 years of Shakespeare’s life, shed light on his financial affairs and provide tantalising glimpses of the views that Shakespeare’s contemporaries had of the man and his work.  We have digitised all four documents and hope that registration will bring these documents to a wider audience.”

The independent charity Crimestoppers is urging anyone who has information about those carrying a gun to tell us 100% anonymously what they know. The appeal is part of a 4-week campaign to make Birmingham’s streets safer.

Throughout 2017, the charity’s UK Contact Centre received nearly 500 pieces of information about gun crime from the public in the West Midlands who trusted us to pass on information. They did so in the certainty that they would always remain anonymous.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that gun crimes are up in England and Wales by 27% in the year to June 2017. Last year a surge in gun crime across Birmingham included incidents such as a drive-by shooting.

Pauline Hadley, West Midlands Regional Manager at the Crimestoppers charity, said: “Like all major cities, Birmingham has its fair share of gun crime and last year saw a particularly worrying rise in gun-related incidents. Join those 500 people who are already helping to keep our streets safe from gun crime, by telling us what you know.

“We urge anyone who has information to come forward and speak to us 100% anonymously. We are a charity giving people the power to speak up to stop crime. We won’t ask your name and we won’t judge. We’ll just listen to what you know. Please speak up and stay safe.”

If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Coventry will be welcoming international businesses including Google, Facebook and Barclays to help Midlands firms boost their digital capabilities at the Department for International Trade (DIT)’s Selling Online Conference next month.

The free event is an opportunity for business owners to learn about a variety of digital-based skills - from cyber security to app development and handling international transactions - through a series of interactive workshops and 1:1s with digital experts. These include representatives from Google, Facebook, Push Marketing, Bing, Marks & Clerk, Western Union, PayPal, parcelhero and Barclays.

The DIT’s Director of Export & Investment Midlands Engine, Simon Hall, will deliver the keynote speech along with Google, Barclays and PayPal to businesses on how they can reach new markets overseas through trading online.

One company taking advantage of online exporting is Northampton-based Stephensons Online Ltd. Established in 2010, they recently celebrated reaching £10million turnover with support from DIT to boost its digital skills. The business, which primarily sells beauty products, started by selling items through an eBay account and now operates a 7,500 sq ft warehouse and receives an order every 20 seconds.

Ian Harrison, Director of Exports, at Department for International Trade, comments: “Selling online allows companies of all sizes to extend their reach around the world and tap into new markets, something that would have taken an extraordinary amount of effort and investment without e-commerce.

“Midlands businesses can register for free and meet with inspirational speakers from the digital world, finding out first-hand what it takes to become a global success. It’s also a great chance to browse our digital expo and network with other businesses exploring the opportunities online.”

Grant Barber, Head of Marketing at Push Group, commented: “Push is a proud partner of the Department of International Trade and, alongside Google, will be bringing the latest in digital marketing innovation and thinking to the Midlands. At the event, we’ll be addressing topics from boosting your online sales with Google Shopping to staying ahead of your competitors through online lead generation, to help attendees understand how online advertising techniques can drive international expansion and navigate business in a digital world.”

The Selling Online Conference is one of a number of key upcoming events that will provide British businesses with the tools and platform to showcase their strengths to the worlds. Over the coming months, DIT will lead a delegation to Mobile World Congress (26^th February – 1^st March) and host the GREAT festival of innovation in Hong Kong (21^st – 24^th March).

A nursery school has been praised for setting high expectations for children, parents and staff after it was rated Good by Ofsted.

Inspector Heather Simpson visited Phoenix Nursery School in Blakenhall last month and found that Executive Headteacher Susan Lacey, her leadership team and governors "share a clear and ambitious vision" for their school.

Mrs Lacey managed the federation with Ashmore Park Nursery School "seamlessly and without disruption to children or staff", and has used the successful practice at Ashmore Park Nursery to further develop the quality of teaching and raise outcomes for children at Phoenix.

The steps the leadership team have taken have "made a positive difference", accelerating the pace of development and continuing to build on the school's strengths.

The learning environment has been improved with the refurbishment of the main classroom and the creation of additional space, while the quality of teaching has been improved through high-quality training. The governors are "very supportive" and have "invested heavily in improving facilities and teaching".

Teamwork is a strength and morale is high, with staff "proud to work at Phoenix". Children are "happy, safe and well cared for" and enjoy "excellent relationships" with their key workers.

Activities are "well planned and purposeful", and the "very good" ratio of adults to children ensures that all children receive "high levels of nurture and support", meaning they "thrive and get off to a good start in their education". Parents have very positive views of the school and have a good understanding of how well their children are doing.

Ofsted noted that Phoenix Nursery recognises the importance of "high-quality professional development" and strongly promotes this in a number of ways, including forming an international network between four schools in the West Midlands and five pre-schools in Sweden. The school is also taking part in a research project looking at the use of digital technology by young children, which is having a “strong impact" on their skills.

Inspectors also found a strong safeguarding culture within the nursery, with robust procedures in place.

Mrs Lacey said: "I am very proud of the team at Phoenix Nursery School and how the school has been transformed in the three years since the last inspection, both in terms of the environment and the quality of teaching and learning.

"The school is now involved in a further Erasmus research project which will enable the team to work with schools in Romania, Spain and Sweden which we hope will continue to improve the quality of education on offer at Phoenix Nursery School."

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I would like to congratulate Susan Lacey and her team on this very positive report which demonstrates the good progress that Phoenix Nursery School is making, and the benefits that its federation with Ashmore Park Nursery is delivering to both schools.

"Good early years’ education is so crucial to the development of our children, and it's fantastic to read that Phoenix Nursery School is providing just that."

More schools in Wolverhampton are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted than ever before.

The findings of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), carried out by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), indicate that skills shortages throughout the region are reaching critical levels. For Q4 2017, the number of businesses that reported experiencing recruitment difficulties was 82%, which sees an increase of 25% on the previous quarter.

Of the service sector companies hiring, the number reporting recruitment difficulties rose to 74%, amounting to an increase of 19% on Q3 2017 and 31% on Q4 2016. Furthermore, this current figure sees recruitment difficulties for the service sector standing at the highest level since records began. In particular, managerial and professional positions have proven to be difficult to fill.

In the manufacturing sector, the number of those recruiting who reported greater difficulties is at the highest level since Q4 2014, with figures currently standing at 63%. These latest figures highlight that skilled technical positions were the most difficult to fill for manufacturers, with 58% stating that they had experienced problems in filling these roles within their respective organisations.

However, despite the reported difficulties in recruiting, businesses throughout the Black Country have reported an increase in domestic sales of 5% on Q3 2017, whilst levels of business confidence have risen on the previous year.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “In recent years, both manufacturers and service sector organisations have consistently informed us of the recruitment difficulties they have experienced. Whilst there is positivity relating to increased levels of confidence, this is something that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency if we are to ensure that the business climate is conducive towards growth.

“As a Chamber, we are working to increase the engagement between businesses and education providers, which we hope may help to address the skills gap. In addition, through our Making The Future campaign we aim to work closely with relevant bodies and stakeholders in order to provide clarity for businesses regarding changes to skills policy.”

Stewart Towe, Chair of the Black Country LEP Board, said: “The Black Country economy continues to grow with the total GVA growing by 2.5% from £19.6bn in 2015 to £20.6bn in 2016. Whilst this growth is great news for the Black Country, surveys such as these show us that there is still work to do and in particular with relation to skills.

“The skills shortage is a key area of on-going development for the Black Country and the LEP has been working hard through programmes such as the Black Country Skills Factory to connect schools and businesses to ensure we are addressing skills shortages across key sectors building a skilled labour force as well as providing expert career advice and pathways for young people in the Black Country.

“We will ensure we make the most of the data shared through the Quarterly Economic Survey to continue to drive forward economic growth across the Black Country.”

With Blue Monday having just passed and Help for Heroes, (H4H), having just released new research about mental health, (below), Veteran Ryan Lewis from Colchester is hoping that by sharing his experiences he will encourage others to come forward.

The former Sergeant served for just under 15 years in the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery; touring Iraq and Afghanistan. The 33 year old, who was born in Germany but grew up in Aldershot, left in 2014 after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital earlier in 2012.

“In 2004 my regiment moved and I found myself in Colchester. I felt incredibly isolated as I was away from my family and had a young family of my own. Trying to balance my job in the army and my life at home was becoming too much. I also started having panic attacks in 2009 and wasn’t sleeping because of nightmares from what I’d seen in Iraq. In 2012 I tried to commit suicide but thankfully stopped myself. It was then that I got admitted to a psychiatric hospital. After being discharged I went back to work but people just didn’t know to handle me. It was when I left the army that I felt lost more than ever”.

Ryan decided to get in contact with Help for Heroes and visited the Recovery Centre near his home in Colchester. After signing up as a Band of Brother he now attends the centre regularly.

“When I first stepped through the doors of Chavasse VC House I didn’t want to mix with anyone. I kept my head down and didn’t want to talk. There was no pressure from anyone though. They just gently let me know that when I was ready they were ready. I started seeing a Psychological Wellbeing Advisor who helped me to see things from a different angle and enabled me to be more proactive when it came to problem solving. I’d had a lot done for me in the army, such as paying bills, so I had to learn how to take responsibility for my own budget”.

He continued: “I immediately saw the benefits and it changed my whole outlook on myself. As I grew stronger I started to talk with other veterans and realised that they had been through similar experiences. It was nice to be able to grab a brew and just be really honest about your feelings. I even took park in the Hero Ride in 2015; a fundraising event which saw 100 injured servicemen and women collectively cover 18,000 miles”.

Although the road to recovery can be long Ryan has come a remarkable way. After responding to a Facebook advert about extras being needed to play soldiers in a TV programme he has now signed up with an agency and has regular extras work. His first job was with Olivia Coleman in the Night Manager but Ryan has also worked on the Netflix Drama The Royals and the Inspector Morse spin-off Endeavour. More recently he has done films with Will Ferrell and Woody Harellson.

“It’s the hardest thing to make that phone call admitting that you need help. You have a fear of rejection or being judged. But nobody does. There is only acceptance. And plenty of others who are going through a similar situation. You feel like you’re the only person in the world feeling like this but you soon realise that’s not the case”.

A popular City of Wolverhampton Council-run centre for people with disabilities has been officially reopened after undergoing a major makeover.

The Brickkiln Centre, on Cherry Street, Graiseley, has been renovated and upgraded to enable it to welcome more service users and community groups.

The centre was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Phil Page and Cabinet Member for Adult Services Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE after being given a light, spacious, modern and welcoming feel.

It now boasts brighter decor, with colour coded and contrasting doors and handles and inclusive signage with braille designed to help people with a visual impairment get around more easily. The garden area has been improved, the domestic kitchen has new equipment and a Changing Place toilet, the third in Wolverhampton, has been installed for people who need support to attend to their personal care.

The venue offers a wide range of facilities, including a large sensory room, a community hall, IT facilities and an outdoor activity area. As well as adults and children with disabilities and the SupportPlus service for adults with a learning disability, the Brickkiln Centre is also used by local residents and associations, with a number of rooms available to hire including the sensory room, a small meeting area and a hall which can cater for up to 50.

The Brickkiln Centre is one of three City of Wolverhampton Council-run facilities for people with disabilities, all of which have recently been or are in the process of being renovated.

Action4Independence, on Albert Road near West Park, was transformed in 2016 and is now a bright, accessible venue offering art, horticultural, catering and Information Technology activities. It hosts a number of community groups, NHS teams and council services and is also home to Enable, a supported employment service for people with disabilities, and the Community Pathways team who help people who are disabled gain greater independence.

Meanwhile the Neil Dougherty Centre, on Pope Road, is currently undergoing modernisation work to bring its facilities up to the standards available at the Brickkiln Centre and Action4Independence and is due to reopen in the near future.

It will act as a base for the City Links service, which offers day opportunities to adults with a disability including football coaching in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at WV Active Aldersley and drama at the Arena Theatre. It also hosts sessions at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams and The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton.

Approximately £180,000 has been invested across the three sites, with the improvements at Brickkiln costing around £55,000.

Councillor Samuels OBE said: "The support that is available for people with disabilities in Wolverhampton has been transformed for the better over the last few years.

"We've moved away from traditional, more institutionalised forms of support based in large day centres to more inclusive activities designed to help people learn new skills and increase their independence as much as possible.

"I'm delighted to have officially reopened the Brickkiln Centre and look forward to the improvement work being completed at the Neil Dougherty Centre which will give us three fantastic facilities for use by both people with disabilities and the local community at key locations across the City."

As we live in an increasingly digitalised world, research shows that people in the West Midlands aren’t keeping up with documenting their financial affairs, according to new findings from Lloyds Bank, which reveals exactly how prepared the nation is for death.

The research revealed that those in the West Midlands with important financial information online are the least likely across the regions to have told their next of kin about their online accounts, with nearly three-quarters (71%) keeping quiet on this. This is in stark contrast to the majority of people being clear about their paper finances and more trivial concerns – one in ten (10%) said that they’d considered what will happen to their Facebook page in the event of their death.

To help navigate through the complexities of a loved one’s accounts, Lloyds Bank’s Bereavement team offers specially trained¹ advisers that provide help and guidance face to face or over the telephone.

In line with advancing technology, life expectancy in the UK has reached its highest ever levels prompting people to think they have more time to prepare. This has created a nation at risk of being unprepared, particularly those in the West Midlands as nearly two thirds (65%) are without a will, the highest proportion across the regions.

True to the nation’s typical ‘stiff upper lip’, just over a third (36%) of those in the West Midlands said that they’d never spoken to their loved ones about their personal and financial affairs in the event of their death, fairing only slightly better than the national average of 38%.

Robin Bulloch, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank, said:

“We all embrace technological advancement but this does mean that people in the West Midlands need to make sure that they’re taking as much care of their online finances now we operate in a more paperless society.

“It’s not easy for anyone to think about a time when they won’t be around, and often even tougher to talk about it. But our research shows that those who are left to organise the financial affairs of a loved one once they’ve passed away could be facing a challenging task. Either wills are not set out, accounts are not easily located or children are without legally binding guardianship. During what’s already a difficult time, this can add further pressure and upset.

“Most of us will naturally turn to family or friends to help manage a loved one’s affairs, however over a third of us don’t feel confident to manage their finances. This can include anything from accessing bank accounts to sorting out investments and pensions.”

Mr Motivator paid a visit to Birmingham's Bullring and Grand Central to blow away the January blues and get shoppers limbered up and back into the swing of shopping.

Those in need of something to make them smile, and a bit of motivation before hitting the shops on an otherwise miserable morning, were welcomed to centre by the fitness professional brightening up their 'Blue Monday'.

Donning a floral-print leotard and florescent leg warmers, Mr Motivator also revealed the latest get-up of Birmingham's iconic bull – an '80s inspired workout costume, similar to that of the guru's own – before lunging through Bullring and Grand Central to take consumers on a journey of squats, stretches and spending.

School’s out… for lots of half term fun at Birmingham Museums this February! Transport the little ones back in time across the different sites, from putting your building skills to use recreating the Great Fire of London skyline at Blakesley Hall, to becoming a Victorian sleuth at a murder mystery trail in Aston Hall. There’s also plenty of 21^st century fun to be had with the cutting edge, hands-on Operation Earth at Thinktank and you can sprinkle a touch of rainbow magic to your week at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery!

Marvel at the latest research on our natural world at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, with Operation Earth

Ever stopped to think about how mind-blowingly wondrous the world around us can be? You’ll bet your little ones (and adults alike) will be sufficiently mind-blown indeed by the launch of Operation Earth this February half term. Exploring the latest research from cutting-edge scientists who study the natural environment, this hands-on, environmental science programme will ensure you’re the first in the know about the latest discoveries of the crazy planet we live on. Open daily from 10am-5pm, Thinktank has plenty to offer over the half term week.

Look out for fun workshops in Thinktank’s new LEGO® Education Innovation Studio throughout half term too!

Colour and create with a sprinkling of rainbow magic at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Celebrating the ground-breaking Arts Council Collection Coming Out exhibition which is currently on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, light up your little ones’ lives with some rainbow magic this half term. The exhibition was conceived by Walker Art Gallery National Museums Liverpool and celebrates the LGBT community. The theme has inspired these fun family friendly activities.

Get arty with plenty of crafting opportunities throughout the week. Stand open-mouthed and mesmerised by the Round Room bathed in a rainbow, by creating your own using kaleidoscopes and rainbow glasses. Become a photography whizz by using the colours of the rainbow to make a special light drawing. Wave the big rainbow maker in the air, get it captured on camera by one of the museum workers and you’ll have your own special print to take home.

Become the author to your own rainbow story by joining in on some interactive storytelling: your drawings on the floor will piece together your own special story. And for just £3.50, design and build your own rainbow robot. This, plus even more colourful crafts, Rainbow Animations workshops and more make for a fun-packed half term week.

Rebuild the building blocks of history by stepping back to the Great Fire of London with Blakesley Hall

For just £1.50, on 20^th and 22^nd February, kids can craft their way to the London skyline by creating and decorating their very own 17^th century London buildings. Immerse the whole family in history by taking part in some Great Fire of London themed trails and competing in fun, fact-filled themed quizzes.

And with pre-booking being essential on this one, the family friendly 30 minute drama “From Pudding Lane to Pie Corner” is destined to be a firm half term favourite on 21^st February. Samuel Pepys makes a special trip to Blakesley Hall and recounts his fiery memories of London burning! The event is included in the normal admission price and there are two performances throughout the day at 12pm and 2pm.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. Make the most of the week off at our other sites:

Aston Hall sends the little ones time travelling, with a family friendly murder mystery trail. Visit the Hall between 11am and 4pm to sleuth your way to cracking the mystery of preventing a would-be assassin from 2048 stopping Victorian England’s Aston Hall from becoming a museum. Pre-booking is advisable, however you can turn up and pay for your entrance on the day and usual admission prices apply.

Pre-book your half term day trip to The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on Thursday 22^nd February, where your own guided tour of the Smith & Pepper jewellery factory is waiting for you, followed by an exciting craft activity!

At Sarehole Mill, there’s a scrummy day planned on Pancake Day, with a drop in baking session to whip up your own tasty pancakes! Just £2 for the baking sessions, held at 12.00-1.30pm and 2.00-3.00pm. Family craft and trail activities will also take place 20^th – 25^th February too.

Soho House is celebrating those who keep us safe, with a 999 Emergency Day on Thursday 22^nd February. With a day of jam-packed activities, take part in a meet and greet with Fireman Sam, talk to the Handsworth Fire Fighters and Police, and join in on plenty of 999 family craft activities and activity trails.

Junior Builder Week returns to the Legoland Windsor Resort's Hotels this February half term (9-17 February 2018) for a brick-filled week of fun.

Junior Builder Week 2018 sees a takeover of Lego Minifigure in celebration of the 40th birthday of the Minifigure. Little builders can join in the fun, with an overnight stay and breakfast at the unique LegolandHotel or, or for the first time, the new Legoland Castle Hotel.

Junior builders will be given their very own Minifigure to add to their collection, or trade with other junior builder guests, before meeting all their favourite Lego Minifigure heroes who will be on hand for meet and greets throughout the day. Budding builders can put their building skills to the ultimate test with a Lego speed build, take part in a Lego Minifigure hunt around the hotel, and receive a Lego gift and certificate to take home for all their building achievements.

The excitement continues into the evening, with three Lego themed restaurants to choose from, the Movie Den screening a host of Lego themed movies, and evening entertainment for all the family to enjoy, before settling down in one of the Resort's themed rooms. With a choice of Lego Friends, Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, Wizard or Knights themed rooms, there's something for everyone. Guests will also have access to the splash-tastic Lego Pirate themed pool during their stay.

Celebrate the International Year of the Coral Reef by discovering just what is so great about Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world where you can swim with Dwarf Minke Whales, float over colourful giant clams and look for six of the world's seven species of turtle.

Whether you like your Reef adventures big or small, wet or dry; exceptional visitor experiences can be found in Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to this World Heritage area.

Those wishing to tick bucket list boxes will look for the Great Eight – Clownfish, Potato Cod, giant clams, Manta rays, Maori wrasse, sharks, turtles and whales.

But don't stop there! The Great Barrier Reef has the “Magic Millions” – coral chomping Parrotfish, colour-changing Cuttlefish, and so much more.

With 1625 species of fish, one-third of the world's coral species and a mosaic of different reefs along its 2300km length, every day and night on the Great Barrier Reef delivers a different and memorable “David Attenborough” moment.

These days you are spoilt for choice with the way you experience the Reef. There are better boats, the latest equipment and knowledge shared by passionate crew to make the experience even better.

Tropical North Queensland's eco-accredited Reef operators offer diverse ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef with diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, helicopter flights, island getaways, helmet diving, kayaking, sailing, citizen science projects, live-aboard expeditions, semi-submersibles and marine biologist guided tours.

Several new vessels have joined the Reef fleet, an additional outer Reef pontoon has been installed, another has been refurbished with the addition of the Reef's first waterslide and a dive centre will soon open in Port Douglas adding even more ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland.

Less than a month after Birmingham was confirmed as the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, students from across the UK city will be gathering to debate the role of the intergovernmental organisation in the modern era.

In the first in a series of debates held in cities across the country, the event, taking place on Wednesday 17 January at Birmingham City Council House, wants to challenge received opinion about the Commonwealth. The event aims to position the Commonwealth as an organisation of significance in international affairs among the city’s 65,000 students and a positive force for change across the world.

The Commonwealth of Nations was formally constituted in 1949 and today represents 2.4 billion citizens across the world – more than one quarter of the world’s population in 52 countries. It works to help create and sustain an organisation that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous, and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values, which is inscribed in the Commonwealth Charter.

Professor Louise Toner is Associate Dean at Birmingham City University and Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association Education Focus Group, which brings together eight major universities and colleges in the West Midlands to celebrate and recognise the significance of their Commonwealth connections. She said:

“The Commonwealth has its roots in the British Empire and for that reason it remains controversial. However, unlike the British Empire, the Commonwealth focuses on harmony, modernisation and the establishment and maintenance of democracy among the former colonies. Plus, research shows that trade between two partner nations is likely be a third to a half more than when one or both trade partners was non-Commonwealth.

“Here in Birmingham, we are already looking ahead to the ‘Friendly Games’ in 2022, but in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Queensland this year and the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, also in April, it is more imperative than ever that young people consider what the Commonwealth means to them and how it can help shape their future.”

The Commonwealth is of particularly relevance to Birmingham due to the international complexion of the city, where 42 per cent of its citizens are from ethnic groups other than white and many of whom maintain contact with their countries of descent.

Organised by the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and journal ‘The Round Table’, the upcoming debate will argue the motion: “This House believes that the Commonwealth prevents the UK from moving on from the past and dealing with the future”.

It will be chaired by Jaspreet Singh, President of Birmingham City University Students’ Union. Jaspreet hails from Jalandhar district in the state of Punjab, India and is Birmingham’s first non-British student union president.

He said: “The Commonwealth is very important as it gives a platform for the former colonies of the British Empire to have their voice heard at an international level. However, we young people are living in a very interesting times, where things like trade often take a priority in big debates and toxic nationalism is acting as a curtain to disconnect peers from each other. The future of the Commonwealth, therefore, needs to find a balance between the colonial mind-set and the aspirations of young, enthusiastic global citizens. Within the framework of the Commonwealth, I believe that the future will bring many opportunities and greater experiences for those students who have their own global aspirations.

“It was a blessing for me to come from my rural village in Punjab to Birmingham City University. My University and Birmingham in general has acted as an incubator to equip me to work with and learn from the experiences of people from all different backgrounds, but specifically from origins within the Commonwealth.

“The Commonwealth should be a way through which young people from the diaspora can shape international discussions and relations, while still keeping in mind the experiences and sacrifices made by their ancestors. I certainly feel a greater sense of belonging to Birmingham after hearing the news about the Commonwealth Games 2022 taking place here in the city.”

Proposing the motion will be Nicholas Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy and student Alana Tomlin, both from the University of Birmingham. Opposing the motion will be Founding Chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Keith Stokes-Smith, along with Darrel Blake, a Black Studies undergraduate student at Birmingham City University.

In 2017, Birmingham City University became the first university in Europe to offer a degree in Black Studies.