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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.