A new, free way to help people to monitor their weight has been introduced at Sandwell libraries.

Weigh2GO is a free, informal, self-monitoring weight management programme using the latest technology and is available at all Sandwell libraries.

The scheme – which uses smart scales for people to track and monitor their weight – is run by the council's public health team with support from libraries.

People who are Sandwell residents or have a Sandwell GP and have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 23 or above should contact the Healthy Sandwell team on 0800 011 4656 for a free referral.

Under Weigh2GO, people weigh themselves on smart scales and their weight data is sent to their smart phones or smart devices and email account. They can also access support online and track their progress through the programme. The programme uses smart scales and is therefore compatible with wearable activity trackers.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This is a new valuable tool which can help people to get accurate and regular checks on their weight.

“I think it is important that this new service is available in all areas at all Sandwell libraries so that they have a flexible way in their busy lifestyles to regularly monitor their weight.”

Public health officers point out that since the scheme started, they have found that participants are losing a significant amount of weight.

This programme is supported by weight management development officers (WMDOs) who work for public health. They have expanded the programme into several community settings, such as leisure centres and faith organisations, to help more people access this simple but effective programme.

Blenheim Palace has an eggcellent Easter weekend planned for all the family to enjoy from 30 March – 2 April, with lots of additional fun to be had over the entire Easter holidays.

Follow an over-sized Easter Egg Hunt throughout the 'Capability' Brown Parkland and Pleasure Gardens with some 8ft giant decorated eggs to find. Explore the grounds to seek out the special 'Blenheim Egg', note its location on your map and enter into a competition to win an Easter surprise.

Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens will transform into an Easter wonderland with lots of interactive experiences, family-friendly activities and shows to enjoy.

Find a traditional Victorian fairground with vintage rides for the whole family.

Embark on an Easter Bunny Walkabout; or frolic with the fairy stilt walkers; plus have a go at Archery and get jumping on the bouncy castle or trampolines!

Families can also see an Easter Puppet Show, watch Balloon Twisters, take part in Circus Skills Workshops and have their faces painted over the four day celebration.

All the usual family favourites can still be found in The Pleasure Gardens throughout the holidays, with permanent features, including the giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, The Butterfly House and the Adventure Playground.

Tuck into a feast of family-friendly food with a range of fresh hot and cold snacks, handmade pizzas, soups, salads, ice cream and a selection of healthy choices for children.

Dr Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria's Executive Vice President in the second republic from 1979 - 1983, was an intellectual of many shades with several degrees and doctorate degrees. He was an example of the rare and quintessential Nigerian, who placed the country above personal, party or partisan interest, in the belief that the country could only move forward and realize it's vast potentials, only when politicians rise above personal and parochial interests and put the country first.

He had in fact prepared himself to lead our great country out of the doldrums, into international significance, and position Nigeria as a true world power economically and politically but that dream was never actualized.

Dr Ekwueme was a visionary, unifying and creative leader, focused on the progress and development of Nigeria. He was super brilliant, resourceful, disciplined, principled and hard working.

In 1999, he almost single- handedly founded and nurtured the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, with a view to leading the party to the general elections, and thereby, fulfill his nationalistic agenda for Nigeria, but this mandate was scuttled surreptitiously.

All through his life, the late Dr Ekwueme pursued philanthropy and the philosophy of one Nigeria, that should better the lot of her citizens. No wonder he built the Oko Polytechnic for his community and continued to support it throughout his life.

Nigeria and indeed Africa have lost a giant, whose loss is irreplaceable. His foot prints have been laid in the sands of time and his legacy will live forever.

We join all Nigerians to pray for eternal rest for our departed Dr Ekwueme.

Signed:

Mike Ndukwe Leader Council of Igbo Communities UK

Efuru Nwapa- Obua Secretary/ Legal Adviser Council of Igbo Communities UK

People can banish the winter blues and get fitter by joining in cycleathon sessions at Sandwell Central Library this month (January).

Five minutes on the library’s exercise bike means a mile travelled and is a good way of getting that little bit fitter.

Library staff are inviting everyone to come in and try out their exercise bike and see how many miles can be clocked up during one month.

Central Library in High Street, West Bromwich, has a range of fitness equipment to try and you can also borrow resistance bands and choose from a wide range of books on health and fitness.

Those wishing to lose weight can also take advantage of the Weigh2GO scheme where you can use smart Fitbit scales to get weighed and have the information sent straight to your phone.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This is another good idea for people to use a few minutes at their local library to get a little fitter for the year ahead.

“People calling in for books and the other library services can have a quick workout to get a health mind and healthy body.”

Dame Trot from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s pantomime, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK took some time out of her busy schedule to visit Wolverhampton’s new Debenhams store in the Mander Centre.

The Debenhams store opened its doors in October 2017 - perfect timing for the run up to Christmas – which has been a busy one for both staff at the store and at the theatre. With the pantomime ending its five-week run on Sunday, Dame Trot played by Ian Adams went to visit the staff for a pamper in the new Debenhams Store before one final week of performances.

Sonia Kaur, Service Manager at Debenhams Wolverhampton said; “it was a delight having Dame Trot and the boys visit the store – they’re certainly looking fabulous!”

Ian Adams has returned for a second year as Dame in the Grand Theatre pantomime. He recently formed StarDam productions – a company who specialise in creating stage versions of popular children’s stories which have also been popular at the Grand Theatre. Ian is currently nominated for Best Panto Dame in the Midlands in the What’s On Readers Awards. Voting is currently open here: https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/readers-awards-2018

Scott Bird, Press & PR Manager at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre said; “it’s great news that Ian Adams is recognised in the What’s On Readers’ Awards for Best Pantomime Dame. The new Debenhams store in the Mander Centre was the perfect place for a fabulous Dame and the boys to take some time out in style before the show!”

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK is now in its final week of performances and runs until Sunday 14 January 2018. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone on 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Leading property developer, Ion, who has been instrumental in helping City of Wolverhampton Council deliver the Interchange masterplan for the city, including the i10 office and the new bus station, has announced a public consultation event on Thursday, 18th January to showcase the plans for the eye-catching i9 modern office development proposed for Railway Drive.

It is hoped i9, which will provide 50,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space, will be completed in 2020 and could become a national or regional headquarters for a major business.

Glenn Howells Architects’ design was selected by the council and development partner, ION, from a strong field of ten UK leading architects and urban design practices.

They are the architects behind the Paradise Birmingham scheme – one of the biggest city centre development projects in the UK.

Fraser Godfrey, architect from Glenn Howells said: ‘The design had to be sensitive to neighbouring landmarks such as the Chubb Buildings and the Prince Albert pub and will become a stunning contemporary addition to Wolverhampton’s family of red-brick Victorian buildings. It is set to house restaurants or cafes in the ground floor of the building as well as a rooftop amenity space, with panoramic views towards the city centre conservation area and Interchange.’

A drop-in event held on Thursday, 18^th January, 3pm to 7pm at the Light House, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer St, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT, will give the public the opportunity to see the plans that Ion has developed for the site, meet the architects and give feedback to the developer’s team. Ion’s plans are also available to view on their website – http://iondevelopments.co.uk/projects/wolverhampton-i9/.

Ion is an expert at regeneration and have been instrumental in various transformational city centre schemes around the country including Liverpool Lime Street, Mann Island and the Speke Airport Hangers and Terminal Buildings.

Steve Parry, managing director of Ion, commented: ‘Glenn Howells have created a brilliant concept for i9. It will strengthen Wolverhampton’s appeal as a place to conduct business. We look forward to showcasing the design and hearing the feedback from the public.’

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: ‘Glenn Howells Architects have produced outstanding designs, that combined with blueprints for the other parcels of land, will help us quickly progress developments with our Interchange partners over the coming years.

‘Since i10 was completed we have seen increasing demand for quality office space in that location of the city, particularly from large space users.

‘i9 was always envisaged to satisfy that demand, and we are confident these plans will deliver a landmark office building of the utmost quality that is entirely appropriate to its important historic setting.

‘We want this building to become the design and quality benchmark for future developments in the city and to demonstrate our ambition for the city centre.’