Latest figures released by the National Custom & Self Build Association reveal that 33,000 people have already signed up to the Right to Build register since October 2017, which means that at least half of the demand for serviced plots will have to be authorised by October 2019. To support more people in their desire to build homes in the region and inspire remodelling projects, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 22-25 March 2018. Over four packed days, visitors will benefit from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses in the extended venue.

The event is a best-in-class marketplace for all the latest products and services provided by specialist companies in industries ranging from kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; heating; energy efficiency; architecture; design; financial services; planning permission and much more. Aside from providing advice and guidance, real case studies will be at the show to discuss the dilemmas they faced during their self-build/renovation experience, helping visitors with similar problems.

On site, visitors will be able to book bespoke consultations with celebrity experts who present their favourite TV property programmes. Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be on-hand to discuss homes of the future, new architectural ideas and eco living. Julia Kendell, interior design expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS The Build’ and ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’, will also be there to meet with visitors and talk about trendy interior adaptions and offer inspiration to anyone who wants to revamp their home.

The Advice Centre, a drop-in hub for one-on-one impartial guidance, is open to people who are interested in running ideas past property specialists with years of experience in their field. This show area will see the return of the Ask the Builder zone, where visitors will be given tips on locating approved construction workers from members of the Federation of Master Builders.

Visitors who are interested in free one-on-one appointments with chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will want to stop by the Ask the Architect area, which will cover a wide array of topics such as extensions, new builds, internal alterations and much more.

For objective tailored advice, the Ask the Expert zone will provide 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s leading property specialists. Visitors will be able to talk through their plans with Michael Holmes (director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Jason Orme (editorial director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Mariana Pedroso (interior designer and architect); Hugo Tugman (chair and founder of Architect Your Home); Tim Pullen (eco-expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (building expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Allan Corfield (self-build expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine) and Sally Tagg (an expert on planning permission).

The voluntary organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, based in Birmingham, UK, has agreed to develop Sheetal Kund near the Rajgir Gurdwara in India into a tourist spot.

On the request of Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, GNNSJ took on the initiative. The foundation stone was intended to be laid by Nitish in December last year but the programme was deferred.

Chairman of GNNSJ Bhai Shahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh mentioned that the blueprint for the development of Sheetal Kund Gurdwara is already drawn up.

"The Jattha will bear whatever funds are required. Sheetal Kund gurdwara is the first project taken up by the Jattha after Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City," said Mohinder.

Sheetal Kund is associated with Guru Nanak, and is believed that Guru Nanak visited the Kund at Rajgir in Nalanda district with two disciples about 450 years ago.

"Mardana, a Muslim, suddenly felt thirsty. After taking permission from Sri Guru Nanak Dev, he went to a nearby kund (waterhole) which was hot. Unable to quench his thirst, he returned and requested the Guru to help him. After repeated requests, the Guru visited the waterfall. When Guru Nanak Dev's feet touched the water, it cooled down, earning its name Sheetal Kund," said Trilok Singh Nishad, chairman of Shree Sanatani Sikh Sabha.

Wolverhampton will come together remember the victims of Nazi persecution, the Holocaust and other genocides around the world when the City marks Holocaust Memorial Day later this month.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu will lay a wreath during a service led by Inter-Faith Wolverhampton at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square on Friday 26 January, 2018.

Mayor Councillor Mattu said: "Holocaust Memorial Day represents an opportunity to remember the millions of people who were murdered or whose lives were changed beyond recognition as a result of the Holocaust, persecution or genocide.

"It is hugely important that we do not forget what happened during the Second World War and that we educate future generations about the Holocaust, because everyone has a responsibility to fight the evils of discrimination, racism and xenophobia."

The service in St Peter's Square starts at 11am and will be attended by representatives from various faith communities, Trade Unions and pensioners’ organisations, Civic leaders and members of the public.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January – the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkena – and is organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

This year's event will focus on the power of words. It will recognise that spoken and written words from individuals, corporations, community organisations or the state can have a huge impact, whether good or bad, and explore how language was used in the past and is being used today.

A £6.49 painting kit could follow in the footsteps of fidget spinners by becoming 2018’s first new toy craze.

Online marketplace OnBuy says it has seen demand for the simple painting package soar as a fad for pebble-hunting gathers pace up and down the nation.

The game, often driven by Facebook and Instagram, sees people painting pebbles and hiding them around their local area for others to find, photograph and share on social media before re-hiding them for someone else to find.

It started in America and is now sweeping Britain, with reports of coloured rocks being found everywhere from Devon, Dorset and Hampshire to Yorkshire, Norfolk and Scotland.

With the strangely addictive fidget spinner the fourth most searched term on Google in 2017 after Meghan Markle, the iPhone 8 and Hurricane Irma, the thirst for the next new trend has never been greater. Pebble painting kits could take up one of Google's top spots next year, says Cas Paton, Managing Director of OnBuy.

He said: “We think this creative craze looks set to continue and be the next big thing for 2018.

“It’s so much cheaper than some of the things we’ve seen catching the imagination in the past – anyone can go out and pick up pebbles from the beach, or even their own back gardens, and parents love it because it gets the kids away from their phones and tablets.

“It’s something that appeals to every generation, and the creative possibilities with the designs are endless.”

OnBuy’s rapidly-growing online marketplace is the perfect one-stop shop for all your favourite toys, with thousands of product lines from registered sellers.

Based in the UK, low fees for sellers mean savings for customers, making OnBuy the better value alternative to Amazon.

Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro's immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020.

The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination.

“With such incredible demand, and high occupancy experienced throughout the year at the Resort, extending the Field of Light to 31 December 2020 will allow even more guests to enjoy this extraordinary experience,” said Voyages Executive General Manager Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Ray Stone.

“Since opening, more than 200,000 guests have been deeply moved by the Field of Light, it's hard not to be. This further extension offers guests the opportunity to enjoy not only the spiritual nature of the destination, but experience it in a unique and mesmerising way,” said Ray.

The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara, is Munro's largest work to date, with more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of nine football fields. It is also the artist's first work to be illuminated entirely through solar power. The spheres, connected via illuminated optical fibre, bloom as darkness falls. Pathways draw viewers into the artwork, which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars.

Tourism Australia MD, John O'Sullivan welcomed the decision to extend the exhibition until the end of December 2020. “Field of Light has been a remarkable success and there's clearly still significant demand amongst people both here in Australia and overseas to make the journey to Uluru to see what is unquestionably one of world's most spectacular and immersive exhibitions. People travel to experience difference and this is about as unique a way of connecting with one of our country's most spectacular natural wonders as you're ever likely to get,” he said.

The award-winning exhibition has received extensive media attention during its two seasons, significantly featuring in 2017's Qantas Safety Video with over 90 million views worldwide.

“I am greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork.  It's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this – flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru, is immensely powerful to people,” said Bruce.

Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning 'beautiful flavour' in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.