Sandwell Council is asking people for their views on a proposed 20mph zone in Friar Park ward.

The 20mph zone would include traffic calming measures in Manor Road and Carrington Road, in the Friar Park ward.

Figures show there were four accidents involving casualties in Manor Road and two in Carrington Road since 2012.

Councillor Dave Hosell, Sandwell Council's cabinet for highways and environment, said: “We want residents and drivers’ views about these plans and have set up three meetings where people can come along and find out more about the proposals.”

The consultation events are from 5-7pm on 14 September at Park Hill Primary School, 21 September at St Luke’s Church Hall and 25 September at the Millennium Centre.

Letters will be delivered to homes in the first week of September explaining further details of the proposed scheme and the various ways residents can have their say.

This year, for the first time ever, the annual Christian arts festival, ‘Greenbelt,’ will be partnering with Amal, a British grant-giving fund supporting British Muslim art and culture, which providing opportunities for people in Britain, regardless of their faith or beliefs, to come together and explore the rich diversity of Muslim cultures and arts including storytelling, visual arts, theatre, poetry, music, dance and film.

The festival will be the first time Britain's biggest Christian arts festival, which has previously featured artists like U2, Moby and Cliff Richard, will host such a major Muslim presence with a full programme of performances.

Through this unique initiative, Christian and Muslim artistry, ideas, conversation and spirituality will be showcased together through a powerful ensemble of storytelling, visual arts, theatre, poetry, music and dance.

Championing imagination and values of compassion, conviviality and social justice, Amal believes that culture and the arts broaden horizons and forge common ground within and between communities, as it facilitates experiences, encounters and discoveries that help to address the complex and critical issues facing communities today in an inclusive atmosphere of creative expression and mutual respect. Through its varied activities, it hopes to achieve a deeper and broader understanding of Muslim cultures, thereby adding to the strength and vitality of contemporary British society.

Beginning in 2016, it started as a Programming Fund making grants in support of Muslim cultural productions over a pilot phase of around one year.

Taking place on August 25-28, on the grounds of Boughton House in Northamptonshire, the new Amal @ Greenbelt venue will be curated by Chicago cultural producer, Asad Ali Jafri, aka DJ Man-O-Wax, whop said: “We’re so excited to have received funding from Amal to produce a brand new venue and programme at Greenbelt this summer, showcasing Muslim art, culture, thought and spirituality

And we’re thrilled to introduce the curator we’ve appointed to shape the Amal programme for us this year.”

Nicola Elliott, founder and creative director of wellbeing and home fragrance brand, Neom Organics, will be the keynote speaker at a major business awards and celebration this October.

Nicola will deliver an inspirational speech at the 35^th Annual Women of the Year Awards taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Friday, 6 October.

The event, which includes the prize for Businesswoman of the Year, aims to inspire women and young girls to follow their dreams and achieve their goals in the world of business.

Nicola, who launched Neom in 2005, has done just that.  Having spent  years working 60-hour weeks at glossy magazines in London, she was burnt out and started to notice her own wellbeing suffer, as well as that of her colleagues and close friends.

This kick-started Nicola’s move into the field of wellbeing. She trained as an aromatherapist and nutritionist and from there, Neom Organics was launched.

Today, Neom’s promise is to create 100 per cent natural fragrance for the mind and body and aims to help women (and men) manage their wellbeing in a simple way.  All of the fragrances deliver true therapeutic benefits to relieve stress, aid sleep, boost energy or lift mood.

The company, which boasts countless awards and celebrity fans, has seen continued growth and now retails in three standalone stores, major stockists such as John Lewis, M&S and Selfridges, as well as independent salons and  spas in both the UK and overseas.

Nicola, who won an entrepreneur of the year award in 2012, will describe her career and how she has overseen the company’s expansion, as well as how she steers the creative vision of the brand and ensures that every product Neom creates serves a therapeutic need or purpose

Pauline Edden, director of Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards, said: “We are thrilled to have Nicola Elliott as our keynote speaker on our 35^th anniversary event.  It’s always a wonderful celebration for women’s achievements in business and society and to secure such a great speaker means this year’s event is one not to be missed.”

Judy Groves, director of the Businesswoman of the Year Award, said: “Nominations are open for Businesswoman of the Year and we’ve already had some very strong entries. My plea to women, however, is to put modesty to one side and put themselves forward for this award so that women and girls can be inspired by their achievements in the world of business.”

The UK’s biggest high-end Christmas shopping event, the Spirit of Christmas Fair is returning to Olympia London for its 17th year on the 30 October – 5 November 2017.

Visitors can uncover the most extraordinary gifts with the unrivalled and exciting new collections of 800 independent boutiques, all hand-picked by the Spirit of Christmas Fair gifting experts.

There’s something for everyone at this ultimate destination for Christmas shopping: gifts, home, fashion, baby & child, decorations, health & beauty to jewellery and men's. Discerning shoppers will be spoilt for choice with never-seen-before items across seven straight days.

Visitors will also be treated to exclusive tips and tricks from the best in the business with the complimentary interactive workshops. From creating floral arrangements with one of London’s top florists, to tasting some of the world's most decadent Champagnes with a Master of Wine, there’s something for everyone.

Foodies will rejoice in the gourmet heaven that is The Food Hall, including the Great Taste Food Market. A showcase like no other of the finest culinary delights from handmade Cornish cheeses, organic oils and preserves and the finest oak-smoked Scottish salmon, to luxury Christmas puddings, truffles and caviar. Not to mention the irresistible array of fine wines, teas, spirits and Champagne on offer.

Thi Dinh, Show Manager of the Spirit of Christmas Fair says:  “The Spirit of Christmas Fair is returning for the 17th year and is bigger and better than ever. We go to great pains to ensure every item has a distinct style and quality. We are proud to offer a unique shopping experience, so many of the brands are exclusively available to our shoppers only. Team this up with our interactive workshops with Sophie Conran and Claridge’s and not only do you have everything you’ll need this Christmas under one roof but a day of seasonal retail therapy to just enjoy with friends!”

The Mayor of Wolverhampton’s chosen charities are £1,098 better off thanks to the success of the city’s inaugural Festival of Food and Drink.

In line with tradition, the Mayor, Councillor Elias Mattu, has chosen a selection of charities which he and the Mayoress will raise money for over the year.

His chosen charities are Interfaith Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Sickle Cell Care Centre, Street Pastors, Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre and Acorns Children's Hospice.

More than 18,500 people attended the Festival of Food and Drink last month, with free tickets on offer.

Just over 1,000 visitors chose to pay on the gate, with half of the receipts going to the Mayor’s chosen charities and the other half to event costs.

Mayor Mattu said: “I’m tremendously proud of holding our first festival of food and drink which bought so many new visitors to the city and gave residents an opportunity to have a fabulous family day out.

“I’d like to thank the promoter for his kind donation and for everyone involved in making the weekend an occasion to remember.

“The money will be divided between the charities to boost the important work they all do.”

Festival of Food and Drink organiser William Power, of Street Banquet and Director of E11EVEN GROUP, added: “The Festival of Food and Drink was a great success, enjoyed by thousands of people, and I’m delighted it also delivered the added bonus of helping these fantastic charities.”

A Midlands city is preparing for what could be the biggest show of arts and cultural diversity with the ‘70 Rickshaws’ event which will be offering visitors the chance of a free ride in one of the world’s most classic forms of transport traditionally used in India and Pakistan.

Celebrating South Asian culture outside of Asia, the festival is being held to mark the 70^th anniversary of both countries’ 70^th Anniversary of Independence, with the aim of making 70 rides in a1 hour.

Now in its 7^th year, ‘An Indian Summer,’ will see the vibrant passenger cars escorting people throughout the streets of Leicester, in the East Midlands, where it will be making stops at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, Highcross Shopping Centre and Cathedral Gardens.

Festival Director Jiten Anand of organisers, Inspirate, said: “As a cultural organisation we are delighted to bring this range of world-class programming to the people of Leicester and beyond.

Our goal is to represent the next generation of South Asian arts and culture on the national stage and share this with as many communities as we can.”

Assistant City Mayor Piara Singh Clair says: “An Indian Summer - part of the City Festival, which represents all areas of sports, arts and culture which takes place in the city - is a fantastic project showcasing Indian heritage and culture in creative ways and I am proud to be an partner organisation in this city-wide festival.”

The event, on Sunday August 13, will see rickshaws also accompanying cyclists taking part in British Cycling and Ride Leicester as they race through the city’s streets.