Stoke-on-Trent is set to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Potteries author Arnold Bennett in 2017. Bennett's literary legacy is vast.  He was a writer of books, novels, plays and philosophical musings.  He was a journalist, a travel writer, a raconteur and wit.  He was a resident of the Savoy Hotel, in London.  He gave his name to an Omelette (still cooked and served by many of the leading chefs and top restaurants in Britain today).  He lived in France.  And Stoke-on-Trent.  And London.  And he was mourned nation-wide when he died.

Today, the Heritage Lottery Fund has published State of UK Public Parks 2016, its secondreport to comprehensively review the condition and management of the UK’s public parks. An investment of over £75m of National Lottery money has played a vital role in ensuring public parks across the West Midlands are in better condition, with improved facilities and renovated historic features. However, with park managers across the region reporting an expectation of further budget cuts, this investment could be lost as the risk of decline and potential facility closures continues to grow.  

Midlands businesses are being asked to ‘step out’ in support of a local charity next month and raise awareness of domestic abuse. The Haven Wolverhampton wants firms to collectively take one million steps during October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Any activity is welcomed, so long as the steps are counted and added to the charity’s overall tally.  There is also a 6,000 step community walk in aid of The Haven on Saturday, 8 October, which starts and finishes at the Molineux Stadium, for those who prefer to join in with an organised event.

Further to new research from Bristol University suggesting just under one-third (31%) of dogs were found to be carrying a tick, Andrew  Bucher, Chief Veterinary Officer at MedicAnimal has provided his thoughts to why the numbers are so high and what dog owners can do to treat ticks. A lack of adjustment to warmer winters prolonging the lives of ticks leaves pet owners and their animals at risk of contracting a range of illnesses.

People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to get on their bike and join Cycle to Work Day on Wednesday 14 September, 2016. The City of Wolverhampton Council is supporting the national campaign and is urging people to register now at www.cycletoworkday.org. Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Cycling is low cost and something that most of us can easily make part of our daily routine.

Animal welfare charities are concerned the number of primates being kept as pets in ‘backyard Britain’ is on the rise as welfare complaints have increased three-fold in five years. An estimated 5,000 primates are being kept as pets up and down the UK - but new data suggests that many are suffering and not having vital social, dietary and environmental needs met.