Wolverhampton City Archives celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday.

To mark the occasion the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, and Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, paid a visit to the Whitmore Hill venue.

Users, friends of the archives and staff - past and present - have also been nominating their favourite items from the archives’ vaults to be part of an exhibition - My Favourite Archive.

It showcases photographs, maps, documents and newspapers, as well as illustrating the variety of items kept within a high-tech accredited storage area.

The archives hold almost 700 years of recorded history, and ten of the City of Wolverhampton’s iconic collections have been nominated for visitors to see.

These include Theatrical archives for the Theatre Royal & Grand Theatre, accounts from Wolverhampton Constables, the Beatties Collection, Japanning Pattern Book, Works Leaving Sunbeam and copies of the Wolverhampton Chronicle.

Cllr Reynolds said: “The City Archives is one of the jewels in our crown.

“It provides an invaluable service to Wolverhampton residents and beyond – helping to put the city on the world map through its international links.

“We have £3.7 billion of investment on site or planned in the city and a bright future to look forward to – but it is important we do not forget about our heritage – and the archives ensures our proud history is recorded and well protected.”

The archives were founded in 1978 and in 2009 it became a separate entity from Central Library, moving to its existing home in the Molineux Hotel building.

The Molineux building was a family home until 1860, a pleasure park until 1889 and then in 2003, when a fire almost destroyed the building, the council launched an extensive restoration project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands, English Heritage, Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton Development Company.

The fully restored Grade II listed building retains many of the original features. Among these are the wood panelled Oak Room and ornate Rococo Room – both restored to their Georgian glory.

While the surroundings have changed radically since it was a family home, the remaining garden areas include period features such as an 18th century-styled kitchen garden, box hedging parterres, yew and holly topiary and seating, providing a peaceful oasis for visitors.

Wolverhampton City Archives exists to collect, preserve and make accessible historical records relating to the City of Wolverhampton, and to secure significant modern records for future generations.

Documents available include books, maps, plans; over 30,000 photographs; records of local churches, schools and other institutions; records of the city council and its predecessors; and records of local industries, clubs and societies.

Those who are interested in genealogy can use records including newspapers, census returns, probate records and electoral registers to find out about their family history.

Film star, Michael Sheen, is urging people to cast a vote for their local finalist in the National Lottery Awards 2018, the annual search to find the nation’s favourite Lottery funded projects.

In the running is Suited for Success which is competing for the title of the National Lottery’s Best Education Project and is the only project from the Midlands through to this year’s awards.  It’s one of 49 projects from around the UK competing in this year’s National Lottery Awards, which celebrate the inspirational people and projects who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

First impressions count. Suited for Success is a charity which provides essential moral support along with free second-hand suits and workwear to help unemployed men and women make a great first impression in a job interview that could change their life.

Managing director, Patricia White, says winning a prestigious National Lottery Award and having their work showcased on national television would be an honour:

“To be able to provide job interview presentation skills and FREE interview outfits to those who have experienced long-term unemployment, have a history of offending, drug abuse, homelessness, poverty and other life challenges is hugely rewarding.

“We’re delighted that our work on building self-esteem and confidence to help the people who need it most into employment has been recognised, and we’re thrilled that Suited for Success is the only Midlands project in the running for the awards.”

Film star and National Lottery Awards ambassador, Michael Sheen, says: “I am immensely proud of the incredible work these National Lottery funded projects deliver day in and day out in our communities throughout the UK.

“Their truly life-changing work is only made possible through the amazing dedication of all the staff and volunteers who run them. My message is simple - these extraordinary finalists need your support, so please get voting!”

The project with the most votes will be crowned the winner and receive a £5,000 cash prize to spend on their project, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded glittering awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One on 26 September 2018.

A critically endangered ibis which became extinct in Europe more than 300 years ago has successfully bred at Birdland.

The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction is looking after no fewer than five Walldrapp, or northern bald ibis, chicks.

The ibis was once common throughout much of Europe the Middle East and northern Africa, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years.

It disappeared from Europe in the 18th century, and is now considered critically endangered.

A critically endangered (CR) species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

“Two of our ibis couples, which pair for life, have successfully hatched their eggs this year which is a first for us,” said Head Keeper Alistair Keen.

“The birds have bred in the past but this is the first time we have had so many chicks together so we're extremely pleased and optimistic all five will rear successfully.

“Our waldrapp ibis are part of a European captive breeding programme and the plan will be for the chicks to eventually move to other collections and help protect these incredible birds from extinction,” he added.

Today less than 1,000 birds survive in the wild; 600 in Morocco, 200 in southern Turkey and a small remnant in east Africa. Until recently there was a small population in Syria but this is believed to have died out as a result of the civil war.

Growing up to 80cms tall, the northern bald ibis is a large, iridescent black bird with a long, curved beak, bald head and neck and bizarre ruff of feathers.

The bird has a fascinating and long association with humans. In Ancient Egypt it was revered, along with the sacred ibis, as a holy bird and a symbol of brilliance and splendour.

In Turkey the species' annual migration was believed to guide Hajj pilgrims to Mecca and, according to local legend, it was the second bird Noah released from the Ark.

In 1504, a decree by Archbishop Leonhard of Salzburg made the northern bald ibis one of the world's earliest officially protected species and in 1557 it featured in the Bird Book by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner - among Europe's oldest and most famous illustrated books on native wildlife.

About 98% of the population died out between 1900 and 2002, as a result of hunting, loss of habitat, pesticide poisoning, disturbance, and dam construction.

A number of conservation programmes are now underway, including an ambitious attempt by a German group to reintroduce the species into Europe. They are using a microlight plane to try and re-teach captive-bred birds, released in the northern Alps, to fly south for the winter.

Jane Austen’s lively tale of love and heartbreak will be brought to life in the great outdoors this September – in a bid to raise vital funds for a Birmingham hospice.

Birmingham St Mary’s is hosting ‘Live at the Pavilion: Sense and Sensibility’, in which they’re inviting local people to enjoy a magical evening of theatre and picnic under the sky.

Taking place on Sunday 2 September in the hidden grounds of King Edward’s School’s cricket pavilion, the performance will follow the loves and lives of the famous Dashwood sisters as they make their first forays into the exciting world of Regency society.

Adapted by the award-winning writer Laura Turner, viewers will watch as Elinor and Marianne fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time – as well as find that all-important balance between sense and sensibility.

In addition to the drama, spectators will be able to enjoy a luxury picnic hamper which includes honey glazed gammon, homemade quiche, seasonal berry Eton Mess and more. Prosecco, wine and other drinks will also be available to purchase.

All funds from the picnic will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local people living with life-limiting illness.

Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “What better way is there to enjoy Sense and Sensibility than in the magical surroundings of the great outdoors? Come rain or shine, we’re excited to bring this Jane Austen classic to Birmingham and look forward to watching the Dashwood drama unfold like never before.

“It will cost £8 million to run our hospice this year, so Live at the Pavilion is a unique way to enjoy a relaxed theatre performance whilst raising vital funds for charity. We really do rely on the kind generosity of local people to ensure we can continue to provide our expert hospice care to everyone that needs us, wherever and whenever they need us.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s cares for 350 people across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the hospice, in people’s own homes, or in community locations.

Sense and Sensibility will be performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company from 4.30pm to 9pm. Tickets cost £16. Picnic hampers start at £14.50 and include cutlery, plates and napkins. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or deck chairs.

This Christmas Blenheim Palace will be transformed, both inside and out, showcasing the biggest Christmas ever to take place at the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site. With a new indoor Cinderella experience taking over the Palace State Rooms during the day and a bigger and better Christmas light trail illuminating the 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland in the evening; visitors can expect an incredible festive experience from November 2018.

Cinderella: The Fairytale Experience

New from 23 November 2018 – 6 January 2019, the State Rooms of Britain's Greatest Palace will be adorned with seasonal decorations as it transforms into a Cinderella experience. Wander beneath garlands into rooms filled with Christmas trees glistening with ornaments, ribbons, baubles, holly and swags of mistletoe...

The story begins as visitors are welcomed into The Great Hall, from where they walk along colonnades and through historic rooms filled with hidden surprises. The Stepmother's drawing room is set for Afternoon Tea, the Ugly Sister's room is bright and bold, scattered with clothes, books and shoes, whilst Cinderella's room is home to her delicate hand-made gown.

Walk through a larger-than-life storybook into the crystal world of The Fairy Godmother, then along to the Prince's charmingly grand room.

The Long Library is transformed into a glass-inspired Ballroom, filled with laughter and dance. Midnight strikes, the clocks all chime..... as the story ends. Visitors can hang their own wish upon the Wishing Tree in the romantically candlelit chapel.

Don't forget to visit the Stables to rummage through the dressing up box. Become a King, Queen, Prince or Princess for the day. Once in your finery, pose by carriages and pumpkins to recreate your very own fairy tale Cinderella moment.

New Christmas Market in the Great Court*

Christmas at Blenheim Palace will also be hosting a brand new extended Christmas market.

Escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market set against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Court. Filled with a variety of hand- picked, irresistible gifts, unique works by a range of designers and tempting treats for foodies, it's the perfect addition to a Christmas day out at Blenheim Palace.

With ceramics, textiles, homewares, leather goods, jewellery, toys, stationery, bags, hats and so much more, it is the perfect place for visitors to begin their Christmas shopping!

The Illuminated Trail

Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns from 23 November, 2018 – 1 January 2019, illuminating England's finest view with a bigger, brighter and more spectacular evening trail than ever before.

New for 2018, visitors can expect over a million pea-lights, lasers and projections. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with silvery shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

From the delicate and twinkling to the grand and spectacular, follow the lakeside path past the Gingerbread House and under hundreds of larger-than-life glowing flowers suspended in the branches. Sparkling hedgerows and tunnels lead visitors to a brand new Field of Light and on towards a garden filled with jewel-like, colour changing globes. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for Bubble Path before pausing at the flickering scented flames of the Fire Garden for a moment of tranquil reflection.

As visitors walk through a Canopy of Light festooned with over 100,000 pea-lights, the mesmerising voices of Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas and his elves along the way before you pause at the Water Terrace Finale to enjoy the jumping water jets, projections and criss-crossing beams of light as they dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Gather to toast your own marshmallows at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel and enjoy other traditional fare before browsing Blenheim Palace's well stocked gift shop.

City of Wolverhampton residents on Thursday celebrated learning success at an event designed to show them their next steps towards employment or further education.

Participants from the Language@Work programme run by City of Wolverhampton Council in partnership with Wolverhampton Leaning Platform gathered at the Old School Building in Dudley Road, Blakenhall.

They were presented with certificates by Councillor Lynne Moran, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, and were able to look at a range of options from employment and education providers such as Wolves at Work, YOO Recruit, City of Wolverhampton Council Community Services, Aspiring Futures, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and Workers’ Educational Association (WEA).

The Language@Work programme is one of several Learning Communities programmes helping residents access wider city education and skills services by breaking down barriers such as language, health, low or no previous education, and criminal convictions.

Wolverhampton Learning Platform, is working closely with the council to coordinate and deliver on this strategy.

Other programmes currently available across the city are Mind@Work, First Steps into Construction, and Get into Cleaning.

Cllr Moran said: “These programmes are designed to enable residents who need support to engage, integrate and contribute to society.

“The event yesterday was an opportunity for learners to access services and support they may not have known about.

“This city-wide initiative in partnership with Wolverhampton Learning Platform is geared around providing a coordinated response to learning on your door step, at a grass roots community level for those who may not have accessed learning and support previously or for a long time.”

The Language@Work programme has seen participants benefit from customised support, introductions to a range of services from across the city, IT, work-related courses and Information Advice and Guidance, with around 25 per cent going on to secure employment and 75 per cent progressing onto positive pathways.

Adam Bhardwaj of Wolverhampton Learning Platform added: “Learning Communities is an excellent initiative which provides learning, training and employment opportunities for the local residents of Wolverhampton within their local communities.”