Community News

The Government are being urged to provide businesses with greater reassurances over their ability to recruit migrant workers after plans for a new post-Brexit immigration system were unveiled.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced proposals which include the removal of a cap for medium and high-skilled workers on the number of work visas issued, widening of the skills threshold to include people with qualifications equivalent of A levels and ending requirements for resident labour market tests by employers who wish to sponsor a worker.

The Home Office say the new immigration and borders system, which will signal the end of free movement, is to be implemented in a phased approach from 2021.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said that while the white paper offers some positives - such as the increased flexibility on the skill levels of workers – it doesn’t go far enough in reassuring businesses.

Chief executive Paul Faulkner (pictured) said: “Across Greater Birmingham, and in all sectors, many businesses rely on EEA workers to fill vacancies they cannot recruit for within the UK.

“The immigration proposals released today reflect some consideration of business needs, but may not go far enough in reassuring these businesses.

“Increased flexibility on the skill levels of workers is a positive offer from the government, however the wider application of immigration charges to both employers and applicants will certainly be seen as yet a further burden on businesses.

“The consultation on the white paper in the New Year will be absolutely key in ensuring that post-Brexit immigration works for businesses, the UK economy, and applicants.

“The government must ensure that the proposed temporary worker scheme is a practicable facilitation for companies recruiting seasonal workers from the EEA, and we will be calling for the arbitrary salary threshold to be reduced, so as to reflect real-world conditions across the whole of the country.

“In the midst of any discussion on what Brexit will mean for the UK and for businesses, post-Brexit immigration is a dominating theme. It is crucial for the future of the UK, its communities and its economy that the immigration system adequately addresses the needs of businesses, and the Chambers invite the Home Office to visit Greater Birmingham and consult with interested members.

“I would also invite any businesses concerned about the impact of Brexit on their organisation to complete the GBCC’s quick, easy and free Business Brexit Health Check.

“This will offer the key information they need and a personalised report with suggested steps for preparing for Brexit related risks or taking up opportunities.”

West Bromwich Albion players Ahmed Hegazi and Bakary Sako took time out of their busy training schedule to officially open Moorlands Little Learners pre-school in West Bromwich.

The footballers cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the newly built nursery, within the school grounds on Winchester Road, that was saved from closure during 2017.

The nursery was temporarily moved to a nearby church hall after their building in school grounds was deemed unsuitable.

Sandwell Council was able to step in to prevent closure by funding the new £300,000 building as a permanent base for Moorlands Little Learners.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services, attended the opening. He said: “I know how concerned parents were at the possible closure of this nursery and I’m glad we were able to find the money to help fund Moorlands Little Learners.

“It was lovely to see the new building and meet staff and parents and as a life-long Baggies fan, I was thrilled to meet Hegazi and Sako at the opening.”

Kate Roberts headteacher at Moorlands Primary school said: “We are so pleased with our new building and hope it will be put to full use in the coming months.

“If we get enough take-up of places, we hope to be able to offer the government’s scheme of 30 hours of free childcare for families in the community.

“We were all thrilled to meet the players from West Bromwich Albion and thank them for coming to open our new building.”

Poorly patients at Sandwell Hospital were left delighted when West Bromwich Albion stars visited their bedsides to spread festive cheer.

Head Coach Darren Moore, along with Harvey Barnes, Kyle Bartley, Sam Johnstone and Matt Phillips met youngsters in the Children’s Ward and visited patients on the stroke rehabilitation ward where they signed autographs, posed for photographs and handed them gifts.

The event was organised in partnership with Your Trust Charity, which is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and serves to enhance the experience of patients, their families and staff.

Seven-month-old son Harry Hodgetts was being treated on the ward and received an electronic activity centre from goalie Sam Johnstone. His mum Sarah said: “It’s such a nice gesture and a lovely thing for the players to do. Harry loves his present.”

Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Albion players to our hospital, especially at Christmas.

“This year the players met not only some of our younger patients that we are currently treating but also some of those on our stroke rehabilitation ward.”

Abbie Hanlon, Play Specialist, added: “It’s been really heart-warming to see how happy it makes our patients and it’s very kind that the footballers take time out of their busy schedule to bring in gifts and chat to them.”

Darren added: “Some of these patients are avid Albion fans so it's good to get up close and personal with them.

"They cheer us on from the sidelines so it's up to us to help and encourage them through difficult times.

"We want to lend our support and give them a boost to get better. It helps breed positivity.

"It's important to come into the community - it's something I really believe in.

"To hear their stories is inspiring to us all."

And goalkeeper Johnstone echoed the words of the Baggies boss following the visit.

"We came here to visit people who are going through a hard time, probably going to be in hospital over Christmas, kids and adults," said the Albion stopper.

"It's meant to be a period for celebrations and spending time with family.

"Hopefully we've put some smiles on people's faces."

Wishing every one of our advertisers, readers, supporters and friends an amazing Christmas and Happy Holidays.

A group that works to improve the team building and social skills of Tipton children has received a special Sandwell Council grant.

The Little Nippers group provides children aged 5-11 from the Princes End area with workshops on sports, cosmetic making, cookery classes, robotics, seasonal crafts and movie sessions.

Children also got to enjoy a trip to Dudley Zoo’s Winter Wonderland event where they met Santa Claus and received a present.

The Thursday sessions started in November at St Mark's Church Hall and will run to mid-March.

Group chair James Marsh said: “I would like to thank Sandwell Council and local councillors who have supported us with funding to enable children to visit Santa and provide sports equipment and craft materials that will be used by children and make a difference to their lives.”

Councillor Ann Jarvis, town chair for Tipton, said: “This is a wonderful idea and the programme will give children a safe and warm environment where they can enjoy activities.

“The cosmetics and robotics workshops will help develop new interests and skills, which hopefully will lead to children spending less time on games consoles and mobile phones.

“And the cookery classes will teach children how to cook meals from fresh and unprepared ingredients, which are healthier to eat due to less salt and sugar being present compared to pre-made food and ready meals.”

It is hoped the activities will encourage children to use their imagination and develop new skills and hobbies. Children taking part in the skills workshops will also receive an information booklet, which they can take home with them, so they can continue with the activities at home.

A town grant of £691 is supporting these various activities.

Staff from a Black Country law firm have run, walked, climbed, baked, cycled and ‘dressed up and dressed down’ to raise £50,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).

All 200 employees across Talbots Law’s six offices in the Black Country and Worcestershire have taken part in the company-wide effort, which has helped it smash its annual target by £20,000.

The money raised will go towards lifesaving equipment for the fleet of four KIDS/NTS ambulances, which act as mobile intensive care units contained within an ambulance and used to provide emergency specialist transport for critically ill babies and children.

Mary Mocklow, Chief Executive of Talbots Law, commented: “It was a unanimous decision to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and I’m so proud of the way our employees have got involved and contributed in their own individual way.

“We’ve had people cycling over 250 miles to Paris, staff climbing mountains, running for the first time and loads of bake-offs – all to raise much needed money to support the tremendous work of the nurses, doctors at specialists at BCH.”

She continued: “The initial target was £30,000, but I’m delighted to announce this week that we have delivered £50,000, which is a fantastic achievement. Better still, we’ve decided to do it all again next year in a bid to raise £100,000 by 2020.”

Talbots Law staff haven’t just been raising money, they have also been donating their own time to complete a range of volunteering opportunities.

These activities have included entertaining patients waiting for appointments and helping to create a Christmas feel by putting up festive decorations in the wards.

This week, employees will be heading back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital to give out gifts to children who are not well enough to be at home for the festive period.

Mary concluded: “Next year, members of the team are already planning to repeat their brilliant fundraising performance by completing a skydive, whilst Sarah Rooney, Trainee Solicitor will be running the London Marathon in April.”

Millions of households are being urged not to risk sinking their celebrations this Christmas by tipping turkey fat and other leftovers down the plughole.

A new study by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has revealed that 1 in 5 consumers in England and Wales still put leftover fat, oil and grease from cooking down the kitchen sink or drain – and that could be a recipe for disaster this Christmas¹.

People aged from 18 to 34 are the most likely to have put fatty substances down the plughole, which can clog up sewer pipes and increase the risk of homes being flooded with sewage. Greasy leftovers can also block a property’s drains, leaving the household having to fork out hundreds of pounds to clear up the mess.

That’s why the Water Watchdog is urging everyone to stop and think about what they put down the sink as they prepare their Christmas dinner.

CCWater is encouraging people to use an old container – like a jam jar or butter tub – to collect leftover fat, gravy and grease and allow it to cool before scraping it into the bin.

Steve Grebby, CCWater’s Wastewater Policy Manager, said: “It might be tempting to put greasy leftovers down the kitchen sink but it really isn’t worth the risk of ruining your Christmas.”

“It’s much safer to let fat or grease cool in a container before scraping it straight into the bin. It might cost you a little more time but it could save you a lot of heartache and money.”

The number of homes flooded with sewage fell by a third last year to 3,560 but the water industry still spends an estimated £100 million a year clearing blocked sewers - and it’s consumers that pick up the tab through their sewerage bills.

Megumi Mesaku a.k.a. Miss Megoo, the talented saxophonist who wowed the audiences at The Phoenix Newspaper 8th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards has released a wonderful album available through all regular channels including iTunes and Amazon.

The Phoenix Newspaper Editor in Chief had this to say about the album: "BOOM!! The Number 1 album on the Reggae iTunes. A Perfect gift for Christmas with an excellent compilation of tracks to wet your tastebuds. A Must have! 10/10!"

You can get the album at the links below, but we also have copies of the album to give away to our lucky readers! For your chance to win just answer this simple question.

Megumi performs on which instrument?

1) Flute

2) Trombone

3) Saxophone

For your chance to win just email your answer through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your postal address and a contact telephone number. Competition closes at Midnight on the 23rd December. There is no cash alternative.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-saxy-reggae-christmas/1444448042

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saxy-Reggae-Christmas-Megumi-Mesaku/dp/B07KT6VDQS

Thanks to weather conditions this year, the organisers of Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market have a supply of Christmas trees that are still in nearly-new condition.

As the market packs up for another year, the organisers want the trees to be re-used if at all possible, so they do not have to be recycled into wood chippings before the end of their useful life.

If you are still after a tree just before Christmas, you can pick one up free of charge – on offer on a first-come, first-served basis. The details of where to collect the trees from are as follows:

Date: Monday 24 December

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: Outside the Apple Store on New Street

Pupils at a West Bromwich school are working with teachers in a bid to improve road safety by stopping motorists parking on zig-zag markings outside the school gates.

This follows concerns from the school’s headteacher Elaine Williams and local residents about the dangers to schoolchildren caused by motorists parking on zig-zag and double yellow lines outside Pennyhill Primary School.

Sandwell Council’s road safety education team and the school have been working with parents, teachers and the children to highlight the irresponsible parking.

Miss Williams has praised her pupils for working enthusiastically to highlight the problem.

Local residents have expressed concern about dangerous parking and the obstructions across residents’ driveways, despite regular patrols from traffic enforcement officers and the council’s safety camera car.

The road safety team have delivered assemblies and children were asked to get creative and create banners which have been placed around the perimeter of the school to encourage and motivate adults to park responsibly.

“The children have been working hard to try and share these important messages,” said Miss Williams. “When people park on the zig zags or the double yellow lines it makes it dangerous for children to cross the road.”

“We have recently had a few near misses and we desperately want to keep our children safe,” she said. “We are hoping that this will help people to realise how important it is to park safely and considerately.”

Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “This is a very impressive effort by the school and the children on a matter which is very important for the safety of children arriving and departing from school.

“I would like to congratulate everyone who is involved in this campaign and hope that their efforts and those of our road safety team remedies a dangerous situation. This is a problem across the borough and parents and other motorists must be more responsible in the way they park near schools.”

Councillor Hosell said the road safety education team would keep campaigning on this issue and would work with the police to further educate and enforce when necessary to ensure that children and parents can move safely around the school area.

The Samaritans team at the Solihull branch recently received some help of their own when Seddon completed some voluntary painting and decorating work as part of their social value pledges in relation to the company’s work with client West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service.

Every six seconds, the Samaritans respond to a call for help. With a network of 201 branches across the UK and Republic of Ireland, the charity reaches more than half a million people through work in local communities annually.

Mark Curtis and Geoff Green of Seddon’s painting division carried out 6 days’ painting works throughout the Solihull Samaritans branch, including the renovation of the ceilings, walls, door frames, kitchen, operations room and main staircase.

Because of the round-the-clock nature of the charity’s work the team ensured high levels of flexibility and consideration were employed during the hours they were onsite, for which the organisation was very grateful.

“I can’t thank the Seddon team enough for the work they have carried out for us,” said Michele Pym, director at Solihull Samaritans. “They have been so helpful and accommodating and we’re delighted with the final outcome.”

“It’s important that both our volunteers and callers feel calm and welcome when they come into the branch, and this revamp will massively contribute towards creating the desired positive environment.”

Paul Allcote, Contracts Manager at Seddon, said: “This has been a really rewarding project to work on because in the communities where we operate we like to support organisations, such as The Samaritans, to help them provide the best service they can.  I am glad to say that this particular job went very well with everyone at Solihull Samaritans making us very welcome and being great clients to work for.”

City of Wolverhampton’s Victorian Christmas Market at the weekend saw visitor figures double on last year to more than 30,000.

Following the success of the inaugural market in the Wulfruna Street area of the city in 2017, the decision was taken to move it to Queen Square, Dudley Street and Lichfield Street.

It is estimated the three-day market, from December 14 to 16, generated over £500,000 for the local business economy – and it will return next year.

Families enjoyed the festive fun and snapped up Christmas goodies from more than 100 stalls during the three-day market, delivered by City of Wolverhampton Council’s approved market operator, LSD Promotions.

The whole event was set to the backdrop of a funfair and the offer included a variety of traditional and international street food, local produce, seasonal handcrafted and home-baked goodies, bespoke Christmas decorations and holly wreaths, festive novelties and exclusive gifts, accessories and jewellery.

Entertainment included street artists, choirs, vocalists, instrumental performances, dance displays, living statues and Victorian themed stilt walkers.

Organiser Dermot McGillicuddy, LSD Promotions Director, said: “The Victorian Christmas Market saw more than 30,000 visitors over the three days and the operational team were very pleased with how everything went.

“The atmosphere was wonderful, and the people of Wolverhampton really seem to have taken this annual market into their hearts.

“We are already receiving trader and entertainment enquiries for next year, and I’d like to thank everyone at the council for their support in making this happen.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, added: “We are determined to grow and build the Victorian Christmas Market – and to double our visitor numbers in a year is great news for the City of Wolverhampton.

“It was the largest festive market the city has seen and it was wonderful to see it attract thousands of visitors – and boost the local economy.

“There was a great atmosphere around the market over the three days with people of all ages enjoying a variety of stalls offering festive goodies, plenty of food and drink, and fun activities at this special time of year.

“We are already now looking at ways we can make it even bigger and better next winter.”

While 69% of shoppers said they would try to cut down on single-use plastics like straws or carrier bags, a further 38% said they would choose gifts with less packaging, both steps which could help prevent our Christmas waste damaging wildlife.

The RSPCA has received more than 600 calls so far this year about animals which involved plastic - 88 from the West Midlands.

Just some of the calls received include:

• A swan with plastic packaging over its head in the West Midlands
• A bird with a plastic can holder around its beak
• A duck with a plastic ring around its neck

RSPCA Assistant Director of the Inspectorate Dermot Murphy said: “Sadly we see all too many animals coming into our centres sick and suffering due to the litter we throw away. It’s great news that shoppers are planning to be kinder to animals this Christmas in the choices they make and this could make a real difference to whether the animals around us also stay happy and healthy this festive season.

“Whether it’s reducing packaging, leaving food out for wildlife in the colder weather, volunteering or donating to an animal charity or shopping at a charity shop, there are lots of things you can do to be kinder to animals this Christmas.”

The poll by the RSPCA also revealed:

• Six out of ten people (62%) will be choosing cosmetics which haven’t been tested on animals*
• Half (53%) will be buying gifts from charities - like the RSPCA shop
• A third of people (33%) will be buying eco-friendly gifts
• Almost half of animal lovers (47%) will be taking a present or donation to an animal rescue centre
• A third (34%) will be buying higher welfare meat like RSPCA Assured labelled products

The RSPCA 2018 Christmas appeal asks animal lovers to Stock the Sleigh with vital items to make the festive season happy, healthy and safe for thousands of animals.

Last year during the festive season (1-31 Dec), the RSPCA answered more than 43,000 calls, many reporting neglected, abused or suffering animals. We also took in nearly 5,500 animals and gave them a warm bed, food, veterinary care and the care and attention they desperately needed, as well as continuing to look after thousands of animals already in our care.

People can give the gifts of care, safety and comfort to desperate animals this Christmas by stocking the RSPCA’s virtual sleigh at www.rspca.org.uk/giftofkindness.

The West Midlands is gearing up to align with the government’s Housing Deal targets of delivering nearly 16,000 homes a year out of a total nationwide ambition of 215,000, which will help meet the increasing demand in the region by 2031.

To help drive this objective, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 28-31 March 2019 to assist consumers and the trade with turning their property ambitions into reality. Over the course of four days, visitors will gain a wealth of industry knowledge from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses.

Birmingham’s largest homebuilding & renovating event will welcome for the first time Sian Astley, lady builder and TV presenter for BBC2’s ‘Watch This Space’. She will tackle topics ranging from fresh design ideas, cost-effective styling, mixing traditional style with a contemporary edge, to underfloor heating and insulation, due to the vast knowledge she gathered from over 22 years of experience.

Another premiere at the show will be marked by the introduction of Land Hub, a self-build stage in association with Plotfinder, the UK's land and renovation finding service, and Potton’s Self Build Academy. Through the Land Hub masterclasses visitors will be able to access everything they need to know about finding, assessing and buying a plot of land within bitesize sessions.

The event is a prime showcase of cutting-edge products and services by specialist companies from a broad variety of industries, including kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; extensions and conversions; eco and heating; architecture; design; financial services; planning permission and many more. People can also interact with real case studies to find out the most common obstacles they might face during their self-build and renovation process.

The Advice Centre, a drop-in clinic for personalised, impartial guidance, is open to people who are keen to run ideas past industry-leading specialists with years of experience in their fields. This section will see the return of the Ask the Builder area, where members of the Federation of Master Builders will offer tips to visitors on hiring accredited, highly-skilled construction workers.

Visitors interested in finding out more about the design, planning and construction process are encouraged to visit the Ask the Architect area, where chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will provide tailored advice via one-on-one sessions.

For personalised tips on all aspects of self-build and renovation, the Ask the Expert zone will offer 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with the UK’s leading property experts. Visitors will be able to discuss their ideas, plans or problems 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); Peter Richardson (construction director of Sennocke International); Tom McSherry (finance expert for Buildstore); Mike Cruickshank (self-build and construction expert for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); David Hilton (building expert and director of Heat and Energy Ltd); Tim Pullen (eco-expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (building expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Andy Stevens (builder and managing director of Eclipse Property Solutions); Jo Dyson (home renovator and co-founder of Mae House Design) and Sally Tagg (planning expert and managing director of Foxley Tagg Planning Ltd).

To assist visitors in the pre-construction phase, Oakwrights Design Consultation and The Potton Lounge will be offering bespoke consultations with members of their skilled design teams across the four days. Attendees who are interested in these sessions can pre-book their entry in advance via the event’s website.

All attendees can navigate their way on site with the help of the show app, available on iPhone and Android. They will be able to schedule and receive alerts for key seminars and masterclasses, browse through the list of professionals available at the Advice Centre, and access the latest offers and information.

Big-hearted staff from a Birmingham hospice surprised patients and their loved ones this December, with a music-filled Christmas celebration.

Team members from Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice swapped their notepads for guitars, as they played a lively set of Christmas tunes for patients to sing-a-long too.

The one-off ‘band’ – made up of hospice social workers, bereavement counsellors and volunteers – performed the set at Umberslade Nurseries in Selly Park, with the aim of spreading festive cheer to the people they care for.

Patients were also treated to turkey and stuffing sandwiches and homemade mince pies, as the team played classics such as ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and ‘Jingle Bells’.

Josephine Walker, who has been using the Hospice’s services for 18 months, said: “What a lovely surprise – it’s nice to be able to come down here and celebrate this time of year with other people. There’s been a wonderful atmosphere and I’m grateful that my son was invited to come along too – it’s good to spend time with him, doing fun things.”

Josephine, along with the other patients, is currently being cared for by the Hospice’s ‘Support at Home’ service – an initiative which sees trained volunteers visit people in their own homes to offer friendly companionship and a listening ear. The service aims to combat the growing problem of isolation in the community, as well as offer busy carers an opportunity to take a break for a few hours each week.

Birmingham St Mary’s lead palliative care social worker, Maxine Jones, hasn’t played guitar for over 25 years. She said: “It’s been fantastic to dust off the old guitar and get performing again. Although I felt a bit nervous, when I looked up to see people singing along and laughing, it made every second worth it.”

Hasun Tayyub, Support at Home lead at the Hospice, added: “Christmas is a time for celebration but for people and their carers who are living with life-limiting illness, it can be a lonely and quite isolating time. The idea of our surprise party was to bring a little Christmas spirit to the people we support, helping to bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

“We’ll also have volunteers visiting patients on Christmas Day, as well as offering a telephone befriending service, to make sure that no one feels lonely at this time of year.”

On Christmas Day, Birmingham St Mary’s will be caring for 400 people and their loved ones across Birmingham and Sandwell. The Hospice’s ‘Care at Christmas’ festive appeal aims to raise vital awareness of hospice care at this time of year, as well as boost support for the charity.