Community News

As Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) continues to plan for an ambitious re-development project, Birmingham Museums Trust is taking an important step to bring new perspectives to some of the city’s most significant stories.

The Past is Now – Birmingham and the British Empire, opening on Saturday 28^th October, is the first in a series of prototype exhibitions in the ‘Story Lab’ gallery at BMAG. The gallery will see Birmingham Museums Trust work directly with the city’s diverse individuals, communities and activists to help define innovative new ways of understanding Birmingham’s collection of museum objects.

The city’s historic and encyclopaedic collection covers almost every imaginable subject area across art, human history, natural sciences, and science and industry, and this new approach will help Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to reach new audiences and tell new stories.

For this first exhibition, Birmingham Museums Trust has the taken the bold, experimental approach of collaborating with local activists to curate the exhibition. The co-curators include graphic designer, Abeera Kamran; artivist, Aliyah Hasinah; writer, Mariam Khan; cultural activist, Sara Myers; textile designer, Shaheen Kasmani, writer and researcher Sumaya Kassim.

The full history of Birmingham’s relationship to the British Empire has traditionally been under-represented and this exhibition aims to tell a different story about the outcomes of colonialism and encourage discussion.

Key topics of focus within the exhibition include; Joseph Chamberlain’s role as Colonial Secretary and his work to expand British rule in South Africa, which resulted in deepening divisions in the region, and the end of British colonial rule in South Asia and the Partition of India and Pakistan, which led to largest mass migration in human history.

Other themes include capitalism and Birmingham’s position as one of the manufacturing centres of the British Empire. While this role was celebrated in Birmingham at the time, many of the objects that were manufactured were shipped across the world to be traded for goods and people, as the colonies were exploited and oppressed.

The new specially designed ‘Story Lab’ space within BMAG will be used to test new ideas and radical approaches over the next two years. Community groups and campaigners will continue to be involved in the process and future exhibitions will tackle a range of topics. The displays will provide vital insight and feedback for the plans for the museum re-development.

The ‘Story Lab’ gallery is an Arts Council England funded project and part of the Change Makers Programme. The programme is aimed at increasing the diversity of senior leaders within England’s arts and cultural sector, and included funding to host a training placement for senior museum professional Sara Wajid.

Throughout 2017 Sara has led the programme to reinterpret the collections on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to reach a wider audience. A specialist researcher, Rachael Minott, was also recruited to work closely with co-curators on The Past is Now exhibition.

Sara Wajid, Head of Interpretation at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Story Lab builds on a powerful movement to democratise knowledge production within museums. The Past is Now could only happen in Birmingham, where we have the perfect cocktail of talented cultural activists, progressive curators and knock-out collections.”

The Past is Now – Birmingham and the British Empire, will be on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 28^th October until Monday 12^th March. Prototype exhibitions will continue in the space throughout 2018 and visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback.

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce are dedicated to celebrating the support and success of the Patron members. The current members between them contribute substantially to the local economy.

The Group have an aim to support the Chamber and local business in the Black Country, through investment of their time and financial input into the region. The Black Country Chamber wanted to thank the members of this commitment by holding a VIP evening meal, where each Patron was presented with a plaque to commemorate their length of membership. A special mention was also made to The Midcounties Co-Operative, University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Racecourse, as they have been Patron members for over 16 years.

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “We are a membership organisation, that is here to support local businesses and we would not be able to do this without the continued support and time given by our Chamber Patron Group. They are all excellent businesses that are dedicated to improving their social impact and are committed to developing the local economy. They all deserve recognition for their business success and we thank them for their support of their local Chamber.”

One of the longest serving Patron members, David Roberts the Managing Director of Wolverhampton Racecourse, commented: “We are incredibly proud of our unbroken Patronage of the Black Country Chamber since its inception, and the continued partnership that helps improve our business on a day to day basis.”

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce Patron Group is a bespoke membership package for leading companies based in or servicing the Black Country. It uses the idea of Civic Business to allow members to act as ambassadors for the Chamber and to raise the profile of their brand at the highest levels. Our Patron members reflect the strength of the Black Country economy but demonstrate real social impact from our joint work.

As the UK exits the EU, new trade agreements for meat and agricultural products like milk, gelatine and hay could trigger a significant increase in the number of veterinary certifications needed, requiring many more vets to perform this role, highlighted the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in its response to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EfraCom) inquiry into the impact on the UK’s trade in food after Brexit.

When the UK leaves the EU it may no longer enjoy the same trading freedom with EU countries and could be treated as a ‘third country’ by the EU. As such, exports and imports of animals and animal products to and from the EU will need new veterinary certifications. These will need to be developed and supervised, which will require an increase in the number of ‘Official Veterinarians’ to perform this role. According to the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, the volume of products requiring veterinary certifications could increase by as much as 325%.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), a reference organisation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has recognised veterinary services and certification as “fundamental” for food safety. Veterinary surgeons, employed by their respective governments, work as official controllers in settings like farms and food premises to protect animal welfare, food hygiene and safety, and public health. For every animal or animal product that is imported or exported, specially trained ‘Official Veterinarians’ certify and supervise this process to and from third countries, ensuring smooth trade.

There are currently 1,063 Official Veterinarians authorised by the Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to certify food products for export to third countries from Great Britain, and this number would need to increase significantly to accommodate the rise in certification that could happen post-Brexit. BVA is urging the Government to undertake a major timely review of third country certification to ensure we have the capacity to fulfil new trade agreements. To combat the potential shortage in veterinary capacity, BVA is also calling on the Government to guarantee working rights for non-British EU vets and veterinary nurses currently working and studying in the UK.

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President, Gudrun Ravetz said:

“Vets are absolutely vital to facilitating UK trade by ensuring standards so that consumers at home and abroad have confidence in the food safety and welfare of the products they choose to buy. Veterinary certification is required not only for meat, but a whole range of products such as gelatine in sweets.

“Ironically, it is non-British EU vets who make up around 50% of our new workforce each year. However, since the EU referendum, we are facing serious problems in recruiting and retaining EU vets, which makes the need for more vets to perform this crucial trade-task an even more pressing concern. Vets’ role in the future of UK trade must be recognised and planned for, as an integral part of forthcoming trade negotiations.”

The BVA trade submission also outlines that access to veterinary medicines could potentially be restricted post-Brexit. In order to protect animal and public health, BVA is calling for any new trade deal with the EU to maintain the link with EU veterinary medicine approval systems.

The UK currently has high standards of animal health, animal welfare and public health, including food safety, in its food production. These standards help prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases in animal products, ensure farm animals have a humane death, protect food safety and safeguard responsible antimicrobial use. BVA’s submission to the EfraCom trade inquiry emphasises that, as public goods, the UK must prioritise the maintenance of these standards in all trade negotiations moving forwards.

A popular community centre and local landmark building is undergoing a makeover.

Hill Top Community Centre, Hill Top is benefitting from £65,000 worth of refurbishment work being carried out to the front and rear of the building.

The external improvement works include minor roof repairs, gutter replacements, woodwork and minor stonework repairs plus repainting.

Councillor Pam Hughes, Town Lead for Wednesbury, who campaigned for the upgrade, said: "It's good news that these eagerly-awaited repairs are now underway.

"The building has housed a community centre since the 1970s and is extremely well-used and much-loved by local people and acts as a local landmark.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I'd like to thank Councillor Pam Hughes for highlighting the need for these improvements.

"I'm pleased we are now carrying out the improvement works to this much-loved local building as it was beginning to look tired on the outside.

"This scheme will ensure the building's continued use by the local community and will also help to preserve it for future generations."

The foundation stone for the Hill Top building was laid in 1897 and the building  served as a local police station for 73 years.

It was turned into a community centre to complement the existing library.

The community centre hosts a wide range of activities including: aerobics, keep fit, luncheon club, older peoples' groups, police surgery, sewing classes, knit and natter and a youth club.

The centre also offers room hire for clubs, parties and social meetings.

The head of China’s principal organisation for international investment has described Birmingham City University as “beautiful and impressive” following his visit.

Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Contractors Association (CHINA) was shown, from the fifth floor balcony of the University’s £63 million Curzon building, the site where high speed trains will be arriving in to the Second City from 2026.

With 3,000 members, CHINCA is currently responsible for one in five infrastructure projects being undertaken across the globe. In 2014, the newly-signed contract value of China’s contracted projects abroad amounted to $191.8 billion, with a turnover of $142.4 billion, and covered 190 countries and regions around the world.

Fang Qiuchen, Chairman, China International Contractors Association (CHINA), said:

“It is a pleasure and an honour to be here, and I am sure it won’t be the last time we visit. There are so many opportunities for investment in Birmingham and the wider region, and we have all been impressed by the Midlands’ ambitious infrastructure plans.

“Furthermore, partnerships with institutions such as Birmingham City University will enable us to understand local cultural and legal environments to ensure cooperation takes place going forward. As construction of high speed railway station progresses, it will be fantastic to see the area around the University develop into a modern place for the international community to gather – just like in the University’s classrooms today.”

Fang Qiuchen visited the University as part of a distinguished delegation led by Sun Tong, Director-General of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs. A senior official from China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Director-General was accompanied by more than 40 other senior delegates from mainland China and Hong Kong.

Birmingham City University’s fast-developing campus offered the Director-General and his delegation the best possible view of the proposed High Speed Two (HS2) terminal, including the Grade I listed entrance building to the original Curzon Street railway station – the world's oldest surviving piece of monumental railway architecture.

The visitors also heard presentations about the University by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julian Beer and the City of Birmingham’s economic growth was mapped out by James Betjemann, Regeneration Manager and Richard Woodland, Principal Capital Investment Officer, both from Birmingham City Council.

The visit forms part of a nationwide tour organised by the UK’s Department of International Trade and the delegates spent Friday exploring various enterprises found in the Midlands region and potential investment opportunities.

Dr Colin Clinton, Regional Manager, Department of International Trade Midlands Engine, said:

“The UK Midlands offers some of the most innovative and exciting companies and universities in the country, and we are keen to encourage more investment into our projects across the region to drive this economic growth.”

The economic growth plan for the Midlands region – known as the Midlands Engine – is worth £222 billion each year to the UK economy and if the region matches the predicted growth rate for the UK over the next 15 years, it could create 300,000 jobs and boost the national economy by £34 billion.

Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University, gave strong support to the Midlands Engine, highlighting his institution’s contribution to the regional economy.

“Birmingham City University is supplying graduates to the region who contribute towards its economic growth, helping ensure that Birmingham as a city is constantly reinventing itself to secure a robust future. With the arrival of HS2, this is happening literally right in front of us, as the area around our City Centre Campus is set to emerge as an internationally-important focus of transport and education.

“We are proud of our close educational links with the People’s Republic of China. Thirty-one per cent of our international students are Chinese, enriching our campus communities here in the UK, and our partnership with Wuhan Textiles University saw the Birmingham Institute for Fashion and Creative Arts open in China last year.”

Located in Hubei's capital city, the Birmingham Institute for Fashion and Creative is the first non-profit Chinese-foreign cooperatively run educational institution in the province offering undergraduate programmes. It welcomed 280 students in its first intake and represents Birmingham City University’s most significant engagement with China to date.

Birmingham City University has over 5,000 Chinese alumni and recent graduates now occupy senior positions in a wide range of organisations including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Jaguar Land Rover, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Lenovo, Michael Kors and Shanghai Disney Resort.

Christmas in Birmingham is just four weeks away, with the Frankfurt Christmas Market, big wheel and ice rink returning to the city next month.

Organisers of Sandwell’s Bloomin’ Lovely summer arts trail have praised the standard of pieces of art that were submitted by local artists.

And the winner of the public vote has been announced as Molly Evans for her piece, 'Heather at Sandwell Valley'.

Sandwell's museum and arts service invited people to get out into nature and be inspired to create pieces of art which they then submitted to be part of the trail.

More than 60 pieces of art work were submitted and displayed across Sandwell and people were asked to vote in person and online through the Discover Sandwell website. More than 3,000 votes were cast.

Alex Howell, arts and projects officer, said: “I would like to thank all the people who submitted work to the trail which made it a huge success, and big congratulations to our winner and five finalists.”

Entrants attended a celebration event with live music at Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery. The Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Ahmadul Haque MBE presented the six finalists with their awards.

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, said: "The arts trail has been a big success and created a lot of interest among the public which proves we are on the right trail when it comes to art and culture in Sandwell.

"I am pleased to say that it was such a success that I can confirm that it will return again next year."

Low-carbon developments; future-proofed buildings; clean technology, and increased recycling could help Haringey become London’s first zero carbon borough, according to a set of ambitious recommendations unveiled this week by the Haringey Zero by 2050 Commission.

The independent commission brings together leading experts in sustainable regeneration and climate change. It was convened by Haringey councillor Natan Doron, Cabinet Adviser for Carbon Reduction, and asked to consider how the borough’s regeneration ambitions and pioneering measures could be a catalyst for carbon reduction. It was also invited to explore what more the borough could and should be doing to reduce its carbon footprint.

Commissioners last night (Monday 16 October) unveiled their findings, including a raft of recommendations that demonstrate how carbon reduction measures could be adopted in the short, medium and long term.

Haringey Zero by 2050 builds on the work of the pioneering Haringey Carbon Commission in 2009, which recommended a raft of measures to reduce Haringey’s carbon footprint, with targets of a 40 percent reduction by 2020 on track.

The Zero by 2050 Commission goes further, with ambitions for new developments to be carbon neutral and the borough to be a leader in innovative renewable energy and climate change “future proofing”.

The seven overarching recommendations – each underpinned by a series of actions – are:

• Improve the health and wellbeing of the community by creating a natural environment through greening of outdoor spaces and mitigating the urban heat island effect
• Create a climate change adaptation and resilience plan to future-proof and reduce vulnerability
• Deliver a zero-carbon and net energy positive Haringey by 2050
• Abolish waste to landfill to zero and increase recycling rates by 2020
• Drive the uptake of clean technology across Haringey’s built environment, targeting new developments
• Ensure that low and zero carbon buildings are delivered
• Set a strategy for connecting communities, work places and high streets through walking and cycle paths, reducing transport emissions by 20 percent by 2020

“I commend what Haringey have done here: they’ve set a really ambitious goal and allowed this high powered group of sustainable development professionals to challenge them on every aspect – and we have. It is tremendous to see such leadership from a public authority. As a Commission we have said we will “hold their feet to the fire’ to make sure the manifesto is delivered and we look forward to seeing this transformational plan taking shape.”

Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, joined the panel for last night’s launch. She said:

“We need the strong support of boroughs, businesses and Londoners to work towards the Mayor’s ambition of making London zero carbon by 2050. This report shows that boroughs like Haringey can become zero carbon and we look forward to more boroughs making this commitment.”

The council is working on a detailed action plan to show how some of the recommendations could be met.

Cllr Joe Goldberg, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, said:

“The Commissioners’ report presents a bold and ambitious challenge, not only to Haringey but to the whole of London and any other city serious about achieving carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability while still delivering the growth on which our residents’ prosperity and wellbeing depend.

“I look forward to publishing our detailed response to the commission’s recommendations later this year. I’m clear that there is little in the commission’s report that doesn’t align with our ambitions for Haringey and its residents, and we are serious about implementing as much of this as possible.

“We also know that we cannot achieve our goals without looking beyond Haringey’s border – the wider city systems that are so central to the zero-carbon target can only be tackled on a London-wide basis. We look forward to working with the Mayor of London on a combined effort to achieve a zero-carbon London. That effort starts in Haringey.”

The first apprentices have joined the University of Wolverhampton’s Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills – with focus on building skills for the future.

The Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) is a new employer-led training facility for the Black Country designed to enhance productivity in the region’s high value manufacturing sector.

Apprentices have been recruited from a variety of companies including Grab Management Services, George Dyke Limited, CCR Wednesbury Ltd and Phoenix Pattern Tool Company and are currently studying Machinist and Pattern Making Pathways at the ECMS Spoke at Dudley College’s £12 million Advance II Centre.

The project is a collaboration between the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Dudley College, Cast Metals Federation, Confederation of British Metalforming and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers.  The ECMS Hub will be based at the University’s £100 million Springfield Campus and will deliver skills training through short courses and apprenticeships at three spoke locations in the Midlands – Tipton, West Bromwich and Dudley.

Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the first of our new apprentices and to get a glimpse of the new building at Dudley College where some of our learners will be undertaking their exciting apprenticeship journey.

“Building on the region’s renowned industrial heritage, the ECMS Hub and Spokes will drive economic growth in the Black Country – and further afield - by providing specialist training to upskill the current and future workforce, helping to close skills gaps identified by employers.”

Lowell Williams, Principal of Dudley College, said:  “Dudley College of Technology is delighted to be part of the partnership.  We are providing a pipeline of highly skilled apprentices across a range of engineering disciplines, ready for further specialist upskilling through our collaboration with the ECMS.”

Will Rees-Hull, 21 from Coventry, is an apprentice on the Machinist Pathway with Grab Management Services.  He said:  “The facilities are great here at Dudley College and I’m getting the opportunity to learn new things and move around the different workshops, focusing on developing new skills.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of the City of Wolverhampton are inviting people to a glittering masquerade ball to raise money for their charities.

Cllr Elias Mattu and his wife Asha have organised the evening of masked fun for Saturday October 28.

Guests are encouraged to don Venetian-style masks for the event which will take place at the Diamond Banqueting Suite, in Skinner Street. A three course sit-down meal and reception drink is included in the ticket price.

Entertainment will be provided by professional fire-eaters and a DJ will get people moving on the dancefloor.

The Mayor’s chosen charities this year are  Acorns Hospice, Street Pastors, Sickle Cell Care, Interfaith Wolverhampton, the Alzheimer’s Society and Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre.

Cllr Mattu said: “My wife, the Mayoress, came up with this idea as a wonderful way to raise money for charity.

“This will be a fun, relaxed evening open to everyone. We would like all our guests to enter into the spirit of the ball and wear Venetian-style masks.

“Not only will people enjoy a fun evening with lots of entertainment, they will also help raise money for charities that are very close to my heart.”

A massive 65 per cent of local businesses believe that traffic congestion is a major problem in the Greater Birmingham region - and is costing an estimated £407 million a year. That is according to a new survey by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Nearly half of those surveyed (47 per cent) said the volume of commuter traffic was the main cause of congestion, but roadworks (43 per cent) and school traffic (41 per cent) were also cited as key factors.

Businesses surveyed said that the congestion problem was throwing up major issues, and among those were staff punctuality (28 per cent), reduced productivity (21 per cent) and increased costs (19 per cent).

The findings of the Chamber survey mirrors recent research into traffic congestion, one of which (Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard 2016) found that the city was the third most congested in England, and that on average, motorists in the city spent nine per cent of their total journey time in traffic.

In turn, this costs the city a massive £407 million in lost revenue. The report found that nearly half (41 per cent) of journeys in the region were less than two miles in length, a figure slightly higher than the national average (38 per cent).

The Chamber says that the new survey was a response to growing dissatisfaction among members about traffic congestion and the problems it causes.

The organisation says that many of the region’s problems are ‘deep rooted’ and go back to when the current key transport networks were designed, in the early 1960s. This placed the car at the heart of transportation, but half a century later the wheels have literally fallen off this solution.

In the Chamber survey, more than 70 per cent of businesses surveyed wanted to see some form of investment in the region’s transport infrastructure to deal with the congestion crisis.

In particular, just over a third wanted to see greater spending to create more capacity on the roads and a similar figure wanted to see money being spent on creating new railway lines, bus lanes, cycle paths and metro extensions in order to boost public transport usage.

GBCC chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “The issue of congestion has long blighted the West Midlands and is estimated to cost the region billions of pounds per year in lost revenue.

“Nevertheless, over the last few months, it is great to see the Mayor working closely with regional partners such as Transport for West Midlands and various local authorities to ensure the foundations are laid to manage demand, increase capacity and improve traffic efficiency across the region.

“It is vital that the views of the business community are absorbed by local and national stakeholders in order to overcome these long standing problems.”

Senior policy and patron advisor Raj Kandola (pictured) said: “This report shows there is an appetite amongst the business community to tackle and alleviate congestion.

“In particular, our members have made it clear that they want to see greater investment in the transport networks and modernising payment systems to get more people to use public transport. There is also a willingness for firms to consider implementing flexible working policies to help ease traffic flows.

“In the long term, it is clear public sector bodies need to work closely with the business sector to tackle this problem and unlock long term prosperity for the region.”

Among the Chamber’s recommendations for tackling the congestion crisis is urgent investment in the local transport network, to take advantage of the new high speed rail line between the Midlands and London (HS2).

The Chamber said this investment must include significant spending on the ‘ailing road network’ and has demanded similar spending levels to the £2.2bn committed to London and the South East.

However, the Chamber says that this investment alone will not suffice, and is calling for a range of technology led improvements, including an increase in Active Traffic Management systems across the local motorway network.

Better use of technology is also needed to increase usage of public transport, for example the new integrated transport app announced this week by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

This is the ‘Whim’ app, which encourages people to use transport other than their car by enabling them to pay for their transport over the course of a month as they need it.

The switch to contactless cards is costing charities with nearly two out of five adults admitting they give less to street collectors as they do not carry as much cash, new research from Consumer Intelligence shows.

Its nationwide study found 37% who regularly donate money to charity collectors say they have cut back in the past year – and on average they estimate they have donated £14 each less.

Consumer Intelligence’s research shows a rapid switch away from using cash – 58% of adults say they are using less cash than a year ago.

The trend is accelerating among younger people – 71% of 18 to 24-year olds say they use less cash than a year ago, but even over-65s are changing with 49% cutting back on cash.

Just a third of those questioned prefer to use cash for purchases worth less than £30 – the limit for contactless cards – with 39% preferring to use contactless and 27% using chip and PIN and 3% using other devices.

However, cash is still very important for charities – the Charities Aid Foundation** says cash is still the most popular method of donating to charity with 55% of donations coming in notes and coins.

“But there must be some concern that it is hurting charities with so many people admitting they have cut donations simply because they do not carry cash.

“Technology can help however and charity collectors need to adapt. The Church of England is trialling contactless technology for collections so it can be done.”

Consumer Intelligence’s study shows around one in 10 people still carry £50 or more in cash on a day to day basis.

The global deafblind charity, Sense International, has launched a new appeal, to fund a pioneering new programme that will transform the lives of children and young adults with deafblindness in Bangladesh. The ‘My Turn to Learn’ appeal, which will improve access to education and opportunities for work for these young people, is supported by the UK Government, which will match, pound for pound, all public donations made between 18 October and 17 January 2018.

In Bangladesh, children with deafblindness face huge challenges. Most are excluded from school, often because teaching staff don’t have the skills to support them and families are overwhelmed by the emotional and practical challenges. Without access to education, the children remain at home, and will not develop the vital communication and life skills they require to achieve basic independence.

The ‘My Turn to Lean’ appeal will support a programme of inclusive education and vocational training, which will include recruitment and training of specialist teachers who will work with dozens of families to support the children at school; training for mainstream teachers; the creation of a model school to promote best practice; and targeted meals so that children with deafblindness are well enough to learn.

The face of the appeal is Morium Begum from Narsingdi in Bangladesh. When Sense International first met Morium, deteriorating eyesight and hearing loss meant that she was on the verge of being taken out of school. Aged nine, her future looked similar to that of many children with deafblindness across Bangladesh – a lifetime of social isolation.

Today, aged sixteen, with the support of Sense International, Morium has become one of the first children with deafblindness in Bangladesh to pass her primary school exams. She has grown into a confident young woman, and hopes one day to become a teacher.

Morium Begum said:  “Ms Asma Bagum [Specialist Teacher] spent time with my parents and teachers to help them understand how I can be supported to stay at school. Without this I expect I would have had to stay at home and not have the opportunity to learn and develop, to communicate and be part of my community.

I now wish to one day become a teacher.

I know that there are many other children with problems with their sight and hearing who are not as lucky as me. I hope that this appeal can help them.”

Director of Sense International, Alison Marshall, said:  “Less than ten per cent of children with a disability in Bangladesh are in primary school. Currently, those with deafblindness rarely get the opportunity to learn vital communication and life skills, leaving them isolated and at greater risk of poverty.

No child should be left behind, which is why Sense International is launching the ‘My Turn to Learn’ Appeal.

UK Aid Match will double the impact of public donations, which will be used to improve access to education and opportunities for work, transforming the lives of children and young people with deaflindness across the country. There has never been a better time to support our work.”

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:  “In countries around the world, children with deafblindness are not getting the education they deserve, but Sense International is providing the life changing help that’s needed. The My Turn to Learn appeal will fund training and support to help thousands of children and young people with deafblindness in Bangladesh to get the educational support to which they are entitled.

“Every donation made by the generous British public to the My Turn to Learn appeal will be matched pound for pound by the UK government, meaning we will double the difference Britons can make to ensure deafblind children and young people in Bangladesh have the brightest possible future.”

Sense International Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, will launch the ‘My Turn to Learn’ appeal at a special reception held at The Banqueting House in Whitehall, this evening.

Following the recent release of the film It starring everyone’s favourite clown Pennywise – it’s clear we’re a nation that loves to be scared.

And as we head towards Halloween, houses will be adorned with scary spooks and costumes will be donned as people hide behind masks in order to shock their friends and neighbours.

Whilst this is a bit of fun for many people, our pet dogs can sometimes find this distressing – especially if they are part of the outfit! If your dog is nervous around strangers imagine opening the door to a masked ghoul or being around groups of excited youngsters or being dressed as a walking pumpkin!

As part of its “Happy Dogs, Happy Days” campaign, Lintbells, manufacturers of premium pet supplement YUCALM, is working with dog behavioural expert Dr. Emily Blackwell to help owners spot - and deal with – anxiety in their pet around Halloween.

“When it comes to celebrating Halloween it’s important to remember that it should be fun for the whole family – and of course this always includes your pet pooch,” said Dr. Blackwell PhD, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour at University of Bristol.

“So this Halloween consider these three areas of possible concern to your pet dog.”

Dr Blackwell’s top three areas to consider this Halloween:

Ghouls at the door

“If your dog is nervous around new people then groups of people in fancy dress at your door could be terrifying.

“If you anticipate anxiety in your pet then why not shelter them from this by keeping them away from the frivolity and giving them a tasty treat or fun game to play. These fun pastimes can also be used to create a positive association with sounds such as the doorbell.

Things that go bump in the night

“Unusual new items may be presented during times of fancy dress – for example, expect an influx of broom sticks at your front door! If a new item evokes fear or unusual behaviour in your dog it’s a good time to tackle this.

“If your dog does show signs of anxiety try introducing new things gradually in a calm environment and associate them with something good.

“And if or when your pet reacts to a new object or noise outside, never tell them off - even if they are barking - this will simply increase their fear.

Doggy dress up

“Before you decide to create an elaborate costume for this Halloween involving your pet, ask yourself if your dog really likes dressing up.

“Although your dog may appear to ‘tolerate’ being dressed up, a motionless, passive dog may in fact be “freezing” because they are frightened. Dogs restricted by clothing will often show a reluctance to walk and sadly this anxiety is sometimes misinterpreted as ‘calmness’.

“Some Halloween headwear can also make it very difficult for dogs to communicate using their ears and facial expression. Other dogs may behave strangely towards them too as they ‘look’ peculiar.

“Remember to be aware of these signs and do not carry on dressing up your dog if they appear anxious.

“If you remain concerned that your dog may be experiencing anxiety you should contact your vet or a Qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) for advice.”

Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has announced Daniel Moult as the music and acting academy’s new Head of Organ.

Daniel Moult will succeed current Department head Henry Fairs, who has held the position since 2007.

Described by ‘The Organ’ as “one of the finest organists of our time”, Daniel Moult has a formidable reputation as a player and teacher and has made a significant contribution to the Organ Department at the Conservatoire since his appointment in 2016.

As a soloist, Daniel performs regularly throughout the UK, Europe, Australia and Singapore, with upcoming concerto appearances in London and Germany, and a major multi-DVD and CD recording project to be launched shortly.

His London-based work includes coaching various younger professional organists, and his renowned educational profile has also extended to several anthologies for Bärenreiter and other publishers.

Incoming Head of Organ, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be entrusted with the direction of this renowned and vibrant organ department. Over the years, Henry Fairs has worked tirelessly to establish the Department as a national centre of excellence.

“Working alongside Henry, other colleagues and the dedicated and talented array of students here, I envisage a bright and thrilling future for the organ art at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.”

In order to meet his bourgeoning international commitments, Henry Fairs will step aside from the role of Head of Organ in November 2017. However, he remains a permanent member of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire staff and will devote his time at the institution to teaching and artistic projects.

Henry Fairs enjoys a world-wide reputation as a recitalist, teacher and international competition jury member. A multi-award winning performer, recent engagements include performances in festivals at Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Naumburg and Merseburg Orgeltage, Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Space, Ekaterinburg Bach Fest in Russia and masterclasses at the conservatoires of Leipzig, Stuttgart, Zagreb, Oslo and Copenhagen, as well as an adjudicator for the Carl Nielsen, Wadden Sea and Silbermann international organ competitions.

Part of Birmingham City University, the new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is a unique contemporary building, incorporating five public performance spaces including a new 500 seat concert hall for orchestral training and performance, a purpose-built organ studio and private rehearsal and practice rooms.

Furthermore, as the first purpose built conservatoire in the UK since 1987, the £57 million institution which opened earlier this month is the only one of its kind in the country designed for the demands of the digital age.

The Organ Studio at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, for example, houses a Eule Pipe organ with extensive plans for additional new instruments, and features overhead performance lighting and a Dante audio network for flexible location recording purposes.

The venue has a distinctive shape and tranquil atmosphere created by natural light flooding onto the pale wood of the interior. It is completely flexible in terms of the set-up and layout of the performance area and audience seating.

Property services company, Romans held its first Big Sleep Out in Crowthorne House car park to raise funds for Launchpad, a Reading based charity whose mission is to prevent homelessness. Since the creation of their Community and Culture division in July, Romans have expanded their charitable giving and are now supporting nine local charities, each nominated by their staff.

Romans’ Community and Culture Manager Vanessa Foot explains; “Launchpad’s mission is very close to our hearts and being in the business of property, is an apt cause to get involved in. On 10th October, National Homeless Day, 14 Romans staff slept outdoors with nothing more than a shelter they made themselves on the night and a sleeping bag.”

The donations received from staff, friends and family were astronomical and so far the total amount raised is over £5,700! As part of the Big Sleep Out, participants each had to build their own shelter – the person who built the best shelter won a prize. On the night, Sam Arfield’s cardboard creation caught the attention of Jason McMahon, the representative from Launchpad, and Sam was announced as the winner.

“I am overjoyed with the amount of money which has been raised, just £700 is enough to help one person to start back on a pathway into education, training or employment. The donation from Romans of £5,700 and counting will certainly go a long way!

The passion and enthusiasm from both those that took part and those who made donations is really heart-warming and everyone from the Board of Directors to the staff working in the local branches have really got behind our cause,” explains Jason McMahon, the organiser of the Big Sleep Out.

With nine charities to support, the group has a busy calendar of charity events covering everything from sky dives to bake sales, and even a trek along the Great Wall of China!

Vanessa adds: “Working with local charities is extremely rewarding and is one of the best parts of my new role. Having listened to our employees and partnered with a range of charities nominated by them, we’ve really hit the ground running – watch this space for more updates!”

Along with working with charities, Vanessa and Romans’ Community and Culture team have also been working with local schools and sports clubs continuing to offer not only sponsorship but mentoring opportunities, careers guidance and incentive schemes.