Community News

Following trials earlier this year, Severn Trent is working with US-based WatchTower Robotics on creating and trialling a UK-specific leak-finding robot in the company’s pipes.

Created by Dr You Wu, who got his PhD from MIT this year, the robot, called Lighthouse, has now been named as a national winner of the James Dyson Award, which celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers.

The robot looks a little like a badminton shuttlecock, is very flexible and ‘fills’ pipes, allowing it to travel with the flow of the water, logging its position and leak information as it goes. The data can be retrieved wirelessly and a ‘map’ of leaks can be produced before the robot is fished out using a net or flushed out of a hydrant.

Bob Stear, Deputy Chief Engineer at Severn Trent, said: “We hosted You and his robot earlier this year and we were very excited about its potential so we’re now looking at the best way forward.

“We’re working closely with him on a number of initiatives, including looking at a UK-specific model, and seeing whether we can partner with other, overseas, water companies in a much-extended trial.

“Our initial aim is to get a dozen or so trial robots that we can hand out to our engineers in real world situations to see how they perform. It’s incredibly exciting and could be a real game changer when it comes to tackling leakage.”

Dr Wu said: “Severn Trent offered a valuable opportunity to pilot the new leak detection robot in the UK earlier this year. WatchTower is looking forward to expanding the pilot programme with Severn Trent and to together implement this more effective leak finding and prevention solution in the UK. Eventually, we want to make water distribution systems in the UK more efficient and sustainable.”

Everyone has their own special connection toStar Wars, and that's what makes it a truly legendary saga - whether it's the intergalactic battles, the lightsabers or the iconic music.

From 12 January to 17 March 2019, guests can celebrate their heroes and epic Star Wars moments with the new season, Legends of the Force – A Celebration ofStar Wars at Disneyland Paris.

Relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars saga Legends of the Force – A Celebration of Star Wars is the perfect opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the heart of the Star Wars galaxy, following in the footsteps of iconic characters such as Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO… whilst having to confront the dark side of theforce with Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.

Star Wars: A Galactic Celebration At dusk, Walt Disney Studios Park will pay spectacular homage to the Star Wars galaxy with an amazing sound and light show. Image projections, special effects and, of course, the Star Wars Characters. Sequences inspired by the film Star Wars: The Last Jedi are also on the programme, including new characters, such as faithful Resistance droid BB-8, who will be making a first appearance. But be careful, the dark side is never far away, with special scenes featuring the Empire and the First Order. It's a totally unmissable experience.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away This show, which will be taking place several times a day in Production Courtyard, gives guests a chance to relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars saga, as they listen to its epic musical themes. Look out for Kylo Ren, Rey and Darth Maul during the show, and for the first time, that fearsome bounty hunter, Boba Fett.

The First Order March Each day will also feature a marching procession of First Order stormtroopers led by the menacing Captain Phasma.

Have fun meeting your favourite Star Wars Characters For the first time, guests will be able to meet Star Wars favourite, Chewbacca, a true Legend of the Resistance, at Walt Disney Studios Park. A rare encounter with the Wookiee that's sure to be an epic experience.

Meanwhile, squads of stormtroopers will patrol Production Courtyard in search of allies of the Resistance.

The Star Wars legend will also take place at Disneyland Park, where the more adventurous will be able to confront Darth Vader and brave the power of the dark side at Starport, just near the attraction Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Head straight to the heart of the intergalactic Star Wars battles!

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Fearless voyagers will be able to experience an intergalactic adventure aboard StarSpeeder 1000, as they head for some of the most iconic planets featured in theStar Wars saga. One thing is certain - this 3D experience will delight the galaxy's most passionate fans.

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain For guests who love thrills, they can jump on board an X-wing and join the Resistance on an epic expedition packed with excitement, as they find themselves at the very heart of the famous battle of Jakku, fighting the Galactic Empire. An unforgettable experience to the sound of the epic saga's legendary music.

Young African Caribbean men across Birmingham will benefit from National Lottery funding totalling almost £750,000, thanks to a life-changing scheme initiated by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy, Centre for Mental Health and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Together the four partners will receive £746,112 over three years to run a scheme, Shifting The Dial, which aims to develop a Birmingham-based brotherhood of 300 young African Caribbean Men who feel mentally stronger and healthier. The money, raised by National Lottery players for good causes, was granted by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Shifting The Dial has been developed in response to statistics that show that young African Caribbean men in the UK are much more likely than their white counterparts to develop serious mental illness, and three times more likely to be at risk of suicide as referenced in the Centre For Mental Health report Against The Odds (July 2017). The three year project has been developed as a result of a successful pilot scheme, Up My Street – an initiative which ran in Birmingham between September 2015 and July 2017.

Shifting The Dial will engage groups of young African Caribbean men in cultural activities run by First Class Legacy and The REP at a range of places within Birmingham and Solihull, working alongside artists and facilitators who they can relate to, trust and can inspire them for their futures. The scheme will strengthen the mental health resilience and wellbeing of the men involved, improve their self-esteem and self-belief; assist their personal development and life skills, increase economic opportunities, raise mental health awareness and encourage inclusion. It will address the weathering effects of racism, discrimination, negative self-image and invisibility.

Additionally, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust will play a vital role in supporting pathways and opportunities for young people including apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience.

Over the three years, Shifting The Dial will also identify and promote a set of 30 ambassadors who will impact and influence a generation of young African Caribbean men that need new and strong leadership. With the help of peer-led research and respected evaluation from Centre for Mental Health, these advocates will reach out into communities to foster a network of less formal mental health support for the young men and their families.  The findings will be shared with established health, education and justice institutions around the region, and eventually nationally, to signpost a more effective, grassroots solution to building mental resilience, and subsequently help shift the dial in the Mental Health sector at policy, board and every strategic level possible.

Stuart Rogers, Executive Director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre said:

“This Big Lottery funding will help make a big difference and a real positive impact in Birmingham.  It will help young African Caribbean men feel mentally stronger and lead happier and healthier lives. Our pilot project demonstrated what can be achieved when a group of organisations work together to tackle the things that really matter to their local community. It’s also a brilliant example of how theatre can work with other sectors to tackle some of the most pressing issues in our society.”

Nathan Dennis, Director of First Class Legacy said: “We’re immensely proud and grateful that the Big Lottery Fund, have recognised the value and importance of our project, Shifting The Dial.  This project has the voices of young African Caribbean men at its heart. Twelve months ago, during the pilot scheme, we asked participants what the future of the project might look like. Their biggest request was that the project wasn’t allowed to just disappear – they’d been used to flash in the pan initiatives that built hope and then vanished.  First Class Legacy are a small organisation and it’s thanks to our partners at The REP, the Centre for Mental Health, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and now the Big Lottery Fund that their voices have been heard.”

James Harcourt, Director of England Grant-Making at the Big Lottery Fund said: “Supporting good mental health is an important issue in the UK today, which is why we’re proud to be funding Shifting the Dial. It’s great to see these four organisations from across different sectors joining together, to take action to help young African Caribbean men build their mental resilience and wellbeing. By building on the initial pilot, and thanks to National Lottery funding, even more men from across Birmingham will be supported.”

Centre For Mental Health Chief Executive, Sarah Hughes said: “We are delighted to be continuing the vital work with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust with young African and Caribbean men, following the successful pilot scheme that we evaluated and reported on in 2017.

“The programme seeks to continue critical partnership work with young men, building resilience through a range of creative support activities, with mentoring and by providing leadership and employment opportunities.  The Big Lottery Fund has provided important and much valued continuity through their funding to learn from and build on this important programme of work to help young men succeed and thrive.”

Lakhvir Rellon, Head of Community Engagement at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:  “We are delighted to be working with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy and the Centre for Mental Health on this exciting new programme of work. While black men are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues than other groups they are underrepresented in our workforce. Shifting the Dial will enable us to take positive action to promote working in mental health as a positive choice. We will do this through our work experience, apprenticeship, volunteering and employment opportunities. In addition, our staff will be invited to take part in theatre style training sessions designed to improve outcomes for service users.”

West Midlands-based carmaker Jaguar Land Rover will escape new EU CO2 emission standards after pressure from Conservative MEPs.

MEPs today approved plans - amid Conservative opposition - that will force carmakers to slash CO2 emissions by 40 percent in 2030 from their 2021 levels.

They also set an EU-wide fleet target of 95 g CO2/km, with manufacturers being fined 95 euros for every gram of CO2 over the limit.

Carmakers will be able offset their overall target if they produce enough zero and low-emission vehicles in their fleet surpasses a benchmark set by the draft law.

However, Conservative MEPs negotiated an exemption for carmakers that sell less than 300,000 vehicles a year.

It means car companies like Jaguar Land Rover will escape paying millions in fines to EU regulators.

Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Daniel Dalton commented: “Securing an exemption from these unrealistic targets lifts an existential threat to jobs and investment at Jaguar Land Rover.”

The UK will incorporate all EU law that comes into effect before Brexit - and during any transition phase - into its own domestic legislation

The draft law on CO2 emissions for cars is set to become law across the EU on January 1st, 2020.

Birmingham Airport joined Flybe in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the popular year-round service between Birmingham and Hamburg. The route increased its frequency from four to six flights a week remaining the only direct service connecting the two cities from Birmingham Airport.

Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director, Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the first anniversary of Flybe’s Birmingham to Hamburg route. The popular route has a strong demand from business and leisure travellers from the Midlands and with six flights a week the airline gives passengers from our region a great product and an extensive route network.”

Roy Kinnear, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, adds: “We are very pleased to mark the first anniversary of flights between Birmingham and Hamburg. In that time, the route has gone from strength to strength and we have increased frequency to match demand. There certainly seems to be a real affinity between the people and businesses of two of the UK and Germany’s biggest cities.”

Commenting on how the airline’s Hamburg route has benefited the Midlands since it launched, well-known business leader Peter Mathews CMG, Chairman of Black Country Metals, said: “Brexit aside, the world is changing when it comes to trade. Therefore, as a region, we need the ability to communicate with a range of markets both in Europe and globally.  Hamburg has many synergies with the West Midlands and, as such, Flybe’s investment in this important route is one that not only benefits the economy and businesses in the region now but will continue to do so in the longer term.”

One of the many business to have embraced the new route is Market Bosworth-based Savage Lighting. Julie Clark, Operations and Sales Director explains: “This service opened up a vital link into Germany for us, and it’s been great for our staff to be able to travel from A to B with such ease.”

Children and young people in the North East who read and write in their free time have significantly better mental wellbeing than their peers, according to the National Literacy Trust’s Mental wellbeing, reading and writing report. The charity works to raise literacy levels in Middlesbrough through its National Literacy Trust Hub, which is known locally as Middlesbrough Reads.

The report shows that children in the North East who are the most engaged with reading and writing outside school (i.e. those who enjoy it, do it daily and have positive attitudes towards it) have considerably better mental wellbeing than their peers who are the least engaged with reading and writing (Mental Wellbeing Index scores of 7.9 out of 10 vs 6.9 out of 10). What’s more, these children are twice as likely to have high mental wellbeing than their disengaged peers (40.1% vs 17.5%).

All schools in Middlesbrough have access to free wellbeing-inspired teaching resources for primary and secondary schools created by the National Literacy Trust and children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. This includes book lists and assembly plans, which will be available at middlesbroughreads.org.uk.

The charities have also created a series of top tips and activity ideas to help parents use reading and writing to support their child’s mental wellbeing: wordsforlife.org.uk/wellbeing.

The Mental wellbeing, reading and writing report, based on a survey of 49,047 UK school children aged 8 to 18, also found that nationally:

• Children who are the most engaged with reading and writing are much happier with their lives than children who are the least engaged (life satisfaction scores of 7.9/10 vs 4.7/10)
• As children transition from primary to secondary school, their levels of literacy engagement and mental wellbeing both decline and continue on this downward path
• Boys who are the most engaged with reading and writing have higher mental wellbeing than girls who are also very engaged (Mental Wellbeing Index scores of 8.1/10 vs 7.6/10)

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Children and young people today face a multitude of pressures at school, at home and in their social lives. It is imperative that we do everything we can to enable our children to develop the resilience they need to cope with life’s challenges – and our latest research shows that the joys of reading and writing can be hugely beneficial. Not only does a love of reading and writing enable children to flourish at school, but we now also know it can play a vital role in supporting children to lead happy and healthy lives.”

Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be said: “Escaping in a good story is not only a great way to cope when you’re feeling stressed or worried, but can also be a fantastic opportunity for children to explore difficult feelings, understand them, and feel less alone. We often use characters and stories in our group work in schools to encourage children to explore their own feelings and behaviours. Whether you relate to Harry Potter or the Hulk, if we want to help children to build their resilience and cope with life’s inevitable challenges, spending time with your child and encouraging a love of reading and writing is a good place to start.”

Allison Potter, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Middlesbrough said: “For the last five years, we’ve delivered a range of events and activities in Middlesbrough to inspire children to enjoy reading and writing. This exciting new research shows the important link this has to children’s wellbeing, as well as their success at school. We hope that schools across the town will utilise our wellbeing-themed teaching resources, which show pupils how they can look after themselves and feel better by reading.”

An Army physiotherapist working in Birmingham has overcome her own injuries to win a major international triathlon competition which has won her a place in next year’s World Ironman 70.3 Championships. To top that she won the English Championships last month.

Captain Katrina Rye, 27, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, works alongside NHS personnel to help rehabilitate injured military personnel and civilians at the Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

In the summer of this year she was deployed to Canada for four months where she supported soldiers taking part in British military exercises.

While in Canada, Katrina worked hard to overcome recent acute knee and hip injuries. She had eight weeks to rehabilitate herself from being unable to walk pain-free to reach her goal of competing in her first Ironman 70.3 Calgary where she finished first in a time of four hours 25 minutes.

On return to the UK Katrina led the Army Ladies’ team to the gold medal in the British Triathlon Relays and, a week later, added to her trophy cabinet by finishing first in the England Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in a time of four hours and 15 minutes, one of the fastest times this year by a British athlete. In doing so, she was crowned Inter-Services (Royal Navy, Army and RAF) Champion.

She said,

“Despite experiencing a tough few months with knee and hip injuries in Canada, I was determined to overcome them and get race-fit. I did this by tapping into the military expertise around me, as well as using my own knowledge, to rehabilitate myself back to fitness.

“Always a ‘soldier first’, my training and rehab had to be completed before and after working hours with the full support of my chain of command in Canada.

“I started the Canada triathlon not knowing if my injuries would prevent me finishing. So I was extremely proud, representing the British Army, to win the Ironman 70.3 Calgary. Winning the national relay title as part of the Army team and then the national individual title was the icing on the cake. I am very excited about racing in next year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championships.”

Katrina grew up in Exmouth, Devon, attending school at The Maynard, Exeter and Colyton Grammar School before completing a physiotherapy degree at Cardiff University where she joined the Wales University Officer Training Corps.

She qualified as a physio in 2013 and commissioned into the Army the following year. Her first full time appointment was at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey.

Katrina added, “I owe huge thanks to the Army Sports Lottery, my parents - John and Penny in Exmouth - and my coach Damo Littlewood of Tri 1^st Coaching, for all their support.”

She will compete in the World Ironman 70.3 Championship in September 2019 in Nice, France

A Birmingham City University academic is celebrating after her book exploring pain has been recognised with an accolade at the British Medical Association’s Medical Book Awards.

Professor Elaine Denny’s ‘Pain: A Sociological Introduction’ was the winner in the ‘Health and Social Care’ category, with some of the other shortlisted entries focusing on how to cope with anxiety and the perceptions of patients with cancer.

The British Medical Association’s Medical Book Awards promote excellence in medical publishing and seek to demonstrate its importance to medical education and training. Over 650 resources were submitted for the 2018 awards.

‘Pain: A Sociological Introduction’ sees Professor Elaine Denny offering insight into the world of those living with pain and the meaning it has in their lives, whilst providing readers with explanations and details of the various influences on the experience of pain.

“For the BMA to recognise a sociologist in this way is an honour, and shows that the medical profession is acknowledging different ways of viewing pain”, said Elaine Denny, Emeritus Professor of Health Sociology at Birmingham City University.

“This will hopefully benefit patients, who all too often have been dissatisfied with the way their pain has been managed.”

Over 400 brave Brummies jumped, swam and climbed through a giant, chocolate-themed assault course last month, raising £25,000 for a local hospice.

The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush – which was organised by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice – saw sweet-enthusiasts tackle 10 giant inflatables and other fun obstacles in pursuit of chocolatey goodies.

Obstacles included the inflatable ‘Pyramid Climb’, ‘Lifeboat Wobble’ and ‘Dive for Victory’ – with the latter involving wriggling or diving through giant blown-up beams.

Taking place at Cofton Park, the event is part of the Hospice’s ‘Chocolate 5k’ series, which recently picked up bronze for best fun run at the national Running Awards.

Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas made a special appearance on the day, handing out goody bags full of tasty treats at the finish line.

Kate Miley, who is a nursing assistant at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, was just one of the daring participants to take on this one-of-a-kind challenge. Part of the ‘Hospice at Home’ team, Kate provides compassionate care and emotional support to people during their illness in their own homes.

She said: “I had so much fun taking on the Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush for Birmingham St Mary’s. Even a bit of rain couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and everyone seemed to have such a laugh as they attempted to jump, climb or dive over the obstacles – and our chocolatey rewards definitely made the hard work worthwhile.

“Working as a nursing assistant at the Hospice, I see first-hand the vital care and support our nurses, doctors, counsellors, volunteers and more provide. I feel incredibly proud to care for people and their loved ones at what can be a difficult time, helping them to feel more comfortable and at peace. That’s why I wanted to take part in this event, so I could help raise funds for the Hospice, ensuring that we can continue to give people crucial support whenever and wherever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for 400 people living with life-limiting illness across Birmingham and Sandwell. The Hospice helps people to live well with their illness, by offering personalised support in people’s homes, in local communities and at its building in Selly Park.

It costs £8 million each year to run the Hospice, over 60 per cent of which must come from voluntary donations, so it relies local people’s generous support to help fund its vital work.

Leading figures from the legal profession are to attend a reunion at the University of Wolverhampton.

Judges, solicitors and lecturers are set to attend the sold-out alumni event on Thursday, 11 October 2018.

Keynote speeches will be delivered by Her Honour Judge Carole Burgher and Deputy Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) Tan Ikram, who are both graduates of the University.

Graduate and Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, Suzanne Llewellyn, will also be present at the reunion, which will be compered by fellow alumnus and long-serving staff member Professor Peter Walton.

Graduates will be able to tour the old and new Law Buildings at the City Campus before a three-course meal.

Head of the University of Wolverhampton Law School, Sukhninder Panesar, said: “We are extremely proud of our law graduates and are really looking to welcoming them back to the University for this reunion.

“It is a great opportunity for graduates to reminisce with friends, tutors and peers from the legal industry over a three-course sit down meal in our Chancellor’s Hall and to hear from some notable alumni of the University.”

For further details about studying law at the University, visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/law

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has signed a new agreement with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) in the margins of the United General Assembly in New York.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations aims to boost collaboration among countries of the Global South – nations classified as developing or least developed.

The Secretary-General said, “Since taking on the role of Commonwealth Secretary-General, I have become more aware than ever of the challenges facing developing and least developed countries. I know just how deeply exercised leaders in the Global South are by the harsh reality of crushing debt, the constant threat of natural disasters, struggling health and education systems, uncertain global markets and tantalising trade opportunities that are just out of reach through lack of capacity.

“I have also seen how prospects and progress can be supercharged when countries of the Global South collaborate and tap into the talent and ingenuity available within their own populations.”

The MOU will help the Commonwealth Secretariat and UNOSSC to work more closely together towards accelerating economic development by promoting partnerships, coordinated activities, South-South knowledge sharing, and scaling up and showcasing development solutions from the Global South. It will cover a range of areas including:

• supporting intra-regional, regional, and sub-regional integration;
• addressing challenges related to the mandate of each participant such as education, public health, social welfare, infrastructure, women in development, youth leadership and climate change and related areas;
• reinforcing peacebuilding and sustainable development;
• and promoting and supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

She continued, “Our Climate Finance Access Hub, draws expertise from all over the Commonwealth and is creating regional and pan-Commonwealth networks that have already unlocked millions of US dollars’ worth of funding for countries. This MOU with UNOSSC will help us to multiply such success stories.”

Mr. Jorge Chediek, Director and Envoy of the UN Secretary General on South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), who signed the MOU on behalf of UNOSSC, said the agreement allows the Commonwealth and UNOSSC to build on, and promote, the South-South principles of solidarity, national ownership, and mutual respect among developing countries as they advance towards the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

He added, “The Commonwealth’s expression of support to South-South and Triangular cooperation today is testimony to the fact that this form of cooperation has gained recognition as a viable modality for development, and a credible means for striving towards the accomplishment of Agenda 2030.”

Richard O’Brien has been named as the new Birmingham Poet Laureate during a National Poetry Day event held at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at Birmingham City University.

Richard, a lecturer in Shakespeare and Creativity at the University of Birmingham, becomes Poet Laureate for 2018-20, succeeding poet Matt Windle.

Aliyah Begum, 15, from Acocks Green was also announced as the 14th Young Poet Laureate during tonight’s event. Aliyah, a Year 11 pupil at King Edward VI High School, succeeds Nyanda Foday, will hold this title for two years.

During their tenure, both Poet Laureates will produce new poems and work to promote poetry across the city, as part of the scheme run by the Library of Birmingham.

As the city’s 21st Poet Laureate, Richard will act as a poetry ambassador and help raise the profile of poetry across Birmingham. He will be asked to write poetry for special occasions, lead poetry workshops, inspiring others to try their own hand at reading and writing poetry and will mentor the newly-appointed Young Poet Laureate.

Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet member for Education, Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Congratulations to both Richard and Aliyah in being named the city’s latest Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate.

“Birmingham is home to a wealth of literary talent and our poet laureates have played an important part in promoting poetry for over 20 years, so I’m eager to see what works they produce as our new Poet Laureates.

“The Library of Birmingham’s partnership with Writing West Midlands has generated brilliant work from previous laureates, and its profile as a cultural destination will enable Richard and Aliyah to make poetry accessible to people across the city.

“Birmingham libraries have led the way with innovative projects like this, such as Stories from the Web and Book Start, which celebrate language, literature and, of course, poetry.”

Jonathan Davidson, Chief Executive of Writing West Midlands and Chair of the Selection Panel, said: “Selecting the new Birmingham Poet Laureate and Birmingham Young Poet Laureate for 2018-2020 was particularly difficult this year.

“We had an excellent range of applications from some very talented poets. Our two new Poet Laureates will be wonderful ambassadors for the city and have some great ideas for helping people get involved in poetry. We are all really looking forward to working with them over the next two years.”

This year the selection panel included representatives of Birmingham Libraries, Poetry on Loan and the Verve Poetry Festival.

The announcement was made during a special National Poetry Day event, staged as part of the Birmingham Literature Festival, which runs from 4 October until 14 October.

The Community served by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust will be pleased to hear that their long awaited new hospital the Midland Met, will once again ring to the sound of heavy machinery as the builders move back in.

The news follows the Department of Health and Social Care agreeing to provide the funds to finish the building through a publicly financed direct contract, after the collapse of Carillion in January.  Procurement for the main contract will start next month (November). The contract for interim repair to the two thirds built hospital has today been signed off by the Trust’s board, and awarded to Balfour Beatty. The company will be on site from Monday 8^th October, with work due to commence by 22^nd October, and work is expected to take six months.

Commenting on the decision, Chief Executive Toby Lewis said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with Balfour Beatty to take the important next steps in completing the Midland Met.  It has been sad to see the building standing paused for the last nine months, and so it is great news that work will shortly restart.  We are grateful for the considerable support that we have had locally and nationally to move forward.  We are investing in our existing buildings for the interim period but there is no doubt that a new single acute and emergency hospital in Smethwick is what the local NHS needs to provide the very best care.  It also releases money to invest in primary care and mental health services.  This news brings that transformation closer.”

Thomas Edgcumbe, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for its North and Midlands regional business, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Trust on this key hospital project which is vital for the local residents and the wider community.

“Our wealth of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector will enable us to recommence work quickly and allow for the successful completion of this early works contract.”

Over 100 events will be hosted by Haringey this October in libraries, museums, art spaces and other venues across the borough to celebrate black history and culture. Haringey Black History Month logo

Our Black History Month programme kicks off with a reading and book signing by Vanika Marshall who will be discussing Black British History: Black Influences on British culture (1948-2016), which provides a fascinating insight into the impact of 70 years of black struggle, politics, arts, sports, literature, and music on British life and culture.

As 2018 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush landing, we are especially looking forward to celebrating Black History Month this October. The Windrush generation have created a rich heritage in Haringey, and they are an integral part of what makes it such a great place to live and work today. Haringey’s cultural diversity is undoubtedly one of our greatest strengths, and we are proud to boast one of the largest and most diverse black communities in the United Kingdom.

Bruce Castle Museum will play a major role by hosting a Black Georgian Londoners Exhibition, which reveals the museum’s 18th century heritage and connections, alongside a collection of rare and unusual portraits of Black Georgians. The exhibition opens on 14 October and will run until March 2019.

Cllr Zena Brabazon, cabinet member for Civic Services said:

Black History Month is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the significant contributions black people have made to our community and the country. We are delighted to provide an extensive programme of activities celebrating our rich black heritage and culture.”

Key events during Black History Month include:

• A Black History Month quiz run by the leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Joseph Ejiofor on Monday 29 October, 7pm at the Green Rooms Hotel.
• A talk on the Black presence in Haringey/Black Haringey heroes with Black History Studies takes place at Wood Green Library (N22 6XD), 7-9.30pm on Thursday 18 October.
• A Black Georgian Londoners Exhibition launch and family day on Sunday 14 October 1.30-4.30pm at Bruce Castle Museum, N17 8NU.
• A performance by singer, songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson who graduated from the Laban and Manhattan Schools of Music and composed for the London Symphony Orchestra. This takes place on Tuesday 2 October, 1-1.30pm at Wood Green Library.
• A talk on the African and Caribbean presence in art and design at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) at Hornsey Library (N8 9JA), 7pm on Monday 22 October.
• Children’s author Tola Okogwu will do a reading of her book Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way, 10.30am at Stroud Green and Harringay Library (N4 4QR) on Tuesday 9 October.
• A performance by young people’s dance group Steppaz exploring events from the late ‘40s, transitioning through music to the present. This will be at Hornsey Library on Sunday 28 October at 2pm.
• A three-part exhibition by Tottenham artist Paulette Robinson examining the rich dynasty of African heritage, the Americas and now. This exhibition will run from 1 October to 2 November across Wood Green, Marcus Garvey (N15 4JA) and Coombes Croft (N4 4QR) Libraries.
• Arts and crafts activities including storytelling workshops with drums, making African headdresses, health talks, poetry and literary discussions. Various times and dates apply.

Christmas at Birmingham Cathedral (St Philips) on Colmore Row will include an outdoor market and grotto in Cathedral Square this year. The cathedral’s Clergy Team will officially open the market and bless those who visit at a special launch evening 6pm Thursday 15 November.

The unique location will lend itself to a festive array of locally sourced crafts, gifts, food and drink and will run from Thursday 15 November until Sunday 22 December. Families will be able to book in for a very special visit with Father Christmas and to enjoy the events and services happening inside the cathedral. The market will be home to one of the largest Christmas trees in the city.

For generations, families have made a point of visiting the cathedral as part of their Christmas celebrations. The cathedral team and congregation are delighted that worship will be going beyond the doors of the cathedral.

The cathedral will be hosting a full programme of worship, music and film events to celebrate Advent and Christmas. The cathedral’s coat donation appeal will be stepped up this winter. Wrap Up Brum will run from November until the end of December. 2017’s appeal saw people from across the city and beyond donate over 3,000 coats and warm jackets plus hundreds of hats, coats and scarves for the homeless community and those in need.

Members of the public will be able to donate coats at a chalet within the market. The cathedral team will then place the donated items on a rail outside the cathedral for those who need one. We will also continue to work with local charities including St Basils, Lets Feed Brum, The Salvation Army and SIFA Fireside to ensure the items reach those who the vulnerable in our city.

Anna Pitt, Chief Executive at Birmingham Cathedral said the cathedral has a commitment to engaging with the local community.

She said: “I am delighted that the market will offer commuters and those who work in the city an opportunity to dwell in Cathedral Square, enjoy the market, and spend time with their family and friends in the city centre. Those who visit the cathedral this year, whether for worship, the market, carols or events will find a very warm welcome.”