Community News

The search is on to find the UK’s ultimate gaming rig. The UK’s largest independent tech retailer Ebuyer is asking for gamers from across the UK to submit photos of their gaming setup for a chance to win a £200 Ebuyer voucher code to add to their setup.

Creating your own gaming rig is a rite of passage for gaming enthusiasts, with fans looking to continuously build bigger and better setups to enhance their gaming experience. By modifying your PC, it allows for the ultimate gaming experience, creating features that aren’t part of the intended experience.

Recently it was revealed, American rapper Post Malone is a huge gamer, with him unveiling his custom-built gaming PC that cost him approximately $6,400! * Although his set up is extreme, it features the key essentials for a top rig, include a gaming PC, fast monitors for a cinematic experience, additional storage and graphic cards and a liquid cooling system.

All these essentials come at a cost, but we want to find the UK gamer who has the ultimate gaming setup - think big, extravagant and costly!

Submit your pictures through the Ebuyer blog here: https://www.ebuyer.com/blog/2018/09/do-you-have-the-uks-most-impressive-gaming-setup/

"We also want to see your images across social media so, don’t forget to use #showoffyoursetup when sharing.  "

Stephen James, Marketing Manager at Ebuyer said: “Here at Ebuyer we are fascinated by all things gaming. We want to see the real life setups of some of the best gaming rigs out there. It’s going to be interesting to see just how dedicated UK gamers are to their hobby, and just how extreme some of the rigs are!”

Young people in Birmingham are being urged to make their voices heard and have their say on issues affecting their generation.

Nominations for the upcoming Youth Commissioner elections, run by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), opened earlier this month.

The positions give candidates under the age of 18 the chance to represent their peers and give young people a voice on topics that affect and matter to them.

A total of 16 volunteer positions are up for grabs across the West Midlands, with four in Birmingham, with successful candidates winning a two-year term.

They will be tasked with coordinating events, advising the PCC on issues affecting young people and challenged to hold the police force to account if they fall short of expectations.

The position will provide an avenue for the successful candidates to have a positive impact on their local area and wider region – while also developing their own personal skills and confidence.

The commissioners are also expected to bring benefits to the wider community, breaking down barriers between young people and local police teams to build new trust.

The Positive Youth Foundation (PYF), are working with the PCC to help facilitate and develop the election process for the Youth Commissioners.

The process will act as many young people’s first interaction with democracy – with the internet and social media being utilised to enhance engagement.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “I will rely on these Commissioners to keep me informed on the issues that matter most to young people.

“They will be my eyes and ears on the ground and play a crucial role.

“I want as many young people from across Birmingham to put themselves forward as possible.”

Katie Davis, Programme Co-ordinator at PYF, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to engage in meaningful interactions with the police force and have a positive impact on their area.

“It’s crucial that the election is online and accessible to all, engaging young people in the democratic process – as they vote for an individual who will be their local and regional voice.

“Social media will be used for campaigning, with voting being conducted securely online.

“As well as having an impact on their communities, the benefits of taking on these roles are vast and will help support the creation of further career opportunities in the future.”

Two Youth Commissioners will be elected for each of the following policing units, Birmingham West, Birmingham East, Sandwell, Coventry, Dudley, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

Nominations close on Friday, September 28. The two-week election will then get underway on October 2nd and close on October 16th.

The successful candidates will then be announced on October 17th.

Dare to discover a host of family friendly activities at Newhaven Fort this Halloween Half-Term, October 20th-29th.

Descend into the terrifying tunnels of the Eastern Magazine for a terribly-fun tour of a post-apocalyptic world filled with a variety of scary live characters.

Who knows what surprises lie in wait around every corner as you explore the 'abandoned' city of Seaview with its shop, video arcade, office, graveyard, prison and pub?

Follow the trails around the Fort and see what gruesome goodies await you in the witch's cauldron…

For those who daren't venture into the depths, and those who emerge unscathed, you'll even be able to create your very own creepy creatures to take home in our drop-in craft sessions, running daily. So, if you fancy creating a bat to 'hang about' with, or spinning a yarn with a spidery companion, pop into the Activity Centre to make some beastly new friends.

Plus, don't forget all the Fort's other attractions will be open as usual.

Immerse yourself in the dramatic blitz experience, where you'll feel what it was like to be caught in an air raid during the Second World War.

The Trench Brothers exhibition is on display in the Grand Magazine, giving you the chance to learn about the stories of Indian and West Indian soldiers who fought for the British Empire in the First World War.

Soak up the unique atmosphere of the cliff-top gun emplacements and enjoy the stunning views of the Sussex coast and South Downs. You can also discover the story of the Victorian Fortress, learn about life during two World Wars, visit the 40's themed Tea Room and browse in the quirky gift shop.

Haringey came out in force at the weekend for its very own Pride Festival. The event celebrated the LGBT+ community on Saturday 15 September, and was attended by local MPs and Cllr Blake.

Cllr Mark Blake, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Engagement, said:

“It was great to see so much of our community gather together in a day of solidarity and celebration to show how far we’ve come together since the 1980s. We’re very proud of our heritage of support for the LGBTQ+ community and we look forward to continuing to work together on this.”

The free Saturday event was part of a recreation of a 1989 Haringey Pride Festival that started at Wood Green. Residents enjoyed artistic performances and a vibrant mini parade in Ducketts Common.

The project, funded by Heritage Lottery, was part of the wider project Haringey Has Pride which celebrates and investigates Haringey’s rich Heritage in LGBTQ+ activism. Previous community activities included a flag-making workshop at Alexandra Palace, and a Community Fun Festival at Chestnut Community Centre.

The Ducketts Common event offered guest speakers sharing their experiences of LGBTQ+ activism, as well as Haringey’s role in standing up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Later at the Wood Green Library, guest speakers included local MPs David Lammy and Catherine West.

Jacksons Lane creative heritage manager Ben Price said:

“Saturday showed us how rewarding it is to successfully work in partnership with so many organisations, such as Wise Thoughts and the Council.

“It’s exciting that looking back at the past is influencing the future in our borough for the better, as this project has helped create a successful LGBTQ+ network for Haringey.”

Niranjan Kamatkar, artistic director of Wise Thoughts, added:

“We’re also working in partnership with other community organisations in Haringey to strengthen the support offered to people who identify as LGBTQ+ in the borough, on this and other projects such as heritage research.”

The day was part of a wider project which will include a documentary with Opening Doors London and Homes for Haringey, as well as a community play at Alexandra Palace.

Ahead of performing at Symphony Hall yesterday, Dionne Warwick spoke to invited guests about celebrating Birmingham Black History Month.

The private event, attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Beverly Lindsay and Honorary Consul for Lithuania, Keith Stokes-Smith, shone a spotlight on what has become an important feature of the City’s event calendar.

Dionne Warwick is a true hero of our time, her sheer class and elegant charisma shine from the stage as she performs some of the most beautifully written classics from 5 decades. The Soul/Pop Legend is in Birmingham as part of her 2018 tour ‘Don’t Make Me Over’ performing the classic hits ‘Walk On By’, ‘Any One Who Had A Heart’, ‘Do You Know The Way To San Jose’, ‘Don’t Make Me Over’, ‘Heartbreaker’ and many more.

Paulette Francis-Green, one of the partners for Birmingham Black History Month said:

“I am so proud to have been in the company of Ms Warwick, who is a trailblazer with her songs and performances. I grew up with her songs, in particular ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ and ‘Walk On By’. Black music has been profound in how it has challenged the injustices of being a person of colour around the world. Music can empower, motivate and encourage all to break down barriers.”

Town Hall, and more recently Symphony Hall, have been the focal point for monumental moment’s in Birmingham’s black history and are delighted to be working closely with Birmingham Black History Month throughout October to share some of these stories.

Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Chaplain, Elaine Hutchinson said;

“It was a phenomenal event! It was lovely to see Dionne Warwick, I never thought I’d actually get to see her in my lifetime, so to be so up close and personal and to be part of Black History Month which is so important for black people in the West Midlands is amazing.”

While there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’, there are three in ‘irritating’ which is how nearly one in three of office workers in Birmingham (31%) would describe hearing that cliché at work.

Buzzwords and jargon seem to be unavoidable in the modern workplace, no matter how many people find them annoying. Business telecommunications provider, 4Com, has looked into the phenomenon, surveying office workers in Birmingham to discover the city’s biggest pet peeves when it comes to office jargon.

The top ten most annoying buzzwords and phrases according to Birmingham’s office workers are:

1. There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ (31%)
2. Thinking outside the box (25%)
3. Let’s touch base (22%)
4. No brainer (21%)
5. Close of play (19%), win-win (19%)
6. Draw a line in the sand (14%)
7. Game changer (13%), I’ll just ping that over (13%), Having bandwidth to take on more (13%)
8. Value added (11%), 110 percent (11%)
9. 110 percent (10%)
10. Check in (8%), Wash-up (8%)

Some claim to using office jargon without really noticing (11%), while others choose to do so in order to make themselves appear more professional (6%), and impress their coworkers (18%). One in ten workers (10%) even confess to using the language at home - and enjoying it.

Additionally, the survey looked into the jargon that Birmingham workers use most often. The top ten most common office buzzwords and phrases are:

1. Thinking outside the box (42%)
2. ASAP (39%)
3. No brainer (33%)
4. At the end of the day (31%)
5. Win win (29%)
6. Back to the drawing board (26%), Give you a heads up (26%)
7. Close of play (25%), To be fair (25%)
8. I’ve got a lot on my plate (24%)
9. Smashed it (21%)
10. Catch up (19%)

Commenting on the research, Mark Pearcy, Head of Marketing at 4Com said, “We can all be guilty of using the odd buzzword or two when talking to colleagues. It might sound snappier in an email, but unless the person receiving it knows exactly what you mean, there’s not much point!

“As a telecoms provider, we are all about communication - the more straightforward, the better. When it comes to making a point or explaining your ideas, it’s definitely more important to be understood than to sound slick.”

Fred. Olsen is playing its part in helping to conserve our local shoreline by supporting the Marine Conservation Society's 'Great British Beach Clean'. The Fred. Olsen team cleaned a 100-metre section of River Orwell foreshore at Priory Park, Ipswich on Sunday 16th September 2018, and collected an incredible 73kgs of rubbish, in just over 90 minutes!

Fred. Olsen was proud to hold its first-ever 'Beachwatch' beach clean event with the Marine Conservation Society ('MCS') at Priory Park, Ipswich on Sunday 16th September 2018, in support of 'The Great British Beach Clean'.

In just over 90 minutes, the Fred. Olsen team collected an unbelievable 73kgs of rubbish at Nacton shores!

Rachael Jackson, Public Relations Manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and organiser of the inaugural Fred. Olsen beach clean said:

“It was a very successful first-ever beach clean for Fred. Olsen and a project that we would like to continue into the future. We were amazed – and disappointed at the same time – that we were able to find so much rubbish, along a fairly small section of the Nacton shores, ranging from plastic bottles, car parts, yacht buoys, cuddly toys and even metal barbeques!

“We care passionately about the natural environment around us and – as an Ipswich-based company – we chose the River Orwell as our beach clean area because the majority of our staff live and work locally. We would like to thank Priory Park and Suffolk Coast & Heaths for all their assistance and support throughout our beach clean event.”

Fred. Olsen will be submitting the data of all the rubbish collected to the MCS to assist and inform their studies along the River Orwell.

Wolverhampton is preparing to turn Orange again as the city says ‘No’ to gender-based violence.

Residents, businesses, schools, faith groups, charities and other organisations across the city are once more being encouraged to 'Orange Wolverhampton' between 25 November and 10 December.

In doing so, they will help raise awareness of Wolverhampton’s drive to end gender-based violence – primarily that committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and sexual violence.

At the same time, they will be highlighting the help and support that is available to victims in Wolverhampton from local and national organisations such as The Haven, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, St George's Hub, Karma Nirvana and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

More than 50 organisations took part in 2017's campaign, holding wear orange days, turning their websites and social media channels orange, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, holding orange cake sales or coffee mornings, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags and much more.

Some 16,000 people also showed their support by wearing orange ribbons throughout the 16-day campaign.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Last year's Orange Wolverhampton campaign was the biggest so far, with thousands of people showing their support in one way or another.

"We want to make this year's campaign even bigger – and this is your chance to get involved. There are so many things you can do, big and small, all of which will help raise awareness of these issues.

"The colour orange symbolises a brighter future and a world free from gender-based violence, and turning Wolverhampton Orange is an important part of our work to make sure victims know how to get the help and support they need."

Key dates for this year’s campaign include: Wear Orange Day on Monday 26 November, when people are encouraged to wear orange clothing; the return of the Orange Wolverhampton pop up shop in the Wulfrun Centre on Thursday 29 November, where people can find out more about the campaign and the help and support available locally; and Eat Orange Day on Fridays 30 November and 7 December, on which people are asked to consume some orange food or drink.

Orange Wolverhampton supports the United Nations’ Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls, which takes place annually between 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.

Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:

• The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
• St George’s Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
• National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
• National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
• NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation helpline - 0800 028 3550
• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
• Wolverhampton Adult Social Care - 01902 551199
• Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392

In an emergency, always call police on 999.

A new community volunteer project has been launched to help tackle litter in Sandwell.

Families at the Bangladeshi Islamic Centre in Smethwick joined in a litter pick in Lewisham Road to officially launch the Community Litterpicking Project.

The project seeks to recruit at least one volunteer group in each of Sandwell’s six towns helping out with litter picking at green spaces and community areas.

There will also be talks and recycling workshops at schools.

Sandwell Council’s environment champion Councillor Bill Cherrington said: “We know litter is a key concern for people so we’ve linked up with Litterwatch, our waste partner Serco and the local community to see what more can be done.

“With this project, we are building on our very successful annual Big Spring Clean campaign to harness the enthusiasm of local community volunteers who’ve told us they want to get more involved in tackling the problem.

“This is on top of our existing cleansing service provided by our waste partner Serco, which will provide the equipment to volunteers and dispose of the litter collected from public land.

“The groups will also be trying to recycle as much litter as possible.

“Protecting the environment is everyone’s business and I would like to thank everyone who’s getting involved and doing their bit for a cleaner borough.”

The project, which will initially run until March 2019, is being managed by charity Litterwatch and the council’s waste team.

Sandwell Council is supporting the project through its Local Area Budget scheme and the groups will also work with local businesses to seek sponsorship and support.

Sandwell Council’s environmental health officers are warning about the dangers of faulty oven ignition switches as part of Gas Safety Week.

Officers are working closely with food business that operate tandoor ovens to raise awareness of the risks and warn that anyone continuing to light ovens unsafely faces enforcement action.

Tandoor ovens present a particular risk and should be lit with an external ignition. If an ignition system is absent or broken food handlers may try to light the oven by leaning into the chamber often using a lit serviette or piece of paper. As gas may have built up in the chamber this can lead to a risk of explosion with the potential for causing serious injuries.

Twenty gas safety visits have been completed since April. Local businesses are also being reminded to use the Gas Safe Register to find engineers qualified to work on commercial catering equipment, and that any maintenance of gas equipment on site follows gas safety legislation.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, the council’s cabinet member for public health and protection said: “Our environmental health service is leading our Gas Safety Week campaign across the borough, helping to spread important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety.

“It’s also so vital that we remind people not to cut corners with gas and always ask a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home or business to stay gas safe.”

Preparations are underway for the new magical illuminated Christmas trail at Beaulieu as the medieval grounds of the abbey and Palace House are transformed from 23 November – 30 December 2018 at the New Forest attraction.

Specially designed for all the family to enjoy, Christmas at Beaulieu features a mile-long illuminated path with festive installations along the way. Created with Beaulieu's unique historic past as its inspiration, visitors can expect to be immersed in the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Spend an unmissable evening experience walking through the Tunnel of Light, a canopy festooned with over 100,000 twinkling pea-lights as the tree-tops glisten and the gardens and buildings shimmer with seasonal sparkle.

The ancestral Montagu home of Palace House will be aglow with beams of light which dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics. From the roof of Beaulieu's veteran bus, you may catch a glimpse of Father Christmas and his elves who will be greeting visitors.

Along the Icicle Walk, larger-than-life gleaming shards will guide visitors towards the Meadow of Light where thousands of fibre optic lights sway in unison. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where least expected.

A fabulous finale is waiting at the end of the trail – mesmerising voices of giant Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Rising high into the night sky, visitors will finish the breathtaking trail with a cheerful Christmas blast of colour and light.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate while the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel or Ferris Wheel and enjoy other traditional fare before picking up a Christmas gift or two at Beaulieu's shop.

Living Crafts for Christmas will bring four fabulous, festive shopping days showcasing outstanding, contemporary, British craft at Blenheim Palace from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th of November. Packed with seasonal charm and brimming with exquisite gift ideas not found on the High Street, this event is guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit!

Enjoy ticking off your Christmas present list with stylish, original handmade gifts for every taste in a festive atmosphere against the majestic backdrop of Blenheim Palace. This is a one stop, shopping experience with around 170 carefully selected, high quality crafts from our talented designer makers together with artisan food and drink from specialist producers, all great for gift inspiration.

Living Crafts for Christmas has a well earned reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and original designs offering a huge selection of unique gifts. As the aroma of roasting chestnuts and winter spices fills the air, browse the pavilions and choose from studio glass, handmade soaps, fashions, puzzles, photography, art, millinery, children's clothes, ceramics, textiles, toys, sculpture and so many more. Luxurious wreaths, garlands, cards, candles, decorations and handcrafted baubles are perfect for season- al style while jewellery stands brim with exquisite contemporary designs in gold and silver; the ideal surprise present! Don't miss the twinkling Christmas trees in the colonnades of the Great Court as you relax and take a break with a glass of mulled wine, Winter Pimms or marshmallow hot chocolate.

Stock up on seasonal treats from our artisan producers in Tastes of Christmas with connoisseur preserves and chutneys, handmade chocolates, waxed truckles, festive pies and locally made charcuterie. Fabulous foodie gifts include Christmas cakes, traditional puddings and sweet treats, not forgetting the fantastic range of seasonal tipples, spiced winter cordials, fruit liqueurs, whiskies and award-winning gins.

As a World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is an inspiring setting for a family day out with 300 years of history to discover. Over 2,000 acres of magnificent Capability Brown landscaped parkland and formal gardens are waiting to be explored and there are plenty of places to sit and relax with winter warming treats and delicious seasonal food.

From simple and unusual stocking fillers to special commissions for a loved one, a visit to Living Crafts for Christmas is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping in style whilst enjoying the unique festive atmosphere at Blenheim Palace.

Thousands of job and apprenticeship opportunities were on offer at the annual City of Wolverhampton Jobs Fair.

Over 1,200 job seekers poured through the doors to take advantage of the chance to look at the 2,710 positions on offer.

The event was organised as part of the build up to the Wolverhampton Business Programme and was held in the WV1 Suite at Molineux Stadium.

More than 45 employers from across the City of Wolverhampton attended to showcase the jobs and apprenticeships available.

They included The Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust, Wolverhampton Homes, Aspray 24, Liberty Industries, West Midlands Pension Fund, Cargill Meats Europe, PLANit Global, Fostering for Wolverhampton, and Orridge & Co, among many others.

Attendees received information on support and training on offer from organisations such as Wolverhampton Adult Education Service, University of Wolverhampton, City of Wolverhampton College, Wolverhampton Learning Platform, Wolves at Work and Black Country Impact.

The event was sponsored by Workbox (www.wolvesworkbox.com) - an initiative in the city to give residents information about jobs, training and support all in one place.

City of Wolverhampton's team of advisors, along with Department for Work & Pensions and Jobcentre Plus, were also on hand to offer advice and support.

Job seeker, Anthony Pote, aged 64, said: “I saw online there was a jobs fair in Wolverhampton.

“It’s my first one and I’d strongly suggest that anyone out of work goes along to a jobs fair like this.

“It’s most helpful and it should get you back into work depending on what you’re looking for. There are various jobs, plenty for all.”

Councillor Peter Bilson, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader, said: “We are delighted with the number of city jobseekers we were able to empower by attracting them to the fair.

“We have also received very positive feedback from the employers that exhibited, who appreciate the economic regeneration priorities of the city.

“It is vital everyone in the city continues working together to get people into work so everyone can benefit from the £3.7 million of investment that is on site or planned in the City of Wolverhampton.”

Delighted pub managers from Birmingham attended a special event at the House of Commons on Wednesday (12^th September) where MPs congratulated them on graduating from Stonegate Pub Company's 'Bar to Boardroom' management training programme.

The managers were all invited to the House of Commons to celebrate the 200th General Manager appointment from Stonegate's pool of home grown talent, having successfully completed the company’s award winning ‘Accelerator’ programme.

The attendees were: Rebecca Ellor, General Manager of the Digby, Erdington; Gregory Fisher, General Manager of Slug and Lettuce, Water’s Edge; Lauren Millard, Deputy Manager of Slug and Lettuce, Water’s Edge; Suzanne Jakobsson, General Manager of Missoula, Hurst Street; Stefan Scroczynski, General Manager of the Gosta Green, Holt Street.

Now in its 20^th graduation cycle, the Accelerator Programme has seen 200 Deputy Managers progress to mangerial positions since its launch in 2013.

To mark the graduation milestone, a number of MPs joined Stonegate’s ‘Accelerators’ and senior executives to learn for themselves how the trailblazing innovative training programme leads staff from bar to boardroom.

The Accelerator programme is part of Stonegate’s award-winning ‘Albert’s Theory of Progression’ suite of training programmes, designed to give employees the tools to bridge the gap between Deputy Manager and General Manager, through education and dynamic group learning.

The course aims to build the participant's confidence, encourage continued independent learning and help them to work together effectively as team. It consists of three workshops: Creating a Winning Mind; Winning in Communication and Winning in Business.

It also includes a practical component; participants must organise and produce a fundraiser event in their pub for a charity of their choice. To date the 200 Accelerators have raised over £300,000 for UK Charities between them.

The guests were given a tour of the House of Commons before the main event, hosted by Luton MP Gavin Shuker. Stonegate Chief Executive, Simon Longbottom, commended the graduates and the Stonegate development team.

He said: “People are at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to able to recognise the achievements of our incredibly hard-working Accelerators here at the House of Commons. The course is a shining example of how commitment in personal development can change people’s lives, as they fast become the company’s most promising managers and future industry leaders.

"Reaching our 200^th milestone is a really proud moment for Stonegate and the House of Commons is a fitting place to celebrate. As well as being a memorable occasion for the Accelerators, we believe it is important to help MPs understand the vital role that our company and the wider pub and bar industry play in offering, not just jobs, but worthwhile progressive careers, with arguably the best opportunity out of any industry to go from the bottom rung right to the very top.”

The first woman to be appointed Black Rod has received an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

Sarah Clarke, who attended Wolverhampton Girls High School, was honoured at a graduation ceremony on Friday, 14 September 2018.

The Honorary Doctor of Letters was presented in recognition of her achievements and to celebrate her appointment as Black Rod, particularly given her connection to the city.

She said: “It is a great honour to be given this award. I am very proud of where I come from and I am delighted and humbled by this tribute from my hometown University. The acknowledgment from the University of Wolverhampton means a tremendous amount to me.”

Sarah Clarke is the first woman to be appointed to the role of Black Rod in the House of Lords in its 650-year history.  

Black Rod is appointed by the Monarch on the recommendation of a selection panel chaired by the Lord Speaker. She also holds the post of Serjeant- at Arms for the House of Lords and is an Officer of the Order of the Garter. 

Prior to taking up post in February 2018, she was the Championships Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, responsible for the organisation of The Championships, Wimbledon.  

Her career since leaving the City has seen her focus on complex project, event and venue management, holding roles at four Olympic Games, the London Marathon and UK Sport as well as at Wembley National Stadium, the Football Association, Women's Tennis Association, and the charity Care International.  

A native of Wolverhampton, and a supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers, she attended Wolverhampton Girls High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Surrey (Roehampton Institute) and a Master’s degree from the University of Leicester.  Her spare time is spent walking, drawing cartoons and when possible, volunteering and undertaking activities for various charities. 

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.

A group of almost 80 property professionals successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge earlier this week (Tuesday 11 September), so far raising over £15,000* for the four Air Ambulance charities across the North and Midlands.

The group from Savills offices including Carlisle, Chester, Clitheroe, Corbridge, Darlington, Lincoln, Lichfield, Telford, Peterborough, York and Wooler embarked on the hilly challenge at dawn on Tuesday starting out in the village of Horton in Ribblesdale before climbing the three Yorkshire peaks of Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which equate to approximately 24.5 miles in total.

Stuart Jeffries, director in the minerals and waste management team at Savills in the North, who is leading on fundraising for the Air Ambulance charities in the region, organised the event. He comments: “What started out as a relatively small affair quickly blossomed into one of the most prominent and well-supported events in our charity fundraising calendar this year.

“This event was the culmination of months of organisation and training and the total that has been raised so far is testament to the individuals who took part. The teams set off at 6am in wet, miserable conditions but remained in high spirits throughout the day, helped by our fantastic support team who met them at various check points along the route.  There was a real party atmosphere as the teams met up for supper and exchanged stories from the day.”

The funds raised will be split equally between Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, Midlands Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Great North Air Ambulance and North West Air Ambulance.

Andrew Pearce, director and head of farm agency at Savills in the Midlands leads the Air Ambulance fundraising committee for the real estate firm in the Midlands. He has also been a trustee of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance since 2006.

He says: “I believe this is one of the biggest groups to undertake this challenge and having 80 people on the hill at the same time is quite an undertaking and a great achievement by all who took part. Having undertaken this challenge five times now - including twice in the last two weeks - I know what an effort our whole team put in to complete it. The elevation gain is approximately 1,500 metres across the route and it took the team between 10 and 12 hours to complete so it is no walk in the park.

“I know some people pushed themselves beyond their limits both mentally and physically to get to the finish and it was so rewarding to see the whole Savills team integrating and working together to complete the course. It would be fair to say that many great friendships were forged along the way.”

The Air Ambulance is the official charity of the rural division at Savills in 2018 and this is just one of a number of events being organised across the UK to raise money for the cause, with a view to raising £100,000 this year.

The fundraising pages will remain open until the end of this month. To donate, visit the Midlands or North fundraising pages.