Community News

John Taylor Hospice’s Glitter Ball has been hailed ‘a night to remember’ with around 200 guests enjoying the fundraising event.

The ball at Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport on Friday (7 September) featured live music, dancers, auctions, a raffle and three course dinner. Companies, individuals, hospice supporters, staff, patients and their families all came together in a glittering fundraiser – with all proceeds supporting John Taylor’s care.

Hospice Community and Events Fundraiser Emily Boate said the event was hugely successful, raising around £20,000.

“Our Glitter Ball was a real night to remember,” she says. “From the moment people entered the doors to be met by our dancers to the moment they left, many taking their prizes with them, it was a wonderful evening. It was good to see so many people return to the event after last year’s Masquerade Ball – the first in our history.

“We are grateful to everyone who made the Glitter Ball such a success including staff, volunteers, House of Chords and Elite Performers. A huge thank you to all of the local companies and individuals who sponsored the ball or generously donated prizes and the many people who dug deep into their pockets during the evening to buy raffle tickets and bid on the auctions.

“Each person and company who helped us raise our amazing total is helping us make every moment matter for the people we care for.”

Prizes up for grabs were certainly glittering with holidays, hotel breaks, spa weekends, dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, Bucks Fizz Breakfasts, days out, sport memorabilia and theatre tickets.

Ball sponsors were Christine Brolan Civil Celebrant, Wright Restaurants Ltd, Lilies Funeral Directors, Provex Solutions Ltd and Simpsons Gin Bar.

Christine said: “The ball has been just lovely. What really strikes me is that the ball is so full of life – people celebrating and enjoying their lives. And they have raised so much money for the hospice at the same time.”

Lee Solomon of Lilies Funeral Directors said: “It has been an amazing evening – it’s so wonderful to see so many people joining together to support John Taylor Hospice.”

The hospice’s Fundraising Team is now hard at work organising future events.

“The Glitter Ball may be over but we have plenty of other opportunities for people to join our events and support us to help hundreds of local people,” said Emily. “Forthcoming events include a skydive, Big Quiz of the Year, our open day and Light up a Life – full details are on our website www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk”

First introduced in 2015, this is the fourth year the Met Office and Met Éireann (the meteorological service in the Irish Republic) have jointly run the ‘Name our Storms’ scheme, aimed at raising awareness of severe weather before it hits.

This year the first storm will be ‘male’ and named Ali, while the second storm will be ‘female’ and named Bronagh, following the alternating male/female pattern established by the US National Hurricane Center in the 1970’s.

Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann, said: “The last 12 months have seen some extreme weather around the Globe as well as here at home. While it is too early to say whether the coming winter will be a stormy one or a quiet one we are prepared with a whole new set of 21 names for whatever nature may throw at us. As before, Met Éireann forecasters will work in close co-operation with our colleagues from the  Met Office in the UK to keep all the peoples of these islands warned of impending severe weather."

This season’s names have once again been compiled from a list of suggestions submitted by the public, choosing some of the most popular names but also selecting names that reflect the nations, culture and diversity of Britain and Ireland.  As in previous years, Q, U, X, Y and Z will not be used, to comply with the international storm naming conventions.

Why do we name storms?

Derrick Ryall, Head of Public Weather Services at the Met Office, said: “Naming storms has been proved to raise awareness of severe weather in the UK, providing a consistent message to the public and crucially prompting people to take action to prevent harm to themselves or to their property.”

In a recent YouGov survey, almost 80% of people questioned found giving storms a name useful for making them aware that the storm may have greater impacts than normal, with 63% agreeing that storm naming was useful to let them know to take action and prepare for the impacts of severe weather.

Although naming storms has helped raise the profile of severe weather, we realise there is still work to be done in advising people to take action – for example in a recent survey, only one third of respondents said they made changes at home, such as fastening windows, securing loose items outside and just one fifth checking on the safety of family and neighbours.

When is a storm named?

A storm will be named on the basis of 'medium' or 'high' potential impacts from wind but also include the potential impacts of rain and snow, i.e. storms will be named for weather systems which we expect an Amber or Red warning will eventually be issued by Met Éireann and/or the Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS).

The 2017-18 season saw ten storms named, from Aileen in September to Hector earlier this summer.  Last year we also saw Ex-Hurricane Ophelia, named by the National Hurricane Center.

Creating a visually spectacular seasonal experience that transforms a heritage landscape has become a speciality for Raymond Gubbay who work with Culture Creative to realise these winter wonderlands.

With no fewer than six trails planned at historic and iconic venues across the country, there's never been a better opportunity to experience these magical outdoor Christmas events.

Designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy, the trails provide a unique way to celebrate the festive season with a stunning outdoor experience.

• New for 2018 ZSL London Zoo will be transformed with a magical illuminated Christmas Trail. The world famous attraction's mile-long immersive experience opens from 22 November 2018 – 1 January 2019.

There are plenty of hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where you least expect them. Not so hidden will be the 11-metre-tall Sledge Tree, made from 365 illuminated wooden sledges!

Complete your stroll under the stars with mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Soak up the atmosphere with a vintage carousel ride*, and other family rides whilst you enjoy traditional treats, before picking up an irresistible gift or two at ZSL London Zoo's shop.

The children being treated on the children’s wards at Heartlands Hospital had some very special visitors come to see them this week. Birmingham City stars Harlee Dean and Wes Harding visited the hospital to deliver gifts to the delighted children, marking the beginning of a new charity appeal.

Heartlands Hospital Charity, the official charity of the hospital, has launched a new fundraising appeal which is aiming to raise £500,000 to renovate the children’s areas at the hospital, making them brighter and more child-friendly.

The Blues players made the short trip from St Andrews over to Heartlands Hospital to visit the children on the wards, some of whom had been there for a long time. Bringing with them plenty of Blues gifts, the players helped to brighten up the children’s days, and brought a smile to the faces of the parents and staff on the ward as well.

Blue central defender, Wes Harding, said: “It’s been great visiting the hospital and nice to put smiles on the kids’ faces. The work the hospital is doing is fantastic and it’s good to see the money raised will be used to make children’s and parents’ experience of the hospital better.”

The fundraising appeal will change the face of the children’s areas across Heartlands Hospital, giving the treatment rooms, corridors and play areas a much-needed makeover. The appeal is also raising money to renovate the garden outside the children’s wards, which is currently an uninviting space. The new garden will be fully accessible, so children in bed can still enjoy some fresh air alongside their fellow patients and their siblings.

The renovation will also help to improve the parent’s accommodation on the ward, providing an oasis of calm for parents to rest whilst their child is being treated.

Sian Averill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity, said: “The Charity’s thanks go to Harlee, Wes, and everyone at Birmingham City Football Club for coming along to Heartlands Hospital. They helped to raise everyone’s spirits on the wards, both children and adults alike. It was so special to the children’s faces as they saw their footballing heroes coming onto the ward.

“The Charity is incredibly proud to have launched the new children’s appeal, with your help we will be able to transform the children’s areas across the hospital. The care on offer is of an exceptional standard, and we want the environment to match this. The new facilities will make life easier for the 56,000 children who are treated at Heartlands Hospital each year.”

To find out more about the children’s appeal, or to donate, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/heartlandschildren

Vote now for your favourite piece of art in the final of Sandwell’s Hidden Treasures art competition.

Amateur artists, schools and community groups entered a range of pieces for the project, inspired by their favourite buildings, open spaces, walks, views and local attractions.

Over the summer, entries were displayed at our four museums – Haden Hill House, Manor House Museum, Oak House Museum and Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery – and visitors voted for their favourite at each site.

Now you can vote for the overall winner, which will be announced in October.

Vote by 5 October at www.sandwell.gov.uk/hiddentreasures

The finalists are:

• Brunswick Park by Priory Primary School Art Club – Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery finalist
• Herons Trail by Wendy Priest – Oak House Museum finalist
• Old Chestnut at Sandwell Valley by Austin Clifford – Manor House Museum finalist
• Sunny Sunday Walks by Hayley Jukes – Haden Hill House Museum finalist

"Now we have our four finalists, I encourage everyone to take a look and vote for their favourite piece of art."

Alongside the online vote, the four pieces will be going on a tour around local libraries so that people can also paper vote for the winner of the arts trail.

They will be exhibited for four weeks as follows:

• Tipton Library (Unity Walk): Week beginning Monday 10 September
• Oldbury Library: Week beginning Monday 17 September
• Central Library West Bromwich: Week beginning Monday 24 September
• Blackheath Library: Week beginning Monday 1 October

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) is urging people across the Midlands to host their own ‘MAAC’N’CHEESE’ event to raise funds for the lifesaving charity.

Whether it’s a lunchtime event in the office, or a Friday night in with friends, the cheese inspired fundraiser is set to raise awareness and funds during National Air Ambulance Week, which takes place from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th September.

Abbie Hawkins, events coordinator for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity says: “MAAC’N’CHEESE is a really fun and simple way for our supporters to help raise funds, and a great excuse to catch up with colleagues and friends.

“The idea is that people host their own get together, providing refreshments or asking friends or colleagues to each bring something along, hopefully tucking in to lots of cheese and making fundraising fun!”

The charity has enlisted support from Herefordshire based business, The Mousetrap Cheese Shop, which is selling cheese packs for the event. Starting from just £10, specially put together packs of locally sourced cheese can be purchased online at: www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk/MAAC/maacncheese for national delivery or to collect from their Ludlow, Leominster or Hereford shops, with a donation from every sale going to the charity.

If you would like to host your own MAAC’N’CHEESE event, you can find further information and a downloadable fundraising pack at www.midlandsairambulance.com/maacncheese.

The fundraising pack includes an event poster, sponsorship form, social media picture, printable cheese board template, recipe ideas and ‘guess the grapes’ activity sheet.

On World Suicide Prevention Day today, Gay Times Magazine have created ‘The Flag We Shouldn’t Be Proud Of’ which will be raised at Birmingham’s iconic landmark, Town Hall.

This ceremonial version of the iconic pride flag has 2 of the 6 stripes removed in order to represent the 2 in 6 LGBTQ young people we risk losing to suicide due to issues including bullying, discrimination, gender identity and mental health. This powerful statement is made all the more poignant because the lost red and blue stripes traditionally symbolise ‘Life’ and ‘Harmony’.

Comedian Joe Lycett, who performs at Symphony Hall this November, said: “I’m really excited about performing at Birmingham Symphony Hall, but even more so now knowing that they are supporting such an important cause. Suicide and mental health issues are massive problems in the LGBTQ+ community and I’m delighted THSH are helping to highlight this.”

Collabro’s Jamie Lambert, who will perform at Symphony Hall in April 2019, said: “The reason why this project is important is because there's such a high level of suicide particularly in young people in the LGBT community and it's really important that we step up and look after our own and make sure that we address that issue. Not just within the community but in the wider world as well. I'm really proud to support it.”

Richard Loftus, Director of Sales & Marketing for Town Hall Symphony Hall said: “This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the original pride flag. ‘The Flag We Shouldn’t Be Proud Of’ will remind passersby how far we have come but also the work we have ahead of us to keep the LGBTQ community safe and well.”

John Osborne and Rickie Marsden, advertising creatives from The Gate London, initiated the project: “Despite this being an issue close to our hearts, we didn’t realise the scale of the problem. We felt like we had to help put a spotlight on it and start the conversation in a simple yet powerful way.”

Sandwell museums staff are preparing to welcome Buckingham's Retinue historical interpretation group to West Bromwich to bring to life the Wars of the Roses.

The group will be performing at the Manor House Museum, Hall Green Road, taking over the grounds of the 13th century house, once known as Bromwic Hall, with a medieval encampment.

The group will be displaying a wide variety of activities and visitors can experience the sights and smells of medieval times on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September between 11am and 3pm.

Councillor Steve Trow, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for culture and core services, said: "Visitors will have the opportunity to see the arms, armour and firepower available to a medieval army as they enjoy the demonstrations and perhaps get the chance to join the army, try on a helmet or hold a sword.

"Those interested in more gentle activities will be able to enjoy a display of medieval music and dance with the opportunity to participate with easy-to-learn enjoyable medieval dances."

There will also be a chance to play games, hear about a gruesome surgeon and see a battle display.

The fantastic medieval house itself will be open for self-guided tours throughout the event or join us for a guided tour at 11.30am and 1.30pm (please book on arrival).

On the Sunday (16 September), local historian Ian Bott will be there presenting his talk of The History and Legends of West Bromwich Manor House at 12.15pm and 2.15pm

"This is a fantastic opportunity to discover and explore this amazing building which we are so lucky to have in Sandwell and see it come alive with real historical characters," said Jane Hanney, museums services manager.

New research commissioned by Philips reveals that modern British men have many faces, with the majority (62%) agreeing that they juggle an average of four roles each day, yet the traits they value may not be aligned with the more stereotypical traits they believe society expects.

While men say the top personality traits they aspire to be are loyal (63%), supportive (63%) and caring (62%), they also say they believe society deems it most important for them to be strong (42%), confident (32%) and loyal (27%). This disconnect may be the reason that more than half of respondents (52%) also admit to feeling pressure to live up to a certain image, and this rose even higher to 60% amongst generation Z.

This new data about the expanding chasm between personal values and societal expectations inspired Philips to launch its Many Faces campaign.

“As the world’s number one electric shaving brand, few understand how men’s faces, identities and self-expression have changed over the decades like Philips,” said Marlieke Evers, Philips Male Grooming Marketing Manager. “We find ourselves living in unparalleled times, full of contradictions and new, ever-evolving influences. With this campaign, Philips encourages open discussions about men’s lives, triumphs and insecurities. We want men to appreciate the many positive ways they impact the people around them in the many roles they hold, to prioritise what matters most to them and to be confident about their choices, because confidence is the very essence of feeling comfortable in your own skin.”

The campaign has never been more timely, as research reveals that more than half of men (52%) are comfortable talking about their feelings and 54% generally feel confident, which a fifth of men (21%) attribute to having a strong support system in place. But only a third (37%) feel comfortable in their own skin and almost half (47%) agree that they care about what others think of them.

A campaign with many faces

To bring Many Faces to life, Philips has collaborated with five ambassadors from different walks of life – from models, mentors, fathers, leaders and artists. Among them is musician, dancer and author Harry Judd, who said, “I myself swing between numerous roles, one as a father as well as a drummer, dancer, husband and friend, so I know from personal experience that men are multi-dimensional. I also have sensitive skin, both figuratively and physically, and believe it’s important to overcome stereotypes in today’s society.’’

Live painting artist Guglielmo Alfarone will create unique portraits of all of the Philips ambassadors. Alfarone thrives on revealing depth and dimension in his portraiture and is excited to realise the nuances of modern British men. Alongside a live portrait session, the artwork will be showcased at Mayfair Gallery on 5 September.

Live music from local musicians, children’s wildlife activities, the Stick Man trail, seasonal produce sales and gardening inspiration are some of the treats in store for visitors to Martineau Gardens annual Autumn Event on Sunday 16 September from 11am – 3pm. The organically maintained Community Garden, in Edgbaston, is holding a family-friendly ‘green’ fete to celebrate the Autumn harvest.

The Garden’s seasonal harvest will be for sale including home-made jams, freshly-cut vegetables and salads and honey (made by local bees!). Gardeners will enjoy the opportunity to stock up on the Gardens’ plants and compost and there will be expert gardeners on hand to deal with gardening queries, plus a gardening workshop. During the day, there will be live performances from Black Adder Morris Dancers, Raggle Taggle, East by South East and more. On sale will be delicious home-made cakes, salads and sandwiches and other refreshments, inspired by the garden harvest.

The Gardens are a place for children to get close to nature. The Shipwreck play area is a popular spot for picnicking and play. The Stick Man trail offers an interactive learning experience for three to seven year olds and has been designed to help children go on their own adventure with the character. Brightly coloured boards featuring Stick Man and other characters from the picture book will be used alongside an activity sheet, with children able to claim a Stick Man Trail Certificate for completing the trail. Juliette Green (the Gardens’ Environmental Education Teacher) will be running ‘Stick Man’ themed wildlife activities and reading the Stick Man story at various times throughout the day.

Local community groups will be running stalls including Suburban Plants, the Craft Co-operative and the Beekeepers.

The Community Garden, just two miles from Birmingham city centre, is a green oasis teeming with wildlife and is looked after by volunteers, many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities. Hundreds of school children visit the Gardens to learn about science and environmental issues. Every year Birmingham people visit the gardens to explore its woodland, glass houses, formal garden, orchard, demonstration food growing areas, wildflower meadow, pond and wildlife area with SLINC status.

Gill Milburn, Director of Martineau Gardens said: “Martineau Gardens is a community-run garden which is open for the people of Birmingham to visit. This event will be a chance to find out a bit more about gardening and the growing year, plus have some fun and relax.”

On October 20, 2018, Malta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Middle Sea Race- an iconic race, featuring some of the world’s premier mariners on the most high-tech vessels in the sea. From South Africa to the United States, from Chile to New Zealand, the appeal of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is unquestionably broad, with entries from over 30 countries expected again this year.

This year, Valletta was declared European Capital of Culture and the Valletta 2018 Foundation is supporting the 50th Anniversary Rolex Middle Sea Race because the race starts in Valletta’s Grand Harbor beneath Fort St. Angelo. Participants will embark on a 606 nautical mile trek. The race will then travel to the Eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading North to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head South towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to Malta.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race offers a true test for skippers and crews who have to deal with unpredictable weather and often wild seas. Participants frequently describe it as a very tough yet special race. The conditions in October can change dramatically and almost instantly, with the wind rising from a feeble gust to a punishing zephyr.

Originally stemming from a rivalry between friends and Royal Malta Yacht Club members Paul and John Ripard, and British sailor residing in Malta, Jimmy White, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has grown tremendously since the first edition in 1968. To mark the 50th Anniversary, Royal Malta Yacht Club is gearing up for what promises to be a very special edition of this highly rated offshore race.

Four of West Midlands top young surveyors – across various sectors including construction and rural land - have reached the shortlist of the 2018 RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year (YSOYA) Awards, where they will compete for the esteemed ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title.

This year’s shortlist of over 60 nominees is made up of young female and male surveyors from all over the UK (including the Midlands, London, Scotland and Northern Ireland), with the four shortlisted candidates from the West Midlands up for the following category accolades, as well as the overall ‘Young Surveyor of the Year’ title:

• Apprentice of the Year – Adelle Rhule-Martin of GVA
• Mentor of the Year -  Gillian Green of GVA
• Quantity Surveying & Construction – Tracy Ayhow of Turner & Townsend
• Project Management – Ben Senior of Arcadis

The annual awards celebrate the diverse range of young talented surveyors, trainees and apprentices working in such areas – aged 35 and under –  who are role models in helping to shape and advance our communities. They also recognise the influential future leaders of the surveying profession who have made a significant contribution to the built environment.

There are eight category awards* in total with others including Building Surveying, Land (Urban & Land), Asset & Facilities Management and Valuation. The overall ‘UK Young Surveyor of the Year’ title will be awarded to the category winner that has not only achieved a high level of success in their respective role and sector, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to inspire the next generation and improve the industry and profession.

Commenting on the shortlist, head of the judging panel, Anna Keys a quantity surveyor at calfordseaden LLP and Chair of the RICS UK Matrics Board - a networking and support group for young surveyors - said: “We are facing some of the biggest market changes our industry has ever seen, as well as rising skills shortages, but our shortlist is testament to the fact that our profession is rising to these challenges and continuing to maintain and deliver exemplary built projects that are having a lasting positive impact on our communities and wider economy.

“Many of the shortlisted individuals are actively involved in leading innovative initiatives and activities to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the industry, whilst others have achieved outstanding career success, or enjoyed fast career progression as they’ve demonstrated they have the skills and expertise to make them a valuable asset and ambassador to the profession.”

She adds: “I’m delighted that our shortlist includes a healthy mix of both men and women from all backgrounds and we look forward to celebrating the winners in RICS’ special 150^th anniversary year.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on 30 November at Riverbank Park Plaza in London.

A deafblind man from Erdington, Birmingham, has been shortlisted for a national charity award, in recognition of the exceptional courage he has shown by hiking 52-miles across the historic national trail, the RidgeWay.

44-year-old John Churcher who has Usher Syndrome, three per cent vision and a hearing impairment, is shortlisted for ‘Person of the Year’ at the Sense Awards 2018. An accomplished climber, John took on the charity’s Ridgewalk event, showing bravery in the face of a tough challenge.

The annual Sense Awards, now in their 15th year will take place on Thursday 20th September at TouchBase Pears in Birmingham, and will be hosted by BBC presenter Nikki Fox. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers that support them.

John Churcher said: “As a trustee for Deafblind UK, it was great to be able to support another charity like Sense that also works to improve the lives of deafblind people, and have the chance to do another challenge at the same time.”

Sense Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said: “John has been a member of Sense for the past 30 years and has achieved so much success. His list of accolades keeps on growing and we are so thankful he participated in the charity’s Ridgewalk event this year to help make a difference to the lives of the people we support. The Sense Awards exist to celebrate the achievements of people like John and I wish him all the best of luck for this year’s award ceremony.”

Festive fun is back at the Legoland Windsor Resort this Christmas season. On 1-2, 8-9 and 15-23 December 2018 families can meet Father Christmas and discover over 30 rides, attractions and Lego Christmas activities.

Guests can discover an enchanted Christmas land, where little ones will meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive a Lego Christmas gift. In Miniland, Christmas will come to life with miniature Lego festive additions to London and Scotland, from a bustling Christmas market in Covent Garden to Father Christmas flying over Big Ben in his sleigh.

Father Christmas' elves will be on the lookout for little helpers to write letters to Father Christmas and build Lego candy canes and festive decorations. Families can take part in a Lego scavenger hunt and marvel at the stunning 8 metre high Lego Christmas Tree before heading to Mrs. Christmas' Toy Shop where they can build their very own Lego decoration to take home. Plus, costume characters Ollie the Dragon and Lego Santa will be on hand to spread the festive cheer.

A special Secret Shopping Service will be in action for guests stocking up on Lego goodies during their festive visit. On hearing the word “Rudolph” Legoland staff will jump into action and help mums and dads keep their purchases under wraps with a range of fun diversionary activities to keep the little ones occupied.

A search has launched for local social media fanatics to submit their most Instagram-worthy shots from the local area – with £1,000 up for grabs for the best snaps.

National Rail has announced the hunt for the nation’s most Instagrammable locations for 16-25 Railcard, after revealing that a third (29 per cent) of young people choose their travel destinations based on how good they will look on their social media feeds.

The research showed that young people in Birmingham are constantly on the lookout for the best selfie spots and will upload an average of 12 photos to Instagram every week, to show they have been visiting the coolest bars, restaurants, attractions and holiday destinations.

Tapping into local competitive spirit, 16-25 Railcard, which offers a third off rail travel, has created an Insta-Rail map of the UK, featuring a list of the most photographed locations throughout the country.

The brand is now calling for local social media fanatics to submit their best photos for the chance to win a £1,000 cash prize, as well as crowning Birmingham as the most Instagrammable destination in the UK.

The winning snap will also feature in a 16-25 Railcard campaign, as well as appearing on its website and social media channels this summer.

Jyoti Bird, marketing director at National Rail, said: “Our research shows just how competitive young people can be with social media – ultimately not wanting to miss out on exciting new experiences, getting out and about, and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

“We wanted to tap into that competitive spirit by launching a search for the most Instagrammable places that Birmingham has to offer. Whether it’s quirky bars, historical points of interest or local attractions, we’re looking for the best and most visually impressive photos from the area.

“We look forward to seeing some really beautiful and creative photography from local social media enthusiasts, and will hopefully be crowning Birmingham as the Instagram capital of the UK!”

For the chance to win £1,000 and the title of Birmingham’s best Instagrammer, locals should upload their image to Instagram, tagging @national.rail and using the hashtag #instarail, or on the National Rail Facebook page, using #instarail. T&Cs apply

Staff from commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), will walk 26-miles along the Grand Union Canal, to raise money for national disability charity Sense.

Seven members of staff, based in the Birmingham office, will take on the fundraising challenge on Friday 07 September. The walk will begin at Brindleyplace and continue along the canal, before ending at the Cape of Good Hope Canalside pub in Warwick.

All proceeds will go towards the charity’s pioneering new ‘TouchBase Pears’ centre, which provides specialist services for people with complex disabilities, as well as facilities for the wider community in Selly Oak.

Joanne Whitaker, Portfolio Manager for LSH Birmingham, said:  “LSH have been supporting Sense since 2017 and this year, we wanted to take on a local challenge that would make a difference to the lives of people with complex disabilities at TouchBase Pears. We’re really looking forward to completing the canal walk for a great cause.”

LSH are hoping to raise £2,000 for Sense. To sponsor them, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lshsensecanalwalk