Community News

Older residents in Birmingham are invited to join a new monthly friendship group being held in the café of the M&S store in the city centre.

The new social group, named Tea & Company is being organised by Royal Voluntary Service together with M&S colleagues. The next event will take place in the M&S Café in the Birmingham High Street store on Tuesday 21^st August 2018 from 09.00 to 11.00. Attendees will have an opportunity to come each month to meet others in their community, make friends and find out about local volunteering opportunities and services.  The event is free to attend and attendees can enjoy a £1 discount off hot drinks.

Tea & Company friendship groups are being trialled in seven locations across the UK, as part of M&S’s Plan A 2025 initiative to support communities and deliver positive, measurable change.  The other locations hosting Tea & Company events are Middlesbrough, Bradford, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newham and Merthyr.

Lynn Hensman, commissioned services operations manager at Royal Voluntary Service said “Staying social and connected with our local community is an important driver for better health and wellbeing, particularly in later life. We are working with M&S to create this new group to help bring people together in Birmingham. We hope older residents will join us for what is set to be an informal and fun morning.”

Sarah Ford, Plan A Community Manager at M&S said: “We know that being part of and helping the local community really matters to our customers and colleagues. With a network of stores and cafes at the heart of so many towns and cities across the country, through our Plan A programme, we are ideally placed to help communities deal with challenges such as improving their wellbeing. We are delighted to be working with Royal Voluntary Service to deliver this new friendship group in the Birmingham store and our colleagues look forward to welcoming  customers, old and new, to enjoy a chat and a cuppa.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 20,000 volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals, at home and in the community.  The focus is on building confidence, improving well-being and keeping loneliness at bay through an array of social activities and more structured support.  The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.

To celebrate World Environment Day, Jetwing Vil Uyana organized a competition for Kimbissa Junior School, Digampathaha Junior School and Udawelayayagama Junior High School. The competition was based on themes surrounding current environmental issues and was categorized into Art, Poetry and Speech. A total of 137 children participated in the competition. The awards ceremony was held recently amidst the presence of Mr. Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels and many other dignitaries.

Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels commenting on this special occasion “We are dependent on the environment for everything, so it is our responsibility to make every effort to protect planet earth. Interactive competitions of this nature encourage the youth to step outdoors and appreciate nature’s beauty and importance. We believe bringing out the natural creativity embedded in these children helps generate new concepts and ideas for preserving the environment. Through them their families would also understand the importance of being responsible so that our footprint as a community is positive. Sustainable tourism has been close to our hearts for over 45 years and apart from being responsible in our own activities we always want to guide the community towards conserving nature.”

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 45 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas.

On 6th August, people across the globe will be meeting up for a game of football, settling in for a movie marathon or popping open a bottle of champagne to celebrate International Friendship day. With the glorious spell of warm weather these past few weeks, it is a great time to show your nearest and dearest pooch how much you care about them.

Often known as man’s best friend, dogs are our companions and considered to be a member of the family. In honour of this bond between man and canine, Lintbells, manufacturers of premium natural pet supplements, have listed a few top things you can do to treat your dog on International Friendship Day:

Treat them to their favourite walk

Canines thrive on routine, so shared experiences such as regular long walks together help to promote wellbeing as well as building trust, communication, and partnership between dog and owner. If there is a route nearby with nice scenery, or a popular dog walking trail where they’ll meet new friends, this is the perfect place to take your dog out for a little adventure that will help to blow off steam both mentally and physically. If your dog loves to play, make sure to bring their favourite ball or toy with you so you can practice some tricks and give them the chance run freely in the open space.

Learn something new together

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but investing some time into teaching your dog a new command is a great way to strengthen the bond with your pet pooch whatever their age, as well as stimulating them with a mental challenge. To do this, show your dog a small treat and voice the command clearly and calmly, while gently guiding the dog into the proper position. Once they have reached the position reward with the treat. Repeat this 10 to 20 times per training session – make sure to stay focused and be patient, and you’ll have mastered that new command in no time at all!

Prepare their favourite food

Who doesn’t like to be surprised with their favourite dish by that special someone? Our dogs are no exception. To really show your pooch they are loved, why not take the time to prepare healthy, nutritious evening meal as a surprise - a special dinner will go down a treat and leave your dog satisfied, leaving plenty of time for cuddles and belly rubs on the sofa with a movie.

Take a road trip

It’s about the journey, not the destination. You could make a short trip to your local pet shop, a longer journey to their favourite place to play, or even a drive down to the coast to enjoy a full day of sun, sea and splashing at a dog friendly beach. Taking your pet on car journeys regularly is a great way to get them used to travelling, making those trips to the Vet that little bit easier. If your dog is a nervous traveller, make sure to drive safely and carefully and provide plenty of ventilation, as well as some favourite toys or a rug to give your pet a sense of familiarity. It can also help to use a natural calming supplement such as YuCALM Dog help soothe their stress and promote contentment.

Give them extra care

Everyone loves a gift, so why not splash out on your best friend to keep them happy as well as healthy? It could be as simple of treating them with a new toy, or a brush to alleviate summer malting and promote coat health. With all the fun and moving around you’ll be doing with your dog on International Friendship Day, it could be worth investing in some tasty treats that support their health too – YuMOVE Dog maintains joints and bone development as well as aiding recovery after exercise, to help your pooch stay fighting fit and ready for fun.

Works from artists including Donald Rodney, Gillian Wearing, Helen Chadwick, Francis Bacon and Barbara Walker form part of a new experimental exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery which explores underrepresented stories of body image and identity.

Within and Without: Body Image and the Self, open now until 1^st February 2018, examines the questions, anxieties and stereotypes faced when trying to attain the ideal body we see reflected in public spaces.

Including artworks dating from 1825 to present day, with a new photography commission created especially for the exhibition, the display explores how body image impacts on issues such as social status, gender, health, aesthetics, religion, politics and sexuality.

At a time when we are bombarded with images of ‘body perfection’ and idealistic physical forms through social media, advertising and TV, the exhibition uses historical and contemporary images of the human body to uncover bodies and conversations that have historically been missing.

Stand out works in the show include Pygmalion (1997) by Donald Rodney, which is on display for the first time since the artist’s death in 1998. Pygmalion explores the complexities of racial identities, masculinity, perfection and fame through an irreverent depiction of Michael Jackson as a moving automaton. This piece provokes a discussion about one of the exhibition’s key themes of colourism and how racial identities affect lived experiences.

Barbara Walker’s oil painting Seventeen (2012) forms part of the display and is part of the Birmingham-based artist’s Ladybird book series which challenges the gender and racial stereotypes depicted in the original books.

One of the other main themes in the exhibition is the Male Gaze and how women are often presented as sexual objects for a male viewer. This is explored through Helen Chadwick’s Vanity (1986) which asks the observer to consider whether the artist is challenging or playing up to what is typically considered the desirable behaviour and appearance for a woman. As part of the interrogation of the Male Gaze a calendar from the Bengal Palace Balti Restaurant (2001) is on display. This piece looks at the representations of South Asian women in a modern Birmingham context, and asks whose gaze is this calendar is made for.

This is the second prototype exhibition in the ‘Story Lab’ gallery at BMAG, which has been created with the city’s diverse individuals, communities and professionals to help define innovative new ways of understanding Birmingham’s collection of museum objects.

The specially designed ‘Story Lab’ space has been created to test new ideas and radical approaches to provide vital insight and feedback for the plans for the museum re-development. The innovative approach means that visitors have multiple ways of experiencing the exhibition and its content, including personal and academic responses to the artworks, so they can decide what they prefer.

Lynsey Rutter, Community Engagement Team Leader at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We want to hear from visitors about this exhibition and the different ways you can experience the content and engage with the topic of body image and identity. Feedback is vital as we plan for the re-development of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and ensure that the collection is presented in an engaging way for the city’s future audiences. We’d encourage you to visit throughout the summer, when we will be actively looking for feedback.”

The UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, issues urgent safety warning to British citizens at home and abroad, as the hot weather is set to return this week.

It only takes one person to pause for thought before jumping in.

It only takes one person to know what to do in an emergency.

It only takes one person to raise the alarm.

It only takes one person to drown, leaving family and friends heartbroken.

Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, is urging the general public to stay safe around water as recent media reports indicate, that at least five people have lost their lives in drowning incidents, over the last few days.

Figures reveal that up to 50% of primary school aged children in England, leave school without being able to swim the minimum standard of 25 metres. Many more can swim but still lack confidence and an awareness of water safety.

Di Steer, CEO RLSS UK said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends of families of the victims of the recent drownings. We recognise that these tragedies increase in good weather but with the unprecedented heatwave, the figures are heartbreakingly high.

"We understand how tempting it is to cool off in the nearest body of water and we don’t want to stop people having fun. All we ask is that people take some simple, quick precautions to help keep them, their families and their friends safe.

"The ‘Water Safety Code’, has been developed as part of our tireless education work, to try and prevent these avoidable tragedies.

"I’d like to encourage members of the public to be each other’s lifeguards, at home and on holiday.

"It only takes one person, to make a difference and stop good times going bad.”

To coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, the 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend from Public Health England’s programme Start4Life will be available on Google Assistant to provide helpful advice for parents in the West Midlands during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Many mothers can find breastfeeding challenging and often this may cause them to give up. Currently breastfeeding rates in England rank amongst the lowest in the world.

The 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend complements the support provided by health professionals and offers friendly advice to mums who have questions and need support with breastfeeding at any point, day or night. The tool is voice activated on Google Assistant meaning mums in the West Midlands can get NHS-approved advice in the moment and when they may have their hands full. The 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend is also available on Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger, allowing mums to access the service across multiple digital platforms.

Evidence shows the right support helps mothers to breastfeed for longer. A recent survey from Start4Life found that 45% of breastfeeding mothers in the region wish they had known that breastfeeding may not come easy at first but getting support and advice can really help. When mums reflected on breastfeeding, the survey also illustrated that 20% wish they had known that asking for help breastfeeding can make a real difference and 27% wish they had known that there is lots of help and support from breastfeeding groups, other parents and online.

Work is being done across the West Midlands to encourage and support new mothers to breastfeed. The Dudley Breastfeeding Buddies are made up of volunteer peer supporters who run breastfeeding groups across the borough. The group is supporting the ‘Big Latch On 2018’, a synchronised breastfeeding event taking place in locations across the world during World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 Aug), including an event at Huntingtree Park in Halesowen, on Friday 3 August from 10am. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton’s Infant Feeding Team and Low Hill Healthy Living Hub is inviting parents to a family fun day on Tuesday 7 August from 1pm to 3pm at the Low Hill Community Centre – so new mothers can meet and share experiences over tea, cake and activities for the children. The Health Visiting and Infant Feeding Team will be offering advice to pregnant women, new parents and families with young children.

David Elliott, programme lead for PHE West Midlands Health and Wellbeing team, said: “The Start4Life ‘Breastfeeding Friend’ is a great tool for mums in the West Midlands who are looking for help and advice about breastfeeding, and now it is available on Google Assistant and Google Home, as well as Amazon Alexa and Facebook Messenger. to provide even more parents with support during that first few weeks.

“Combined with support from midwives, health visitors and peer supporters, the suite of digital support services from Start4Life can make all the difference to help mums get breastfeeding off to a good start and to carry on. Information and support just when you need it is vital; professional help along with a network of people who can share tips and advice or attending local breastfeeding groups can be beneficial for those who might require a little more help. There is also the National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212 and NHS Choices webpages which signpost families to wider local support and resources.”

Viv Bennett, Chief Nurse at Public Health England said: “In the UK almost three-quarters of women start breastfeeding when their child is born, however by 6-8 weeks this drops to just 43%. Breastfeeding mothers often need help during hours when health professionals might not be accessible which is why Start4Life has extended the 24/7 Breastfeeding Friend to Google Assistant. Anyone with a smartphone in the West Midlands can now access this tool – all they need to do is download the Google Assistant app and ask to talk to Breastfeeding Friend. It’s so important that local mums have accessible sources of breastfeeding help and advice when they need it and we hope the Breastfeeding Friend can help complement breastfeeding services from healthcare professionals.”

The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months. As well as boosting a baby’s ability to fight illness and infection, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and may also reduce the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Babies who are not breastfed are more likely to get diarrhoea and chest infections.

The prestigious BP Portrait Award will return to Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Saturday, October 13.

Now in its 39th year, it showcases the most outstanding and innovative new portraits from around the world.

The free exhibition features a variety of styles and approaches to the contemporary painted portrait, from informal and personal studies of friends and family to revealing paintings of famous faces.

This year, 2,667 entries were received from artists in 88 countries.

Each one was judged anonymously by a panel of judges - the artists’ name, nationality, gender and age were withheld - and the list was gradually reduced to just 48 exceptional portraits for the exhibition.

The judges individually addressed what makes an outstanding portrait, weighing up the likeness, narrative, structure and overall impact of the work.

The BP Portrait Award 2018 exhibition was launched at the National Portrait Gallery in June and is exhibiting at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, as its only English touring venue, until Friday, November 30, before moving on to Edinburgh. Normal gallery opening hours are Monday to Saturday (10.30am– 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am–4pm).

Highlights of the exhibition include portraits by the shortlisted artists, Felicia Forte and Zhu Tongyao, as well as the First Prize winner, Miriam Escofet, whose enigmatic work An Angel At My Table shows the artist’s elderly mother sitting at her kitchen table surrounded by tea crockery. Escofet says she was conscious of wanting to ‘transmit an idea of the Universal Mother, who is at the centre of our psyche and emotional world.’

A series of talks and events will complement the exhibition. For more information visit www.wolverhamptonarts.org.uk.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “It is very welcome to see the BP Portrait Award back in the City of Wolverhampton and I am very happy that we he have the opportunity to exhibit it again.

“The works on display are exquisite and the skills of these artists are extraordinary.

“I would urge everyone to take the time to come and see the exhibition before it moves to Scotland in December.”

Ms Des Violaris, Director UK Arts and Culture BP, added: “The BP Portrait Award has established itself as one of the most important platforms for portraiture in the world, and with the value of the prizes increasing across all categories this year it is also one of the largest of any global arts competition.

“Congratulations to Miriam Escofet and all of this year’s prize-winning artists.

“BP is a major supporter of UK arts and culture, and we are extremely proud of the continued success of this award programme and we look forward to seeing the exhibition in London, Wolverhampton and Edinburgh throughout the year.”

The BP Portrait Award, one of the most important platforms for portrait painters, has a first prize of £35,000, making it one of the largest for any global arts competition. This highly successful annual event is aimed at encouraging artists over the age of eighteen to focus upon, and develop, the theme of portraiture in their work.

You’ve decided it’s time to move house, but with the huge variety of properties on the market just where do you start?  Perhaps you are weighing up a new build versus an existing house?  Or is the world your oyster and you are finding it hard to pinpoint where in the country you would like to settle?

Help is at hand from NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes.  NHBC has created an interactive map showing you where to find new build home developments of outstanding quality.

Pride in the Job is a UK-wide competition dedicated to recognising site managers who achieve the highest standards in house building. These site managers are in the top 3% of the sixteen thousand managers who competed for the title this year.  They have consistently demonstrated key leadership skills in their day-to-day work; from demanding high standards of workmanship from all trades on site, through to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees and visitors.

But what is in it for you?  Why should you look for a Pride in the Job winning site when buying your new home?

You can be assured that you are buying a home of exceptional quality.  A Pride in the Job winning home has received high marks across 44 different elements of the build; from its foundations, structure and roof through to the quality of finishes and landscaping.  In addition, our data shows that customers who buy a home on a Pride in the Job winning site have higher levels of satisfaction with their house and builder, so they are without doubt among the best the UK has to offer.

Before you spend hours trawling the internet for your next new home, take a look at the map showing the winning sites (www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk).  They will have an NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award flag flying at the entrance to the development too, so make sure you also keep an eye out for those when visiting a show home.

John Taylor Hospice has received five stars, the highest possible rating, for food hygiene in a spot inspection by Birmingham City Council.

For more than five years running the Erdington-based hospice has received the top rating which is classified by the council as ‘very good’. It was awarded after inspectors visited the hospice in an unannounced visit on 3 July.

The Catering Team, Chefs Steve Barfield, Clare Pressick and Tina Dixon, provide fresh food 365 days of the year for patients, their families, staff and other visitors and the hospice cafe.

Steve said: “Quality and cleanliness are absolutely paramount in our kitchen and we are delighted that the team has again seen its efforts rewarded with a five star hygiene rating.

“We believe in making sure every single meal we create is special and it’s great to see this recognised.”

The team creates daily menus but also takes time every day to visit each patient and discuss their individual needs and choices.

“Although we have the menu as a start, we aim to give every patient the food they like, are able to eat and will give them the maximum health benefits possible,” said Steve. “At the same time we ensure all of those meals are fresh, made with good quality produce and created in a kitchen which we work really hard to keep super clean.”

John Taylor provides specialist care for people living with a terminal illness and their families both at the hospice and in the community. The catering is an essential part of that service.

Director of Corporate and Commercial Services Gail Hipkiss said: “A huge well done to the team on receiving the five star rating again. We set the bar for quality and cleanliness very high and it’s good to see this recognised by the council.

“We constantly receive lovely comments from people we care for and their families over the quality of the food and the individual attention given by the team so it’s positive to see this backed up by high standards.”

For more on John Taylor Hospice and its care for local people see www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk

The charity Crimestoppers is launching a national campaign to highlight County Lines and encourage the public to report their concerns.

To help the public understand what ‘county lines’ is and encourage reporting to Crimestoppers, the charity is running a campaign which commenced today. An advan will be touring the various parts of the region next week, giving people more information on how they can play their part in helping to tackle this issue. In addition, a social media campaign has also been launched by the charity to raise awareness of the crime.

What is County Lines

County lines refers to gangs and organised criminal networks which export illegal drugs into suburban, rural and coastal areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines or “deal line.”

The crime sees County Lines gangs exploit children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money.

The gangs move into a rural or suburban area for a short time, taking over the home of a vulnerable person where they set up a base.

Many of those taken advantage of by these gangs have been forced to carry out criminal activity by threats, grooming and extortion and can be described as modern day slaves.

Spot the signs and report concerns

Have you noticed:

• A child or young person (sometimes as young as 12), during school hours or unusual hours (e.g. early in the morning, late at night)? They might be in a shopping centre or high street, or on public transport.
• A child or young person who seems unfamiliar with the local area?
• A child or young person being approached or intimidated by a controlling peer or group?
• A child or vulnerable person who is deliberately avoiding authority figures such as police officers or security guards?
• More people calling at a local address than normal? Sometimes at unsociable hours?
• Suspicious vehicles or people at an address?
• A neighbour has not been seen for a while?

If you see something concerning either a young or vulnerable person that doesn’t feel right, or looks suspicious, you can report your concerns 100% anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers. You can contact us on 0800 555 111 or send an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Speaking about the campaign, Emily van der Lely, Crimestoppers lead on County Lines, said: “We know that the term ‘County Lines’ might not be widely recognised, which is why we are launching this campaign and asking for your help to support us in tackling this issue.

“We need help to put a stop to this exploitation and the damage that these criminals are inflicting on our communities and those being taken advantage of.

“We are asking you to contact us anonymously and safely through our 0800 555 111 number, or via our secure online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org - both methods are 100% anonymous. Always. Together we can put a stop to this.”

If you recognise any of the signs listed above, Crimestoppers is here to take your information. You can contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or can send an untraceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sir Lenny, who was in the city for the Birmingham City University graduation ceremonies, took time out of his busy schedule to spend time on Ward 1, the hospital’s kidney ward.

He met with patients, families and staff as well as one of the hospital’s charity-funded ‘giggle doctors’, Dr Flowerpot, a professional performer who entertain youngsters while in hospital.

Known for his infectious laugh, the Dudley-born comedian said: “I was humbled to visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital last week and meet with the patients, families and staff on Ward 1.

“It was inspiring to hear how the hospital’s charity works hard to make a real difference to each child and family’s experience, allowing the youngsters to be kids first and patients second.”

Paula Duff, Impact Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was an absolute honour to welcome Sir Lenny Henry to our hospital. He put a smile on the faces all of the children, families and staff he met - it really made their day.

“Visits like this are so incredibly beneficial to our families, especially those going through extremely difficult times. Play, fun and laughter is an integral part of what makes our hospital so special.”

Crowdfund Wolves is celebrating the second of its City of Wolverhampton projects hitting its fundraising target.

The success enabled the sea-side themed ‘All Saints by the Sea’ festival to be held on Saturday, July 21.

All Saints Action Network (ASAN) raised £2,993 through individual contributions, donations from SNA Builders, EasyAuto, TTC, and Unison; a council staff bake sale; and a significant donation from HeadStart Wolverhampton to fund the community event.

The family festival, held on All Saints Road was free to all. Activities and attractions included donkey rides, face painting and live music.

Shobha Asar-Paul, Chief Officer of ASAN, said: “It was a glorious family festival with a wonderful community, carnival feel. Everyone enjoyed the music and entertainment, and the children loved the donkey rides and the treasure hunt with Wendy Wolf and Wolfie. I am grateful to HeadStart and all our partners who helped make it a true community event.

“Local residents and people who live and work in the area were full of praise. One resident said: ‘It was brilliant to have an event on our door-step that brought local people together and provided such a happy and positive experience’.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: “Crowdfund Wolves is part of our approach to community engagement where we enable communities to support and develop the projects that they are passionate about.

“We are looking for even more unusual, interesting and innovative projects to make the City of Wolverhampton even better.”

All Saints Action Network is a voluntary group that works to improve the quality of life for all people living and working in the All Saints area.

Crowdfund Wolves is a website that connects people, communities and businesses to everything they need to make their idea a reality.

The council has joined with the Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVSC) to develop the platform.

Health chiefs in Wolverhampton are encouraging people to take to social media during World Breastfeeding Week – beginning today – to drum up support for breastfeeding mums.

Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Health Team and the Infant Feeding Team at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust want Wulfrunians to go online and become Wolverhampton Breastfeeding Friends – #WolvesBFF.

To take part in the campaign, people are asked to post messages of support using the hashtags #WolvesBFF and #WBW2018.

The campaign is part of the work that the council's Public Health and Early Years teams are undertaking with the Infant Feeding Team and Health Visiting service to normalise breastfeeding in Wolverhampton.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are calling on all residents, community groups and even businesses to get involved and make a public display of support for breastfeeding.

“Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop illnesses such as gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections.

“They are also less likely to be obese or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease, and so I would encourage everyone to show their support for this campaign."

Wolverhampton is also celebrating World Breastfeeding Week by holding a free event for new parents and mothers-to-be at Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, from 1pm-3pm on Tuesday 7 August.

Visitors will be able to find out more about feeding their baby as well as other issues including slings, hypnobirthing, baby massage and baby yoga at the event.

Members of the Public Health Team, the Infant Feeding Team, health visitors and Health and Parent Champions will be on hand to offer advice and guidance, while families will be able to meet other parents, share experiences and learn new skills. Refreshments will be available, along with activities to keep babies and toddlers occupied.

The nation's influence on the London food scene is undeniable and exciting, with everything from neighbourhood eateries serving up regional classics, to Michelin-starred restaurants like Benares and The Clove Club continually drawing in ravenous crowds. And, for this year's anniversary, lucky Londoners can head to Brixton for a celebratory feast.

Indian chef Rani Pathare, known as "The Spice Angel" as dubbed by John Torode during her appearance on MasterChef, is hosting her first supperclub at secret bar The Beast of Brixton later this month.

With a menu comprising street food favourites like Dahi Batata Puri (these delicious puffed mini breads are currently all over your Instagram feed), Pulled Chicken and Chickpea Kachori, Lamb Dum Biryani and Aloo Methi; diners are in for a treat.

"When creating this special menu I wanted to showcase my favourite dishes using a delicate balance of spices to achieve diverse flavours from across India," said Rani about the event.

"The feast is a celebration of the Indian experience and The Beast of Brixton is a wonderfully intimate setting in which to tell the story of Indian cuisine."

With its entrance tucked away on Branksome Road, just off Acre Lane, The Beast is a hit with the locals and draws in a faithful crowd from further afield too.

As well as being a popular watering hole, the bar cooks up a devilishly decadent Sunday roast and is developing its calendar of hit supperclubs. Usually known for their punchy homemade frozen Margaritas, the owners will be serving their take on a frozen Lassi as a complimentary welcome cocktail ahead of the meal.

Rani's enthusiasm for the venue is contagious: "It's as if I come out of the kitchen and straight into someone's living room!

"I'm so excited to meet people at their tables on the night, share the traditional origins of each dish and raise a naughty rum lassi to India's Independence."

Remember the days when you met a new partner and you would practice your signature with his surname? When you wanted to be a footballer and already had an autograph? When you signed cheque books?  Nope, too far in the past?

Our signature is our name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification, but it seems the days of the carefully honed personal signature are coming to an end!

According a national study by UK cyber security consultancy -  Online Spy Shop - more than half of adults rarely sign their names anymore and one in five don’t even have a proper signature, instead just writing out their name when one is required and potentially leaving themselves open to the risk of identity theft and fraud.

The national study of 1,000 UK adults found:

* 55% of say they “rarely” use their signature

* One in five UK don’t have a consistent signature

* Four in ten signatures written in the UK are to sign for deliveries

Younger people are even less inclined to bother.  21% of those aged 18-24 say they don’t have a consistent way of signing their name and 15% can’t remember the last time they had to do it.

Over-55s are little different and may be responsible for keeping the written signature alive for a while yet.

84% of over-55s say they still have a consistent signature, but even among a demographic that grew up with written signatures as the standard, 7% can’t remember the last time they used theirs. Regular signature use is 20% lower among under-55s compared to over-55s.

According to the study, deliveries account for 41% of all signatures, while parenting related paperwork such as school consent forms and homework diaries account for 10%.

Steve Roberts of Online Spy Shop, who commissioned the research believes signatures could still have a place for a while, despite advances in encryption and security.

“We’re now so used to engaging with modern means of verification, be that fingerprint recognition or simply passwords and PINs, that the idea of just scribbling our name seems almost ridiculous.  So it’s no surprise that a significant proportion of us no longer have a definitive, consistent signature to call our own and many of us can’t even remember the last time we signed our own name.

“I don’t think it’s quite the end of the written signature, but I certainly believe the days of youngsters perfecting a unique, hard-to-copy autograph to use in adulthood will be a thing of the past, if it isn’t already.  Although in the EU, digital signatures are legally as legitimate as hand-written signatures, the latter is still standard proof of consent in many scenarios, so I’d recommend people take care to ensure their signature isn’t easily-copied, just in case.”