Community News

Beat the Burglar sessions are being rolled out across Sandwell to help residents protect their homes and property.

A two-year project will see events in each of Sandwell’s 24 wards, launching with sessions in Friar Park on Saturday 21 July.

Volunteers from Sandwell Crime Prevention Panel, council teams and police will be running the sessions.

As well as giving advice, they will be handing out personal attack alarms, shed alarms, property marking packs, spike strips for the top of fences and gates, purse bells and fraud prevention sleeves for bank cards.

The Beat the Burglar sessions in Friar Park will run on Saturday 21 July as follows:

• 10am - Corner of Solway Close/Berkshire Crescent
• 11am - Carrington Road shopping area
• 12noon - Corner of Richard Williams Road/Moor Street

"The council is very pleased to be able to support this initiative, working with volunteers from Sandwell Crime Prevention Panel and the police, to help our residents protect their homes and property."

We’ll let other neighbourhoods know when we’re in their area. Look out for leaflets about the sessions.

A football-mad teenager spoke inspiringly about how he refused to let his disability stop him from pursuing his dream at a conference for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

When Jude Aston realised that having cerebral palsy would prevent him from fulfilling his ambition to become a professional footballer, he decided he would do the next best thing – by becoming a journalist and cover the sport he loves.

And when his school – Highfields in Penn – launched its own TV channel last year, Jude's journey began.

The 13-year-old said: "I have cerebral palsy which reduces the use of my right side, but that will never stop me trying to achieve what I want, whether that’s in sport, education or life in general as I see myself as no different to anybody else.

“I’m football mad and my dream is to become a sports journalist. I became Highfields TV’s video editor and sports reporter, and I now film and report on school football matches and other sporting events.

"I stay after school to put the episodes together which takes a lot of hard work and dedication but I’m okay with that as I know it will pay off in the long run."

Since working for Highfields TV, Jude has been invited to watch the England cerebral palsy team train at St George's Park, visited the Sky Sports studios and sat in on a press conference with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Jude, an Aston Villa fan, has also interviewed club manager Steve Bruce and his hero Jack Grealish, and has been video blogging on England’s World Cup exploits on YouTube at https://bit.ly/2L1RrUY.

He said: "The main reason I have achieved all of this is because I have believed in myself – if you have the confidence and believe in yourself, you are going to succeed. I have still got a very long way to go with my journey but the main thing is to get as much experience as possible as the media world is a very tough industry to get into and requires a lot of hard work."

Jude's success hasn't been confined to his media ambitions, however – he has also started going for trials with the England cerebral palsy team at West Bromwich Albion. He said: "I always knew that with hard work and determination there would be ways round things for me. Nothing will ever stop me; I want to prove that there are no barriers and I’m equal to everyone else."

Jude told his story at a recent conference at Molineux Stadium organised by the Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS), which supports children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers, and the parent carer group Voice4Parents.

His family have worked with the IASS for a number of years and manager Lucy Harris said: "Jude's story is incredibly inspiring and shows that, no matter what obstacles we may face, we can still aim high and achieve our dreams."

Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Jude has shown so much self-belief and, with the support of his family, friends and his school, has found another way to fulfil his ambitions. I wish him every success for the future."

Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support about education, health and social care for children, young people and their parents on matters relating to Special Educational Needs and disabilities. It also promotes independence and self-advocacy.

Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice is inviting people and businesses to join its Glitter Ball which raises funds to support local families.

The event, which includes a drinks reception, fabulous three course meal and live entertainment, takes place on Friday 7 September – and there are still places available.

There will also be the chance to win fantastic prizes including hotel and spa stays and theatre tickets at an auction and raffle.

The Glitter Ball builds on the success of last year’s Masquerade Ball which saw hundreds of people enjoying an evening out while fundraising to help the hospice.

John Taylor Hospice Director of Income Generation and Marketing Joanna Duggan said the ball is one of the highlights of the hospice events calendar.

“Our Glitter Ball is a chance for people to dress up and enjoy great food, live music and dance and be in with the chance to win lots of great prizes,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity for companies to reward business contacts, corporate partners and members of their teams by inviting them to a glamorous night out. It’s a chance to network with other professionals from the region and it’s a fun night out for groups of friends and families.

“Plus everyone who attends is also supporting our work providing essential and specialist care for people as they approach the end of their lives.”

The John Taylor Hospice Glitter Ball takes place at Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport on Friday 7 September with the drinks reception beginning at 6.45pm. Individual tickets cost £50 or tables of ten are £500.

A HORSE called Southgate, dogs called Kane, and Vardy the cat are among a flood of World Cup-themed names for new pets as England fans pay tribute to their new heroes.

A pet insurer says it has seen "a sharp increase" in the sporting monikers since the start of the tournament – but giving our animals football names is nothing new.

Pet and horse specialists The Insurance Emporium have revealed the most popular cat, dog and horse names from the England squad, as well as the most imaginative nomenclature of British football-loving pet owners.

Real names people have called their four-legged friends include Dogba, Kenny Dogleish and Paulo Di Catteo, as well as dozens of pooches dubbed Zola, Beckham, and Messi, horses named Zlatan, Ronaldo and Gazza and cats called Fifa, Vuvuzela and even Football itself.

The most common pet name shared with the 2018 England World Cup squad was Rose, according to the insurer’s records, while Alli was more popular among cats and Kane was a favourite with dog owners. Rashford, Cahill, Vardy and Pope all featured among dogs and cats, with horses called Walker, Henderson and Sterling.

And new enquiries recorded by The Insurance Emporium since the first World Cup match on 14 June – including Mo Salah, Pogba and Moscow - could hint at a new popularity in certain baby names. According to a survey by the Channel Mum website, Gareth is expected to make a comeback among 2018 boys, with Jordan and Harry also tipped to boom.

The Insurance Emporium Chief Executive Officer Francis Martin said: “Our customers never cease to amaze us with their ingenuity. Just when we think we’ve seen every witty pet name we get a Macatma Gandhi or a Stitchbob Catpants.

“Even more so than baby names, pet names are a barometer for what’s topical because people have more freedom to use their imagination when naming their pets.

“Big events like the World Cup, the royal wedding and even political developments are all seen through our pet names data. We’ve certainly seen a big rise in Borises.”

Employee Dan Clark is one of those to name his cat after a football hero. The Leicester City fan named white moggy Esteban Catbiasso after Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso who helped keep his club in the Premier League.

Dan said: “Esteban is a great cat, with a classic feline attitude of aloof but loving, acting like he doesn’t care about me one minute then hassling me for cuddles the next.

“It suited us both to name him after one of the greats who helped my home club in its historic rise to the top of English football.”

The Insurance Emporium said the UK’s overall top pet names according to its own data from 2017 and 2018 are Alfie for dogs and Charlie for both cats and horses.

The Summer Reading Challenge is back at Sandwell libraries – and this year children can hunt for buried treasure and become ultimate mischief makers!

The annual challenge encourages children aged four to 11 to read six library books during the long school summer holiday.

The theme this year is Mischief Makers and the scheme will run in all 19 local libraries.

There will be a special event to launch the challenge at Tipton Library this Saturday (14 July) as part of a Black Country Day fun day from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Celebrate in style with costumed characters Horrid Henry and Minion Kevin, music, poetry, children’s crafts, face painting and much more. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

This year’s reading challenge is inspired by the much-loved children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Children will explore a map of Beanotown to find the mysterious buried treasure and become ultimate mischief makers! Dennis, Gnasher and friends will help them solve clues and collect stickers, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Reading is important all year round, not just during school term time.

“Children who read for pleasure have higher literacy levels and achieve better results at school, so our libraries are great places for children to come along, choose some great books and really learn to love reading.

“The Summer Reading Challenge helps make sure children's reading doesn't dip during the holidays and I would encourage all families to pop along to their local library and get involved.”

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million UK children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence. Libraries also offer volunteering opportunities to young people aged 13-24 to inspire others to read and organise activities.

The number of smokers in Wolverhampton is continuing to fall, latest figures show.

The percentage of adults who smoke in the city dropped from 16.5% in 2015 to 14.4% in 2017, according to data from Public Health England, amounting to almost 5,000 fewer smokers.

Smoking rates in Wolverhampton are now also lower than the national average – which now stands at 14.9%.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Reducing smoking rates across the city remains a top public health priority for us and this is a great step in the right direction.

“Despite this, smoking remains the largest preventable cause of death in Wolverhampton and is responsible for nearly 1,800 hospital admissions a year.

“We want to drive down smoking rates still further, and so are working towards making Wolverhampton a smoke-free city.

“Smokers tell us they want us to make it harder for them to smoke in the first place. Promoting smoke-free areas, such as parks, will not only protect people from the effects of passive smoking and prevent smokers from lighting up in the first place, but also reduce the visibility of smoking across Wolverhampton.”

Effective enforcement has seen the council’s regulatory services continue to tackle illicit tobacco while maintaining a high duty prices for tobacco products nationally is making them less affordable – a 20-a-day smoker will typically spend around £3,600 a year on cigarettes, or just under £10 a day.

The introduction of e-cigarettes, a less harmful source of nicotine and the most widely used stop smoking aid, is also helping people to quit.

Meanwhile, the council is working with children and young people to prevent them from smoking in the first place, for instance running programmes in local schools educating pupils about the dangers of smoking, and erecting signage promoting the importance of smokefree environment around schools.

Councillor Malcolm added: “While we of course want to stop people smoking in the first place, there is support available to anyone who wants to quit, and I would encourage people to take advantage of this.”

The stars will gather on Saturday, July 21 to officially open Wolverhampton’s new city centre market.

The launch event will take place between 10.30am and 2.30pm at the purpose-built location off Cleveland Street.

5 out of 5 AA Rosette and multi-Michelin Star award-winning chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, will be joined by City of Wolverhampton’s very-own Britain’s Got Talent finalist Donchez Dacres to showcase the new venue.

The Signal 107 roadshow will also provide entertainment with Drivetime presenter Steve Mason on stage, as well as Wolverhampton singer, Rachel White, who entertained the crowds at May’s Wolves Promotion Party in the Park.

Jean Christophe will be using his skills to make use of produce from the new market with two 40-minute live cooking demonstrations and will take part in a Q&A session.

Market-goers can meet the star chef and grab one of three recipe cards. There is also the chance to win a signed Novelli Academy apron and ‘Simply Novelli’ cook book.

Donchez shot to fame earlier this year – finishing third on the back of his catchy tune, Wiggle Wine – he will be performing on the day and signing autographs.

Guests of honour at the launch also include the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, and National Association of British Market Authorities President, Councillor Chris Rosling-Josephs.

The new market will first open for business on Tuesday, July 17.

Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “We hope the launch event will encourage even more visitors to see what is on offer at the new market.

“The current city centre market traders have been accommodated and we expect occupancy at the new market to be close to 100 per cent once it is open.

“The addition of new traders will provide a more varied range of sales lines to differentiate it from a traditional market offer.”

The market is relocating from its current Market Square base and will boast 20 cabins and 48 stalls.

It will offer the flexibility to trade from bigger cabins, event space, a secure site with measures in place to combat hostile vehicles while still allowing access for traders to load and unload, CCTV, integrated lighting and power, free WiFi, canopy-covered walkways, offices, customer toilets, and comprehensive parking and storage facilities.

The new market will also provide increased footfall from the Wulfrun Centre and transport Interchange, as well as situating the market in a student catchment area.

Cllr Evans added: “The new market, partly funded by the sale of Market Square as part of the Westside scheme, has loads of potential – and we want this to be the people’s market, where events are also encouraged.

“It will provide vitality and important footfall to this area of the city and is another example of the regeneration of Wolverhampton.”

The market move will see 48 tented stalls and 16 purpose-built cabins transferred from Market Square.

The Market Square location is to be absorbed into the new £55 million leisure-led Westside development by developer Urban&Civic.

This will deliver a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments, and public realm to the heart of the city centre, in two phases, over five years.

The city centre market is one of three markets in Wolverhampton, with Bilston and Wednesfield markets also popular places to shop.

The Fieldhouse, Solihull welcomed some very exciting guests last Sunday 8^th July to celebrate the final of the Ember Inns National Quiz League.  Leading the pack of guests was one of the UK’s most famous quiz players, Mark Labbett, a.k.a The Beast from ITV’s The Chase.

Teams from the pub who were the overall winners in the nationwide competition had the chance to challenge a team of expert quizzers, including Shaun Wallace and Jenny Ryan, led by Mark at the National Final.

Every Sunday, since 15^th April,  teams up and down the country have been taking part in quizzes, testing their knowledge in categories as broad as sports, music, history and general knowledge in a fiercely fought National Quiz League.

Mark Labbett commented: “It’s great to be involved and meet the top teams in this year’s Ember Inns National Quiz League.  Pub quizzes are still as popular as ever and I remember how much I enjoyed playing on pub quiz teams in the past.  I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge with the Ember Inns teams, but I’m confident of victory.”

Fiona Richardson, Ember Marketing Manager said “We are so excited to be hosting this event and to have Mark and his team of expert quizzers to put our top teams through our paces. Our Sunday night quizzes are hugely popular, with 121 pubs up and down the country entering this year, so this will be a great way to celebrate the end of this year’s National Quiz League.”

For all those participating in a quiz night, Mark has put together some expert tips:

1. Think of an exciting quiz team name in advance – this will impress your team members, the judges and make other teams sit up and take note
2. Don’t offer to write the answers, unless you have really good handwriting – nothing annoys judges more than answers they can’t read
3. Get there early to choose a good seat, not too far away from the quiz master
4. Make sure you watch the news the day of the quiz, there are always questions related to topical news stories
5. When answering questions, go with your first instinct, it’s generally right
6. If no one else on the team knows the answer, but you have a guess, write the guess down, as you never know
7. Don’t talk over the quiz master – not only will it annoy other teams, but your own team as well
8. As you progress through the quiz, work out who is your strongest team member so that if you go to a tie-break, you have given yourselves the best chance of winning
9. No matter how excited you might be to actually know an answer, don’t give the game away by shouting it out – practice in advance how to whisper clearly
10. Leave your phone out of sight and out of mind

It has been a whirlwind year for Nigel Kennedy, seeing him perform huge sell-out shows in London and Manchester, as well as headlining the BBC’s Biggest Weekend events in Coventry and Perth.

Now, the multi-million selling virtuoso violinist has announced a new performance at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on 18th October 2018 where he will perform pieces by Bach, Gershwin, as well as his own self-penned pieces.

A homecoming of sorts for Kennedy, whose link to Birmingham is much celebrated, he will perform his own recent work, The Magician of Lublin.

Inspired by the book of the same title by Isaac B. Singer, who so skilfully evoked life in the shtetls of old Poland, Kennedy’s musical interpretation of The Magician of Lublin is equally as vibrant and colourful.

In addition, Kennedy will perform Fugue from Sonata No. 1 by J.S.Bach, and a selection of pieces from the Songbook of George Gershwin including Summertime, How Long Has This Been Going On, Rhapsody In Claret and Blue and Lady Be Good.

Nigel Kennedy’s precocious technique first came to mainstream prominence with his interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, which is now one of the best-selling classical recordings of all time, remaining at the top of the UK Classical Albums Chart for over a year.

An artist who is unafraid to experiment such is his unique talent, Kennedy has since traversed several different projects including reinterpreting the works of Jimi Hendrix.

Having brought a fresh perspective to Classical music by his merging of the traditional with the contemporary, Kennedy has sold out the most prestigious of venues worldwide several times over, and will now bring his trademark effervescent live performance to Birmingham.

The summer holidays are fast-approaching, and so, too, is the annual dilemma of what to do with the kids. But, fear not! Fantastic for Families is here to help, with a summer of activities guaranteed to please not just the kids, but the rest of the family, too.

Fantastic for Families, (which is delivered by the Family Arts Campaign; an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation) aims to widen the family-friendly arts and culture offer to as many people as possible.

Anna Dever, who manages the campaign, says: “We know that when families can attend the theatre, galleries and museums together, and participate together, it strengthens those familial bonds. Our aim is to work with organisations across the country so that family members from 8 months old to 80 years old can enjoy art, culture and entertainment together and can share a creative experience.”

This summer, Fantastic for Families is working with organisations across the Midlands on their summer theme – The Great Outdoors.

Studies show that spending time outdoors not only has several health benefits but has a significant impact on helping families to bond. Arts and culture can play a part in that.

Jack Gelsthorpe, Learning Researcher at the Natural History Museum, agrees: “At the Natural History Museum, a lot of our work focuses on connecting our visitors to the natural world. There are so many benefits associated with affording people access to nature, especially in urban areas, but one of the main benefits, for families, is the social element; by doing things together as a family, you are encouraging conversation and breaking down generational barriers, and that can only be seen as a huge positive. Nature is so important to society and, if we want people to protect it, then we need to engage them in it.”

As well as strengthening familial bonds, exploring the great outdoors has also been proven to have a positive effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. According to a report* by The Wildlife Trusts, daily contact with nature is linked to better health, reduced levels of chronic stress, reductions in obesity, and even improved concentration.

Dominic Higgins, Nature and Wellbeing Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“A core part of my role at The Wildlife Trusts is to bring people closer to nature. Contact with nature plays a huge role in both preventing and treating illness, in particular, mental health. Nature is a great leveller, and it’s accessible to everybody. There has been a huge growth in activities that are targeted towards helping people to achieve sound health and wellbeing – both at The Wildlife Trusts and through organisations, such as Fantastic for Families. There are ways in which you can live differently, make contact with nature, and feel happier and healthier in the process. The intergenerational contact, associated with getting involved in nature-focused activities, is an essential part of improving the health and wellbeing of the whole family.”

Families across the Midlands can find great arts and culture activities on their doorstep and beyond by visiting www.fantasticforfamilies.com. For instance, families can head to Canon Park in Birmingham for In The Night Garden Live. See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections.

At The Old Clubhouse, Buxton, families can join Little Meerkat on the hunt for her family in Little Meerkat’s Big Panic. This little tale helps everyone to see, hear, smell, taste and feel what's going on in their brains and bodies when emotions become overwhelming.

Meanwhile, don’t miss your chance to see Teletubbies Live! at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-Noo and the Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them.

Get active with Dance4 in King Edward Park, Nottingham, for Dance4 In The Park. This free event will feature performance and workshops, as well as a bouncy castle, helter skelter and soft play. Come along and have a dance!

To mark the Pride season, Haringey Council Leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor has signed the Stonewall ‘Come Out for LGBT’ pledge, vowing to continue to battle for LGBT+ equality.

It comes after Haringey joined the Pride in London celebrations at the weekend – with council staff and community groups descending on Soho, Central London, to campaign for LGBT+ equality.

Wise Thoughts, the BAME LGBT+ charity based in Wood Green, marched in the parade, as did Tottenham Hotspur LGBT+ supporters’ group the Proud Lilywhites. Council staff attended Pride in London to offer support to the community, wearing HarinGAY T-shirts.

Cllr Ejiofor said: "Haringey is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, and that is something that we love to celebrate. Pride season is a chance to make our voices heard and show support for the LGBT+ community, in Haringey, London, and across the globe. I’m thrilled that Haringey was represented at Pride – it’s vital that our borough continues to play a role in the fight for LGBT+ equality."

Cllr Ejiofor’s Stonewall pledge as an LGBT+ ally was to “continue to fight for LGBT+ equality in Haringey and beyond” and to “lead the way” for the community. Stonewall also encourages allies to be visible, share positive messages and challenge hurtful or abusive comments.

This Pride month Haringey also changed its social media and website logos to sport the colours of the rainbow, and flew the rainbow flag at the Civic Centre.

Wise Thoughts’ artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar said of the parade:

It was fabulous to participate in the parade, once again this year, and we are happy that we were able to reflect the diversity within the LGBT+ community of Haringey.

Announcing new classes and workshops, available this summer at Real Bodies The Exhibition at the NEC. Class topics include yoga, an anatomy art class with a live model, and sessions on philosophy and donating your body to science.

This summer, dig deeper into the mind, body and soul and experience an extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Real Bodies Summer Classes at the NEC, Birmingham.

Surrounded by powerful and thought-provoking exhibits of perfectly preserved human bodies and over 200 anatomical specimens, the unique Real Bodies Summer Classes for the Mind, Body and Soul will take visitors on a stunning journey exploring the real depths of the human body through physiology, culture and emotion.

Guests will enjoy visiting ten dramatic and compelling galleries that offer remarkable perspectives on human anatomy plus a one-hour session delivered by an experienced professional in their field. Classes will take place in a specific section of the exhibition correlating to the subject area.

The sessions:

Yoga in the Repair Gallery: Combining physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve every day stress, visitors will be taken on a journey of serenity. The Repair Gallery exemplifies the extraordinary ability of the body to heal itself—the perfect background for the healing art of Yoga.

Real-life anatomy art class in the Move Gallery. Budding artists will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the surrounding exhibits on display while drawing a real-life model. Referencing the anatomy of the four preserved human bodies positioned to demonstrate bodies in motion, participants can take their drawing skills to the next level. Parental consent is required for anyone under the age of 18 years old.

Philosophy of the ‘Self Being’ in the Think Gallery. Presented among anatomical specimens of the brain and central nervous system, this thought-provoking interactive class will focus on how individuals think about themselves, their relationships with other persons and their physical, mental and spiritual selves.

“Why donate your body to science?” located in the Anatomist’s Study. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear the fascinating whys and hows of donating their body to science. The session will be held in this special area of the exhibition that looks at the history of the study of the human form.

Richard Mann, NEC Group Marketing Development Director said, “Real Bodies The Exhibition connects audiences to a deeper sense of what it means to be alive, exploring the entire human experience from the first breath to the last. It is a comprehensive educational exhibition pushing boundaries while seamlessly blending art, science and emotion as a museum of self.

“By offering visitors the exclusive opportunity to attend the Real Bodies Summer Classes for the Mind, Body and Soul, we hope to give them a greater insight to the human body, reminding us of all the complexity and magic within us that we often take for granted.”

Businesses that are new to exporting or are inexperienced overseas traders are invited to attend a free workshop, where they can learn about the basics of selling goods and services overseas.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth Project, Export Essentials will enable SMEs (small- to medium-sized enterprises) to learn about their export potential, how to take the next steps in selling their products or services overseas and how to make a plan for exporting with confidence.

The practical workshop will take place at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce offices, Cheetah Road, Coventry, on Tuesday, September 4, between 09:00 and 12.30pm. Eligible businesses based in the West Midlands region, which comprises Warwickshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands, can attend free of charge.

The workshop will be led by leading international trade adviser Christine Hancock, who will take businesses through some of the key principles of international trade, consider how to approach communication across cultures and advise on how to develop an international online strategy.

It will also focus on the steps that must be taken to start selling products or services internationally and how to draw up a plan to increase export sales with confidence.

Christine said: “This is a great opportunity for inexperienced businesses that are tentatively exporting or have never tried to sell abroad before to learn the basics.

“Companies that trade overseas are economically stronger and are in a great position to expand, so we want as many in the West Midlands region as possible to take advantage of the opportunities that exporting has to offer.”

Places for the workshop are limited. To secure a place and view other upcoming sessions, visit: http://exportessentialsworkshops.38d4a183a2451432f972778eabadb898-gdprlock

Sandwell schools have been standing up to bullying with everything from rap to designing T-shirts.

The council’s SHAPE team, who work closely with young people across Sandwell, have been going into schools and rewarding pupils for their hard work.

Students at St Michael's C of E High School in Rowley Regis have picked up a democracy award for their participation in the SHAPE Programme over the past 12 months, including taking part in the anti-bullying roadshow.

Children from St Paul's C E Academy in Tipton received certificates for designing fantastic T-shirts.

And pupils Uzain, Farai, Tino from Faizan from OSCA in Oldbury have been commended for an anti-bullying rap they wrote.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children services Councillor Simon Hackett said: “There’s some great work going on in our schools to tackle bullying.

“The young people are really imaginative, they really care about how others feel and they want to do what they can to make sure everyone enjoys and thrives at school – which is why bullying has no place in our classrooms in Sandwell.”

Kerry Whitehouse, School Engagement Development Manager at St Michael’s CofE High School said "Our students have had the opportunity to take part in several SHAPE events over the past twelve months.

"They loved the SHAPE conference as they had the opportunity to meet other school and take part in workshops with organisations. We are thrilled to have been awarded the Democracy Award for our contribution to SHAPE. It is lovely for our students to receive recognition for all of their commitment and dedication."

A team of Great Barr students on The Prince’s Trust programme used a community project to namecheck their college and pay tribute to one of Birmingham’s forefathers – James Watt.

Engineer and entrepreneur, James Watt, who was buried at St Mary’s Church, Handsworth in 1819 has long been recognised as one of the city’s industrial pioneers.

Now, The Prince’s Trust learners based at James Watt College in Great Barr have created a play area and garden at the church to bring more of the local community together and to continue building on Watt’s legacy.

Team Leader, Fateha Begum said: “When the group found out their college namesake was buried at the church, they were all keen to do something special here so that future generations would learn about him.

“A vegetable patch, mini playground and a specially created mural have all brought the area to life again.  Hopefully local schools and other community groups will now spend time here.”

The team programme helps young people build the skills and confidence needed to change their lives. During the 12-week personal development programme, young people get involved in team building activities, a week-long residential trip, a community project and two weeks of work experience.

They also get advice on how to write CVs as well as gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with what the team has done.” said Father Bob Stephens, rector at St Mary’s Church. “The garden had been disused for a number of years. When the students first got to work, it was impossible to imagine anything ever being able to grow here. Two weeks later, it’s completely revitalised.”

He continued: “The church has always had visitors interested in seeing the vault where James Watt is buried.  Now we can also show them how much he continues to mean to Birmingham people, including the students and staff at ‘his college’.”

West Coast main line train passengers are being urged to avoid all but essential rail travel to and from London over three consecutive weekends in August and September when Euston station will be closed.

As part of Britain’s Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail is replacing North Wembley junction - a major intersection on Europe’s busiest mixed-use railway.

The junction is old. Replacing it will mean passenger and freight users will benefit from better, more reliable journeys in future.

Unfortunately doing this vital job requires shutting the line.  The least disruptive time to do this work, jointly agreed by rail industry partners, is over the following three weekends:

• 18-19 August
• 25-27 August (bank holiday weekend)
• 1-2 September

If customers cannot avoid travelling on these weekends, they’re advised to expect very different journeys to normal - busier trains and longer, diverted routes. The advice is, as always, to “check before you travel” on www.nationalrail.co.uk

Martin Frobisher, managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route said: “There is never an ideal time to shut the railway but these three weekends are the least disruptive times to do it.

“We have worked together for the past three years with train operators to carefully plan this closure of the railway in a way that minimises impact on customers.

“It’s vital the track at north Wembley is replaced to continue to safely meet the huge demand of passenger and freight rail services on the West Coast main line. This work will result in better, more reliable journeys in future.”

Peter Broadley, executive director for customer, operations and safety at Virgin Trains on the west coast, said: “With no services into or out of Euston we strongly advise our customers to avoid travelling to London on the days affected. We know this will impact on people’s travel plans, particularly over a Bank Holiday weekend so to make it easier we are lifting peak restrictions on the Fridays before these dates from 09:30 for the whole day.”

Andrew Conroy, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway said: “Our aim is to keep people moving if they have to travel on these dates. Improvement works are never convenient for anyone, but we have a tried and tested plan for operating buses to connect with alternative routes to and from London when Euston is closed. We still advise customers to travel on alternative days as these options will take significantly longer.”

Euston’s shops and access to London Underground will remain available throughout the three weekends.