Community News

Ms. Lauryn Hill has announced the addition of 10 European dates to her newly announced World Tour, celebrating twenty years of her anthemic debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The GRAMMY® Award-winning artist will kick off the European leg of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour this winter in Brussels, before the tour continues through, France, UK, Ireland, Holland, Denmark before culminating in Sweden on 10^th December.

More details will be announced soon with the full line up with Special Guest performers at each show on the tour.

Ms. Hill uses her platform to raise money and awareness for frontline charity initiatives through touring.  A portion of the ticket sales go towards the MLH Fund, which directly contributes support for education, health, agriculture, technology, and community based businesses and development initiatives throughout the Diaspora. Your contribution will be put to use through donations made from ticket sales to support community building worldwide. See the full list of charities below.

Of the tour Ms. Hill notes, “This album chronicled an intimate piece of my young existence. It was the summation of most, if not all, of my most hopeful and positive emotions experienced to that date. I loved and believed deeply in my community's ability to both love and heal itself provided it received the right amount of support and encouragement. Our world today, both complex and changing, is in need of the balance between moral fortitude and cathartic expression. I hope the love and energy that permeated this work can continue to inspire change with Love and optimism at the helm.”

Multi-platinum artist Ms. Lauryn Hill rose to prominence with The Fugees and took the world by storm two decades ago as a solo artist with The Miseducation of Ms. Lauryn Hill. Singles including “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Everything Is Everything” catapulted her to superstardom, ultimately lauding her with ten GRAMMY® nominations and five GRAMMY® Award wins.

Fascinating finds are lined up at the next antiques fair being held at City of Wolverhampton's historic Bantock House Museum and Park.

The beautiful house and gardens, off Finchfield Road, is hosting the latest monthly antiques and collectors fair on Sunday, June 3.

Bargain hunters will find a variety of traders offering both affordable and quality items including furniture, silver, jewellery, militaria, and high-quality ceramics, at the antiques fair.

It runs from 9am to 3.30pm and the entrance fee is £1.50, under 16s go free.

There is free parking available, refreshments at the Courtyard Café, and the chance to look around Bantock House and its gardens.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The antiques fair has proved very popular at the site and seen hundreds of visitors in attendance each month.

“It is held in a wonderful location and people travel from far and wide to visit the fairs, the museum and the beautiful gardens, where lunch can also be enjoyed in the Courtyard Café. It is a very pleasant way to spend a little time on a Sunday and well worth a visit.

“I encourage everyone who has an interest in antiques to come along and see what gems they can find.”

The Antiques Fairs take place on the first Sunday of every month.

Hundreds of people have become Dementia Friends and are attending special events to mark Dementia Action Week in Wolverhampton.

They included a very well attended information and advice event at the Bob Jones Community Hub yesterday morning (Tuesday), where more than 20 local service providers showcased the support on offer to people living with dementia and their carers.

Following that, Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre hosted a workshop where more than 120 people including healthcare professionals and members of the public learned more about what it is like to live with dementia and then turned that understanding into action by becoming a Dementia Friend.

Michelle Monnes Thomas, from FBC Manby Bowdler, who led the workshop with Lee Allen from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: "It was so inspiring to see so many members of the public from all different backgrounds and walks of life come together to learn more about dementia and interact with each other and share their experiences.

“It was a pleasure to deliver the session and to share my passion for dementia and to create 120 Dementia Friends who I hope will wear their badges with pride."

BBC WM's Sunny and Shay broadcast their afternoon show live from the session, interviewing representatives from a number of local organisations including the City of Wolverhampton Council.

BBC WM also appealed for people affected by dementia in any way – whether they are living with dementia, offer care and support for someone with the condition, or know someone who is – to join its new Dementia Choir. After six, weekly rehearsals, the choir will perform at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Monday 9 July; to get involved, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tuesday's events were two of more than a dozen taking place throughout the week.

Tomorrow (Thursday 24 May), special Walking for Health walks and exercise classes is taking place at Wednesfield Community Hub, Well Lane, from 10am-3pm, FBC Mandy Bowdler hosts a craft morning with Fiddle Fingers to create quilts at its offices on George Street, Snow Hill, from 10am-2pm, the Black Country Partnership Foundation Trust holds an information session and activities at Brooklands Health Centre, Brooklands Parade, from 10am-3pm, while Memory Matters will meet shoppers at Sainsbury's St Marks from 10am-2pm to raise awareness of memory concerns and share tips about living better with a diagnosis of dementia.

On Friday, Wolverhampton Police and the City of Wolverhampton Council's Trading Standards team will raise awareness of scams – and how people can prevent themselves from falling victim to them – at Waitrose, Penn Road, from 10.30am-3pm, St Aiden's Church on Mount Road in Penn holds a Beetle Drive from 2pm-4pm and members of the Alzheimer’s Society are on Gulshan Radio to raise awareness of dementia from 1.30pm.

On Saturday, St Aiden's Church hosts a Posh Afternoon Tea from 2pm-5pm, and on Sunday the Church of the Epiphany in Oxley holds a dementia friendly service starting at 10.45am.

Meanwhile, Light House Cinema on Fryer Street is offering carers and the person they care for discounted tickets to see the films Edie and That Good Night between 25 May and 31 May, with tickets priced at just £2.50.

A little further ahead, popular poet Mandy Ross will lead a morning of poetry and song, entertaining people living with dementia with gentle humour and activities, at East Park Library on Monday 11 June from 10am-noon. This event is organised by Poetry on Loan, Wolverhampton's library service and the Carer Support Team, and people will also be able to find out more about the Memory Matters service.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Wolverhampton is a Dementia Friendly Community and naturally we are very pleased to be hosting such an extensive programme of events and activities to mark Dementia Action Week.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the two events yesterday, both of which were hugely successful, and encourage people to take part in some of the remaining activities which are planned over the next few days."

The wide-ranging programme was organised by Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, and chair Jon Crockett said: “The City of Wolverhampton Council and Alzheimer’s Society are great supporters of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance and this week of activities would not have happened without them.

“The Alliance is about individuals, organisations, businesses all doing something to support people with dementia to live full, active lives, and I would like to thank everyone for their support in making sure Wolverhampton is leading the way in being a dementia friendly community.”

Executives from Omni Hotels & Resorts along with Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and New Boston Hospitality, broke ground yesterday on the highly anticipated Omni Boston Seaport Hotel. The city’s fourth largest hotel will reflect the rich history of the city of Boston while providing guests with the ultimate Omni experience.

“This project’s hotel, retail, restaurant and outdoor space is a welcome addition to Boston’s Seaport District and will lead to expanded economic opportunities for many businesses within the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration looks forward to continuing to work together with partners at the local level and in the private sector to support economic development in communities across Massachusetts.”

National hotel leader Omni Hotels & Resorts, along with a team of highly seasoned, local real estate professionals from New Boston Hospitality, were designated by Massport in 2017 to develop the state-of-the-art hotel. The team committed from the outset to include equity participation from an unprecedented level of minority and women-owned investors and businesses.

Set to open in late 2020 on the two-acre parcel of Massport-owned land at the corner of Summer and D Streets, the Omni Boston Seaport Hotel will be a catalyst to the development in the Seaport District. The hotel will feature 1,055 finely appointed guest rooms inclusive of 52 suites that will top out at 21 floors. Select suites will feature views of the Boston Harbor.

“This is more than just a groundbreaking, it’s a celebration of the diversity and inclusion this project represents from its design, to its contracting, to its nonprofit partners,” said Mayor Walsh. “The Omni Boston Seaport Hotel is a welcome addition to our city, providing better public access to the waterfront, improving walkability to the area and investing in our workforce. I look forward to seeing the vision for this hotel come to life, for the benefit of Boston’s residents and visitors alike.”

“Boston is a premier destination and we are incredibly excited to be a part of the city’s continued evolution – especially in the Seaport District,” said Peter Strebel, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to working together with Massport, New Boston Hospitality, Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh to establish the Omni Boston Seaport Hotel as an unforgettable destination for years to come.”

In addition, six local non-profit organizations will receive a portion of the hotel’s profits, including The Edgerley Family South Boston Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, The South Boston Community Health Center, Julie’s Family Learning Center, Ladies Involved in Putting a Stop To Inner-City Killing (LIPSTICK), The Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester and the Building Pathways Program, a pre-apprenticeship program that provides construction career opportunities to low-income Boston residents.

“This groundbreaking not only signifies the strong economic progress happening in the city of Boston, but also the fundamental building blocks of opportunity we are creating for our workforce,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “We are also excited to see that the chance we took of adding a diversity criteria has paid dividends, and the outcome so far has been outstanding. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Omni Hotels as we watch this project evolve into a key destination for visitors from across the state and country.”

The $550 million project is estimated to create 1,100 construction jobs and between 700 – 1,000 permanent jobs. “This is a multifaceted groundbreaking,” stated Brian Fallon, President of TDC Development Group, a division of The Davis Companies. “It’s an unprecedented project that will transform South Boston’s already thriving convention and tourism business by adding over 1,000 hotel rooms and provide a professional hospitality training institute to support industry career growth. We also hope that it will set a precedent for minority and women-owned business enterprise participation in real estate development.”

The Omni Boston Seaport Hotel will become a part of Omni’s robust, and growing, Convention Center Collection, which features signature properties in Atlanta, Louisville, Dallas, Fort Worth and Nashville. Upon opening, it will be the largest hotel in Omni’s portfolio.

It was 55 years ago on 5 July 1963 that The Beatles made their third and final appearance at the tiny and now sadly burnt down Ritz Ballroom next door to the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath. And it was 50 years ago this year that The Beatles released the seminal double White Album containing the iconic song Revolution. In between times they had become a global phenomenon!

Now King's Heath Walk Of Fame are delighted to present a very special show to celebrate this unique double anniversary starring John Lennon's sister's favourite tribute band The Mersey Beatles at the award winning Hare & Hounds on Sunday 10 June.

Described by the British Beatles Fan Club as 'the Best Beatles tribute band', The Mersey Beatles were all born and grew up in Liverpool. They were the resident band at the legendary Cavern Club for over 10 years and now regularly tour throughout the world. They have just returned from an 11 date sold out American tour and will later this year embark on a major UK Get Back tour that will end at Newcastle's O2 Arena.

Steven Howard who plays Paul McCartney in The Mersey Beatles said "We are delighted to be returning to the Hare and Hounds on June 10^th for the double celebration marking the 55^th anniversary of The Beatles 3^rd and  final performance in Kings Heath and the 50^th anniversary of The Beatles “White album”.

It's always a great night at The Hare and Hounds purpose built music venue. It is a great chance to get up close to the band in this small but perfectly formed setting. We always sell the venue out and will be playing many lesser played songs from a seminal album so please don’t miss this rare chance to see them played live”.

Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein's assistant, said 'When I saw them in The Cavern they perfectly recreated the atmosphere that the original Beatles produced. It was like listening to The Beatles again'.

A British Beatles Fan Club review of a previous show said 'The quality of the music was superb with each song reproduced in the original key with spot-on harmonies and perfect guitar solos that had the audience marvelling at the sheer quality of the talent on view'.

Doors open at 7 pm and the band will be on stage at 7.45 pm

Bob Prew and Ken Whittaker, joint organisers of the local charity King's Heath Walk Of Fame said, "Beatlemania is set to return to King's Heath on 10 June as we are expecting hundreds of Beatles fans from all over the country to descend on King's Heath for this unique double anniversary event. We are determined to continue to celebrate the huge musical legacy of the old Ritz Ballroom despite the indifference of the current owner and the City Council who seem happy to let the site remain a derelict eyesore. We are delighted that another four lads from Liverpool The Mersey Beatles will follow in the footsteps of the original Fab Four and perform in King's Heath. it promises to be a great concert. Tickets are already selling quickly and we would advise fans to make sure they buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment".

More details have been revealed about the events taking place in Wolverhampton as the City marks Carers Week next month.

Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Carer Support Team will be out and about from 11-15 June, 2018, offering help and advice to people who care for a loved one.

The extensive programme of activities begins on Monday 11 June with a special poetry session for people living with dementia and their carers courtesy of Poetry on Loan.

Popular poet Mandy Ross will lead a morning of poetry and song, engaging and entertaining with gentle humour and activities at East Park Library from 10am-noon. During the session, visitors will also be able to find out about the Memory Matters service, which seeks to raise awareness about memory concerns and about how people can live better with a diagnosis of dementia.

ACCI – the African Caribbean Community Initiative – will be holding its annual Carer’s Day of Celebration at the Heritage Centre, Clifford Street, on Tuesday 12 June from 10.30am-3pm, featuring guest speaker Dr Malcolm Philips from Hestia Housing and Support.

The Carer Support Team will be hosting an information event at Sainsbury's St Marks on Wednesday 13 June from 9.30am-2pm, while an information stand will be available at Central Library throughout the week. Carers can also enjoy a range of treatments at a relaxation event at Penn Library on Thursday 14 June from 10.30am-11.45am.

The Carers Week programme concludes with a celebration event at Bantock House Museum on Friday 15 June from 10.30am-2.30pm featuring a range of guest speakers, information and advice.

Experts from FBC Manby Bowdler will be on hand to speak about the care system, power of attorney and protecting assets, while carers can become Dementia Friends by completing a taking part in a special awareness session. There will be entertainment from Maggie O’Hara, while lunch and light refreshments will also be available.

Each event is free, though places for the Poetry on Loan, relaxation and celebration events are limited and should be booked in advance by calling Melinder Kaur on 01902 553429 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In addition, Light House Cinema will be offering family carers discounted cinema tickets to mark Carers Week. Carers and the person they care for can enjoy Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom for just £2.50 each between 11 to 17 June on production of a valid Carers Emergency Card. For details, call 01902 716055.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older.

“Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience, but at the same time carers often find it challenging to take care of their own well-being.

"We estimate there are some 28,000 people in Wolverhampton who care for a friend or relative, and these events are an excellent opportunity to find out more about the help that is available to them as they carry out their vital role, and also enjoy a bit of well-deserved ‘me time’.”

Severn Trent has released its annual results, showing the company had another good year by putting customers at the heart of its business, delivering real value for money and offering the lowest average combined bills in Britain for the ninth year running.

The water company, that serves over 8 million customers across England and Wales, has also delivered on a range of things that matter most to customers, including reducing sewer flooding and serious pollutions, as well as reducing water quality complaints.

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we’re getting the balance right for customers between great value for money and great service.  We have the lowest average combined bills for the ninth year running, at less than £1 a day and we’re also helping more than 50,000 customers who need it most through a variety of initiatives.

“We’ve been able to deliver some significant improvements in the things our customers care most about - sewer flooding is down again, by 34%, and serious pollutions are down by 71%.  We’ve also reduced water quality complaints by a further 12%.  This means that on the whole, less customers are experiencing issues, which is just what we want.

“We’re really proud of these results which are testament to the hard work of my colleagues over the past year.”

Severn Trent also announced that it was operating more efficiently and had generated an extra £100m of savings, which it intends to invest back into the business to generate even better performance for its customers. The money will go towards a number of initiatives such as 20,000 extra pressure monitors in their network of pipes that mean that leaks and bursts can be spotted more quickly, and creating a new technical training academy, which will help to train and create the engineers and leaders of the future.

Liv added: “We’re really pleased with our strong performance this year, but we know there’s still more to do to.  We won’t stop striving to improve things even further for our customers to make sure they have wonderful water every time they turn on their tap.”

Mystical magicians, dazzling fire breathers and impressive aerial acts are set to take over Birmingham this June, as part of a magical walk for a local charity.

The ‘Enchanted Midsummer Walk’ – which is organised by Birmingham St Mary’s – will see hundreds of Brummies walk a 10k route across South Birmingham.

Taking place at dusk, mythical performers – including jugglers and stilt walkers – will guide participants along the route, creating a Shakespeare-inspired stroll.

The walk begins at Rowheath Pavillion in Bournville – where participants will be able to enjoy music, street food and drinks – before heading off into the leafy suburbs of Edgbaston, Harborne and Selly Oak.

Along the route, participants will be treated to an ice cream stop to help them refuel and will receive a celebratory glass of fizz and commemorative medal at the finish line.

As well as creating magical moments, the walk is also an opportunity to celebrate the lives of loved ones who are sadly no longer with us. During the walk, participants will be able to visit the hospice at Selly Park, where they will be able to light a candle in memory of their special someone.

Lucy Watkins, head of fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “Our midsummer walk is a truly magical evening – not only is it a chance to celebrate loved ones but it’s also a special time to create new memories with family and friends. I love seeing everyone get dressed up and into the spirit of the evening and the walk is always a fun event that the whole family can enjoy.”

Last year, the Enchanted Midsummer Walk sold out, with over 400 walkers raising £32,000 for the hospice. All funds raised will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care to local people living with life-limiting illness.

Lucy added: “It costs £8 million to run the hospice every year – over half of which needs to come from voluntary donations – so we truly rely on the generosity of local people to help us continue to provide our crucial care.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s cares for 350 people living across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the hospice, in people’s own homes, or in community locations such as GP surgeries.

The Enchanted Midsummer Walk takes place on Saturday 23rd June from 6.30 to 11.30pm.

A new report from TopCashback.co.uk, the UK’s most generous cashback shopping site, investigates millennials' expectations of owning a house and found that despite all (100 per cent) millennials in the west midlands wanting to buy a house in the future, over a quarter (26 per cent) do not think it will happen and 32 per cent are only hopeful about their chances. Just over two-fifths (42 per cent) are sure they will buy a property.

The uncertainty as to whether they will be able to invest in bricks and mortar means millennials in the west midlands are focusing on financial security as a savings goals instead. Around two-fifths (38 per cent) of millennials say a deposit for a house is their main savings goal, but is trumped by a savings cushion (42 per cent) an emergency fund (42 per cent) and achieving financial freedom (38 per cent).

Similarly, millennials’ main goals in life are to be healthy (47 per cent), be financially stable (35 per cent) and have financial freedom (34 per cent). Buying a house comes seventh on the list at just 23 per cent

Even of the millennials in the west midlands who are optimistic about getting on the property ladder, a quarter (25 per cent) don’t think it will happen in the next five years. The cost of housing rising quicker than salaries (58 per cent), not earning enough money for a deposit (55 per cent) and not being able to afford a house on their own (40 per cent) is giving millennials doubt about getting on the property ladder sooner rather than later.

Millennials in the west midlands want to rent a place with their partner

Of the 26 per cent of millennials who are unsure they will own a property, over a third (36 per cent) see privately renting with a partner as a long-term preference and 29 per cent plan to live with their parents.

With the chances of owning a house off the cards, millennials in the west midlands have alternative goals for the next five years. Nearly two-fifths (38 per cent) would like to rent somewhere with a partner, 36 per cent would like to rent modern property and three in 10 (30 per cent) would like somewhere with a parking space.

Interestingly, in the next five years, 13 per cent of millennials see renting somewhere that is large enough to host dinner parties as a goal.

Natasha Rachel Smith, consumer-money expert for TopCashback.co.uk, said: “Our research shows millennials are being sensible with their money and thinking about financial security. However, the current economic climate, and a change in lifestyle – people marrying and having children later – means millennials are favouring experiences over possessions and have different financial priorities at this point in their lives.

“While it may be later in life and less of a priority than it was in the past, it is important for millennials to put money aside regularly and be savvy with their spending, so they are prepared when the opportunity to buy a property does arise.”

A disabled-led arts festival, organised by national disability charity Sense, in partnership with Midland Arts Centre (MAC), took place in Birmingham this weekend (19 – 20 May), with crowds coming in to explore, play and experiment with multisensory art.

The ‘Sensibility Festival’ co-directed by Graeae Theatre Company and Stephanie Singer (BitterSuite), included a mixture of sensory experiences, guided tours and accessible activities, across two venues: MAC and TouchBase Pears. Artists Justin Wiggan, Saranjit Birdi, Lyn Cox and Becca Thomas (InterAction), led the creation of the unique arts installation, co-curated by 60 artistic advisors with sensory impairments.

Visitors were able to explore art and creativity using their senses, including the centrepiece of the festival, the ‘Sensory Labyrinth’, designed to be touched, eaten, smelt, moved and felt.

Stephanie Tyrrell, National Art Manager for Sense, said:

“The ‘Sensibility Festival’ was a hugely engaging festival, that enabled the public to explore how artists with sensory impairments can use their senses to create art. Over the three days, visitors were amazed at how they could use their senses. We hope this festival marks the beginning of people with sensory impairments, having the opportunity to be creative, to develop accessible and multisensory art in the future.”

Towns and cities across the West Midlands will participate in Bike Life, the UK’s most comprehensive assessment of cycling development. Previously the report, produced by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans in partnership with Birmingham City Council, has focussed on one city. Thanks to increased funding by the Freshfield Foundation, and the cities and regions themselves, it’s now set to cover the whole of the West Midlands.

Local authorities in the seven districts of the West Midlands Combined Authority area (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton) will be working with Sustrans to capture data on infrastructure, travel habits, public attitudes and the impact of cycling. The project is designed to help UK cities normalise cycling and reports will be published in 2020 and 2022.

Bike Life was founded in 2014 in seven major UK cities but has grown significantly since. Between 2018 and 2022, more cities and regions will participate in the project bringing the total to 14. Collectively they cover almost 14 million people or 20% of the entire UK population.

The approach taken by Bike Life mirrors the Copenhagen Bicycle Account which outlines the development in cycling, identifies challenges and informs planning at a local level. This helps local authorities to build the case for cycling whilst shaping the political and funding landscape for active travel across the UK.

In Birmingham the council has responded to the findings of Bike Life with a programme of investment to deliver cycle friendly canals and two new segregated cycle routes. Delivered through the ‘Birmingham Cycle Revolution’ the city is aiming to provide safe, attractive and accessible infrastructure to become a healthier and happier city.

Lead member for safe and sustainable travel on the WMCA transport delivery committee, Cllr Diana Holl-Allen, said: “Our sustainable travel team work very hard to promote cycling as a transport choice and we know there is real demand out there so we certainly welcome this initiative. Cycling is a key element of our sustainable travel work and our top level priorities of reducing road congestion and carbon footprint in the region.”

Sustrans Partnerships Manager, Midlands and East, Gavin Passmore said: “We’re really excited to be rolling Bike Life out across the West Midlands. It’s fantastic that the region’s local authorities have signed up to a larger programme. Inactivity, air quality and traffic congestion are issues that can no longer be ignored and we need national and local governments to rise to these challenges. In 2017 Bike Life revealed strong public support in Birmingham for cycling - with eight out of ten residents backing more investment in dedicated spaces for cyclists. An expanded programme will help to build political support amongst a wider audience bringing about the change we really need.”

The RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital in Birmingham is one of the busiest RSPCA centres in the country. Last year, the centre took in 1,331 animals, including 267 dogs, and rehomed more than a thousand animals to their new forever homes.

In 2017, the hospital treated more than 15,000 patients from dogs, cats, rabbits and wildlife, and carried out 1,129 neutering operations.

That is why, this year, people taking part in the My Big Walkies challenge which kicks off in June, can raise money specifically for the Birmingham hospital.

Animal lovers can pledge 10,000 steps a day to help animals just like Bronte and Ollie.

Bronte is a black lurcher crossbreed who came into RSPCA care after she was involved in a road traffic accident.

Staff managed to trace her owners who signed her over so that she could get the treatment she needed at the animal hospital.

The one-year-old had a small fracture to her hind foot.

Deborah Caffull, Birmingham Animal Centre manager, said: “As you can imagine with Bronte being a young dog and an active breed she was so bored by not being able to run and get the exercise her breed loves so much. Now she has been given the all clear for normal exercise and rehoming.

“She loves being off the lead and chasing toys so she will need an active home. Once her energy has been spent she is a very affectionate girl and loves cuddle time. She is great with other dogs and just wants to play, so she could live with another pooch in her next home if they are also fairly playful. Bronte is an energetic typical lurcher who will benefit from experienced owners who can reassure and build her confidence when needed.”

Ollie is a brindle and white crossbreed who came into RSPCA care more than a year ago after he was rescued by an inspector when his previous owner failed to treat his poorly leg.

Ollie had been suffering with a limp in his right hind leg. Once he came into RSPCA care, it was discovered that he had a luxating patella, also known as a floating kneecap. After a month of treatment it was decided that the best option was to amputate the leg and Ollie is now coping well on three paws.

Deborah added: “Ollie is a smart dog and knows basic commands. He loves zooming around off his lead, chasing balls and running rings around us. He will need someone who can continue to socialise him with other dogs so would need an experienced owner and a family with children of secondary school age or older.”

Miranda Goodenough, head of innovation at the RSPCA said: “Birmingham Animal Hospital and Centre is relentlessly working hard to protect the welfare of animals. Each year more than 10,000 animals are cared for at the hospital and the numbers are rising every year.

“That is why you can support the hospital by signing up to My Big Walkies, and take 10,000 steps a day - that’s one step for every animal saved.”

Former West Bromwich Albion player, Brendon Batson, joined 400 cyclists to raise an impressive £23,000 for a charity that’s close to his heart.

Brendon – who played for the Black Country club from 1978 to 1982 – cycled 75km across the West Midlands to help raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary’s.

The event – which is known as ‘Ride the Reservoir’ – saw the footballing legend and other cycling enthusiasts ride through the scenic villages of Romsley, Belbroughton, Chaddesley Corbett and Barnt Green, before heading back to Bartley Green reservoir.

The ride was originally planned to take place on Sunday 18 March but was postponed to late April due to snowy weather. Whilst Brendon couldn’t make the new date, he decided to complete the cycle independently, to show his continued support for the hospice.

In 2009, Brendon’s wife, Cecily, was cared for by the hospice after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. He said: “The care Cecily and my family received was just incredible. It was a massive comfort that she was cared for at home and I’ll never forget the kindness and dignity the nurses and doctors showed us.

“That’s why I wanted to take on Ride the Reservoir – as it’s my way of giving back to the charity that gave so much to my family. Whilst I was gutted that I couldn’t make the postponed date and ride with everyone else, I still really enjoyed getting on my bike and doing something great for the hospice.”

This year was Ride the Reservoir’s most successful event yet, as it raised a record-breaking amount of funds for the hospice and had its highest number of riders. All the money raised will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local people living with life-limiting illness.

Lucy Watkins, head of fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “This year’s Ride the Reservoir was our best yet. There was a fantastic energy before the ride and it was brilliant to see so many people get pedalling for our hospice.

“It was a tough decision to postpone the event but it’s wonderful to see people who couldn’t make the new date – like Brendon – still get on their bike and complete the ride on their own. Thank you to everyone who took part – your generous fundraising will ensure that we can continue to provide our crucial care across Birmingham and Sandwell.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s cares for 350 people – whether that’s at the hospice, in people’s own homes or in the community. It costs £8 million a year to run its vital services – over half of which need to come from voluntary donations – so it truly relies on generous support to ensure it can continue to care for even more local people living with life-limiting illness.

As part of the City of Wolverhampton’s Queen Street Gateway Townscape Heritage Scheme local volunteers have researched the history of several of the street’s properties.

The work carried out so far will be part of a new exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery in May which tells the story of Queen Street through the years.

Volunteers and City of Wolverhampton Council employees have used a range of sources, including documents, maps and photographs, to highlight areas of continuity and change.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Queen Street is such an iconic street in Wolverhampton and is an important part of the city’s history.

“By working with volunteers, historians and the businesses previously located and currently located on Queens Street we will look to restore the buildings to their former glory.”

Ron Macklin, New York based artist, became involved in the exhibition through the Urban Sketchers Group. Ron said: “I really love the Queen Street project and was happy to participate in this sketching event.

“The architecture is truly beautiful even though many of the first-floor commercial stores have masked that beauty. All one needs to do is look up and you can see the beautiful, intricate and graceful details.

“Clearly the original Queen Street owners, architects and builders had a strong pride of place.”

The exhibition also includes a selection of art pieces produced by various local community groups that shine a light on this important thoroughfare.

The exhibition is located on the first floor of the Lichfield Street art gallery and opens with a special launch event on May 26. Visitors will be able to meet the curators and volunteers who have worked on the project and share Queen Street stories.

It runs until Wednesday, July 4 and admission is free.

The Phoenix Newspaper was in Windsor for the Marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and as you can see, everyone was in the party spirit! Congratulations to the happy couple from everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper!

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com