Community News

Working with the Arts Council Collection as part of their National Partners Programme, Birmingham Museums Trust is bringing contemporary art, including work by Birmingham based artists, to two heritage venues: Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall.

Aston Hall is a magnificent 400-year-old Jacobean redbrick mansion and Blakesley Hall is a Tudor timber-framed house sited amongst avenues of modern houses that lie beyond its gates. At each site, a selection of important works from the Arts Council Collection will go on display alongside select pieces from Birmingham’s own collection. The exhibitions will engage with the unique stories of both historical properties and their surrounding communities.

Walls Have Ears: 400 Years of Change at Aston Hall will mark the Jacobean mansion’s 400^th birthday year. The exhibition will present contemporary portraiture by artists including Mawuena Kattah, Ryan Mosley, Eugene Palmer, Paul Rooney, Zineb Sedira and Donald Rodney.

In its 400 year history the house has seen many changes in the social, demographic and economic landscapes surrounding the Hall. The selected artworks explore themes of history, culture, class and race that resonate with Birmingham’s own identity.

The exhibition includes a number of Birmingham artists, including Vanley Burke, whose photograph, Rasta Man from Handsworth (1968), captures a young black man growing up in Birmingham in the late 1960s. This was period during which Britain began to face the challenges of introducing racial equality, passing the first Race Relations Act in 1965 with further amendments in 1968.

Boundary II (2000) by Barbara Walker is taken from the series ‘Private Face’, which focuses on the African-Caribbean community in Birmingham and depicts an everyday scene within a neighbourhood barbershop. The close framing of barber and client prompts the viewer to imagine what type of conversation might be happening between them.

At Blakesley Hall, Nature’s Presence takes inspiration from the hall’s historical relationship with nature and the garden. Historically the hall’s grounds have been used in different ways. In the past they have been both ornamental and working gardens, whilst today they are a hub of community activity.

The display includes different artistic perspectives on the natural world. The works present subject matter including flowers, fruit and animals through a range of media, from film and photography to paintings and sculpture. The artists in Nature’s Presence, such as photographer John Blakemore and Birmingham-based artist Ruth Claxton, explore human observations and interactions with nature.

Georgie Hopton’s photographic work Faded Blooms (2009) shows the fragility and beauty of decaying flowers. Meanwhile Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Still Life (2001) depicts a traditional fruit still life decomposing over time. Both works capture a dialogue between the contemporary world and classic still life images. Each is a contemporary take on a subject which has been richly explored throughout art history.

Jill Constantine, Director of the Arts Council Collection, said: “Both Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall offer enormous potential to present contemporary art in a new and fascinating context.  We are delighted that the Arts Council Collection will be on display in these two new exhibitions and that the local communities who enjoy these much loved houses will also have the opportunity to explore contemporary art from the Collection.”

Deborah Smith, curator of both exhibitions, said: “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring contemporary art to our heritage sites, opening up a conversation with audiences and celebrating the past and present.

“Our partnership with the Arts Council Collection has allowed for a wealth of art to reach the public, and as a Trust we aim to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to visitors.”

The award-winning conservation charity, Twycross Zoo, is celebrating the arrival of its first penguin chicks of the year!

The fluffy bundles of joy arrived to proud penguin parents Dory and Fin, one of the six breeding pairs at the Zoo. Hatching just in time for Easter, the Zoo is delighted to welcome the adorable Humboldt penguins, which are the first of many chicks to come this year.

Humboldt penguins are currently threatened by habitat loss, low food supply, and human disturbance leading to them being listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. As a result, the number of Humboldt penguins in the wild is now thought to be less than 30,000. Twycross Zoo experts hope to continue their work to protect this much loved species, having seen the arrival of over 100 chicks since 1969.

Twycross Zoo is doing its part to safeguard all marine life by using only sustainably sourced herring to feed its penguins. Humans also get to feast on sustainable fish at all of the Zoo’s catering facilities, including “the Catch” Fish Bar, with the hope to inspire visitors to take a small action to support the world’s oceans.

Yianna Cooling, Team Leader for Large Mammals, Birds and Pets, said, “We are so happy to see the first of our penguin chicks arrive, and just in time for everyone to come say hello at Easter! The family are all doing really well and the chicks are being kept well fed by mum and dad.”

Keys to nine new council homes at a Smethwick estate have been handed over to Sandwell’s housing boss.

The properties represent the final phase of 38 newly-built council homes at the Galton Lock development, off Mafeking Road in Smethwick.

The council  has been working in partnership with developer Countryside to build the properties which are part of a larger 180-home estate.

The 38 two and three-bedroom homes are the first properties the council has bought off-plan – that is before they were built – under the £4.5 million scheme.

Tenants are already signed up for the properties and will be moving in shortly.

The development is part of the council’s millions of pounds worth of investment into new housing and was completed on schedule.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted to receive the keys to these last nine new council homes on the Galton Lock development which has seen a total of 38 new council  homes being built for local families to move into.

“This is another example of the council working in partnership with a developer like Countryside to increase the quality and choice of housing in the borough.

“By the end of March next year we will have created nearly 200 new council homes since 2016 with hundreds more in the pipeline.

“This is part of our on-going strategic housing plan to increase the number of council-owned affordable homes.”

John Gilbert, regional operations director for Countryside’s Midlands division, said: “With a strong partnership model in place, we’re committed to ensuring much-needed, residential growth for Smethwick. Galton Lock was our debut into the West Midlands and has been a driving force behind our continued growth within the region, making the handover of these final homes an even greater milestone for us.

“Through the creation of high quality homes and engaging with local residents, our vision for Galton Lock was to transform brownfield land into a thriving and welcoming neighbouring. The scheme has been an unwavering success since day one and is a testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative working between Sandwell Council and Countryside.”

The Galton Lock development is made up of 180 homes. In addition to the 38 new council homes which have been bought by and will be managed by Sandwell Council, the remaining  142 will be made up of 79 for sale and 63 for rent by Countryside.

Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Chamber patron Arup hosted the West mayor Andy Street at an event aimed at supporting his objectives to get the region’s transport system moving again.

Building upon the work of the recently published GBCC report on congestion, the mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority were given a platform to engage with a range of key regional stakeholders to share ideas on how the region can overcome congestion related issues.

The report found that congestion costs businesses £407 million a year, and emphasises that congestion affects staff punctuality (28 per cent), reduces productivity (21 per cent) and increases company costs (19 per cent).

The event, held at the National College for High Speed Rail, brought together representatives from transport bodies, local authorities and business organisations to discuss proactive solutions required to combat the region’s transport needs.

The mayor started the event by giving the audience an overview on his priorities for transport and movement in the region and how the agenda has progressed during his tenure.

Andy Street said: “We know that we’ve had a real turn around in our economy, and what today is all about is how transport is going to actually keep up with the demands of the economy.

“As you will see, there is quite a step change in the degree of public transport available across the region. Excluding the cost of HS2, there is £5 billion pounds worth of investment.”

“We can’t go on with congestion and people choosing the car as the first route, this [the new transport network] will genuinely give alternatives.”

Attendees from the event, including representatives from Transport for West Midlands, University of Birmingham and Highways England then discussed transport network resilience, implications of policy changes, and measures required to support change.

After the session concluded, Richard De Cani from Arup offered some closing remarks and next steps following on from the event.

Johnny Ojeil, director of transport planning at Arup, said: “Arup are delighted to be involved in helping shape the transport strategy for the region and in particular working closely with the Chamber and the many businesses they represent.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The businesses that participated in today’s event made it clear that not only are they affected by congestion, but they also want to play their part in overcoming these deep seated issues. In particular, it was great to see local firms bringing sensible and tangible solutions to the table.

“Whilst it is reassuring that the Mayor has made tackling congestion a key priority of his tenure, it is clear that these deep seated issues can only be effectively challenged if we adopt a holistic and joined up approach which encourages collaboration between public and private sector bodies.

“In the long term, we look forward to working with Arup and the Mayor’s office to ensure the views of business are recognised and reflected in the region’s transport programmes.”

Wolverhampton is pledging to become an Autism Friendly City – and ensure that people with autism are given the same opportunities as anyone else.

Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they see, hear and feel the world around them. People with autism experience it in different ways, but typically face challenges in social communication and interaction.

Around 1 in 100 people in Wolverhampton are estimated to have an autism spectrum condition, while of those around half also have a learning disability and 30% suffer severe mental health difficulties.

The ambition to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City has been unveiled by the City of Wolverhampton Council ahead of World Autism Awareness Week, which starts today (Monday 26 March, 2018).

Councillor Val Gibson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "I am delighted that the council and its partners have pledged to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City by offering as much help and support as possible to people young and old with the condition, and their families.

"We want Wolverhampton to be a place where people with autism feel sale, understood and supported, have the same opportunities as anyone else, can live the life they choose, receive personalised support when they need it, enjoy meaningful activities and be active members of our community."

The aim is to make Wolverhampton an Autism Friendly City by 2021 – the end of the current Joint Autism Strategy, which was developed by the council, Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group, schools and the University of Wolverhampton.

Launched in 2016, the strategy has already helped bring around a number of improvements including the development of a new diagnosis, treatment, support and care pathway for adults, and improving the support that is offered to parents or carers of children with autism after they receive a diagnosis.

Three City nurseries have created enhanced mainstream early years provision for children with autism and other complex needs, and autism training is being made available for school staff and frontline professionals.

A new specialist centre for autism was officially opened at the City of Wolverhampton College in December to cater for a dozen students aged 16-25, while Enable, the employment service, provides individualised support to people with autism who are looking for work, including help with CVs, interviews and job coaching.

A full review of SEND education has been completed with a number of recommendations being implemented to ensure there is the capacity and resources within special and mainstream schools to meet the needs of all pupils with autism, while work is underway with the voluntary sector to develop a network of services to support people with autism and their families.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "The council and its partners have already demonstrated a commitment to people living with dementia by making Wolverhampton a Dementia Friendly City, and by now pledging to become an Autism Friendly City we want to ensure that people with autism in Wolverhampton are also given the help and support they need to live life to the full.

"While we have made significant progress in implementing our Autism Strategy, there is much more we can and will do – and by setting ourselves the aim of being autism friendly by 2021, we hope to galvanise effort and interest in delivering real improvements for people with autism."

World Autism Awareness Week is organised by The National Autistic Society, which has launched its "Too Much Information" campaign to challenge the myths, perceptions and stereotypes around autism. People are encouraged to visit the website at www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi, watch a short film and find out what actions they can take to make life easier for someone with an autism spectrum condition.

A £5,000 make-over to Wednesbury’s historic clock tower is now complete.

The iconic local landmark – a grade 2 listed building and a popular meeting place for local people – has benefitted from a total overhaul.

The facelift has seen the inside of the clock tower thoroughly cleaned and its internal electrics fully serviced and updated.

Its sandstone and brickwork exterior has been cleaned as  well  as the steps and limestone at the top of the clock and door revarmished.

The clock mechanism has been serviced, clock speeds corrected and times reset – as in recent times the four clock faces have not all been synchronised.

The outside of the clock has been fully cleaned, lighting circuits have been rewired with new LED strip lighting installed behind the faces replacing the old halogen fittings which were in poor condition.

This means the clock faces are now  much brighter and clearer at night.

The final phase of the restoration work has seen the globe stands remounted and repainted as they had started to rust and were looking worse for wear,  and new white opaque lighting globes have also been installed.

Councillor Pam Hughes, town lead for Wednesbury has praised the make-over which Wednesbury North ward councillors Elaine Costigan and Peter Hughes have lobbied for.

Councillor Pam Hughes, said: “It’s fantastic to see this much-loved local landmark restored to its former glory.

“It’s location in Wednesbury’s Market Place is one of the Black Country’s most recognisable historic locations and the clock tower has always been a popular meeting place for local people.”

Councillor Paul Moore, Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration, added: “I’m pleased that we have been able to give the clock tower, a really good ‘spring clean’, sprucing it up for local people to enjoy and preserving it for future decades to come.”

The clock tower was built in the place once occupied by Wednesbury’s old butter market cross which was demolished in 1824 and was built to commemorate the Coronation of King George V in 1911.

A popular Sons of Rest building in Wednesbury is to be refurbished to help increase the range of activities for the local community.

The Brunswick Park Sons of Rest is to get a facelift to help develop additional activities and increase income to support existing and new groups.

Money towards improving a room and furniture at the Foley Street centre is coming from a Sandwell Council small towns grant worth £1,340.

The building is used as a leisure centre for older people to enjoy games such as snooker, crib, billiards and dominoes. A range of other activities are organised by members throughout the year.

The building is used by local groups including the Friends of Brunswick Park, Women's Institute, a bird club, whist drive and the Sons and Daughters of Rest.

The Sons of Rest has also applied for funding from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, in which it has been shortlisted with an announcement due next week. A minimum of £1,000 is guaranteed from the scheme.

Wednesbury town lead member Councillor Pam Hughes said: "I am so pleased that we are able to help this long-established group who are looking to open up the centre to other user groups."

Sons of Rest treasurer Colin James said: "Once the room has been refurbished it will be a much better facility for local residents and groups to use."

The City of Wolverhampton Council has completed its first phase of the ‘Lighting up the City’ project by bringing streets, public features and open spaces to life via LED lighting.

Since phase one of the Lighting up the City project began in August 2017, a brighter and more attractive environment has been created across the city. As well as forming a safer place for people to visit.

The focus of the scheme, which is also supported by contributions from the Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID), is on a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.

So far, the project has included the dressing of Dudley Street and Cheapside trees with lights along with other locations, as well as a light curtain in Exchange Street.

The Queen Square fountain and steps and St Peter’s Gardens have had new lights installed, while uplighters showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue and the Harris Memorial statue outside St Peter’s Church.

The Dudley Street light towers are also set to be replaced and long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks - small green spaces in an urban setting.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “This project showcases some of the many fascinating features and buildings we have in our city while creating a more interesting and attractive environment – especially as the day turns to night.

“Lighting up selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment by creating a more inviting and safer city.

“Once the project is complete, we hope visitors will follow the walking route leading them to the city’s individual landmarks and enjoy a true visitor experience when they visit our city.

“I look forward to the next phase of the project which will see more of our iconic buildings in the spotlight.”

Phase two of the project will begin this summer and following agreement and support from local partners, will see many of the city’s popular landmarks bought to life.

The council has had discussions with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, House of Fraser, and the Mander Centre, as the final proposal is developed.

The council intends to lead by example by proposing a specific lighting scheme to enhance the main entrance of the city’s art gallery to showcase the many architectural aspects of the building.

The council is also looking to introduce lighting schemes as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project, and within forthcoming public realm improvement and connectivity projects that are being developed as part of the Connected Places Strategy delivery plan.

Efforts will also be made to introduce planning conditions that require developers to bring forward lighting schemes as part of any future sites in the city centre.

Free blood pressure checks are on offer at local libraries and community hubs in Haringey under new measures designed to reduce the number of people suffering strokes in the borough.

This year’s Haringey Annual Public Health report highlights how staff and volunteers from Bridge Renewal Trust, Embrace UK and Tottenham Hotspur have been trained to carry out the potentially life-saving checks at a range of convenient locations, such as libraries and community centres and at some community events.

General practices are also working to identify and offer checks to people at high risk of stroke, through measures such as offering a check at the same time as their seasonal flu jab. More than 10,000 blood pressure and pulse checks have already been carried out, leading to more than 2,000 additional diagnoses of high blood pressure and nearly 300 additional diagnoses of atrial fibrillation – a kind of irregular pulse rhythm that increases the risk of stroke.

This year’s annual public health report shines the spotlight on the issue of stroke, which is one of the biggest causes of death and physical disability in Haringey.

Until recently, Haringey had the highest rate of early death from stroke – defined as people dying from stroke under the age of 75 - of any London borough. While there has been a recent a fall in the rate of early death, likely due to lower smoking rates and local work on other risk factors for stroke, the overall number of strokes remains higher than in similar areas.

Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Jason Arthur, said:

"The fact is that too many people in Haringey suffer strokes. We’re pleased to have seen a recent reduction in the number of deaths from stroke in our borough, but we know there is still work to be done. Offering free checks at handy locations around the borough – and removing the need for people to make a doctor’s appointment for a simple check – means we can help more people understand their own blood pressure.

"We’re also continuing to champion healthier living and active lifestyles, including offering support to quit smoking and free exercise opportunities, so that we can continue to improve Haringey’s health.

"I would encourage everyone to take advantage of these free checks and find out more about how they can look after their blood pressure."

The annual health report – jointly penned by Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Director of Public Health at Haringey Council, Beverley Tarka, Director of Adult Social Services and Tony Hoolaghan, Chief Operating Officer, Haringey and Islington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – also details a number of other ways to reduce the number of people having strokes.

It pledges that the council, CCG, NHS and other community groups and partners will work together to create a healthy Haringey where it is easy to be active, eat well and stay smoke free. Haringey Council and Haringey CCG will also continue to work together to support people living with stroke and their carers to be as independent as possib

Local businessman Doug Wright was recognised by Ronald McDonald House Charities for his hard work, dedication and commitment as Chairman of the Charity’s Birmingham facility, a 66 bedroom house that provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital. The prestigious Recognition Award is presented annually to an individual or company who exemplifies the work of the Charity.

Jon Haward, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities UK said: "Doug takes real pride in his work with Ronald McDonald House Charities and supporting us to help families with children in hospital. His tireless efforts to raise awareness of the Charity and to bring in vital donations, is something we are truly grateful for. We've been bowled over by Doug’s generosity with his time and knowledge, making some fantastic connections and creating opportunities to ensure the Birmingham community has heard of their local Ronald McDonald House."

The Charity’s Board of Trustees unanimously chose to recognise Doug following not only his first two years as Chair of the Board of Governors for Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, but also in recognition of years of fundraising for the Charity.

Every penny raised for the Charity goes to supporting families with seriously ill children in hospital. This is something Doug is extremely passionate about. When the House in Birmingham was first opened in 2009, he got stuck in, cleaning floors and making beds, so the Charity could welcome in its first families.

Ronald McDonald House Birmingham provides free accommodation to families of children receiving inpatient care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Supporting over 1200 families each year, the House offers somewhere for families to eat, sleep, relax and most importantly to call home, enabling parents and other primary carers to remain close to their children and care for them while they are in hospital.

Doug Wright, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Ronald McDonald House Birmingham said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been presented with his award. I take great pride in helping to lead the fantastic work of the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and I would like to thank Libby Aston and her team of staff and volunteers at the House for working tirelessly to give a first class welcome to all the families that use the House every day of the year.”

Nursery children at Wilkinson Primary School have raised over £500 to sponsor three guide dog puppies.

They took part in a sponsored walk around the Good-rated Bilston school’s grounds, and collected £551.20 for the charity Guide Dogs.

The children have been looking at how different animals help people, watching videos and reading about animal charities, and as part of the project received a visit from Carol Trigg and her guide dog Flora – promoting them to launch their fundraising appeal.

Headteacher Christina Gibbon said: “Everyone at Wilkinson feel privileged to have met Carol and Flora. Hopefully the money raised will go a small way to support such an amazing charity.”

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It’s great to see nursery children not only learning about the importance of guide dogs, but also completing a fundraiser which will help train up three guide dog puppies – well done to them all!”

City of Wolverhampton Council has teamed up with Wolverhampton Learning Platform to provide tailored skills and employment support to help city residents through the Learning Communities initiative.

The council and Wolverhampton Learning Platform at Bilston Resource Centre (BRC) have worked closely with Ashley Housing to deliver a customised training package of support to help participants gain skills and knowledge about the health and social care sector, and meet employers, who have vacancies, as well as discover how to access further learning.

BRC and Job Change are two of the founding members of the Wolverhampton Learning Platform.

Adam Bhardwarj from the platform said: “We have over a 100 years’ experience within learning and skills development.

“We aim to provide a range of support to help people build up their skills and confidence to then access employment and further learning and employment.

“This programme has been designed to support residents from diverse communities to secure employment within the health and social care sector.”

A local Employer Destiny Care visited the group of learners to talk to them about potential future opportunities.

Bilston Resource Centre and the Wolves at Work coaches will ensure residents receive ongoing support to secure employment.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “The council is working successfully with Wolverhampton Learning Platform providers.

“This has been an exciting initiative co-ordinated by the adult skills team at the council, which offers residents who may have several barriers, such as confidence issues or gaps in skills, an opportunity to be trained up within their own community and receive tailored support and advice via the Wolverhampton Learning Platform.

“We should be proud and showcase this unique and invaluable service available to local people within a local setting.”

Wolverhampton Interchange partners are celebrating contractors Galliford Try gearing up for full demolition of the city’s railway station.

It is the next stage in delivering a £150 million transport hub to provide an attractive commercial gateway to those entering the city by national rail, bus or tram.

The first Galliford Try machines have moved in to establish the temporary station accommodation and works compound on the Banana Yard.

Hoardings will then be installed to enable the first phase of full demolition to start in early July.

The British Transport Police building and a small section of the current station building next to Platform 1 will be demolished, paving the way for the first section of the new station building to be erected. It will become operational to customers by summer 2019, when phase 2 of the programme will also start.

Throughout the works rail services will continue to operate as normal from the current station building, while the new state-of-the-art railway station to serve the city emerges adjacent to it by 2020.

Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Virgin Trains, West Midlands Trains, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.

Council Leader and WMCA portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: “Our vision for the City of Wolverhampton Interchange is rapidly becoming a reality.

“There is £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced - this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”

The new station will be connected directly to a tram stop, once work is completed on the Midland Metro city centre extension. The Midland Metro Alliance are currently delivering the next phase on Pipers Row before continuing down Railway Drive to the railway station.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “This project is about more than just creating a transport hub, where buses, trains, trams, cycling and walking come together and provide enhanced links to the new HS2 network.

“This is something altogether more bold. This is also about accelerating the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre, bringing jobs, opportunities and growth. Simply, this is one of the key gateways into the city, a city that deserves a world-class welcome.

“The WMCA recognises the vital role this project plays in the ongoing success story of Wolverhampton, which is why we were enthusiastic in supporting the project."

Chris Jones, Associate Director, Ion, said: “The demolition works mark an important moment in the transformation of the city’s transport links. The new railway station is set to further improve the appeal of the city to businesses, especially with the development of the Commercial District, and improve the experience for all travellers to the City of Wolverhampton.”

Simon Courtney, Area Director for Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West, added: “We are delighted to be able to mark this beginning alongside all the stakeholders involved. We look forward to being part of a transformational project which make its mark on the City of Wolverhampton for years to come.”

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced the 44 young people from Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, who, together with 12 young people from Northamptonshire, will join the professional cast in the forthcoming production of Romeo and Juliet directed by Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman.

The young people aged 12 – 18 all attend schools in the RSC’s Associate Schools programme or work in a partnership with the RSC. In teams of four they will perform each night in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon sharing the role of the Chorus with the professional cast.

Erica Whyman said: “We were bowled over by the impact our tour of A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation had on the young people who took part and those who came to watch as we traversed the UK. I want to build on that hugely positive experience, as we stage Romeo and Juliet, opening up a dialogue with young people in schools in ways we have never before been able to do. By inviting these young people to join us on stage I want to celebrate the diverse talent of the UK and highlight the revolutionary heart of this most timeless love story.”

From Birmingham young people join from: City Academy, Hall Green School and Moseley School and Sixth Form.

From Coventry young people join from: President Kennedy School Academy and Sidney Stringer Academy.

From Warwickshire young people join from: Campion School in Leamington Spa, Kineton High School, Myton School in Warwick, Shipston High School, Stratford-upon-Avon College, Stratford-upon-Avon School, St Benedict’s Catholic High School in Alcester and Welcombe Hills School.

More than 100 live apprenticeship opportunities will be on offer as part of a Residents’ Programme event next week.

The Skills and Apprenticeship Show will take place at Wolverhampton Racecourse, Gorsebrook Road, WV6 0PE, on Tuesday, March 27, between 4pm and 7pm.

It is free to anyone, whether you are leaving school, already a student or graduate, unemployed and seeking work, employed and looking to retrain or upskill, or simply wanting to find out more about apprenticeships in and around the City of Wolverhampton.

More than 30 employers and training providers from across the city will be at the event to showcase apprenticeships in engineering, hairdressing, construction, business admin, finance, health and social care, child care, nursing, management, and other sectors.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “We work closely with city partners to develop apprenticeship opportunities across the city.

“The council itself employs a number of apprentices in a variety of departments and it has proved a very successful way to recruit staff.

"We have an ambitious long-term plan to encourage enterprise, empower people, reinvigorate our city and improve the prosperity of businesses and residents - and this event supports that.

“We're optimistic about the future of the city. It is a great place to live, learn and work."

Information will also be available on the higher/degree level apprenticeship, along with advanced and intermediate opportunities.

Career advisors from City of Wolverhampton College and Connexions will offer support on the day.

Attendees can also meet and learn more about the apprenticeships offered by City of Wolverhampton College, University of Wolverhampton, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton Homes, NOVA, Performance Through People, BBC, NatWest, Mann & Hummel, City of Wolverhampton Council, MOOG, Greene King, Babcock, EEF, Express & Star, The Royal Navy and Marines, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Seesaw Nursery, plus many more.