Community News

“Rock Form”, the much-loved sculpture by renowned artist Barbara Hepworth, will go on temporary display at Wolverhampton Central Library while the city’s art gallery undergoes a refurbishment.

The popular piece was being moved out of the Lichfield Street gallery today ready for its move to the main foyer of the library in Snow Hill.

“Rock Form” has been housed at the art gallery since 2015 after its owner, Royal Bank of Scotland, agreed to keep it on long-term display in the city.

The bronze sculpture has a long association with the City of Wolverhampton having been on public display in the Mander Centre since the 1968 after being donated by the Mander family.

The art gallery is undergoing significant improvement works which means “Rock Form” requires a new temporary home.

Cllr John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city economy, said: “Rock Form has a long history with the City of Wolverhampton and the art gallery has been proud to house this iconic piece for the last two and a half years.

“We need to move it temporarily for the next year or so while improvement works are carried out at the gallery and Central Library is the perfect venue. It means it will still be very much on public display where lots of people, including children, will be able to appreciate this magnificent work of art.”

Rock Form will be installed in the library next month after some minor works are carried out to its plinth.

Barbara Hepworth created Rock Form in 1964. It is one of 6 similar bronze castings - the others are held in the at Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, Truro, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Association for Public Art in Philadelphia and the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.

Hepworth is considered one of the most significant sculptors of modern times. Her work is internationally famous and during the 1950s and 60s she was one of the most successful artists in the world.

West Midlands-based motor sport, automotive supply chain, transport technology and plastics and composites companies have the chance to join a trade visit to Le Mans, home of the world’s oldest active motorsport endurance race.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, the visit will take place between Tuesday, June 12, and Friday, June 15, and is aimed at small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Andy Smith, International Relationships Manager for the EU/ DIT co-financed SME International Growth Project, said funded places were available for eligible West Midlands SMEs, which have the opportunity to win business through a series of high-profile B2B meetings with some of the Europe’s leading automotive and transport companies firms.

“This is the perfect opportunity for the innovative motor sport, automotive and supply chain companies in our area to showcase their expertise to a global market,” he said.

“The West Midlands has a long and proud heritage in this industry and we’d love to see more businesses introducing their products to markets across the world. These B2B events around the iconic Le Mans race provide an excellent platform for them to do so”

The programme includes up to 12 timetabled one-to-one meetings as part of the International Business Days Le Mans 2018, networking opportunities and conferences covering topics such as additives and automotive / mobility innovation. There is  also a parallel one-day multi-sector plastics and composites event Plasti-Ouest, which will cover aerospace, packaging, construction, medical and automotive usage of these materials.

Places are strictly limited and to receive a funded place, applicants must be eligible under the DIT’s SME International Growth Project (IGP).

Returning to Birmingham’s NEC from 20 to 25 February, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2018 is the family-friendly event to visit this half-term, with children aged 15 and under going free and a host of activities for all of the family. The show brings together over 370 exhibitors as part of the UK’s largest showcase of caravans, campervans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and lodges as well as new season tents, trailer tents and folding caravans.

Throughout the six-day show, fun and free activities are on offer. Children can learn basic survival skills at bushcraft workshops, challenge themselves on the climbing wall with guidance from experienced instructors, clamber over the assault course and enjoy the new-for-2018 skate rink. Adults can take advantage of free campervan test driving sessions, with opportunities to brush up on motorhome manoeuvring and caravan towing skills*. The Top Dog Arena also provides a variety of entertainment, with performances from four-legged friends.

Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and female adventurer Anna McNuff take to the stage to recount tales of their latest journeys and show support for the event’s ‘24 hours outdoors’ initiative, encouraging people to spend more time with nature in 2018. The campaign aims to motivate people and raise awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors. A study by The Camping and Caravanning Club also shows 55% of people agree camping is a great way to re-engage with old friends and family^.

The Discovery Theatre’s line-up of celebrity names includes wildlife presenter Gordan Buchanan, who officially opens the show on 20 February, and Chelsea Ladies FC captain Katie Chapman. Renowned cooks such as Rustie Lee, Paul Da Costa Greaves, Dean Edwards and Eat Well For Less’ Chris Bavin host live cookery demonstrations, sharing their top tips and favourite camping recipes.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year 2018 as we enter the Year of the Dog!

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Fed up with the same old walkies? Stuck for ideas on how to keep your hound happy in the winter months? Well worry no more… pet insurer MORE TH>N has developed a free ideas generator for days out with dogs - owners simply pop in their postcode and push the button, and hey presto, the tool will recommend dog-friendly holidays and days out for dogs in the UK.

So whether you and your faithful friend want to explore the paw-fectly named Roundball Woods or Barky Beach, or you’re simply looking for a nearby dog-friendly beach, dog-friendly pub or a new walking route in the countryside, town or a new dog-friendly park – all the information is at a touch of a button.

The generator has a number of filters enabling owners to select a location and the distance they are willing to travel with a dog for some new fun. The results page also includes testimonials from other dog owners who use the recommended places regularly.

MORE TH>N’s vet Andrew Moore said: “No matter what the weather, dogs need to be walked and go out every day. This new dog days out tool is the perfect solution for owners stuck in a rut, as new smells, sights and sounds are very stimulating for dogs and a paw-some antidote to the rainy day blues.”

Owners can click here for the generator and to find the perfect dog-friendly holiday or day out.

Youngsters are on the career ladder thanks to an imaginative initiative between Haringey Council and a range of companies and charities. Called the Tottenham Charter it aims to ensure Tottenham residents get the most from the regeneration in the area in terms of jobs, health, education and training.

The organisation signs up to the charter and pledges, in their own way, to improve the quality of life for residents in the area.

One of these is leading engineering and construction company VolkerFitzpatrick, currently working to improve Northumberland Park’s railway station. Thanks to the charter, VolkerFitzpatrick’s Anglia Rail Skills Academy was brought together with Haringey Play Association which runs a popular adventure playground in north Tottenham. A ‘pre-apprenticeship programme’ was launched which saw a group of 16-19-year-olds build a new sandpit and water play area in the playground, aided by VolkerFitzpatrick staff who also organised a site tour and a construction workshop.

Indeed, the programme has been so successful that one of the group, 16-year-old Asha Clarke, has recently secured a job at the company as a trainee engineer.

“I did the pre-apprenticeship programme and then came on a week’s work experience at VolkerFitzpatrick,” he said. “I think they liked my attitude and how I performed but I was shocked when I was phoned to be told the good news. I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole day!”

Asha admits his life could have turned out very differently. He had fallen in with a particular crowd at school and found himself on a final warning.

“Six months ago I never would have dreamt I would have a full-time job in engineering. But this is my time to shine.”

Asha’s ‘mentor’ at the adventure playground in Somerford Grove was Tam Carrigan who encouraged Asha to apply for the programme.

“I’m so proud of him,” said Tam, beaming. “He still comes in to see us every week and tells the younger kids to think about their future and he is also a constant encouragement for his peers, just by the example he has set, which is wonderful. The charter is a great idea and it gives big companies like VolkerFitzpatrick the opportunity to give something back to the community.”

Children will be getting breakfast with their books during half term "Cereal Readers" sessions at several local libraries as the popular scheme returns to Sandwell for the half-term holidays.

Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.

All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader, said: "This is a brilliant idea for young people who love books and like to get along to their local library."

Cereal Readers sessions are taking place from 19 to 23 February at the following libraries.

Blackheath Library – Monday – Friday 9.30am-11am

Glebefields Library  Monday – Friday 9.30-10.30am

Rounds Green Library - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11-11.30am

Stone Cross Library -  Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30-10.30am

The National Wedding Show returns the NEC Birmingham again highlighting the biggest name in wedding events offering every bride and groom much needed inspiration, advice and planning tips for their big day, all in one place.

Show-stopping favourites will run alongside brand new features over three days, during which guests will have the chance to imagine the reality of their own wedding day providing over 300 of the best experts, planners and brands the world of weddings has to offer, including David’s Bridal, Confetti.co.uk, Debenhams, Oasis, Ben Sherman, Your Singing Waiters, Exclusive Yacht Weddings and Warwick Castle alongside many more.

Brand new for 2018 is the Money Matters Theatre, the must visit feature for all couples seeking budgeting and financial advice ahead of their big day. The theatre welcomes a host of expert speakers who’ll advise on everything from “Spend V’s Save” and “How best to create a reliable wedding budget.”

Must visit show-stopping features include: ‘The Catwalk’ where you can take a seat at the FROW where the season’s newest wedding dress designs are showcased alongside beautiful bridal hair, accessories and make-up, as well as the latest looks for the whole of the wedding party, including suits and bridesmaid dresses.

Following sell out sessions in the Autumn, ‘The Inspiration Lab’ offers brides, grooms, family and friends the chance to be inspired ahead of their big day.  The workshops, ranging from calligraphy to creating flower crowns, help guests tap into their own creativity and flair, encouraging them to take away armfuls of tips in how to create something personal, unique and beautiful for their special day.

An extraordinary panel of planning experts, from artisan cake companies to photographers, will be on hand at the ‘Hitched.co.uk Wedding Planning Platform’ to answer any queries and relieve any wedding worries.  They’ll be ready to answer any questions!

Weddings and honeymoons are held around the world. ‘TUI Wedding Travel Lounge’ will be hosting the Wedding Travel Lounge and providing the ultimate in destination wedding and honeymoon services at the show, including advice on creating a celebration that is unique and bespoke, as well as the ability to book the perfect weddings and honeymoons there and then.

Visitors will be invited to take a time-out and toast each other, or a loved one, when they reach the heart of the show, at ‘The Champagne Bar.’

With so much to enjoy, the ‘VIP Experience’ is also a must for visitors this Spring.  No queues for the VIP’s as they swan past the crowds at the door and make their way straight to the private lounge, collecting their goody bag on the way.  They’re also the envy of the bunch as they get seated in the VIP section for The Catwalk!

The National Wedding Show NEC Birmingham (Between February 23 and 25) will provide everything a couple needs to plan their dream wedding in one exciting event.

All National Wedding Show ticket holders will receive complimentary access to visit ‘The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Show’ which is also new for 2018, and an essential event for all couples planning a wedding or honeymoon abroad, hosted in association with BookYourWeddingDay.com.

A major campaign designed to help businesses address the region’s alarming productivity gap is being launched by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Growth Through People – which gets underway on Monday 26 February - is a month-long campaign of seminars, workshops and leadership content which aims to inspire businesses to develop skills within their organisation and manage employees more effectively.

GVA per head in West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area is £19,423 – nearly £3,500 lower than the national average.

At a national level, the UK’s productivity is 30 per cent lower than the USA and 35 per cent lower than Germany.

And new figures from the GBCC’s Quarterly Business Report for the fourth quarter of 2017 show that just 31 per cent of organisations in the region offer employees formal training opportunities in leadership and/or management skills and techniques.

Henrietta Brealey, director of policy and strategic relationships at GBCC, said: “We are excited to be launching this campaign for the second year running.

“People are often a business’s biggest cost – and asset. These latest statistics show that many organisations in Greater Birmingham are not training their employees in leadership and people management, a key component of productivity which feeds into low productivity figures for the region.

“We hope that by offering these free sessions, professionals in the region will take up the opportunity to develop these crucial skills and that, long term, businesses might be encouraged to reconsider investing in them.

“The Chamber is striving to create a real, lasting change to the productivity gap in the region, and as always, to ensure our members are equipped with the best skills to thrive and grow.”

GBCC will deliver 20 events over four weeks in partnership with more than 40 organisations across the region.

Events will range from intimate, interactive workshops to larger, high-profile panel discussions.

All Growth Through People events are free to attend for Chamber members and non-member businesses.

Events include a session on the importance of Developing More Female Leaders on International Women’s Day (Thursday 8 March), National Apprenticeship Week events and a ‘Get On Board’ event which will provide an overview of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s new pledge to encourage greater diversity at board level.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is the official partner for the first week of the campaign, focusing on Growth Through Responsible Leadership.

Aston University are sponsoring Growth Through Attracting & Retaining Talent week.

Sponsorship is available for the third week of the campaign - Growth Through Workplace Environment week.

Curium solutions are sponsoring Growth Through Unlocking Potential week.

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and friends a Happy Valentines Day! Treat your loved one to something special, and if you don't have a special someone, treat yourself!

Roses are red Violets are blue I know it's hard But you'll make it through With your hear up high And your friends at your side Ready to hold you Just in case you cry You have so much left So much to do That alone's a motive For you to fight through And the roses are still red The Violets still blue They'll be here for a while And so should you.

A pair of Gentoo penguins at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham have been treated to a private Valentine’s Day serenade by a violinist from Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Parents to the aquarium’s baby penguin chicks born last year, Arabel and Pablo have been working hard to raise their young, but like many new parents, they can sometimes struggle to find time for romance amidst the demands of parenthood.

As the attraction now begins to prepare for breeding season, animal care experts at the National Sea Life Centre, with the help of nearby friends at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, have rewarded Arabel and Pablo with a well-earned extra special date experience for Valentine’s Day. However, the rest of the colony soon followed behind to see what all the fuss was about.

“Every parent knows it’s hard to get time alone once a little one comes along,” said Jonny Rudd, Curator at the National Sea Life Centre.

“With Valentine’s Day being so close to the start of breeding season it was the perfect opportunity to treat our dedicated penguin parents, in the hope we can encourage another successful period of breeding.”

Last year, two of the aquarium’s resident penguins Arabel and Pablo became parents to two chicks, nicknamed Hulk and Dumpling due to their sizes. The rare pair are the first to hatch at the centre as part of a global breeding programme after Gentoo penguin numbers declined rapidly. Their parents crossed continents to conceive, coming all the way to Birmingham from as far as New Zealand, Canada and Denmark.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student and violinist Markéta Nádvorníková said: “Students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire get to play in some of the world’s greatest venues, but this is certainly the most unique place I’ve performed in!

“I am delighted to have played my part in creating such a special Valentine’s Day for the National Sea Life Centre’s infamous penguins and hope that my performance has helped reignite a spark ahead of breeding season.”

Originally from Police nad Metují in the Czech Republic, Markéta is currently in her final year of study on the Birmingham music and acting college’s BMus Music undergraduate course.

Visitors can meet the Gentoo penguin family for themselves at the Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

Have you got the most marvellous moggy in the UK? The search is on to find the country’s top cat and owners have just a few weeks left to enter the National Cat Awards 2018.

Run by Cats Protection, the competition is open to all living cats in the UK and celebrates the difference cats make to owners' lives by highlighting heart-warming stories of devotion, companionship and courage.

Cats need to be nominated before the closing date of Friday 9 March in one of the following categories:

Hero Cat – Cats that save the day Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities Purina® Better Together – Celebrating the special bond that has transformed and enriched the lives of both a feline and human

Category winners will then be in with a chance of inheriting the title National Cat of the Year from last year’s winner Genie, a black-and-white cat from Lincoln who was honoured for the incredible support and inspiration she gave to 12-year-old Evie Henderson, who was battling bone cancer.

Evie, who is now on the road to recovery, said: “I missed her every day I was in hospital and my family could tell she missed me. She’s my best friend and is always there when I need her. I was so happy to win our category but to win the overall title as well was really amazing, incredible.”

A panel of celebrity cat-lovers has the hard job of selecting the category winners as well as honouring this year’s National Cat of the Year. The awards are sponsored by PURINA® and winners will be presented with prizes at a glamorous ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 2 August 2018.

Twycross Zoo is inviting loved-up couples to experience a Valentine’s Day with a difference.

From first dates to anniversaries, and even proposals, couples can take a stroll in the award-winning zoo and get up close and personal during a feeding experience with some of the popular residents - a far cry from a night of Netflix and Chill!

After feeding penguins or meerkats, lovebirds can feed themselves in Himalaya whilst being mesmerised by the beautiful family of snow leopards.

And for a memory to cherish forever, Twycross Zoo also offers the unique Snow Leopard Experience, a truly magical 30-minute encounter with these fascinating creatures that includes feeding and meeting the keeper, followed by a delicious three-course Champagne Lunch.

The Snow Leopard Experience costs £300 for two adults* and as Twycross Zoo relies upon the generosity of its visitors to support its conservation work, you’ll be helping to save animals from extinction as well as having a wonderfully wild and romantic time.

Speaking of wildly romantic experiences, Twycross Zoo also offers couples a wedding venue like no other, with a recent report showing that a quarter of those looking to get married now seek more exotic venues!

While love is in the air for more than half of Brits this Valentine’s Day (53 percent), a new study by price comparison site finder.com shows that some are postponing romance until after February 14.

In fact, almost one in five Brits (19 percent) are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day after the 14th February to get better value. The younger you are, the more likely you celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day to save some money, with over a quarter of millennials (25.6 percent) admitting to this, followed by 22 percent of Gen X and just 11.5 percent of baby boomers. Higher income couples are most likely to delay and save

Interestingly, the more you earn, the more likely you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day late to save money. 17.2 percent of those earning between £0-£35,000 celebrate late, compared to 22.2 percent of those earning over £35,001, on average. Londoners are the thriftiest on the most romantic day of the year, with 23.1 percent admitting to celebrating late, followed by the East Midlands (22.5 percent) and those in the South West (20 percent). In contrast, those residing in Wales are more likely to stick to tradition, as only 13 percent claim to profess their love late in order to stretch their pound further, followed by those in Northern Ireland (14.3 percent) and in the North West (16.5 percent). Puppy love

Valentine’s Day isn’t only for couples as over one in twenty Brits will be treating their pets this year (7.5 percent). Dogs are favoured over cats for a Valentine’s gift as 4.5 percent of dog lovers will be spoiling their pooches while 3 percent will dote on their cat. Other interesting stats include:

• Almost half (46.8 percent) of those who celebrate Valentine’s Day admit to receiving a gift they didn’t like – that’s an estimated 9.7 million Brits
• Of those who receive gifts on Valentine’s, men are more likely to not like them (52.6 percent) than women (41.4 percent)
• Of those who receive gifts, millennials are most likely to not like their Valentine’s Day present (52.5 percent) compared with a close 52.3 percent of Gen Xers and 34.4 percent of baby boomers
• 53 percent of Brits plan to spend money on their loved ones for February 14 – an estimated 22 million Brits
• Those in Yorkshire and the Hunter are the loneliest, with 37.3 percent planning on not celebrating Valentine’s Day this year. This is followed by the West Midlands (35.5 percent) and East Midlands (33.3 percent). On the other hand, Londoner’s are the most likely to be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year (73.5 percent), followed by Northern Ireland (73.2 percent)
• Most people are planning to treat their wife or husband this Valentine’s Day (59.6 percent), followed by their boyfriend or girlfriend (28.2 percent) and interestingly their children (4.7 percent).
• 3.78 percent will be buying a gift for their secret admirer, while 2.1 percent will be buying themselves a Valentine’s Day gift.

Spring has sprung early at Twycross Zoo with the arrival of three new babies, meaning there has never been a better time to visit Leicestershire’s award-winning conservation charity.

The Zoo’s internationally renowned Endangered Species Breeding Programme is off to a great start for 2018, with three different species born during January and February. Babies such as Pogo Junior, the baby Dik Dik, and two adorable little monkeys are the new arrivals set to delight visitors of all ages.

Home to over 500 animals of 150 different species from all around the world, it’s the only place in the UK where you can see all four great apes – chimpanzees, orang utans, gorillas and bonobos.

From 10^th to 25^th February, the Zoo will host its popular Keeper Talks, where visitors are invited to meet the Twycross conservation experts and learn all about the animals in their care. The jam-packed calendar of daily talks will cover all sorts of species, great and small, and include everything from elephants, to lemars and Spider monkeys.

Open from 10am to 5pm, 364 days a year, whatever the weather, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Visitors to the impressive 80-acre site can get up close and learn all about the animals in their indoor and outdoor enclosures including the state of the art Gibbon Forest, Giraffe Savanna, and Elephant Creek. There is so much to see on a family day out, walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins, say hi to the cheetahs and let your little ones go wild on the outdoor adventure play areas.