Community News

Larry King, giant of US broadcasting who achieved worldwide fame for interviewing political leaders and celebrities, has died.

King conducted an estimated 50,000 interviews in his six-decade career, which included 25 years as host of the popular CNN talk show Larry King Live. He died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, according to Ora Media, a production company he co-founded.

Earlier this month, he was treated in hospital for Covid-19, US media say. The talk show host, famous for his braces and rolled-up sleeves, had faced several health problems in recent years, including heart attacks.

King was married eight times to seven women and had five children. Two of them died last year within weeks of each other - daughter Chaia died from lung cancer and son Andy of a heart attack. He carried out interviews with every sitting US president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama and a number of world leaders. His other high-profile guests included Dr Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Lady Gaga.

"For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster," Ora Media said in a statement, without giving the cause of death.

Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933, King rose to fame in the 1970s with his radio programme The Larry King Show, on the commercial network Mutual Broadcasting System. In 1985 he launched Larry King Live on the fledgling CNN, and became one of the network's biggest stars. The programme, broadcast around the world, was a success with audiences, with King answering thousands of phone calls from viewers.

He earned a number of honours, including two Peabody awards, but was also criticised for his non-confrontational approach and open-ended questions. King boasted of not doing much research for the interviews so, he said, he could learn along with viewers.

By 2010 his ratings had dropped significantly, with critics saying King's approach felt out-dated in an era of more aggressive interviewing styles. King then announced his retirement, saying: "It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders." In his final programme on CNN, he told his viewers: "I don't know what to say, except to you, my audience, thank you. Instead of goodbye, how about so long?" CNN replaced him with British journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan, whose programme King criticised for being "too much about him".

Morgan, whose programme was cancelled three years later, said on Twitter on Saturday: "Larry King was a hero of mine until we fell out after I replaced him at CNN & he said my show was 'like watching your mother-in-law go over a cliff in your new Bentley.' (He married 8 times so a mother-in-law expert)." But, Morgan added, King "was a brilliant broadcaster & masterful TV interviewer."

In a statement, CNN president Jeff Zucker said: "The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television. His curiosity about the world propelled his award-winning career in broadcasting, but it was his generosity of spirit that drew the world to him."

Most recently, King hosted another programme, Larry King Now, broadcast on Hulu and RT, Russia's state-controlled international broadcaster. A Kremlin spokesman was quoted as saying by state RIA Novosti news agency: "King repeatedly interviewed Putin. The president has always appreciated his great professionalism and unquestioned journalistic authority."

Outside broadcasting, King founded the Larry King Cardiac Foundation in 1988, a charity which helps to fund heart treatment for those with limited financial means or no medical insurance.

He was 87

Former The Only Way Is Essex star Mick Norcross has died. The businessman and father of Kirk Norcross, who also starred in the ITV show, was found dead at his home in Bulphan.

Essex Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious. In tributes on social media, fellow Towie stars past and present, including Gemma Collins and James Argent, called him "one of the good guys" and a "true gentleman".

Norcross first appeared in the reality show in 2011 in his position as owner of Sugar Hut, a Brentwood nightclub which was often attended by the cast. He left the show two years later, stating that the venue's prominent place in Towie had damaged its brand.

The star posted a tweet to his 505,000 followers saying: "At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could. And that's good enough." The club tweeted that "Mr Sugarhut" had been a "very talented, friendly and fun guy" and a "true Essex legend, who will be sorely missed".

Collins, who briefly dated Norcross during their time on the show, shared a photo of them together on Instagram and said he had been "one of the good guys", while Argent tweeted that he had been "a true gentleman and a very kind man".

Tributes were also shared by Towie stars Lauren Goodger and Mario Falcone, with the latter tweeting that he was "thankful I got the privilege of having you in my life". TV chef James Martin, Loose Women's Denise Welch, presenter Denise Van Outen and film producer Jonathan Sothcott also paid tribute to him online.

An Essex Police spokesman said officers "were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan" and "sadly, a man inside was pronounced dead". The police spokesman said the death was "not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner".

He was 57.

Four charities based in the West Midlands have won a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to nominations from the public. The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical's annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, which provides anything that is ‘over and above’ what the NHS offers; whether that be equipment, facilities, research or welfare for staff and patients, and the Birmingham Dogs Home, which focuses on animal welfare in the Midlands (see notes for full list¹), are among the local charities set to benefit from the money following overwhelming public support in the area.

10,005 West Midlands residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 102 charitable causes in the area receiving votes. The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated. The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at: www.movementforgood.com/12days

Thanking supporters in the West Midlands, Mark Hews, Group CEO at Ecclesiastical, said: “Owned by a charity, here at Ecclesiastical our core purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, so charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.

“We hope these donations can bring a positive end to a difficult year and a promising start to 2021.”

A representative from University Hospitals Birmingham Charity said: “The donation went towards our Christmas Appeal to fund hampers for staff and patients, trees around our hospitals, toys for children and activities for elderly patients. Last year was especially difficult in our hospitals. Staff have been working tremendously hard throughout the new and unfamiliar conditions and ultimately they are scared to go to work.

“There were approximately 1000 patients who spent Christmas in hospital and over 20,000 members of staff who worked over Christmas period. The donation helped us make Christmas in our hospitals that little bit more special!”

Last year, Ecclesiastical launched its latest Impact Report to celebrate some of the many good causes it has helped.

Sandwell’s Deputy Council Leader has paid a heartfelt tribute to Tipton Twin, Doris Hobday, following an announcement by her family that she has passed away after losing her battle with Covid-19.

Doris, aged 96, along with her twin and soul mate Lil, had gained a huge national following on radio, television and social media. Her family posted a tribute on Facebook stating Doris had passed away on Tuesday 5 January, after a short stay in hospital. Sister Lil, who was also admitted to hospital, with Covid-19, has been discharged and is now recovering at home.

Known as the Tipton Twins, the pair gained national recognition with their cheeky and humorous appearances on radio and television, as well as starring on the front of the Sandwell Herald. The family thanked staff at Sandwell Hospital and urged people to take the Covid-19 vaccine when it was offered to them.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “Our hearts go out to Lil and all the family. Doris has been such a huge part of their lives and a much-loved iconic character in Sandwell, alongside Lil.

“We will be remembering her and sending all our love to the family. How wonderful – and how typical of this family - that even at this time of loss, they find time to think of other people and take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they get the chance. 

“Please do take the advice.”

Donations can be made to the Beacon Centre for the Blind, who helped Doris’s husband, Ray, and people are also invited to post their own tributes.

A major incident has been declared as Storm Christoph is set to bring widespread flooding to parts of England. The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for rain in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, East Midlands and the east of England. The Environment Agency said the combination of heavy rain and snowmelt created a "volatile situation".

Sandbags were laid in at-risk areas, with up to 70mm (2.75in) of rain due. In isolated spots, particularly in the northern Peak District and parts of the southern Pennines, 200mm (7.87in) could be possible.

In the amber warning area, the Met Office said there was a "danger to life" due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater, and told some communities they could be "cut off" by flooded roads. It also predicted delays and cancellations to public transport, with the amber warning in place until 12:00 GMT on Thursday.

Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said key risk areas had been inspected over the past 36 hours, with the delivery of sandbags continuing on Tuesday.

"I do not want people to panic, but flooding is possible so please be prepared," she said.

The Environment Agency issued 16 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected and immediate action required, covering parts of Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Merseyside, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire as of yesterday. A further 110 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, were issued across northern England, the Midlands and the east.

Catherine Wright, acting executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, said: "That rain is falling on very wet ground and so we are very concerned that it's a very volatile situation and we are expecting significant flooding to occur on the back of that weather."

She said the agency would be working with local authorities to help with evacuation efforts should a severe flood warning be issued, adding: "If you do need to evacuate then that is allowed within the Covid rules the government has."

Discussing the different levels of flood warnings, she said: "If you receive a flood alert, please pack valuables like medicines and insurance documents in a bag ready to go.

“If you receive a flood warning, please move valuables and precious possessions upstairs and be ready to turn off gas, electricity and water. If you receive a severe flood warning, which means you will be evacuated, please listen out and take heed of the advice from the local emergency services."

A yellow rain alert is also in place for Wales, Northern Ireland, central and northern England and southern Scotland. This yellow warning extends to the rest of England from Wednesday, with a yellow alert for snow and ice in north east Scotland.

Highways England advised drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads, while the RAC breakdown service said motorists should only drive if absolutely necessary.

Sunrise: 8 August 1952 Sunset: 17 January 2021

Sheldon Barnett (aka Steven/Shelly) was born in Clarendon, Jamaica - a talented sportsman who was a prolific member of the Oaklands Football Club in the 1970’s.
Sheldon also loved to play cricket and joined a regional Cricket team touring the country in the 1980’s.
Later, Sheldon joined the BCA Birmingham, actively participating in regional and overseas tournaments as a lively member of the Dominoes team.
Sheldon was a social butterfly, one of life’s characters who was well known by many.
In recent years, Sheldon fought bravely against illness but sadly lost his fight for life and passed away on 17 January 2021. He leaves behind his wife Karen, 6 adult children – Claire, Nickola, Talisa, Andrae, Leon and Annmarie, 4 stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Also his mother Nan Doris, brothers Derek, Jonah and Richard; sisters Jean, Angie, Joyce, Joan, Jennifer and nieces/nephews/great nieces
Sheldon – forever loved and missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Words by Butterfly1965

The government is planning new laws to protect statues in England from being removed "on a whim or at the behest of a baying mob", Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has said. He said generations-old monuments should be "considered thoughtfully". The legislation would require planning permission for any changes and a minister would be given the final veto. It is due to be revealed in Parliament today.

The plans follow the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston last year and a wider discussion on the removal of controversial monuments. Four people were later charged with criminal damage over the removal of the Colston statue, and six people accepted conditional cautions over their involvement.

The communities secretary said Britain should not try to edit or censor its past. He said any decision to remove heritage assets in England would require planning permission and a consultation with local communities, adding that he wanted to see a "considered approach".

He wrote: "Our view will be set out in law, that such monuments are almost always best explained and contextualised, not taken and hidden away." Mr Jenrick added that he had noticed an attempt to set a narrative which seeks to erase part of the nation's history, saying this was "at the hand of the flash mob, or by the decree of a 'cultural committee' of town hall militants and woke worthies". He said: "We live in a country that believes in the rule of law, but when it comes to protecting our heritage, due process has been overridden. That can't be right.

"Local people should have the chance to be consulted whether a monument should stand or not. What has stood for generations should be considered thoughtfully, not removed on a whim or at the behest of a baying mob."

The death of George Floyd while in the custody of police in Minneapolis sparked anti-racism protests across the world. During largely peaceful demonstrations in the UK, the controversial Colston statue was dumped into Bristol Harbour and a memorial to Sir Winston Churchill was vandalised with the words "was a racist".

Speaking in June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country - and the whole of Europe - from a fascist and racist tyranny. It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should ... be at risk of attack by violent protesters.

"Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial." Colston made his fortune in the slave trade and bequeathed his money to charities in Bristol, which led to many venues, streets and landmarks bearing his name.

The Society of Merchant Venturers, the Bristol charity which runs institutions named after Edward Colston, said it was right that the statue was removed, along with other memorials to "a man who benefited from trading in human lives". They said it was part of acknowledging Bristol's "dark past" and building "a city where racism and inequality no longer exist".

Following the toppling of the statue, Colston's Girls School changed its name to Montpelier High School and the city's Colston Hall music venue is now known as the Bristol Beacon. A statue of a Black Lives Matter protester was placed on the empty plinth without permission in July and was removed shortly afterwards.

Birmingham City Council will be launching Our Future City Plan: Central Birmingham 2040, Shaping our City Together, which sets out its plans to help create a greener, more prosperous and fairer future for all across the city, on 26 January 2021. This will be officially launched in partnership with Estates Gazette, who will facilitate an online panel discussion with stakeholder representatives from Birmingham Museums Trust, Moda Living, Savills and EVORA alongside members of the council’s planning team to help give further context around the plan’s aims and ambitions. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and wider societal changes have prompted the launch of this project, which will replace the Big City Plan, launched in 2010, while taking recent challenges into account. Using the council’s recent climate emergency declaration as a launchpad, the initial outline plan focuses on creating people-centred environments, opportunities for growth in emerging green industries, improving health and wellbeing through access to green spaces and making cycling and walking easier and safer.

The bold vision for Central Birmingham seeks to strengthen the links with the city centre and its integration with the surrounding inner city areas. Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “As the main centre of development activity in our city over the last 30 years, investment in the city centre has provided jobs, homes, improvements to sustainable transport, new cultural destinations and educational opportunities.

“With the opportunities of HS2, expansion of the Midland Metro and the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, the city will continue to be a major regional, national hub and centre for international investment.   

“This plan marks a major change from previous approaches to the city centre, with a clear intention to spread the benefits of development and investment into inner city areas, supporting access to infrastructure, jobs and improved public spaces.

“The release of an early engagement document such as this is intended to seek feedback from a wide spectrum of voices ranging from the individuals, organizations and communities to ensure all of Birmingham’s communities are shaping the city together.” The launch event will be streamed via LinkedIn (EG) and Twitter (@EstatesGazette) and Estates Gazette website - www.egi.co.uk - on the 26 January at 9:30am.

The Our Future City Plan: Central Birmingham 2040 Shaping our City Together consultation document, details of consultation events and activities that will be taking place can be found on Birmingham BeHeard from 26 January to 26 March 2021. Feedback received will go on to inform the Our Future City Plan: Central Birmingham 2040 Draft Framework to be released in summer 2021 for further consultation.

Following an initial consultation on a potential new name for ‘Black Boy’ Lane in 2020, Haringey Council, in London, is now moving to a second phase of the consultation – asking residents their views on whether or not to rename ‘Black Boy Lane’ to ‘La Rose Lane’. The council believes that the names of our monuments, buildings, places and streets must reflect the values and diversity that we are so proud of in the borough. Meanings change over time, and the term ‘Black Boy’ is now most commonly used as a derogatory name for men of African heritage.

The consultation to rename Black Boy Lane is part of the council’s wider Review on Monuments, Building, Place and Street Names in Haringey, which seeks to represent and celebrate the rich culture and diversity that we are so proud of in our borough. In phase one of the renaming consultation, residents showed a strong preference for the name ‘La Rose Lane’, as such, residents will now be asked whether they feel the street name should remain as ‘Black Boy Lane’ or be changed to ‘La Rose Lane’ - in celebration of John La Rose, a former Haringey resident, publisher, essayist and poet. Phase two of the consultation is still open - to Friday 19 February.

The council has written directly to residents of Black Boy Lane who have been asked to consider ‘La Rose Lane’ as an alternative name. Councillor Joseph Ejiofor, Leader of Haringey Council, said: “Words matter. Language can be a powerful tool for inspiration and change, as well as for oppression and ignorance. It should be used wisely and respectfully, if we were naming the street now, we would not be calling it ‘Black Boy’ Lane.

“It simply does not reflect the diversity, and social cohesion that defines the Haringey of the 2020s. The journey to completely eradicating racism, prejudice and discrimination is a long one. But whilst I am sure that we all want to get to this destination, we need to accept that a journey of a million miles, starts with just a single step. Changing the name of this road is that first step. While we appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone, and responding to consultations such as this may be more challenging, we believe that now, more than ever we should seek to send out a clear message in support of the diversity in our borough.

"I encourage Haringey residents to have their voices heard in this consultation. As a community, as a society, we have to ask ourselves whether Black Boy Lanes remains an appropriate street name today, or whether now is the time for change. I’ll be supporting the change to La Rose Lane.” Residents and organisations can respond to the consultation using one of the following methods:

·         Online using the survey (external link).

·         Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Telephone: 020 8489 3797

·         By post: Consultation Co-ordinator, The Communications Team, River Park House, 225 High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8HQ

The council will also be hosting an online meeting for residents / organisations to attend and ask council officers any questions. For details on this and how to join, please visit our website. The consideration of whether a street name should be changed is a formal process, as such the council has also published the ‘notice of our intention’ to make an order to rename Black Boy Lane to La Rose Lane. This is a statutory requirement under Part II Section 6 of the London Buildings Acts (Amendment) Act 1939.

Councils in the Black Country will return to the High Court on Wednesday 27 January to seek the renewal of a ground-breaking injunction banning car cruising in the region for a further three years. They will request an extension of the existing injunction, as well as a variation to it so that it applies not only to people organising and participating in a car cruise, but to spectators as well.

In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the hearing will take place remotely, and therefore people are invited to submit comments and observations regarding the car cruising injunction, and the application to extend and vary the terms of the injunction, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 4pm on Thursday January 21. Comments received will be presented as evidence to the High Court. The injunction has proved hugely successful, dramatically reducing incidents of car cruising across the Black Country since its introduction nearly six years ago. It prohibits people from taking part in a car cruise anywhere within Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell or Walsall, or from promoting, organising or publicising any such event in the same area.

The current injunction is due to expire next month, and the City of Wolverhampton Council, Walsall Council, Sandwell Council, Dudley Council and West Midlands Police are working together to secure its extension until 2024. Their application on 27 January will also ask the High Court to vary the injunction so that those actively spectating at a car cruise are in future deemed to be participating in the event and therefore in breach of the injunction.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The car cruising injunction has been incredibly effective since its introduction in February 2015, and we are naturally keen to ensure that it remains in effect for another three years. It has significantly reduced instances of car cruising across the region, though the problem still persists in some areas and so it's important that the injunction stays in place in order to crack down on the issue as and when it occurs.

"We also want to extend the scope of the injunction so that it covers spectators for the first time. As well as encouraging car cruisers to show off in the first place, we've also seen multiple cases of spectators getting injured at car cruises around the country. And they are not only putting themselves at risk, they are putting members of the public in harm’s way by standing in the road or blocking pavements. Spectators are covered by a similar car cruising injunction in force in Birmingham and Solihull, and so it makes perfect sense to vary the terms of our injunction and bring the Black Country injunction in line with that of our neighbours."

She added: “This month's hearing will be held remotely, so we are inviting people who wish to submit comments and observations for consideration by the court to do so electronically by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 4pm on Thursday 21 January.”

The existing injunction defines car cruising as:

·         Two or more motor vehicles (including motorbikes) between the hours of 3pm and 7am being on a highway or in a publicly accessible place within the Black Country at which any such vehicle or occupant of a vehicle performs any of the prohibited activities listed below which causes, or is capable of causing, any of the prohibited consequences set out below. Participating in car cruising means being the driver of, or being carried in (or on), a motor vehicle (including motorbikes) in circumstances in which the above applies.

The prohibited activities referred to above are:

·         Speeding; driving in convoy; racing; performing stunts; sounding horns or playing music as to cause a significant public nuisance; using foul or abusive language; using threatening, intimidating behaviour towards another person; causing obstruction on a public highway, whether moving or stationary.

The prohibited consequences referred to above are:

·         Excessive noise; danger or risk of injury to road users, including pedestrians; damage or significant risk of damage to property; significant risk of harm; significant public nuisance; significant annoyance to the public.

More than 50 individuals have been subject to committal proceedings for breaching the injunction since 2015. One defendant received an immediate custodial sentence of three months; over a dozen were given suspended sentences of up to six months while others received fines of up to £2,000 and were ordered to pay costs. More than a dozen respondents have given undertakings to the court.

In addition, over 100 warning letters have been issued, and in all but one instance no future offending behaviour has been reported. Meanwhile, police continue to undertake regular car cruise operations, supported by technology including drones which has enabled the authorities to secure high quality video evidence of gatherings.

Volunteers are being recruited across the city to crochet coasters and macramé mats to include in gift packages to residents in Care Homes and isolated people within Birmingham’s communities in a new drive to connect people and reduce loneliness through craft activity.

The ‘We Care Coasters’ campaign includes working with primary schools and young people through Birmingham Scouts and Guides who will be designing and writing cards for the gift boxes, and starting ‘conversations’ with people who are different from them.

The Hive Café & Bakery was voted the country’s most ethical, responsible and sustainable venue in the country at last year’s VisitEngland awards. Whilst the exhibition and workshop spaces remain closed due to the new lockdown restrictions, staff are inviting volunteer crafters to connect with them and to support a new social action project which can be done safely from people’s homes.

Naomi Clarke, who is leading the craft campaign for The Hive, encourages people to get involved; “We are looking for people who already crochet or macramé to get involved and use their creative skills and a few spare hours to contribute to this craft campaign, but we are also really keen to hear from people who are completely new to craft and would like to learn some new skills. We have prepared starter packs with tools, yarn, written instructions and video tutorials to create basic coasters.

“We know that crafting has fantastic therapeutic qualities and hope this project will be a positive activity which helps people during this latest lockdown. The Hive is in a former industrial building in the Jewellery Quarter and volunteers will help us continue the long tradition of making from the building since 1879 – although this winter it will be from their own homes.” The Birmingham More In Common group is part of a growing national network of volunteers who run Great Get Together events which bring people together to celebrate what they have in common, inspired by the work of the late Jo Cox MP.

Suzanne Carter from Birmingham More In Common said; “The message behind the Jo Cox Foundation’s Great Winter Get Together Campaign this year is to reduce loneliness and reduce stigma by building connection. Winter is often difficult for so many people, this year the effects of lock down, shielding and social distancing will be felt by many more across Birmingham. We are so delighted to be working with team at The Hive who can make this social action initiative happen.

“We will be safely delivering gift packs to Care Homes and to people who could do with a little boost. They will include the handmade drinks coaster, cards and personalised messages from their makers, and a few treats to have with a cuppa! We are involving children and young people as well as adult crafters to show how as active citizens their actions have the power to brighten someone’s day. Anyone can experience loneliness in their lifetime. It is often small acts of kindness that make a difference.”

Anyone interested in joining the volunteer craft team (aged 18+) or teachers interested in involving their schools email Naomi and Suzanne at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The project is being run with strict covid-19 secure procedures, to keep all volunteers and gift recipients safe.

Work has begun to sensitively convert a Grade II listed building in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into exclusive soulful living spaces for urban city dwellers. 

The Reliance Works located on Caroline Street, was formerly occupied by jewellery manufacturing firm Pickering and Mayell, who specialised in producing jewellery cases, window display fittings, and silver-plated products. It served as the hub for their jewellery-case-making plant for almost 100 years from 1913 until 2012 when the business merged with the Talbot group and eventually vacated the premises to relocate nearby. 

The historic building dates to 1826 and consists of a pair of houses with rear workshops. It has a range of unique and original Georgian townhouse features including original signage, a decorative front door surround, and original timber beams and wooden-framed windows.   

It will be converted into a mixture of townhouses, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments (nine apartments in total) with a new extension to the rear, and a small commercial unit on the ground floor after permission was secured by developers The Urban Project (part of the CityBlock Group) at the end of 2019. Features within the apartments will include reclaimed timber flooring, exposed brickwork, walk-in wardrobes, high-spec kitchens and bathrooms, and access to private gardens and a communal courtyard. 

The renovation and conversion work led by the Urban Project had been intended to begin earlier this year but has been pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is now anticipated that the apartments and unit will be brought to the market in late 2021. The Urban Project is working in partnership with BPN architects, Logmoor (main contractor), Harris Lamb (employer’s agent), and Maguire Jackson (sales agents), to bring the new homes to market. 

Trevor Bargh of The Urban Project, said: “The Reliance Works building is a real gem in a famous and thriving part of Birmingham City Centre. It has been left in a serious state of disrepair for a long time and so we begin this work with a mixture of relief and excitement. Our intention is to retain the original character that makes the building so special, as we believe that the history of the building is crucial to its journey and its heritage should be respected.

“We fully intend to leverage our many years of expertise gained in property development to bring this building back to life with some truly original and much-needed new homes for the local market.”      

The Urban Project is the residential arm of the CityBlock Group, a well-established property company with interests in residential, commercial and student accommodation schemes. Reliance Works is The Urban Project’s first venture in Birmingham.

A newly formed charity, ‘Threads Together’ hopes to make its contribution to the run up of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games by engaging with as many people from Birmingham’s commonwealth community as possible in an unusual and exciting project: the creation of over 70 one metre square fabric panels, one for each country entitled to enter the games, each encompassing designs reflecting  peoples thoughts, dreams and aspirations as to why they or their forbears  came to live in the UK and, in particular, Birmingham. 

The inspiration for the project came from Gill Gregory, Lady Mayoress of Birmingham when her husband, Len, was Lord Mayor a few years ago. The experience heightened her awareness of the importance of each individual citizen’s story and how their personal histories had affected their lives and, in turn, enriched their wider communities. Gill felt this richness should be celebrated and recorded in such a way as to capture how these influences have become an intrinsic part of our City’s life.

With the announcement Birmingham would host Commonwealth Games 2022, she realised this was the ideal focus to bring together the threads of our diverse City. Commenting Gill said: “Each panel will depict the nation’s flag and flower along with the special features highlighted and inspired by those completing our questionnaire which can be found on our website. We need input from people across the entire Commonwealth including those islands and states with very small populations. Additional panels will represent different aspects of our City’s history and achievements.”

By working together using the talents of the diverse communities, the completed panels will be a fitting commemoration of the Commonwealth Games, the City of Birmingham, and its people’s valuable heritage links. The trustees are to to be joined by Helen McCook, a world-renowned, Birmingham-born Designer & Embroiderer whose skills are most appreciated.

The initiative is being partnered by the Birmingham Commonwealth Association whose Chair, Keith Stokes-Smith said: “We were delighted to have been approached by Gill to support this most interesting project allowing those in the community who have stories to tell and/or artistic talents to come forward and add their personal contribution to one or more of the panels.

“Those with embroidery, sewing or stitching skills are particularly welcome.  We hope to see the completed panels displayed around the city in due course exhibiting the magnificent contribution made by ordinary people who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to share in the unique event Birmingham and the surrounding area will benefit from in 2022”

Readers are invited to see ‘Threads Together’ at: http://www.threadstogether.org.uk, where they can register their interest in the project.

Birmingham Hippodrome is set to beam a special light installation from Birmingham City Centre over the New Year period to share a message of hope and peace for 2021. The installation - Global Rainbow - will be beamed Northwest of Birmingham towards the Black Country and is an ongoing public artwork by Artist Yvette Mattern.

Yvette, known as The Rainbow Girl, has presented Global Rainbow internationally in cities including New York City (USA), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Kobe (Japan) as a visual translation of hope and peace. The artwork beams seven rays of laser light representing the colour spectrum of a natural rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. The installation is presented by Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Global Streets, a national project funded through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants.

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals commented: “We are delighted to end the year by presenting this monumental light installation by Yvette Mattern, a hugely talented and internationally renowned visual artist. This beautiful work coming to Birmingham and the Black Country has been made possible thanks to Arts Council England, Global Streets and Bullring & Grand Central.

“It is hugely important people do not travel to see this installation – the joy of this special visual artwork is that it can be seen safely from the homes of those living nearby by simply looking to the sky. Depending on local light levels and weather conditions, we expect the lights to reach up to 10 miles.” Graham added: “We encourage people who can see the rainbow from their homes to share photos on their chosen social media platform using #BrumRainbow. We hope those that see it will be able to pause reflect and take in a moment of hope and peace for 2021.”

Global Rainbow will be beamed northwest out the city and it is expected to be seen in Birmingham City Centre, the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham City Hospital, areas of Smethwick and Oldbury, dependent on weather conditions.

It is extremely important that people do not travel to view Global Rainbow. It can be viewed safely from people’s home in the laser beams path.

WaterAid ambassadors and well-known supporters are sharing their inspiring moments of togetherness and kindness from the year and encouraging the public to do the same to stand in solidarity with communities like Frat, in Ethiopia, where collaboration is part of their ethos as they help each other face daily challenges, such as a lack of clean water.

BBC1’s Casualty actress Amanda Mealing, comedian Bec Hill, singer KT Tunstall, and Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds are joining WaterAid’s campaign in support of its Future on Tap appeal, which aims to help transform lives with clean water in Ethiopia and around the world. Until 4 February 2021, the UK government will match public donations up to £2 million, to make double the difference in climate-vulnerable communities.  

For the people of Frat in Western Ethiopia, togetherness is a way of life. They call it ‘wenfell’, meaning ‘collaboration’. Through women’s groups, student clubs and just by being good neighbours, people try to help solve any problems someone may face. They share knowledge and resources, collect money for families in need, give people water when they are unable to go to the river to get it, and help on each other’s farms. 

WaterAid’s celebrity supporters are inviting the UK public to join them in sharing their own stories of hope, humanity and acts of everyday community spirit that emerged during the pandemic, as part of WaterAid’s #WenfellMoment campaign, in unity with people in Frat.

Amanda’s wenfell moment came when she asked for help with material to make masks. She said: “I started making face masks in return for donations to help provide food parcels to families in need. I had to ask for people to donate extra material for the masks and was bowled over with the response I received – such generosity! Thanks to them, I was able to make hundreds of masks and with everyone’s kind donations, raised over £7,000 for CARE. There are so many beautiful people in our communities and it’s really important we look after each other. I love that in Frat, it’s a way of life, called ‘wenfell’.

“It makes me think about the positives that have come out of this dreadful pandemic. It’s incredible how people have really come together. I hope that these ‘wenfell’ moments continue, so we can live in a far more harmonious way.”

KT Tunstall has supported WaterAid throughout the pandemic, performing in their Bathrooms Sessions series and virtual Christmas concert, as well as releasing a single ‘Wash Ya Hands’ with support from her fans to raise money for the charity. She said: “The pandemic has brought us together in unexpected ways and shown us the importance of community. I absolutely loved seeing a video of a little girl who would run to the window every morning so she could dance with their postman. For months, they danced together, her inside, him outside, to imaginary music. All the while, you could see her growing up. It‘s lovely to think that she will remember this for the rest of her life; a joyful and meaningful connection with a stranger that I’m sure will turn into a real friendship. It’s so great we can support each other during these challenging times, which is why I’m supporting WaterAid’s appeal to help bring water to Frat and other communities.”

Comedian, actor, writer and presenter Bec Hill, created her very own wenfell moment to raise funds WaterAid’s hygiene appeal this summer. She explained: “I asked my fans to ‘sponsor’ a square on a plain t-shirt. They could request a name, logo or picture to go into their square, which I then drew on by hand, in marker pen. People paid £10 per square – lots of people bought multiples – and in total, the T shirt raised £5,000 to help WaterAid bring clean water and handwashing facilities to people across the globe. Loads more people shared the campaign on social media and told their friends about it.  I couldn’t believe that we filled all 500 squares, I was totally blown away by people’s generosity.

“The final t-shirt shows how powerful collaboration can be; it’s a colourful collage of so many different things, each one representing someone who cared enough to donate. I love the idea of a word for this kind of collaboration, and harnesses the spirit of coming together to help out, I might start saying ‘wenfell’!”

Bec wore her £5000 T-shirt on Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club on ITV, to raise even more awareness around the project. Olympic gold medal winner, Ellie Simmonds, shared her inspirational moments from the year to support WaterAid’s campaign. She said: “This year has reminded us of the importance for caring for each other. From the start of lockdown, everyone got behind the NHS, regardless of who they were. I feel it brought the nation together in a special way, even though we’ve been able to spend less time with friends and family. We all have an ability to unite during momentous events - good or bad. It reminded me of the spirit of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics when it felt like the whole country came together as one positive force supporting the competitors and willing us all to do well. In a similar way, it gave me such a lift to see all the children’s rainbows in the windows during the lockdown earlier this year. It’s never been more important to be kind to each other.

“As a WaterAid ambassador, I’ve seen for myself the impact dirty water has on people’s lives and livelihoods. Clean water helps build a better future. The families of Frat are already helping each other, and by supporting the Future on Tap appeal, we can stand with them and help WaterAid to bring clean water, toilets and hygiene that transforms lives.”

Families in Frat spend hours each day collecting water from a river, which is so dirty it causes sickness. Some water sources are depleting over time, while the hotter summers and unexpected storms are destroying crops, their only source of income. 

WaterAid will bring clean water to many communities like Frat, helping protect lives and livelihoods.

With clean water, families can meet their basic needs, stay safe and healthy, have time to go to school or work, and can grow food even when the weather is unpredictable.

Funds for more than 120,000 meals were donated to vulnerable and homeless people across the country in time for Christmas, thanks to the Just Eat Christmas Meal Appeal launched in partnership with charities Social Bite and FoodCycle. The initiative which launched on December 7, with pleas from a host of celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Rob Brydon and Sir Chris Hoy, asked the nation to make a donation of either £3, £5, or £10 when placing their Just Eat order, with each donation matched by the food delivery service.

Andrew Kenny UK MD for Just Eat commented: “Our customers exceeded our expectations with their generous response to our Just Eat Christmas Meal Appeal, particularly at a time when we know it is difficult for so many and we would like to extend our most sincere thanks to all those who have shown their support to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

Co-founder of Social Bite Josh Littlejohn, added: “Just Eat has shown tremendous leadership with this fundraising partnership to help fund an amazing 120,000 meals for homeless and vulnerable people all over the UK. At Social Bite we have seen first-hand the devastating impact the pandemic has had on our most vulnerable people and these funds will go a long way to alleviating food poverty this winter as well as funding longer term interventions to break the cycle of homelessness for good.”

Mary McGrath, FoodCycle CEO says:  “Just Eat has been an outstanding partner of FoodCycle for a number of years.  Their support, and the generosity of their customers this Christmas, means we are able to cook nourishing, hot meals for thousands of people who simply cannot afford to buy food, including low-income families, the elderly, key workers, students and asylum seekers.  A huge thank you to everyone involved.”

Donations can still be made directly to either Social Bite or FoodCycle by visiting: https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/ https://festive.social-bite.co.uk/donate/