Community News

Four new novels have been included on the shortlist for this year's Booker Prize, with nominees including Diane Cook, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Avni Doshi, Maaza Mengiste, Douglas Stuart and Brandon Taylor - all of whom are based outside the UK.

As the UK's most prestigious literary award, the Booker Prize is open to any novel written in English by an author of any nationality.

The topics covered by the six nominees are wide-ranging, including stories about climate change, the hardship of life in Zimbabwe, dementia, and the women soldiers of 1935 Ethiopia.

Margaret Busby, chair of this year's judges, said: "The shortlist of six came together unexpectedly, voices and characters resonating with us all even when very different.

"We are delighted to help disseminate these chronicles of creative humanity to a global audience."

A surprising omission from the list is two-time winner Hilary Mantel has missed out. Mantel had been tipped for a record third win for The Mirror and the Light. Both previous titles in her trilogy about the life of Thomas Cromwell, Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, had won.

On that, judge, Lee Child, said: "We thought it was an absolutely wonderful novel, no question about it... but there were books that were better, that's all I can say personally."

The full 2020 Booker Prize shortlist is:

• Diane Cook - The New Wilderness
• Tsitsi Dangarembga - This Mournable Body
• Avni Doshi - Burnt Sugar
• Maaza Mengiste -The Shadow King
• Douglas Stuart - Shuggie Bain
• Brandon Taylor - Real Life

The winner will be announced on November 17.

Last year saw Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo share the £50,000 prize, breaking the Booker's own 1992 rule of awarding it to only one author.

The City of Wolverhampton Council is planning a phased reopening of the city’s library service. Although the city’s 16 libraries closed their doors to customers at the start of the coronavirus lockdown in March, members have been able to enjoy a host of digital services since then – and physical books and other items were made available once more last month.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Cases of Covid-19 in Wolverhampton have jumped in recent days and we cannot afford to let our guard down in our fight against the virus.

"That's why we are taking a careful and cautious approach to the reopening of all our services, including the city's libraries. The safety of staff and customers is our top priority, and it should be remembered that a good proportion of library members are older people and at greater risk if they were to contract Covid-19.

"We have been working hard to recommence library services. We launched the We Select, You Collect service at Central Library on 3 August, enabling members to pre-order books and other items online or over the phone and then collect them at a pre-arranged time.

"This was rolled out to Warstones, Wednesfield and Bilston libraries two weeks later and is proving very popular with customers. Over 700 bags of books have been collected so far, and members can request items via the online library catalogue at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling us on 01902 552025.

“Also on 3 August we were able to restart our Home Library Service for vulnerable housebound residents. The service is available to customers of any age who, because of illness, disability or frailty, are unable to visit their local library, and to carers who have difficulty accessing the library service due to their caring responsibilities. It has delivered around 1,500 items and welcomed a dozen new customers in the last month.

"In addition, library members continue to be able to access a wide range of bestselling eBooks and eAudiobooks for free via the BorrowBox library on their phone, tablet or computer. Since lockdown began, nearly 13,600 eBooks and eAudiobooks have been downloaded through this popular service.

"Our considered approach to reopening our libraries is consistent with many other areas and will continue to be informed by professional and government guidelines and Covid-19 infection rates locally.

“We hope to be able to increase the range of services available in the coming months, including reintroducing limited browsing and PC access in due course, and we thank customers for continuing to support our libraries at this time.”

Library members are advised that all books and other items currently out on loan have been automatically renewed until 30 September, so no fines will accrue before that time. Items can also be dropped off at dedicated collection points at Central Library, Warstones Library, Wednesfield Library and Bilston Library or renewed online or over the phone.

Experts have developed a Virtual Reality (VR) reconstruction of the Mayflower that will mark the 400^th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers setting sail for America. The Virtual Mayflower project recreates the Barbican Harbour area in Plymouth in the 1620s - allowing the VR user to board a small boat at the original site of the Mayflower Steps before taking a short journey out to the ship and experience passengers and crew preparing to set sail.

Led by VR experts at the University of Birmingham, the project was six years in the making and uses computer-based interactive technologies, such as Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR) to recreate history.The project will be live online at www.1620mayflower.co.uk to coincide with the anniversary of the Mayflower’s departure from Plymouth on 16 September 1620. The Project has been led by Professor Bob Stone, Director of the Human Interface Technologies (HIT) Team at the University of Birmingham, himself born and bred in Plymouth but now living in Droitwich Spa, the birthplace of senior Pilgrim Edward Winslow, who was instrumental in the establishment of Plimoth Plantation and cementing a strong, early relationship with the Native Americans. 

Professor Stone commented: “Virtual Mayflower is a magnificent way to commemorate a key point in history that shaped the development of the United States - an immersive experience that transports the viewer back to Plymouth in 1620.As well as being a great demonstration of the power of VR and AR technology, this has been a collaborative and educational exercise involving members of the public, local historians, schoolchildren, artists and actors - all contributing to the development of highly detailed and authentic virtual models and scenes.” 

Professor Stone and the HIT worked with a range of partner organisations on the project, including Royal Leamington Spa College, responsible for developing the virtual Pilgrims – Barbican inhabitants, plus the passengers and crew (including an avatar of Edward Winslow), and Plymouth-based Bluestone 360, who will be hosting the simulation online.  Specialist digital artists and VR specialists Robert Guest and Chris Harvey coordinated the development of the 3D assets.

The project builds on the HIT team’s extensive maritime heritage work since the early 2000s, including the creation of a VR/AR visualisation of the Anne - a 70-gun ship of the line, launched in 1678 and beached at Pett Level, east of Hastings during the Battle of Beachy Head in 1680. The Anne’s remains lay buried under the sands at Pett Level Beach, until the storms of 2013 exposed the ship. 

“Virtual Mayflower presented more of a challenge than the Anne, as we wanted the project to both collaborative and educational,” Professor Stone commented. “We also developed an international partnership, involving groups and talents in the USA such as Plimoth Plantation and schools in Plymouth Massachusetts to deliver a truly ‘hands across the Atlantic’ cultural legacy.”The team has also been developing VR and complex navigational animation sequences for the Plymouth-based company MSUBS, as part of their Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, a vessel that has been designed to reproduce the transatlantic crossing of the Pilgrims using state-of-the-art maritime sensing and AI technologies.

The Pilgrim Fathers founded the settlement of Plymouth, Massachusetts - the first permanent colony in New England. Of the 102 colonists, 35 were members of the English Separatist Church who had earlier fled to Leiden, in the Netherlands, to escape persecution at home.

Earlier this summer, British Athletics ran a series of ‘Let’s Talk About Race# roundtables, bringing together voices from across the athletics community to discuss Race, and we can now provide an update regarding the next stage of activities. 

British Athletics will be hosting a series of focus groups for Athletes, Coaches, Officials and Clubs, plus groups looking at our approach to Communications, and Training and Development, to prioritise actions moving forward. Several contributors from the initial roundtables have agreed to continue the conversation with the governing body to assist in bringing together a clear action plan for the sport.

Using the insights collected during the 17 ‘Let’s Talk About Race’ sessions in June and July, these groups will seek to analyse the discussions and produce three to four key recommendations which will be delivered to British Athletics’ Chair, Nic Coward, and CEO, Joanna Coates, in October.

Later in the year the agreed recommendations will be submitted as part of the 2021-2024 Diversity Action Plan. 

The focus groups will be chaired by individuals from across the sport, with the support of Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead at British Athletics, Donna Fraser.

Chairs of the focus groups:

Athletes: Imani Lansiquot and Yannick Phippen
Coaches: Michael Afilaka
Officials: Melanie Anning
Clubs: Marcus Opoku
Training and Development: Mark Draisey
Communications: Sabrina Pace Humphreys

Recently appointed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocate, Imani Lansiquot, and Yannick Phippen will Chair the athletes group, while British Athletics’ Executive Champion for Race, Mark Draisey, will head up the Training and Development discussion.

Michael Afilaka, who has coached several athletes throughout his career including world silver medallist, Ashleigh Nelson, will lead the Coaches group. Melanie Anning, who has been involved in the sport since the age of nine in various roles as an official, parent of an athlete and currently as a masters athlete, will lead the Officials discussion. Meanwhile, Marcus Opoku, a level 2 Official and parent of a junior athlete, and Sabrina Pace Humphreys, co-founder of community and campaigning group, Black Trail Runners, will chair Clubs and Communications respectively.

UK Athletics CEO Joanna Coates said: “This is a significant step in our pursuit to drive change in our sport. I would like to thank all of those who contributed to the initial Let’s Talk About Race sessions, and I also extend that appreciation to those who have volunteered to continue being a part of the conversation in this crucial next stage.

“The focus groups will magnify the important points raised so far which are essential for our 2021-2024 Diversity Action Plan, so I look forward to seeing the recommendations in the next few months.”

Donna Fraser, Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead at UK Athletics, said: “These focus groups are a crucial part of our work on Race, and I am so pleased that we have several individuals across the athletics community who have stepped up to be part of this journey, either as a Chair of the sub-groups, or volunteering their time to continue this significant work.

“Thanks also to Lorna Dwyer and Abdul Buhari who have supported me during the ‘Let’s Talk About Race’ sessions earlier this summer and continue to be important players in this crucial project we are undertaking.”

It is just seven days to go until Air Ambulance Week 2020 takes off across the UK celebrating the lifesaving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and the UK’s other 20 air ambulance charities from 7th to 13th September.
 
The week will highlight how Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and other air ambulance operators save lives every day right across the nation by providing a rapid response emergency service directly to some of the most critically ill and injured patients, because every second counts.
 
Members of the public are being urged to show their support and help its local air ambulance charity to continue providing lifesaving care by donating to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s online bucket collection in one of the following ways:

justgiving.com/campaign/maaconlinebucketcollection
Alternatively, you can send a one off donation direct to the charity through its website: midlandsairambulance.com/donatenow
Or if you prefer to text to donate, you can do so by simply, texting MISSIONPOSSIBLE as one word, followed by the amount of your choice to 70085. (For example, MISSIONPOSSIBLE £3). Please note, you will be charged your donation amount and one standard rate message.
 
The charity’s clinical and operational team including critical care paramedics, flight doctors, pilots, engineers and dispatchers help provide vital lifesaving care, wherever it is needed. Each year, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is deployed to an average of over 3,500 missions.
 
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s daily missions are funded entirely by you – the generous people and businesses located in the communities it serves. Your continued support saves the lives of the Midlands most critically ill and injured patients when they are most in need. Each air mission undertaken by the charity costs an average of £2,500, with the charity’s two critical care car missions costing approximately £224 each.
 
Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, says: “Now more than ever, we need your support to enable us to keep saving the lives of the critically ill and injured in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire.
 
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have faced many challenges, including a significant drop in donations as the economic effects of the pandemic take hold. Our crew have not stopped, therefore we urge that your support for air ambulance charities does not stop.”
 

 
There has never been a better time to get out into Birmingham and enjoy some great attractions while they are relatively quiet. To help with this a new website and publication has been launched detailing things open to enjoy in Birmingham.
 
Speaking of this new initiative Jonathan Berg, Editor of Discovering Birmingham Experiences says: “Birmingham has so many things to see and do and we are focussed on supporting attractions as they reopen. It is so important for our mental and physical health to get out and enjoy the city, and the city needs us all to retain its vibrancy. We give lots of ideas to local people on the places in Birmingham that have worked so hard to securely reopen and welcome us back.”
 
As attractions reopen new procedures have been put in place to ensure that they are Covid-19 secure. Many now display the ‘We’re good to go’, Visit Britain quality mark to showing health and safety audits and new ways of operating are in place.
 
Jonathan Watkins, Director of Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace, says: ‘We reopened in August with our same friendly spirit but with the interesting frisson of face masks, sanitiser and social distancing. Our artistic experience is as safe as it is exciting. The Discovering Birmingham Experiences initiative is timely, but also important as we revisit changing roles of city centres.”
 
This initiative is supported by the key city attractions including those that have reopened as well as those still working hard on ways to welcome you back soon.
 

At a time where many youth/art centres have closed down, Eloquent Arts Centre is in the process of opening their doors to something truly special and needed for the young people in Birmingham.

The team at Eloquent Praise & Empowerment Dance Company have previously done a lot of work within the Birmingham community, which has driven their inspiration for this new project.

Directors, also mother and daughter duo Romanah Malcolm (pictured on the right) and Janice Davis (pictured on the left) said: “On the back of the work that we have been doing in the community for the previous 6 years, we also recognised a need for a space/ a home away from home for those who want to explore and develop their creative arts, build business ideas and other opportunities.”

It will be a multi-purpose hub, committed to providing a safe space for creative arts development, business and community. This will be an open space for creatives to grow artistically and unleash their full potential. It will hold several studios including dance and music studios, classrooms, photography rooms and much more.

On opening their doors - just off the Aston Expressway - they say they will be paying close attention to government guidelines regarding Covid-19 to assure the safety of their staff and visitors by taking the necessary steps in receiving guidance from Public Health England to ensure all who attend are adhering to social distancing guidelines and kept safe throughout the duration of the launch event.

Not only is the arts centre a pivotal part for the arts community, it is also built with a focus to create new and exciting opportunities for the BAME communities within the area.

The directors explains: “At a time where people have become more culturally sensitive, due to the disproportionate way Covid19 has affected BAME communities and the more widely spread awareness around Black Lives Matter, it is important for us to open up our doors to engage the BAME community within Eloquent Arts Centre.”

The team believes the impact of the arts centre will strengthen families, engage young people, build confidence, connect the disconnected and develop future leaders and creatives who will contribute to our wider society.

Well-known Midlands’ personalities pledged their support today for the Hospice that cared for their partners in the final months of their lives.

West Bromwich Albion legend, Brendon Batson OBE and former ITV Central News anchor, Llewela Bailey donned white feather badges to encourage people to support Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice and its Resilience Fund Appeal. 

Batson and Bailey’s spouses were both cared for by Birmingham St Mary’s doctors and nurses during their illness and up to the very end of their lives. Their gratitude and appreciation for the care they received led them to back the Hospice’s urgent appeal for support during the coronavirus crisis. 

The Selly Park based Hospice charity provides free care and support to individuals and families across Birmingham and Sandwell who are living with life-limiting illness.

Doctors, nurses and frontline staff at Birmingham St Mary’s have been caring for people with life-limiting illnesses throughout the pandemic – including those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.  Despite its crucial role, the charity has seen a huge drop in its income during the pandemic.

All 17 of its charity shops had to temporarily close, and all community activities, corporate partnerships and fundraising events have been postponed. It costs £23,288 to run the hospice every day; £14,000 of this coming from fundraising and donations. 

Brendon said: “I’m supporting Birmingham St Mary’s Resilience Fund Appeal because I know first-hand how important their work is. When my beloved wife Cecily was diagnosed with a brain tumour back in 2009, my family and I were so grateful for the care and kindness she received from Hospice nurses which allowed her to stay with us at home.

“The Hospice needs people’s support more than ever before, so I urge people to get behind the appeal and donate whatever they can, to keep these vital services running.” 

The appeal’s emblem is a white feather, symbolising the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, but also as a sign of hope and determination that brighter days are ahead.

Birmingham St Mary’s has created ‘Remembrance Feathers’ and is asking the local community to write messages of personal remembrance and celebration, to then be sent  back to the Hospice.

Llewela said: “I’m dedicating a feather to my husband Martin, who was cared for by Birmingham St Mary’s. The Hospice will always be close to my heart after the amazing care he received and the support my family and I received during the most difficult of times.

Now the Hospice urgently needs the community’s support, so it can keep on providing compassionate care to families like mine. I’m asking people to donate to the Appeal and to wear the white feather with pride.” 
 
People wanting to find out more about the appeal and donate should visit: birminghamhospice.org.uk/resilience.

As schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland prepare to reopen, in a message to parents Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it is "vitally important" children go back to school, with the life chances of a generation at stake.

Also saying that the risk of contracting coronavirus was "very small", he said that it is far more damaging for a child's development and their health... to be away from school any longer.

His words echoed those of the UK's four chief medical officers who have all signed a joint statement alongside deputy chief medical officers to reassure parents schools could mitigate risks during the pandemic.

Pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to return to school in the coming days and weeks. In Scotland, schools have already reopened.

The PM said in a statement released on Sunday evening that he thanked school staff for spending summer "making classrooms Covid Secure".

"I have previously spoken about the moral duty to reopen schools to all pupils safely," he added.

"We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts, and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year."

Citing comments from England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty, Mr Johnson said that "the risk of contracting Covid-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child's development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer".

"This is why it's vitally important that we get our children back into the classroom to learn and to be with their friends.

"Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school."

Prof Whitty said in an interview at the weekend that children were more likely to be harmed by not returning to school next month than if they caught coronavirus.

He added: "There's also very clear evidence from the UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic Covid."

According to the Office for National Statistics' latest data on ages, there were 10 deaths recorded as "due to Covid-19" among those aged 19 and under in England and Wales between March and June - and 46,725 deaths among those aged 20 and over.

Of the more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June, 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus, according to a Public Health England study.

It is expected that pupils in Northern Ireland going into years seven, 12 and 14 will return to school full-time, with the rest going back from 31 August. In England and Wales, pupils will return to school from 1 September.

Teaching unions have said schools are being let down by the lack of a "plan B" as they prepare to reopen.

The NEU, the UK's largest teaching union, said more staff, extra teaching space and greater clarity on what to do if there is a spike in cases was needed for schools to reopen safely.

And the NASUWT teachers' union said the "critical importance" of social distancing and hygiene had been reinforced by the chief medical officers' statement - but more data was needed on the racial disparities of Covid-19.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson wrote in the Sunday Times that he wanted to reassure every parent and pupil schools were "ready for them", and the autumn return to schools was "more important than ever". But he was later forced to defend taking a trip to see family in North Yorkshire this month, amid claims he missed a "crucial meeting" a week before A-level results were due.

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said the country and "seemingly the PM" had "lost faith" in Mr Williamson.

She said: "To restore confidence among parents, pupils and teachers the best thing the prime minister could do is sack him, rather than speak for him."

The website for booking new driving tests in England and Wales has crashed, after it re-launched following the coronavirus lockdown.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said it was aware some people could not complete their bookings amid "unprecedented demand", adding that it was working to fix the issue.

Many people complained on social media about being unable to access the site.

"Coronavirus has severely impacted our business as usual operations, including by stopping driving tests for many months as part of social distancing," a spokesman for DVSA said.

"Following unprecedented demand for the driving test booking system after its reopening, we are aware that some users have not been able to complete their test bookings.

"We are urgently working to fix this and apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have been unable to book so far."

There were limited numbers of tests available, but more will be released on Monday, the DVSA said.

Test slots are only available up to six weeks in advance - to allow the DVSA to react quickly to any changes in government guidance on coronavirus.

People have also been advised to check nearby alternative test centres for availability if they are unable to book a test at their preferred centre.

Amy Hanley-McLean tweeted shortly that she had been trying to book a test all day.

"Got as far as choosing test centre only to see no availability at all at any of the test centres within 60 miles of me," she wrote.

"Then crashed again. Now all I am getting is 504 error!"

Louise Poyning described the booking process as an "absolute shambles".

"Okay, seven hours of refreshing and nearly four hours on hold is my limit," she tweeted.

The DVSA suspended all driving tests for up to three months from 20 March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They have already restarted in England and Wales for people who had their tests cancelled because of the virus.

Tests are due to restart in Scotland on 14 September, but people in the nation are still unable to book a new driving test.

Keen for a way to recognise and celebrate the significant difference made by people and businesses in the Black Country, the Chamber has modified their annual business awards to give it a business ‘heroes’ focus, reflecting an on-going campaign that has been active since the start of the pandemic.

There are 13 categories which aim to draw out the innovative and diverse range of outstanding contributions by Black Country organisations and employees during these difficult times.

Large Business
Small Business
Family Business
International Trade
Start-Up Business
Retail Resilience
Business Hero of the Year
Young Business Hero of the Year
Collaboration & Partnership
Outstanding Key Worker

University Awards:

Adaptability & Innovation
Kindness in the Community
Exceptional Employee or Team

Headline partner, the University of Wolverhampton has actively contributed three of the categories. Richard Nicklin, Deputy Director of Business Engagement at the University said: “In the context of the community response to the pandemic which has been overwhelming internally at the University - with both students and staff giving their time and efforts to fighting the virus in all kinds of ways - and also externally, we decided to introduce three new categories which better represent the current climate.
“In the spirit of the Chamber of Commerce celebrating local business heroes, as the headline partner of the event, our categories will focus on recognition for those businesses who have adapted their services and showed real innovation throughout the crisis; celebrating an exceptional employee or team and shining the spotlight on individuals or companies that have shown kindness in the community.”
Nominations can be made through the Black Country Chamber Awards website which closes at 5pm on Friday September 11.
The shortlisted nominations will be announced towards the end of September and the final will be on November 13.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said, “I am so pleased we have found a brilliant way to recognise the impact that the Black Country businesses and individuals have been making during the Coronavirus pandemic. I have heard of many great contributions and I am really looking forward to seeing the nominations.
“We’ll be announcing more about the Awards event itself in the coming weeks, suffice to say, it is going to be exciting, full of energy and a fitting celebration of our Business Heroes.
“I would also like to formally acknowledge and thank the University for their involvement this year. It is great to have the support of such a well-respected, world-renowned institution and their collaboration with us on the Awards is invaluable.”
The Business Heroes Awards are open to all businesses in the Black Country (including non-Chamber members). Nominations and further details can be found on the website. 

For the first time in the history of the Census, there will be a question on service in the Armed Forces following a campaign led by The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland and supported by Sandwell Council.

Sandwell Council is delighted that the Government has recently announced the 2021 Census will now include a question to provide information on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces, following legislation passed last month.

The Royal British Legion, which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the Armed Forces community. The decision to include the question on the 2021 census will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain, who make up part of a wider ex-Service community which includes their spouses, partners, dependent children and widow(er)s. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including an Armed Forces question in the next census would provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community.

Sandwell Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “Having a better understanding of the profile and needs of veterans in Sandwell is a key part of making sure our services are tailored for serving personnel, veterans and their families.  I welcome this historic change to include a question on the Armed Forces to the 2021 Census.”

Charles Byrne, Director-General of The Royal British Legion, said: “This is an extremely proud moment for the Legion. After leading a successful campaign, the fact that a military question will be in the 2021 Census will significantly improve our understanding of the Armed Forces community which up until now has been very limited.  It will ensure that we, along with other charities and service providers, can deliver the best service possible to them when and where it is needed most.

“This is something we have been striving towards for many years, it will have a huge impact on service personnel, veterans and their families well into the future, as the outcome will allow us to provide more effective care and support to those who are in need. We are delighted and are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign and helped us to achieve this historical success.”

Birmingham Heritage Week is returning for 2020 to celebrate the city and its fascinating history, people and places once again. Running from Thursday 10 – Sunday 20 September, this year’s festival will include virtual tours, special outdoor performances, walks and more.
 
In its sixth year, Birmingham Heritage Week will feel a little different to previous festivals due to restrictions as a result of the pandemic, but with events taking place across 11 days there will be plenty of chance to explore the city and delve into its past as usual – whether that’s from the comfort of your own home, or at a safe in-person event.
 
Events are now live at birminghamheritageweek.co.uk with more activities to be added so continue to check back for updates.
 
Birmingham Heritage Week 2020 is sponsored by Birmingham City Council and organised by Birmingham Museums Trust.
 
Irene De Boo, Birmingham Heritage Week Co-ordinator, said: “Birmingham Heritage Week is about discovering how the past has influenced the city today, so we felt it was more important than ever to celebrate Birmingham and its stories, during what has been an historic year for everyone.
 
“We may not be able to bring people together in exactly the same way but we have a brilliant programme of events that can be enjoyed safely online or in-person, so we’d encourage everyone to make the most of this year’s festival, while we’re all spending more time based locally. We’re sure everyone will enjoy discovering something new about this city’s rich heritage this September.”
 
Some of this year’s highlights include:
 
A free guided tour of Birmingham’s oldest operational swimming pool, Woodcock Street Baths, with the option to take a dip for those that fancy a swim. This historic swimming pool retains most of its original features and was constructed in 1902. Guided tours on 10, 11, 17, 18 and 20 Sept

Enjoy an exclusive hidden treasures tour of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery while its closed to the public, including dinner in the Edwardian Tearooms. Limited ticketed event on Saturday 19 Sept.

Did you know that Ladywood has a Buddhist Peace Pagoda? Visit this golden domed Buddhist Vihara for a tranquil escape from the city and hear from the resident monks that study and practice there. Free timed entry on Thursday 10 September to Sunday 20 September, 9am – 3pm.
The HS2 archaeology programme is continuing to unearth some fascinating discoveries and you can learn more about some of the exciting finds in a series of free online talks as part of the HS2 archaeology conference on Saturday 19 Sept. Reserve your space online.

Discover your local area or new parts of the city and Walk for Heritage during Birmingham Heritage Week. Your sign-up money will support the work of Birmingham Museums Trust, ensuring the charity can continue to inspire future generations. Take part any day during the week and receive a limited-edition heritage pin badge.

Relax while enjoying a series of enchanting mini outdoor performances by the CBSO in the Handsworth secret gardens. Four sessions from 5.30pm on Friday 18 Sept. Timed tickets to be booked in advance.

See a free screening of a new documentary by Aidem Digital & DESIblitz, From Africa to Britain, which recounts personal stories of those who made new lives in Birmingham and the Black Country. Free limited tickets available for Friday 18 Sept; 6pm – 7pm at The Hive.
Meet staff from the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the magnificent surroundings of Aston Hall. You’ll discover that ballet is for everyone and find out about dance, costumes, and how dancers train. Timed ticketed entry throughout the day on Sunday 20 Sept.

Take a free virtual tour of the award-winning Coffin Works on Saturday 12 Sept, 12noon – 1.15pm. This guided tour will focus on the stories of the site’s restoration and the former workers who made coffin fittings for the ‘great and the good.’

The priority at all in-person events is to keep attendees and event organisers safe. All activities will take place within government guidelines. There will be limited space so if you are unable to attend because of symptoms please let event organisers know so the space can be used.
 
More announcements will be made in the coming weeks on the Birmingham Heritage Week website and social media pages.

Showcasing the range of support available to find employment or enter training, the event will include information of interest to residents of all ages and career stages.

The event is hosted by the council’s employment and skills team – Think Sandwell – who have supported 75 people to start jobs and apprenticeships since April 2020.

Councillor Rajbir Singh, Cabinet Member for Skills and Employment, said: “Covid-19 isn’t going to stop us providing residents with the jobs and skills support they need to succeed.

“Jobs and Skills in Sandwell – Online is a week-long series of free online workshops, providing advice to help residents of all ages, to help find their next job or new career including apprenticeships, employment skills, and support for residents made redundant due to Covid-19.
“There is still time to register for the events and I encourage as many as possible to sign-up.”

Videos, support information and workshops will be posted daily during the week. The programme covers the following:
Monday 24 August - All about apprenticeships

What apprenticeships are available, how to apply and a guide to Sandwell council’s apprenticeships programme.

Tuesday 25 August - Training Tuesday
Find out what free training courses are available to help you improve your skills or gain new qualifications.

Wednesday 26 August - Workshop Wednesday
Gain employability skills from our experienced advisors.

Thursday 27 August - Employment/Redundancy Support
An in depth look at the support available to get into employment, whether you’ve been made redundant, looking to change career or re-enter the workplace after time out.

Friday 28 August- Spotlight on...
More information on popular careers including the care industry; construction and working in schools.
To book a FREE place visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/employmentevents

Following Government guidance on how visiting in care homes should be coordinated as lockdown measures are eased across the UK Birmingham City Council has decided to temporarily stop all non-essential visits to care homes within the city.

This guidance confirms the priority is to continue to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission in care homes and prevent future outbreaks - ensuring the health and safety of both care workers and residents.

The current rate of infection in Birmingham is now above the set threshold of 14 cases/100,000 population, which put the decision to close care homes into effect.
Care homes were informed of the new restriction on Friday (14th August) with a letter from Director of Public Health for Birmingham City Council, Dr Justin Varney.

Councillor Paulette Hamilton said “In line with national guidelines, the Director of Public Health has looked at the emerging concern about cases rises in Birmingham and decided to stop visiting of both older adult and learning disabilities/physical disabilities care homes as a short-term measure to protect our most vulnerable. 

“We know what the risks are if Covid-19 spreads into care homes, so this is a pre-emptive step to protect our elderly. If the case numbers fall, then this restriction will be lifted, and this relies on what all of us do over the coming days and weeks to prevent the spread of the virus.”

Visits to citizens who are sadly considered to be ‘end of life’ will be deemed essential if appropriate risk assessments and precautions are taken.

Care homes will not reopen to non-essential visits until it is confirmed as safe to do so from the Council’s communication of its weekly thresholds.

Once the weekly thresholds have been determined and it is confirmed care homes can open to non-essential visitors, the decision to open then rests with the care home to reopen once they feel they can safely do so for residents, families, and staff.

London saw the longest stretch of high temperatures in almost six decades, as more thunderstorms are forecast across the UK. The Met Office said temperatures surpassed 34C in the city for the sixth day in a row - the first time that has happened since at least 1961. An amber storm warning is in place for much of England and Wales, including Liverpool, Bristol, Oxford and Cardiff.

Flooding, damage to buildings, travel disruption and power cuts are expected. A yellow storm warning - meaning there is a small chance of flooding and travel disruption - has been issued elsewhere in England and Wales, as well as in parts of Scotland, for Wednesday night. The yellow warning applies to parts of England and Wales until Monday night next week.

The Met Office also warned of potential damage to buildings from lightning strikes or strong winds, and 30 to 40mm of rain falling in less than an hour in some places. It comes after torrential rain and lightning lashed large parts of Scotland.

A major incident was also declared in Fife. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 1,000 emergency calls overnight due to the severe weather. Ten properties in Lancashire were also affected by flooding following overnight storms, according to the Environment Agency. However, hot weather has persisted elsewhere in the UK.

Devon and Cornwall Police warned the south west of England is "full to capacity", leading to "unprecedented demand" for 999 services. The force said it saw an increase in anti-social behaviour and public order offences on Saturday and Sunday. Assistant Chief Constable Jim Colwell said the weekend's events, spurred on by the hot weather, had forced officers to attend a "plethora of different incidents".

In Sussex, more homeowners had water supplies cut off or restricted on Wednesday. At least 300 householders had already been without tap water since Friday.

Steve Andrews, head of central operations for South East Water, said more than 150 million litres of extra water were being pumped into the network as the UK heatwave continues.