Community News

The West Midlands has won a bid for almost £1million to help people who are struggling to keep their homes warm this winter.

The grant has been made to the charity Act on Energy, a member of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) fuel poverty task force set up by Energy Capital  which is responsible for identifying funding to tackle the problem in the region.

The Warmer Homes West Midlands programme will receive £909,358 to provide energy advice to people who are struggling to keep their homes warm. The West Midlands has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in England, second only to the North West region.

The advice programme will help more than 7,000 vulnerable households, will create jobs and help support WMCA’s environment target of #WM2041 – to be carbon neutral by 2041.

The programme will also improve the health and wellbeing of people with pre-existing cold and damp related medical conditions through energy saving advice, energy saving measures and debt advice.

Rachel Jones, chief executive, Act on Energy said: “This an exciting programme that comes at a critical time, enabling households to have a warm and affordable home is vital especially during the current coronavirus pandemic. This programme will enable us to support vulnerable residents across the region and provide the support and guidance they need to live in warm and affordable homes.

“The programme will also enable us to recruit outreach workers directly across the local community so we can really understand and support the needs of a community and work together to address the impacts of those who are living in fuel poverty.”

This project forms part of a wider regional fuel poverty and retrofit programme being led by Energy Capital at the WMCA, aiming to provide jobs and support for local people as part of the region’s green recovery.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The WMCA remains utterly committed to tackling the region’s climate emergency by 2041, and addressing fuel poverty is a key part of those plans. This is why the Warmer Homes West Midlands programme is so important, and I am pleased we have received this new funding to enhance our work.

“As well as making homes more fuel efficient by helping people keep their homes warm, addressing fuel poverty will also help to improve people’s health by eradicating damp homes, and improve their economic situation by making energy bills more affordable.” 

The award given to Act on Energy is from a fund held by the Energy Savings Trust - which was set up to finance charities to deliver programmes to benefit the public. Called the Energy Redress Scheme, it is funded by money collected by Ofgem from energy companies, usually because they have broken the regulator’s rules.

The project aims to reduce fuel poverty, which is defined as when householders can’t afford to keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost, on their income. A total of 304,000 fuel poor households exist in the West Midlands and 12.6% of households suffer from fuel poverty due to higher than average fuel costs, combined with lower than average incomes

A team of qualified energy advisors will be recruited to provide advice by telephone, through case work, home visits and community events, where it is safe to do so. A team of community outreach workers will ensure that as wide a range of people as possible will be able to take advantage of the project.

Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council and environment portfolio holder for the WMCA said: “We have set a target for the West Midlands to be carbon neutral by 2041, but we must make sure no one is left behind. This programme will contribute to that goal.

“The grant is to be welcomed and I’m pleased that Act on Energy will now be helping us tackle the scourge of fuel poverty by running The Warmer Homes West Midlands programme.”

The news of the grant comes in the same month as a taskforce featuring some of the UK’s top property experts has been launched to help the West Midlands accelerate the construction of low carbon, energy efficient homes.

The Zero Carbon Homes Taskforce has been set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support the region’s fight against climate change, making sure all new homes meet tough zero carbon standards from 2025 onwards.

The taskforce, which is being chaired by the UK Green Building Council, will provide local and expert insight into how the region plans for a net zero future as it works towards achieving its ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2041.

Less than half of private renters in the West Midlands feel safe in their home during the current pandemic

A major report by Shelter has today exposed the ugly truth of the housing crisis, as regional analysis of England-wide polling data shows less than half (46%) of private renters in the West Midlands say their home has made them feel safe during the pandemic.  

Calling on the Chancellor to act now to save the nation’s homes, the charity’s Building Our Way Out report outlines how a disastrous lack of social homes across the country has plunged England into a housing emergency, which is only intensifying as Covid-19 puts unprecedented pressure on those in poor housing.  

With grim predictions on what lies ahead, Shelter is warning the government’s existing provision for delivering new social homes is woefully inadequate. There is currently only enough funding set aside to provide one social home for every 96 households on the waiting list. And with a swelling housing benefit bill forecast to hit £24 billion per year by 2024/25 - that does not account for the impact of the pandemic - it is urging the Chancellor to intervene. By introducing a rescue package of investment in social housebuilding, Shelter argues the government could provide thousands with a safe home.  

The charity’s research demonstrates just how badly decent, affordable social homes are needed. According to a poll of English adults carried out by YouGov for the report, many private renters in the West Midlands continue to spend the pandemic stuck in poor-quality, expensive and overcrowded accommodation:  

104,000 (14%) of adult private renters in the region are constantly struggling with their rent or are already falling behind.  

196,000 (26%) live in poor conditions, with electrical hazards, pests or damp-related issues in their home.  

169,000 (35%) say they pay too much for the quality of home they have.  

112,000 (15%) say a lack of indoor living space made lockdown harder.  

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Our homes are our first line of defence in this pandemic. But thousands in the West Midlands have spent months trapped in private rentals they do not trust to keep them safe. And right now, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  

“After decades of decline, a dire lack of social homes means too many people, pay too much for cramped and poor-quality housing. Or worse yet they find themselves with nowhere to live. With the stakes so high, the case for building decent social homes is clear.”
 
Shelter’s report calls for a targeted rescue package of £12.2 billion over the next two years to fund a total of 50,000 new social homes, out of a total of 145,000 new affordable homes. These 50,000 new social homes equate to almost four times the number of social homes currently delivered each year. Funding this programme could kickstart the post Covid recovery and reverse years of decline in social housebuilding.  

Polly Neate continued: “Before a thundercloud of homelessness breaks over us, the Chancellor needs to be as swift and bold on housing as we’ve seen him be on jobs. By turbocharging investment in social housing today, we can build ourselves out of this pandemic and lay the foundations of a better future.”  

Case study: Michelle, 58, is a store manager living in Hereford with her son. She was diagnosed with a serious and life-limiting condition in February of this year and has been shielding throughout the pandemic. In July after just four months in her home, she was served with a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice by her landlord because he wanted to sell the property.  

Michelle said: “I feel so tired of the renting game. When you’re in your late 50’s like me, even on a good wage there’s no way you can get a mortgage. So, you’re left with private renting.   

“I was diagnosed with severe Vasculitis in February this year, and then in July, after only four months in my home, my landlord gave me an eviction notice because he wanted to sell. I was in shock. I had to look for a new home while I was highly vulnerable and shielding.       

“If I could live in a social home, it would give me such peace of mind that I won’t have to move every six months. It would mean I could unpack, put things up on the wall, have a cat. Just little things in life that would make such a big difference. All I can do now is put my pictures on the hooks the landlord has left. It sounds really basic, but it is part of wanting to make a home.” 

Motherland Cooking Xperience, the ultimate African food immersion cooking resource, has announced its launch as “the online cultural connection” for food and fun. Motherland Cooking Xperience is a new and unique interactive African cooking experience offering cooking demonstrations, private date night cooking evenings, and hands-on cultural competency training. These interactive, in-person or virtual cooking demonstrations highlight Africa’s culinary diversity through a three-course meal cooking class, paired with drinks and live music.

Owner and Chef Mirabel Umenei, a mother of three, is also the founder of Motherland Cultural Connections. “I wear multiple hats,” she explained. “I created Motherland Cooking Experience because I love people, African culture, music, and food. Now I’ve made it possible to share my passions and joy with the world. Motherland Cooking Xperience was founded to provide a platform for immigrants with ties to Africa and showcase their talents through food, music, art, and storytelling. This is a dedicated effort to bridge the cultural gap between African immigrants and their families with their communities of residence.”

The organization also wants to mentor and empower African immigrants financially through integration and participation in local culture with their neighbors. “At Motherland Cooking Xperience, we are passionate about showcasing the diverse and exciting activities of Africa through delicious food, cooking demonstrations, beverages, and music from Africa,” Umenei added. “I am excited to be a part of this group, and I look forward to learning, connecting, and networking. We also love hosting Bachelorette and a Girls’ Night Out Parties! Foodies and adventurers — ‘We got you!’”

The Motherland Cooking Xperience team has created a hands-on and relaxed experience sharing historic and meaningful African recipes. When clients want to host this experience at home with friends and families, the organization will arrange a unique and custom online cultural experience. Some of the most popular Motherland Cooking Xperience recipe highlights include a barbecue with their unique dry rubs, stewed greens, soups, and delicious Central and West African dishes. The experiences are created for hands-on fun and deliberately curated to share the best of African culinary culture. Cameroonian cuisine is one of the most varied in Africa due to its location on the crossroads between the north, west, and centre of the continent.

Their sister programs, Motherland House Concerts offer two additional education platforms.

‘Elimu Experience’ is an interactive, in-person or virtual experience teaching cultural competency for businesses, African social studies for schools, and African dance and drumming workshops. ‘Motherland House Concerts’ showcases African music acts and storytelling in an intimate setting, which can be tailored for an in-person or online audience.

Clients can sign up on the home page at MotherlandCookingXperience.com for a free cooking class.

The night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in Santo saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

It is against this background that the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated on 23 August each year.

This International Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. In accordance with the goals of the intercultural project “The Slave Route”, it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy, and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean.

The Director-General of UNESCO invites the Ministers of Culture of all Member States to organise events every year on that date, involving the entire population of their country and in particular young people, educators, artists and intellectuals.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was first celebrated in a number of countries, in particular in Haiti (23 August 1998) and Goree in Senegal (23 August 1999). Cultural events and debates too were organized. The year 2001 saw the participation of the Mulhouse Textile Museum in France in the form of a workshop for fabrics called “Indiennes de Traite” (a type of calico) which served as currency for the exchange of slaves in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Audrey Azoulay, Director General, Message on the occasion of the International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition said: “This  August 23,  we  honoured  the  memory  of  the  men  and  women  who,  in  Saint-Domingue  in  1791,  revolted  and  paved  the  way  for  the  end  of  slavery  and  dehumanization. We honour their memory and that of all the other victims of slavery, for whom they stand.

“To  draw  lessons  from  this  history,  we  must  lay  this  system  bare,  deconstruct  the  rhetorical  and  pseudoscientific  mechanisms  used  to  justify  it;  we  must  refuse  to  accept any  concession  or  apologia  which  itself  constitutes  a  compromising  of  principles. 

“Such  lucidity  is  the  fundamental  requirement  for  the  reconciliation  of  memory and the fight against all present-day forms of enslavement, which continue to affect millions of people, particularly women and children.”

Marking this year’s World Homeless Day and emerging from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world, English Premier League club Aston Villa will be holding its Big Villa Sleepout – which, this year, will be held virtually. And they are encouraging fans to get involved and take up the challenge from home by sleeping out in their gardens or even camping out on the living room floor, in aid of supporting the homeless community of Birmingham.In return they will be providing an evening of content on their social channels as fans will be encouraged to share selfies on social media throughout the night, using the hashtag #BigVillaSleepout.Fans will also be able to donate through an online donation link and proceeds from the fundraising event will help fund their Villa Kitchen, which provides hot meals to the homeless community in Birmingham.

The Villa Kitchen provides local organisations including Outreach Angels, Helping Hands and the Birmingham Support Group with pre-packaged meals, which are prepared by a team of staff volunteers, and the organisations distribute these across the city.

They will be running their annual Big Villa Sleep Out virtually on Aston Villa social channels, with proceeds going towards funding the Kitchen.

“Everyone should have a safe, secure and stable home”, the club says. “However we have seen far too often how easy it is for someone to fall into the cycle of homelessness.

“The current coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on all our lives, but the homeless community are continually facing challenges”.

World Homeless Day, which aims to draw attention to the struggles the homeless community face and inspires ways in which people can look to end homelessness.

The inaugural World Homeless Day was marked on 10 of October 2010 and since its founding, it has been observed on every continent except Antarctica, in several dozen countries.

Use of the idea of it is open for all to use... anywhere in the world.

The Big Villa Sleep Out will be returning on Saturday November 14.

An award-winning charity, whose continuing work with schools during the pandemic has been widely applauded, has been awarded £250,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today.

Services For Education, which in normal times teaches music to some 38,000 school children each week, is amongst the first to receive funds in the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. The Birmingham-based charity is one of the 28 cultural and creative organisations based in Birmingham and one of 1,385 across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today (12 October) with further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector being announced over the coming weeks.

Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services For Education, said: “The award of the grant, in a highly competitive environment, is a huge endorsement of the work that our team delivered – and continue to deliver - during lockdown. We are delighted to have secured this additional funding from the Arts Council that will help us continue our invaluable work - using music to support vulnerable children and young people across Birmingham.”

Services For Education employs more than 200 people in the city and uses the power of learning and music to create and build confidence in local children, young people, adults and communities. During the pandemic it embarked on a major programme of on-line tuition and concerts – including the first ever Virtual Youth Proms Festival that included streaming live 30 new performances created during lockdown over four evenings and involving 500 young people. More recently, it has resumed music lessons in Birmingham schools whilst continuing its on-line support for both schools and individual school children.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. 

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Sharon added: “We are delighted that we have been successful in our application for a grant under the Arts Council Recovery Fund. We are enormously grateful to the Arts Council for supporting us for enabling us to continue to do what we love doing – which is bringing music and music teaching to the children of Birmingham. We are now able to look forward to continuing our work with our schools and other cultural education partners across the city over the weeks and months ahead and keeping music alive at a time which we all know is really difficult for the sector.”

Letter from Doug Wright, Chairman Ronald McDonald House Charities, Birmingham

Dear Phoenix Readers

I hope you are well. I’m personally reaching out for some help from you to support our very special Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham where we provide a vital home away from Home.

In 2019, we kept 982 families together at our Birmingham house, totally free of charge, whose children were being treated at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The emotional and financial burden of a sick child in hospital has increased exponentially since Covid-19.

We are proud that we kept our House open throughout the lockdown with the staff brilliantly coping with all the complex operational challenges. Sadly, we’ve had to cancel our annual gala dinner this year (which raised £253,000 profit in 2019 - in excess of 25% of the cost of keeping the House open all year round). As such, we urgently need to raise funds in an alternative way.

In its place, I’m delighted to announce we are holding a virtual RMHC Birmingham fund raising event on Thursday the 12th of November at 8pm.

This inaugural event is to bring RMHC to you with an update on the charity. We will hear from a very special family who stayed with us whilst their son was receiving treatment at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. I can also exclusively reveal that during this event I will be interviewing a real Comedy legend and Charity icon in Sir Lenny Henry.

He will share a personal insight into how we can all give back and create societal impact within our own communities. We’ve priced tickets so that each one sold can cover the cost of a family staying with us for one night (which is £25).

Every penny raised will go to the House here in Birmingham.

So, how can you help? There are three ways;

1. Buy tickets for this virtual event at £25 (there’s an option to upgrade to a £50 ticket and receive a box of goodies to enjoy during the event).

2. Sponsor part of the virtual event. Cost £1000 or £2000.

3. Donate any amount you can. You can use this link to book https://rmhc.org.uk/event/theres-no-place-like-home/

I totally understand how tough life is right now for absolutely everybody but with your help we can make a significant difference to the lives of families staying with us here in Birmingham.

Thank you.

Doug

The building of a new £17.5million National Brownfield Institute (NBI) in Wolverhampton has moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted for it on the University of Wolverhampton’s Springfield Campus with the City of Wolverhampton Council supporting the University with its plans and final evaluations and, subject to planning approval being granted, it is hoped works will start on site later this year.It comes just two months after the announcement the scheme is to receive £14.9million of funding from the Government’s Get Building Fund for the West Midlands.

The city council worked closely with the Black Country LEP and West Midlands Combined Authority to secure the funding for what will be the flagship of the University of Wolverhampton’s ongoing £120million Springfield Campus development.

The NBI, designed by Associated Architects, will research and develop new construction methods and ways of regenerating contaminated land.A request for the remainder of the funding required forms part of the city’s bid to the Government’s Towns Fund.

The 12-acre Springfield Campus is already home to the Thomas Telford University Technical College, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and the School of Architecture and Built Environment.These facilities combined with the NBI will lay the foundation for the delivery of a National Centre for Sustainable Construction and Circular Economy, which will focus on sustainability and the climate change emergency.

The NBI will be a world-class institute that provides the facility to develop advanced skills, technologies and methodologies through innovation and partnership with the construction industry; focuses on the practical application of future brownfield regeneration through the work of research teams; and leads policy development, research and innovation, and commercial services for brownfield regeneration.It will secure the City of Wolverhampton's position as a leader internationally in sustainable construction, circular economy and brownfield development and will deliver new skills, jobs and opportunities for local people in the city, which has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “It is great to see things moving at pace to bring forward this game-changing scheme for the City of Wolverhampton.

“We have seen the University’s Springfield Campus blossom into the reality of a European-leading Built Environment education campus.The addition of the National Brownfield Institute will make Wolverhampton a world leader in construction, regeneration and built environment, offering teaching and skills development, cutting edge research and innovation, and enterprise and business engagement through multi-sector partnerships.

“Most importantly it will deliver new skills, jobs and opportunities for local people in the city.It is all part of the multi-billion-pound investment on site or planned in our city – a city of opportunity – as we look to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19.”

University of Wolverhampton Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, added: “It’s wonderful to see the planning application for the new National Brownfield Institute being submitted so quickly.  As one of the shovel-ready projects announced in the recent Government’s Get Building Fund, we are keen to get the project off the ground.

“The NBI will be integral to the way we look at land remediation and regeneration across the Black Country and the UK and will play a pivotal part in unlocking industrial land to help tackle the housing shortage in our towns and cities.

“This is a great example of taking knowledge and teaching beyond the classroom and into the community. Not only will the Institute be crucial in developing innovative and sustainable ways of remediation it will create a nationwide repository for brownfield sites and help businesses and entrepreneurs establish business related to the Brownfield development supply chain as well as helping to create a highly skilled and interdependent workforce operating across the land remediation sector within geoscience, engineering, planning, consultancy, contractor, architecture and the built environment sector.

“The Institute will be a fantastic addition to the £120 million Springfield Campus which is a key strategic project for the University offering an unrivalled built environment hub and centre of excellence which will be among the biggest and best in Europe. Alongside our partners, we are committed to realising the vision of the site and the part this will play in regenerating Wolverhampton as well as supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver its ambitious and compelling brownfield strategy. This is part of the City’s wider ambitions to establish a national centre for sustainable construction and the circular economy in Wolverhampton.”

Tom Westley DL, Chair of the Black Country LEP Board, said: “It is fantastic that the National Brownfield Institute project continues to move forward, thanks to the investment from Government but also testament to the hard work of all our project partners.

“The National Brownfield Institute will create jobs and support skills development across the area as well as provide an opportunity to showcase the innovative skills already here in the Black Country. The Black Country LEP is delighted to support projects such as these which are making a real positive impact on the local economy as our region looks to recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Chair of the WMCA, added: “The National Brownfield Institute is all about establishing the West Midlands as a global leader in the development and use of state-of-the-art construction techniques and in the clean-up and regeneration of derelict land.

“The NBI will be critical to the region’s economic recovery because, not only will it help us transform old industrial sites with new homes and modern business premises, it will also help give local people the modern construction skills they will need to gain employment and build these new schemes.

“This scheme is a key part of both our wider brownfield-first housing plan to continue our record house building whilst protecting the greenbelt, and our plan to get the West Midlands economy back on track by securing a green and inclusive recovery that offers local people the opportunity for a decent, affordable home, and a well-paid job in the industries of the future.”

Celebrate Black history through the wonderful world of rum, RUMFEST, the UK’s premium event of its kind, will be bringing an international celebration of rum and cane spirit.

The Rum Experience Company prides itself on bringing together the finest rum, great food and a range of educating seminars and entertainment to make learning about rum both fun and stimulating. And, this year, due to the global pandemic that has affected everyone, they have decided to host not one large event but a week of smaller events around London.

Starting from October 15 to 21^st, there will be events throughout London involving some incredible venues, showcasing their talents & celebrating all that is Rum with packages including: 5 x 50ml Premium Rums, Cocktail Ingredients and CCUK Cup.

The festival was founded by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell in 2007, who was keen to promote rum as a drink.

He worked in the drinks trade as a bartender since 1990. In 1998, he had started working with the Jamaican rum distiller, blender and bottler J. Wray and Nephew Ltd.

Burrell, the UK’s only trade and consumer drinks expert for the rum industry and world’s largest rum festival, said: “It’s not just a spirit, it’s a lifestyle”.

He also worked for other drinks brands on an ad hoc basis and with organisations such as the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association, which represents several different Caribbean rums.

RUMFEST organisers will be sticking to etiquette guidelines from previous shows to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable event. And by buying a ticket for an event during RumFest Week 2020, you will agree to be abiding by common-sense guidelines which have been designed to ensure a convivial, safe environment for everyone at the various events.

“Music, rum and great company - what more do you need!” Burrell says. “Stay safe and drink rum responsibly!”

The UK RumFest has led to the influence of rum festivals and fairs all over the world including The Miami Rum Renaissance festival, the Berlin Rumfest, Paris Rhum fest and the first rum festival in Mauritius.

They come from near and far to get the very best, fresh Caribbean fruits and vegetables there is in Birmingham. And B Caney grocers and convenience food store have well and truly proved to be the zenith for the ultimate destination.

Situated at the corner of Soho Road and Boulton Road, in Handsworth in Birmingham, a constant flow of regular, always very pleased customers have made it the ‘must-go-to’ shop to get the best named Caribbean products and the too-often hard to get products that is regular on the majority of the Caribbean islands. It’s about giving that ‘back home’ feeling.

Run by the knowledgeable and affably named ‘Short Man’, his position in the multi-cultural metropolis that he calls his home has proved a haven for those from pretty much all the communities around him who only want the very best.

He is continuing the ‘food’ ethos from his mum, who has provided a food outlet at carnivals throughout the UK for over 30-years.

Whether it be ackee, callaloo, guinep, guava, sugar cane, sweet sop and soursop, Caribbean seasoning, and much more, there is nowhere that can beat it.

And, as he is always thinking ‘one-step-ahead’, Short Man is thinking big for the future.

“Having fully established myself here”, he says, “I’m forever looking to the future, for the benefit of my partner and children with plans to expand the business and, eventually open a superstore so that I can cater for everybody.

“That’s important for me now having seen the varied nationality who come here – from around the city, county and, indeed, towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK.

“And this Black History Month only enhances people’s love of the foods I sell and grows B Caney on an even greater scale.

“And, as I encourage the next generation behind me, ‘If I can do it, you too can do it.’ Just don’t let anything or anyone get in the way of your dream.”

Happy that everybody around him loves to engage with him and his first-class produce, Short Man is thinking big for him and his family’s future.

Next time you’re in Birmingham and you fancy quality authentic Caribbean produce to give you that unmistakable reminder of the region, of you can’t go wrong with Short Man and his selection.

Short Man believes the key to life starts with healthy living, and that is why he is so passionate about providing only the very best fresh produce for his customers, who love to talk with him, as much as they love his wares and the atmosphere he has created.

Wolverhampton’s libraries have marked Black History Month by selecting a range of books for younger readers to enjoy.

They have been chosen to help children, young people, families and teachers explore race, identity, culture and achievements. Titles include, for two to five year olds, Baby Ruby Bawled by Malaika Rose Stanley and Fruits by Valerie Bloom, and for three to five-year-olds, So Much by Trish Cooke.

Children aged five to seven can enjoy Look Up by Nathan Bryon, The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, Baba’s Gift by Beverley Naidoo, Dominic Grows Sweetcorn by Mandy Ross, My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin, Luna Loves Library Day by Joseph Coelho, Grace and Family by Mary Hoffman and Sulwe by Lupita N’yongo. For readers aged seven to 11, there is Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson, Funky Chickens by Benjamin Zephaniah, and Little Leaders – Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison, while Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom is recommended for the over 7s.

For eight to 11-year-olds, there is Peacemaker by Malorie Blackman, and   Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes is suitable for readers aged nine and over. For readers aged 11 and over there’s Ghost by Jason Reynolds, High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson, Coming to England by Floella Benjamin and Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, while those aged 13-plus are recommended The Hate U Give and On the Come Up, both by Angie Thomas.

The city’s libraries remain closed to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, though library members can order these titles and more through the ‘We Select, You Collect’ service.

Customers can pre-order titles 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 01902 552025 and pick them up at a pre-arranged time from Central Library, Warstones Library, Wednesfield Library or Bilston Library.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Our library staff have selected an excellent range of titles with something for everyone and this is a great way for young readers and their families to join in with this year’s celebration of Black History Month.”

The theme of Black History Month 2020 is to honour the accomplishments of black Britons throughout history. It marks how the nation’s culture and society has been made stronger thanks to the people who travelled to the UK to build new lives as well as the achievements and contributions of their descendants.

As students across the country begin a different version of fresher’s week this week, online food portal Foodhub are offering students across Birmingham the chance to bag a years’ worth of free food worth over £750!

Students from universities in Birmingham will be able to apply for the Tastiest job as Chief Student Taste Tester for Foodhub – winning the chance to taste offerings from takeaways and food outlets in their area for free! 

To apply for the dream job, students from universities across Birmingham simply have to visit this link and either show or tell Foodhub why they have the best tastebuds for the job. Students feeling particularly adventurous can upload a video of themselves explaining why they should be chosen for the best job on campus. 

The winning student will be chosen by a panel of food experts and will be expected to write reviews of the local takeaways they visit – getting their weekly supply of free grub from their favourite Birmingham takeaways. 

To be eligible for entry, students simply need to use their university email address when submitting their job application. 

Wil Chung, Foodhub spokesperson, said: “We know that virtual freshers’ week won’t be as fun as previous years so we want to offer students the chance to bag the best job at Uni. “We want to ensure we have the tastiest, best takeaways across the region on our app and know that students are connoisseurs of takeaway food when they first leave home so we couldn’t think of a better person to join our team.“If you’re at university in Birmingham then we want to hear from you, simply tell us – in words or video - why you are the best person to take on the takeaway tasting challenge. In return, that person won’t need to buy a takeaway meal for a whole year!” 

All runners up who aren’t chosen for the taste testing job will receive a 25% discount code of their next takeaway from Foodhub. 

Foodhub, launched its online food website and app in 2017. There are more than 14,000 takeaways currently featured online at foodhub.co.uk and through the apps available for iOS and Android.  

The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) have today announced a series of online celebratory events throughout Black History Month in the run up to their Awards Ceremony on October 30. This year’s celebration will culminate a landmark year in history for racial equity and showcase the outstanding achievements, resolve and dedication of the Black British community.

The celebration kicked off on October 6th with the Finalist Unveiling event, honouring the long list of incredible individuals who are in the running for this year’s awards. The inaugural event will bring together past winners of the prestigious Black British Business Person of the Year award, including Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE, Andrew Ramroop OBE, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, Gisela Abbam and Roni Savage, to explore the power of Black identity and legacy, and to showcase the depth and breadth of Black British businesses in the UK.

Open to all, the BBBAwards will host a series of interactive Industry Celebrations from October 8 to 27 to recognise the senior leaders, rising stars and companies dedicated to changing the narrative in the categories of Arts and Media, Consumer and Luxury, Financial Services, Professional Services, Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Entrepreneurs.

Chizzy Akudolu, award-winning actor, film producer and writer, will host the final event where this year’s winners of the BBBAwards will be revealed. In addition to celebrating the achievements and promise of the 2020 winners, the event will also include a special recognition for Black British frontline workers. These key individuals have long provided critical support and service in their communities, but this year’s pandemic has seen them go above and beyond.

Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black British Business Awards said: “The Awards are a fantastic opportunity for the Black British Community and our allies to come together in celebration during Black History Month. The BBBAwards is helping to bring the community, allies and active organisations into a shared space, shining a light on Black excellence and achievements during these challenging times.”

Sophie Chandauka, Co-Founder of the Black British Business Awards said: “Our Finalists remind us of the importance of self-belief despite the odds; the merit of striving for excellence; and the requirement for perseverance and resilience. They are all role models and trail blazers, demonstrating unquestionable commercial impact, defying stereotypes and creating opportunities for those who follow in their footsteps.”

The BBBAwards have the privilege of partnering with J.P. Morgan as Key Partner of the Awards.

Sponsors also include Barclays, Baker McKenzie, Bloomberg L.P., Cisco, the Executive Leadership Council, Facebook, Fortnum and Mason, Freshfields, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Virgin Management, Wellington Management and Wells Fargo.

The Daily Telegraph is the national media partner at this year’s awards ceremony for the fourth year running.

To register for the events visit: www.thebbbawards.com

Town centres will be lit up with Christmas lights and Remembrance Sunday will also be marked in Sandwell, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sandwell Council today confirmed that although Christmas light switch-ons and Bonfire Night events would not be able to go ahead, the council would do everything possible to celebrate events and mark important dates without large public gatherings.

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader for Sandwell Council, said: “We’ll be doing all we can to mark Remembrance Sunday in a safe way.

“A decision will be taken in the coming weeks on how best to do this, given that the current high Covid-19 infection rates and restrictions will inevitably prevent large-scale public events.

“We’re awaiting national guidance on commemorating Remembrance Sunday and working on how Sandwell will mark the day in a Covid-safe way.

“It is so important that we still pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts – and we are already looking at a series of virtual Remembrance activities as part of our planning for November. We’ll release more details on this later in the month once we have received national guidance.

“Sadly, and it won’t come as a surprise to people that we won’t be able to mark Bonfire Night in the usual way and there will not be a council-organised public fireworks display in Sandwell this year.

“We’re also looking at ways to celebrate Christmas virtually and, although sadly we won’t be able to have Christmas lights switch-on events that people can attend, we will of course be putting up lights in our town centres as we do each year.

“This will help support local traders and businesses after a very challenging year, as well as brightening up our town centres for shoppers and our communities.“Our number one priority is to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Sandwell and to keep our communities safe – while making sure these important occasions are observed despite the virus meaning we can’t hold physical events attended by the hundreds of people who usually enjoy them.”

Proposals for a £2million programme to engage 200,000 community participants in Birmingham 2022 culture-related activities is set for approval by the city council’s Cabinet on October 13.

The funding will be transferred by the council to the Games Organising Committee (OC) as part of the Creative Communities Grants Programme – which will see at least 110 small grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 delivered to Birmingham-based groups to create artistic projects across the city.

As part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations in 2022, the OC will be delivering a six-month cultural festival across Birmingham and the West Midlands from March to September 2022.

The festival aims to promote and showcase the rich and diverse creative talent of the city and region to a global audience – and to support the local cultural economy to not only recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but to grow and thrive in the future.

It will also provide a key opportunity for Birmingham residents to come together by directly engaging with and participating in the activities surrounding the Games, as artworks, events and performances occupy the high streets, neighbourhoods, parks, waterways, venues and civic spaces of the city over a six-month period.

The £2million from Birmingham City Council for the grants programme to support the delivery of the festival will help connect Birmingham residents and communities of all ages from every ward of the city with artists to co-create new art works and projects.

Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “We always said the Games are more than 11 days of fantastic sporting competition. The festival programme is clear evidence of this and a great way for the Proud Host City and other Games Partners to widen the relevance of the event to as many people in the city and region.

“These grants will enable groups and organisations with roots in Birmingham to showcase the very best of the city’s creativity to an international audience, and prove what we have always known – Birmingham is a great place in which to live, work or visit.

“As we look to recover from the devastation and tragedy that the coronavirus pandemic has caused people and businesses in the city, this fund will help support a hard-hit creative sector and give us a programme of events to look forward to in less than two years’ time.”

Separately, the city council has set aside £80,000 to support 20 arts groups to develop proposals that will enable them to take advantage of the £2million fund.

Martin Green CBE, Chief Creative Officer of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games said: “Birmingham City Council’s fantastic commitment to the Games culture programme means that the city's communities will be centre stage. It is timely, welcome news, and will provide important opportunities to a creative sector facing incredibly uncertain times.

“The projects commissioned through the Creative Communities Grants Programme will see the work of residents and organisations from across the city standing proudly and equally next to that of major cultural and artistic institutions from across the region.”

The £2million set for Cabinet approval is one-third of an overall city council fund of £6million, approved in the 2020/21 council budget, designed to support Commonwealth Games community engagement, involvement and legacy programmes for Birmingham residents.

Further details on the remaining £4million (which includes a £2million funding package to be distributed amongst the council’s 69 Wards) will be announced in the coming months – along with more information on how organisations can bid for the Creative Communities grants.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city, the region and its people on the global stage.    

The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.    

Birmingham 2022 will be the Games for everyone, bringing people together from across Birmingham and the region, to provide a warm welcome to millions of visitors during the summer of 2022.   

Find out more at www.birmingham2022.com

The Games has five mission pillars which set out the ambitions for the city (and wider region) in hosting the Commonwealth Games:

• to bring people together
• to improve health and wellbeing
• to help the region to grown and succeed
• to be a catalyst for change
• to put us on the map.

These mission pillars link directly back to the fifth objective of the Birmingham City Council Plan – ensuring Birmingham residents gain maximum benefit from the Commonwealth Games.

To mark the beginning of this year’s Black History Month the Royal Mail unveiled four special post boxes to honour leading Black Britons.

The post boxes, in London, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, have been painted black, with a gold trim and an image of a notable Black British figure or a piece of work by them.

The artwork, by Yinka Shonibare, amongst others, was commissioned by the Royal Mail to produce original artworks for a set of special stamps issued to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy

One of the figures included on the post boxes include footballer Walter Tull, who became the first Black player to sign for Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers, who was killed in action in the British Army in World War I.

Tull also played for Tottenham Hotspurs and Northampton Town.

Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War, also features prominently during this series.

Also featuring heavily is comedian, actor, writer and Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry.

Royal Mail's head of diversity and inclusion, Peter De Norville, said: “Black History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Black people have made to this country over many generations.

“We are also using it as an opportunity to celebrate the vital work that our Black employees do throughout the nation, from the mail bag to the meeting room.”