Community News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is inviting its big hearted supporters to join them on their second annual London to Paris bike ride. Taking place on 5-9 September, this epic challenge will see supporters of all abilities cycle 300 miles over four consecutive days, to help raise vital funds for the sick kids and their families cared for at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

James Lunney, Events Fundraiser at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “I took part in last year’s London to Paris bike ride and it was an incredible experience which I will never forget. We had team members who hadn’t cycled for over 20 years and all abilities of fitness. We were all cycling for kids and their families at this amazing hospital and that’s what keeps you going through the tough periods. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the team when we reached the Eiffel Tower.

“Not only is it amazing experience for all involved, but it also raises vital funds to help provide the best possible facilities and environment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, for our exceptional patients and young people.”

The Fundraising Team is inviting you to join them at one of their Presentation Evenings to find out more about this life-changing challenge; meeting at the Fundraising Hub based in the main entrance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Wednesday 14 February at 6pm. Come along and hear from past cyclists, meet some of your potential team and get a detailed look into the training, fundraising and magic of the London to Paris bike ride.

The month of love is upon us and with Valentine’s Day looming it’s time to celebrate our one true love. But this year Lintbells, manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, are calling for dog owners to appreciate the love and companionship man’s best friend gives them every day.

Here are five reasons why a dog is all you need this Valentine’s Day.

They will always be happy to see you

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and being greeted by your dog who couldn’t be happier to see you, with their wet nose and wagging tail. When you walk through the door your dog won’t be waiting for you with a list of jobs, or to moan about their day. Your canine companions will always be happy to see you, whether they bound over to you, jump up, bark or even give you a kiss, it can sometimes be just the lift you need after a bad day.

They are always loyal

Dogs aren’t known as ‘man’s best friend’ for no reason; it is in their nature to be truly loyal to their owners. There is no worry about your pet pooch leaving your side! And due to their empathic communication skills they have an understanding like no other animal. They can sense your emotions and can tell when you are feeling sad or worried and will be right by your side to comfort you.

Dogs will always make you laugh

For many of us a GSOH (good sense of humour) is incredibly important when it comes to potential romantic partners, but our four legged friends can also provide us with lots of laughs. Whether they’re chasing their tail, barking at dogs on the TV, or finding amusement from an old tennis ball, you can always rely on your dog to make you laugh. Their unpredictable, sometimes goofy antics and even human like behaviour and expressions will always guarantee to put a smile on your face.

They’re the perfect travel buddy

We know they are loyal and can always make us smile when we need it, so why not turn your furry best friend into your travel partner as well. With the right preparation and research a getaway with your pooch can be easier than ever – and you know they will always be free! No more waiting to getaway while your partner struggles to book time off work. With your dog you can enjoy long walks on the beach, explore beautiful outdoor landscapes or even pay a visit to the nearest dog friendly pub. They can make the perfect travel companion, plus they won’t argue with you when you need to ask for directions.

They are good for your health and wellbeing

Last, but by no means least, our canine companions can be hugely beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Owning a dog is linked to lowering blood pressure, they can also help to reduce stress levels and spending time with a furry friend can help to lower anxiety, not always the case with your human mates. A survey carried about by Lintbells, of 1000 dog owners; found that 86 per cent of people believed having a dog can help to bring down stress levels. As well as this, with all the regular exercise dogs need, they can help to keep you fit and active and even help with weight loss.

This year marks 100 years since Parliament passed a law allowing the first women and all men in the UK to vote.

To celebrate this milestone the City of Wolverhampton Archives and Wolverhampton Art Gallery are hosting two exhibitions and a talk to explore how the change in legislation transformed the lives of women and how the women of Wolverhampton played a significant part in the fight for women’s right to vote.

Running until Saturday, March 24, Votes for Women, is on at the City Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF.

It looks at the contribution of women from Wolverhampton in the fight to gain the vote.

The exhibition is free and showcases historical documentation, and imagery of the women involved in this triumph.

Visitors can see Votes for Women during the City Archives’ opening times on Wednesdays (1pm - 7pm), Thursdays and Fridays (10am - 4pm) and Saturdays (10am - 1pm).

At Wolverhampton Art Gallery, on Thursday, March 8, emerging academic and art historian Hannah Squire will give an illustrated International Women’s Day Talk about the forthcoming exhibition Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality, celebrating the city’s Suffrage campaigners, factory workers, women artists and activists, and their part in the national movement for gender equality.

The talk will take place from 11am to noon, and costs £2 per person.

Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality opens at the Lichfield Street gallery on Saturday, May 26, and admission to the exhibition is free.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am delighted the city archives and gallery are highlighting the huge part the people of Wolverhampton played in securing the right to vote for women.

“I would urge everyone to go along to these fabulous exhibitions. Not only is it a chance to learn more about this critical moment in history, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the determination and strength of those involved in the fight.”

Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back – and it’s asking people to bust their best moves in support of their local Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 3 March in Kings Heath, the event will allow dance enthusiasts to strut their stuff for six continuous hours to help raise vital funds for the charity.

From BollyTone to Clubbercise, SwingTrain to Freestyle, participants will have the chance to groove their way through six different styles of dance, with experts on hand to lead the way.

Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Let’s Danceathon is a really lively and energetic event in which participants of all abilities are welcome – whether you’re a complete beginner or a dancing queen. We’ve got a great mix of different dances to suit everyone, so it’s a fun way to get active, experiment with new styles and find a dance you love.”

This is the second Let’s Danceathon that Birmingham St Mary’s has hosted, with last year’s event quickly selling out to 200 participants. It raised over £23,000 for the Hospice, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

Lucy added: “It costs £8million to run our crucial services every year, so we truly rely on the generous support of local people to ensure we can continue to provide the best hospice care to individuals, their families, loved ones and carers, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Let’s Danceathon takes place from 3.30pm to 11pm at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys. Early bird tickets start from £10 and can be booked at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/lets-danceathon

Macao will soon be filled with the colourful sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as it welcomes the 'Year of the Dog'. From 16 February, Macao's bustling city streets will be transformed with sparkling lanterns and decorations, ready for the week-long festive period, the most important and colourful festival in Macao's events calendar. Excited crowds will be wowed with show-stopping parades, cultural performances and breathtaking firework displays.

The festive programme begins with the Golden Dragon and Lion Parade on 16 February, when a 238-metre golden dragon and 18 lions will lead a parade from the iconic Ruins of St Paul's past some of Macao's most famous sites, finishing at Sai Van Lake Square. On 16 and 17 February lucky red 'lai see' packets will be given out to residents and visitors by tourism mascots and ambassadors, while artistic groups from across Europe and Asia will perform around the city, enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.

The highlight events of the festivities are the two Parades for Celebration of the Year of the Dog, which take place on the third and ninth days of Chinese New Year (18 and 24 February) when illuminated floats and over 1000 performers from around the world make their way through the city's atmospheric streets and plazas. The first parade begins with an opening ceremony at Sai Van Lake Square and culminates in a firework display in front of the Macau Tower. The second parade runs from Rua Norte do Patane to Iao Hon Market Garden, where there will be cultural performances from local singers.

Throughout the festive period, crowds will visit the city's many temples to ask for blessings for the Lunar New Year, while fresh flowers, potted plants and bouquets are given as gifts for good luck. Temporary flower markets spring up across the city selling “auspicious” plants such as mandarin trees and bamboo stems, as well as pussy willow, cherry and plum blossoms, and orchids.

Another indispensable feature of the Chinese New Year celebrations are fireworks and firecrackers, whose loud cracking noises are used to scare away evil spirits; two designated areas are set up for people to buy and set them off in safety.

Chinese New Year is just one highlight in an exciting calendar of events in Macao, from traditional Portuguese and Chinese festivals reflecting the destination's unique heritage, to more contemporary sporting and arts events.

February is LGBT history month, and this year Haringey Council will be marking it by catching up with some of those making a difference in the borough.

From charity work to fantastic school achievements and even a Mustang being transformed into a unicorn, they'll bring you some inspiring LGBT+ stories from Haringey.

The borough has the eighth highest LGBT+ community in London and has a proud LGBT+ rights history, including community marches in the 80s in support of the gay community, and great work from local politicians to campaign for LGBT equality, including the successful scrapping of Section 28 (which banned councils from promoting homosexuality) and support for gay marriage.

The council is also currently putting together proposals to further Haringey’s commitment to being an LGBT+ inclusive borough.

As part of LGBT History Month in Haringey, you can expect to hear from Zenith Motorcycles owner Karen Neill, the Wise Thoughts charity, Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing Cllr Alan Strickland, Woodside High School and Haringey Police. We are also holding staff events to promote LGBT+ equality within the council.

Check out their page to learn more about LGBT History Month in Haringey, and look out for updates and interviews on their culture pages throughout February.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Eugene Ayisi, said:Haringey’s diversity is one of its brilliant strengths and I’m really pleased we are able to highlight some of the people who are making a real difference in our borough as part of LGBT History Month. As a council we are proud of Haringey’s inclusivity and are committed to doing all that we can to promote this across the borough.

Three new arrivals are attracting the crowds at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich.

Victoria, Beth and Polly the Jersey cows have moved in and visitors are invited to go along to meet them and see them being milked.

The ladies, who are on loan from Sheldon Country Park, can be seen being milked at 11am every day.

And their delicious milk – they produce around seven litres each a day – should soon be on sale at the farm shop.

Cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore said: “The Jersey cows are another great addition to Forge Mill Farm.

“We have some more new arrivals on the way as we have sheep, goats and pigs on the farm about to give birth.

“Spring is a great time to visit both Forge Mill and Sandwell Park Farms.”

Admission to Forge Mill Farm is free, with a small charge for admission and some activities during school holidays.

The farm also offers educational visits for schools at Sandwell Valley aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2.

They include woodland walks including hunting for and identifying mini beasts, pond-dipping, farm visits and learning about the production of homegrown produce in the Victorian gardens.

The school visits take place from May to July and can be booked by 0121 569 3070.

Neighbouring RSPB Sandwell Valley, located just off the Newton Road in Great Barr, also offers educational visits designed to give primary school pupils hands-on learning experiences whilst having fun and making memories.

Are you still trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone for Valentines Day?

Something meaningful and from the heart?

Then look no further, the poetry of Dave Wilkes of Just Divine is coming to Birmingham on the 10th February 2018.

You can meet with Dave at John Lewis in Grand Central Birmingham from 12pm to 2pm to talk with him and create some beautiful poems celebrating Valentines.

Dave will be located on the ground floor in the Stationary Department next to the pens counter.

Don't leave your loved one out in the cold, get your bespoke Valentines gift from Dave Wilkes of Just Divine.

Contact Dave Wilkes on 07896787235 for more information.

Hip-hop beats and breakneck breakdancing moves descended upon Birmingham as Break Mission showed off their talents, and their mission to the world thanks to Huawei and Dazed.

Anthony Shintai Amao, a passionate photographer and Break Mission breakdancer in his own right was the overall winner of a competition to Reveal the Real You. Anthony was one of a select group given the Huawei P10, to inspire them to showcase their communities and causes to the world.

Three winners each received £10,000 for their chosen cause, and Anthony was the overall winner, putting on an exhibition of his photography in the Rotunda Square at the Bull Ring.

“I’ve always had a passion for photography, normally I take pictures at dance events just for myself, but when I saw the chance to showcase my community on a platform like this I just jumped at the chance,” explained Anthony.

“I wanted to show breaking in a contrasting environment, and with the photographs that the P10 allowed me to take with its fast shutter speed, I was able to capture these shots that wouldn’t have been possible on many other phones.”

Anthony’s favourite shot is one of 3 breakdancers in front of the Pagoda at Holloway Circus with one of the breakers on his head, directly in front of the pagoda.

A wonderful shot, really a great juxtaposition of the city landscape and the surprising orientation of the people in front of it.

These phone images were blown up to massive proportions for the exhibition, and the quality of the shots captured by the P10 were very impressive.

“Technology is so important, and at Huawei we feel it can be a power for good, especially as smartphone photography is the ultimate form of self expression” said Justin Costello Sales & Marketing Manager at Huawei Technologies, “We’re very proud of Anthony and Break Mission.”

Break Mission is a community of graffiti artists, MC’s, and dancers, who want to give back and help the homeless. They hold events with no entry fee, where they just ask for unwanted clothes or canned goods, and donated to the homeless charities in the areas that they perform in.

There is an upcoming event for Break Mission later this year, and the funding received from winning this competition will allow Antony and the organisation to extend their reach across the UK and even internationally to continue the good work they are doing.

Andrew Garrihy, CMO for Huawei Europe commented: “Our finalists have shown just how powerful a tool the smartphone is in capturing the world around us and we’re thrilled Huawei technology has given people a platform to tell their stories, shining a light on many of the important issues impacting young people today.”

The Black Country Road Run, supported by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, announce Andy Street as the latest runner to sign up for this great community event. The Run, which will be taking place on 1^st July 2018 in Halesowen is co-ordinated by Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary Club.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am very much looking forward to taking part in this event which promises to be a great occasion. Not only will it be a great event for runners but will also raise money for many good causes in the Black Country and beyond.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, commented: “It is great to see the Mayor of the West Midlands stepping up and taking on this mission. I would encourage local businesses to get involved in the new Corporate Challenge, which is new for this year, to help raise money and awareness for your chosen charities.”

Local businesses can participate in either a 10k run or fun run, which serves as a great way to get colleagues together as a team building exercise or to promote fitness in the workplace. Furthermore, it is set to be a great day supporting the local community and ultimately have fun.

Alan Bowler, Event Organiser of the Black Country Road Run, added: “The Black Country Run team, together with members of Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary club, are delighted that the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is running in the 10k race and has also agreed to start the Family Fun Run. Hopefully his support will encourage businesses throughout the Black Country to sign up and support the event and also raise lots of money for many deserving charities”.

The event is open to all abilities and you can now register your interest, please note places are limited so don’t miss out on the new corporate challenge. For more information please visit www.theblackcountryrun.com/corporate-challenge. To register your interest in the corporate challenge please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Young carers from Wolverhampton have shared their experiences of looking after a loved one as part of a series of events in the City to mark Young Carers Awareness Day.

Four members of the Spurgeons Wolverhampton Young Carers support group for 13 to 14-year-olds spoke to HeadStart Wolverhampton about their experiences of caring for parents and siblings with physical illnesses or mental health conditions. Their thoughts have been captured in an inspiring short film, ‘Young Carers: In Their Own Words’.

In the film, they explain why they have taken on this vital role, talk about the challenging work they do on a daily basis and describe the impact that caring has on their own lives. They also praise the support they have received from Spurgeons Wolverhampton.

Spurgeons also held a consultation coffee morning with HeadStart for parents and families of young carers, seeking their views on a range of issues, including access to support from schools and health services, and to the personal help they need with their own wellbeing.

Angie Jones, Childrens Services Lead at Spurgeons Wolverhampton, said: “There are almost 2,800 young people in Wolverhampton who take on huge responsibilities by providing practical and emotional care for a family member.

“Being a young carer can have a real impact on their own mental health and wellbeing and we want to help them find the support they need and to have time to enjoy being a young person too.”

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “Being a young carer is a huge challenges, and the excellent work done by Spurgeons really helps to support them to cope with the issues they face.

“As can be seen from the film HeadStart produced for Young Carers Awareness Day, the resilience and thoughtfulness of our young carers is truly inspiring.

“As well as the support available through Spurgeons, there are also resources available from HeadStart to young carers across Wolverhampton, including information, support and advice about mental health issues they may face because of the extra pressures they have on their young shoulders.”

HeadStart Wolverhampton is designed to improve the mental health and well-being of children and young people aged 10 to 16 by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.

It runs a number of specific programmes in its four target areas of the City where need is known to be greatest, including Low Hill, The Scotlands and Bushbury South; Springfield, Heath Town, Park Village and Eastfield; All Saints, Blakenhall, Parkfields and Ettingshall; and Bilston East.

HeadStart also offers city-wide support through a new Support and Guidance Directory at http://support.headstartonline.co.uk which provides a range of selected well-being and mental health resources from different organisations, with information targeted at young people, parents and carers, and professionals.

More than 300 global and African thought leaders, eminent and emerging leaders from Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth, and friends of Africa will converge at the 5th Annual Commonwealth Africa Summit on March 12th – 15th 2018 in London, United Kingdom. The event will spark new thinking on how to achieve Shared Prosperity and Common Good for Africans and how Africa’s growing youth population can transform the continent.

Under the theme: Common Good, the summit conversations seeks to promote the benefits and interests of all through improved collective action for the common good of humanity within and outside the commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit provides an opportunity not just to contribute to reimagining what the continent might be, but an opportunity to network, strategize and mobilise valuable resources so as to bring the Africa Dream to fruition. Vukuzenzele! Let's Get Up and Do It! says Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, Chairman Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

Past speakers at the CAS Summit have included HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Lord Watson of Richmond; Lord Ahmed of Rotherham; Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green; Simon Walker, Director General of the British Institute of Directors (IOD); Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council on Africa; Dr. Caroline Harper CBE – CEO Commonwealth Sightsavers; Sorious Samora; Mr Tonye Cole – CEO Sahara Energy; Ministers of Government, Ambassadors and many other Global Leaders.

Among speakers expected this year are 3 Former Presidents, 2 Current Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers from Africa and the Carribean, First Ladies, Ministers of Government and Governors of Central Banks.

“Africa must leverage on its relationship with other parts of the world to enrich and develop her countries. Constituting the highest bloc of the commonwealth member countries undoubtedly provides a strategic advantage with a huge development potential that must be fully explored”, says Chad Blackman, the Co-Chair of the 2018 Summit steering committee. The numbers associated with the Commonwealth are staggering. More than two billion of the world’s seven billion people live within the commonwealth. With many of its member states still developing or yet to develop appreciably, the potential for the future is obvious if the trade and collaboration within the commonwealth is increased and this will be at the forefront of conversations in London”.

The Commonwealth Africa Summit is a high level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from the Commonwealth and allies to facilitate dialogue and action on key and relevant issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, Security and counterterrorism, Energy and Power amongst other relevant issues in Africa. The event, annually as part of activities to celebrate the Commonwealth Week in London, is organised by the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, to provide a veritable platform for the generation of new ideas, trade agreements, business relationships and investments.

The Day 2 of the 2018 CAS Summit on March 14th will feature the CAFI Forum on Africa’s Political Future

“Over 100 key players in the African youth development sector will meet on the side-lines of the Summit to deliberate on reshaping the agenda for youth participation in political leadership on the continent” says Atieno Opondo a senior member of the steering Committee. “The Summit will Feature a CAFI Forum on Africa Political Future. The Forum with the theme: Opening the space, taking the place is hosted as part of a series of conscious efforts and action plans to fulfil the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 of an Africa whose youth shall be socially, economically and politically empowered through the full implementation of the African Youth Charter, An Africa of 2063 that will have full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of elected public offices at all levels; an aspiration achievable with the youth”.

The CAFI Forum will provide a high-level platform for dialogue on how African countries can create more space for younger people in elected public offices by formulating recommendations that will culminate into sustainable youth friendly policies and regulations. The forum will also provide a unique opportunity for youth leaders and aspiring young leaders in Africa to network and exchange views on Africa’s political future, while also creating a mentoring platform for the ageing African leaders to inspire a younger and better succession.

Overall, “the CAS summit will include presentations from various leaders and speakers and will feature first-hand experiences and interactions from government and business leaders in the continent, while providing credible opportunities and encouraging foreign investments” says Seeke Adams, CAFI Events Manager.

The Summit will also feature a Gala and Award Dinner to celebrate the contributions of Eminent and Emerging leaders to Africa’s growth story; as well as One to One Business meetings between investors and Entrepreneurs.

With the February half term just around the corner it can sometimes be tricky to think of things to do to keep the littles ones entertained for a whole week, let alone find an activity that doesn’t cost the earth. Victorian Arcade in Walsall has a great solution though - bring the gang along to meet the famous Lightning McQueen from the popular children’s film Cars.

Lightning McQueen will be situated outside the entrance to Victorian Arcade on Saturday 24th February. Free for everyone to meet, the superstar replica car will be in situ from 11am to 4pm, and local families are encouraged to come and say hi and grab some photos with the ‘racing legend’.

Anyone that takes a photo and then uploads it to Victorian Arcade’s Facebook page will also be entered into a competition to win a whole hamper of Cars film related goodies*.

Darren Griffiths, Senior Regional Facilities Manager of Savills for Victorian Arcade, commented: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the Lightning McQueen replica to the Arcade to meet with our loyal shoppers and local families. I am looking forward to seeing all the photos that are taken on the day - good luck to all who enter our competition too!”

*Terms and conditions apply - see Victorian Arcade’s Facebook page for details.