Community News

This year marks a tremendously poignant and significant year for Sikhs worldwide as we mark the 550th anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The actual day will be marked in November 2019 however the joyous event will be marked wherever possible throughout the year.

The CSGB Vaisakhi Celebrations have become a landmark event in Birmingham, the UK and internationally. The event boasts being one of the largest festivals in Europe and outside India attracting 1000’s of members of the Birmingham and surrounding communities.

As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, Birmingham’s Vaisakhi celebrations have always been a demonstration of community cohesion in practice. We continue to engage with people of all faiths and background of our great city to ensure peace, harmony and unity for all. The whole ethos of the event is about promoting community and family spirit, a sense of unity, sharing, interfaith and cohesiveness; something very much needed at this time.

To this end, all attendees are invited to experience Guru Ka Langar (free food selflessly prepared and served by volunteers), visit the Gurdwara in the Park, see the trading and information stalls, the children’s funfair and many more exciting events on the day.

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been appointed to a series of contracts at Birmingham Airport to manage the upgrade and extension of the airport terminals, and to oversee the airfield reconfiguration, as part the airport’s Master Plan to provide a sustainable future for air transport in the Midlands.

The announcement, made at the MIPIM* conference in Cannes, today (Wednesday 13th), outlines how, over the next five years, Atkins will assist Birmingham Airport in replacing and upgrading its current assets, using innovative technology to prepare the airport for the future demand on air travel. Atkins is overseeing the first phase of the terminal expansion as project manager and lead designer.

Announcing the news from France, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, Nick Barton said, “Our Master Plan looks ahead to the year 2033 and outlines how the airport will develop the site to handle the 40% expected growth in passengers. A significant element of the £500m investment over the next 14 years is the terminal transformation project, to deliver a world-class terminal facility for our customer that can cater for the growth in demand. We are therefore delighted to have awarded Atkins the contract for the lead design and project management for this package of works and we look forward to working in collaboration with them.”

Mike McNicholas, Managing Director for Infrastructure at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, said: “The transformation of Birmingham Airport will bring improved connectivity and economic prosperity to the region. We look forward to working closely with Birmingham Airport and their stakeholders on this project, applying the latest technology and our Human Centred Design approach in new and exciting ways to inform the airport’s transformation at this early stage.”

In 2018, Atkins deployed innovative technology to minimise the future disruption of work to the airport. This was achieved through virtual reality technology and the creation of a fully coordinated 3D digital model of the airport. This model will be used continuously over the next five years, allowing the team to test and develop plans in a safe environment, with reduced impact on airport operations.

As part of the airport redesign, Atkins is also using its Human Centred Design approach. This method uses data collected through web-based surveys conducted during the early stages of the project to ensure that passenger health, safety and wellbeing plays a central role in the terminal’s new design.

The Airport’s Master Plan further reinforces the integral part the Airport plays as a catalyst for growth across the Midlands and in the UK’s economic prosperity. It outlines the Airport’s role in driving future economic benefit to the region which will increase by 42%, totalling £2.1 billion a year and 34,000 jobs by 2033.

A greater choice of flights and destinations, alongside improved regional connectivity and a direct link to HS2, are vital to the continued growth of the region’s thriving economy. The global markets to which the Airport connects help to drive international trade, investment, employment, inbound tourism and the success of the region’s many universities.

Working with airport owners, airlines, governments, lenders and construction companies, Atkins provides multi-disciplinary expertise at every stage of aviation projects, from strategic planning through to concept and detailed design. Atkins’ global portfolio includes projects of all scales, and includes Dubai International Airport, Atlanta International Airport, and Heathrow Airport.

Whether you're looking to say yes to the dress, size up a well-groomed suit, capture your day in perfect detail, or find the blooms for you, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is bringing together the Midlands’ best wedding experts to get bride and grooms-to-be set for the big day. If you're on the hunt for more stylish and unique ideas, then look no further than The BMAG Wedding Fair.

A showcase for the style savvy couple ready to tie the knot, this wedding fair will take place in the stunning surroundings of the Grade II listed building’s Waterhall, with a whole range of handpicked local exhibitors coming together for this one-of-a-kind event.

One of the region’s leading bridal boutiques, June Peony Bridal Couture, will be taking centre stage to showcase stunning gowns in a series of catwalk shows throughout the day.  Elegant Entertainment will be serenading brides-to-be with their live acoustic performers, providing the perfect accompaniment to the live shows.

From photographers to florists, accessories to entertainment and everything in between, The BMAG Wedding Fair ties together all the little touches to get you set to tie the knot. Exhibitors include Birmingham's best tailors Clements and Church, beautiful bouquets by Bloom Collective, and so much more. Capturing your day in perfect detail and catching memories to look back on forever, your wedding photographer is an important factor for your big day. Chat to the people behind the lens with photographers including Wedding By Manos.

The stunning venue will be dressed by some of the region’s best, including Trees by Design, House of Herlihy and Posh Walls, who will all be showcasing everything from blossom trees to flower walls and even a floral swing!

The BMAG Wedding Fair is taking place on Sunday May 19 and tickets are free.

Coventry is ranked as the best UK city for mobile network performance, whilst London and Birmingham lag behind many of the UK’s towns and cities, reinforcing the need for 5G implementation. New data from performance bench-marking firm RootMetrics, has ranked the 16 most populous cities based on: overall performance, network reliability, speed, mobile internet and call and text testing.

Key highlights from the latest data report show:

• For the first time Coventry is the top performing UK city for mobile performance even though it has one of the smallest populations out of the 16 cities tested
• Worryingly London and Birmingham remain amongst the UK’s worst cities for mobile network performance, ranking fifteenth overall out of the sixteen cities tested
• Leicester logged impressive scores in testing, securing its position as the second-best city for mobile performance

The RootMetrics Best Cities report uses the very latest smartphones to mimic activities consumers use their mobiles for, both day and night, across the big four operators (EE, O2, Three, Vodafone) to measure performance.

Kevin Hasley, RootMetrics Head of Product, said: “In an ever-growing connected world, the demand for fast and reliable mobile experiences is both business critical and vital for consumers. What our latest set of data reveals is that in some of the largest cities in the UK, network operators have to work harder than ever to meet the increasing demands of consumers.

The introduction of 5G technology will offer opportunities for the UK’s major cities to liberate themselves from underachieving network performance. Highly populated cities will be the first to deploy the small cell infrastructure required to deliver 5G coverage. As a result, the operators should be able to deliver the strong performance that users expect in major economic areas.

Reliability is important for consumer satisfaction. Coventry, Manchester and Leicester all performed well and consumers and businesses should reap the benefits in those cities.”

Birmingham Airport has awarded Volvo Bus UK the contract to supply the airport with six 7900e single deck electric buses. Launching in November 2019, the ultra-low emission buses will operate as the free passenger transport service via all airport car park routes.

The decision to introduce electric buses came as a result of a review undertaken by the airport into its future vehicle provision. The Volvo 7900e will provide an 80% lower energy consumption than an equivalent sized diesel bus.

Two high level charging points will be installed outside of the terminal. Additional plug-in charging points will be located in the coach park – and in the future, these will be made available for other electric bus and or coach operators to use.

Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport said: “This partnership is a key milestone for us. We are always investigating new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon emissions and through the partnership with Volvo Bus UK, we will do just this.

“We have made significant customer service improvements across the airport to increase capacity and improve passenger experience, with the vision of positioning Birmingham as one of Europe’s leading regional airports. The electric buses form part of this vision, not to mention their sustainability benefits being ultra-low emission.

“Since 2012 the Airport has reduced its CO₂ per passenger by 20%. Implementing the six electric buses will work towards lowering this even further which is just fantastic.”

Nick Page, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “It is very exciting that the 7900e has been chosen for Birmingham Airport in support of its ambition to provide the best possible environmentally friendly bus service for airport customers and stakeholders alike.

“Over the last 15 months the 7900e has undertaken a UK wide demonstration tour where it has shown the contribution that can now be made to improving air quality in the areas where it has been in service.  We are confident the 7900e and accompanying technologies will help Birmingham Airport to achieve its goals.”

Members of the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group gathered for Friday Prayers today, at Birmingham Central Mosque, to express their dismay and abhorrence at the terrorist attack earlier today on the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Leaders from all six of Birmingham’s largest faith communities expressed their sorrow at the loss of life, and their sympathy with the families, loved ones and communities affected; and their solidarity with the nation of New Zealand as the aftermath of these atrocities is faced.

The leaders shared the sense of outrage felt right across Birmingham’s communities today, at this attack on faith. They declared their intention to stand in solidarity, especially with those in our city who now feel violated and vulnerable as a consequence of murderous acts on the other side of the world.

The Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group endorsed the statement issued this morning by Birmingham Central Mosque, which was read out to worshippers during Friday Prayers, especially in it reaffirmation that “there is no justification whatsoever for such acts of horrific violence and brutality, which is completely against the good of humanity. Those responsible must be brought to justice to protect good, in our constant fight to eradicate evil within humanity.”

Finally, the Birmingham Faith Leaders gathered on the Mosque steps and, led by Rabbi Yossi Jacobs, Chief Minister at Singers Hill Synagogue, to share in a joint prayer for guidance, protection and justice, concluding, “O Lord, keep us and preserve us in life and in security to rejoice in Your world and let us say Amen!”

Today, people, across the UK will be getting together to do things big and small, that will add up to something massive - whether it be dressing up with friends, having an office bake sale or even climbing a mountain there’s still time to do something for Red Nose Day.

With ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman battling injury and exhaustion to complete their 24-hour danceathon, this, the biennial highlight of Comic Relief continues to "bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people, which we believe requires investing in work that addresses people's immediate needs as well as tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice,"

Taking place live from BBC Elstree Studios, the creation of Sir Lennie Henry and Richard Curtis, and supported by the BBC, BT, Sainsbury's supermarket chain and British Airways, 33 years on since its inception the belly-aching day of frivolity and fundraising promises to be nothing but shear anarchic fun.

Having already raised some £1,047,083,706, since 1986, and selling 50 different red noses over 17 Red Nose Days, today’s activities promises to raise millions more for interests both at home and abroad.

There are 11 different noses available to buy this year - including ‘rare’ and ‘ultra-rare’ noses.

14th March 2019 - Rounders England has today launched Roundersfest, a series of standalone open competitions for local teams that play in local leagues or for new teams formed by groups of friends.

The events are aimed at broadening social circles and creating a fun way to keep active, while fostering team spirit and creating a sense of competition amongst teams.

Dan Newton at Rounders England said: “The programme that we have developed is one which has two strands around team spirit and winning and the social and fun aspects of Rounders to complement the cross-generational, cross-gender game that embraces all abilities. You don’t have to be the fittest, the youngest or the most athletic. You just have to go out and play.”

“The competitive nature of Rounders and the people with a real passion for the game are the ingredient in its success. Rounders provides opportunities for people to take it seriously, compete to win and instil team spirit.”

A sculpture dedicated to victims of knife crime has been temporarily installed at Coventry Cathedral.

Originally unveiled in 2017, the 27ft ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture is made from 100,000 blades handed into police across the country. It was and was displayed in Liverpool and Hull before arriving in Coventry.

Artist Alfie Bradley, who created the sculpture at the British Ironworks Centre, said it was a "monument against violence and aggression".

The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said the Knife Angel was "a stark reminder of a form of violent crime infecting our city and threatening lives with great danger, especially our young people".

Messages from families of the victims of knife crime have been engraved on the sculpture's wings.

Mr Bradley, who created it at the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire, said it was "a memorial to those whose lives have been affected by knife crime".

The sculpture will be displayed in Coventry until 23 April.

The number of crimes related to knives and other offensive weapons dealt with by the courts reached its highest level for nine years last year, figures released on Thursday show.

The Ministry of Justice said 21,484 offences were dealt with in England and Wales in 2018 - the highest number since 2009 (25,103).

A Sandwell councillor is urging military and uniformed services groups to get in contact so they can be told about local support and advice for their members.

Councillor Steve Melia, chair of the Sandwell Armed Forces and Veterans Parades' Committee, wants to contact all the military and uniformed services ex-personnel organisations in the borough to contact him.

“I want to create a full list of all these organisations so that we can be in touch with them on a number of important things,” he said.

“We would really like to get their input on planning parades and events through the year,” he added.

“I also want to ensure that the groups know about the support, advice and information about services, welfare and grants for the armed forces and uniformed services communities,” he said.

Councillor Melia said he hope that all groups would contact him with their details because the council, as part of our Armed Forces Covenant, wanted to ensure that they get all the information possible.

He can be contacted at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury, or at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read to the end of the article to see the special Phoenix ticket offer for the show!

Recent reports from Plotfinder, the UK's land and renovation finding service, reveal a 31 per cent year on year increase in the number of people looking for a plot in the Midlands. At this year’s National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 28-31 March 2019, people interested in finding, assessing and buying the right plot for their project will be assisted for the first time by masterclasses from the Land Hub, a new self-build stage in association with Plotfinder and Potton’s Self Build Academy.

The show, sponsored by Hormann, a leading retailer of garage doors, and Spectrum, Europe’s market leader in premium glazing, will also welcome for the first time Sian Astley, lady builder and TV presenter for BBC2’s ‘Your Home Made Perfect.’ She will tackle topics ranging from fresh design ideas, cost-effective styling, and mixing traditional style with a contemporary edge, to underfloor heating and insulation, based on her vast knowledge garnered over 22 years.

Providing a wealth of industry knowledge from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses, the event is a premium showcase of cutting-edge products and services by specialist companies from a wide variety of industries including kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; extensions and conversions; eco and heating; architecture; design; financial services; planning permissions and many more. People can also interact with real case studies to find out the most common obstacles they might face during their self-build and renovation process.

The Advice Centre, a drop-in clinic for personalised, impartial guidance, is open to people who are keen to run ideas past industry leading specialists with years of experience in their fields. This section will see the return of the Ask the Builder area, where members of the Federation of Master Builders will offer tips to visitors on hiring accredited, highly skilled construction workers.

Visitors interested in finding out more about the design, planning and construction process are encouraged to visit the Ask the Architect area, where chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will provide tailored advice via one-on-one sessions.

For personalised tips on all aspects of self-build and renovation, the Ask the Expert zone will offer 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with the UK’s leading property experts. Visitors will be able to discuss their ideas, plans or problems with property experts Michael Holmes and Jason Orme; interior designer and architect Mariana Pedroso; construction expert Peter Richardson and Mike Cruickshank; finance expert Tom McSherry; building experts David Hilton and Bob Branscombe; eco expert Tim Pullen; builder Andy Stevens; home renovator Jo Dyson and planning expert Sally Tagg.

To assist visitors in the pre-construction phase, Oakwrights Design Consultation and The Potton Lounge will be offering bespoke consultations with members of their skilled design teams across the four days. Attendees who are interested in these sessions can pre-book their entry in advance via the event’s website.

All attendees can navigate their way on site with the help of the show app, available on iPhone and Android. They will be able to schedule and receive alerts for key seminars and masterclasses, browse through the list of professionals available at the Advice Centre, and access the latest offers and information.

By visiting http://homebuildingshow.co.uk/phoenix our readers can sign up for a pair of tickets for any ONE day of the show, for absolutely free!

So get signed up and get down to the NEC for this years event!

Birmingham City Council’s plan for a Clean Air Zone to help tackle the problem of air pollution in the city has received Government approval.

The council submitted its full business case in February after being required by the Government to achieve compliant air quality limits in the shortest possible time.

Dr Therese Coffey, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, has now written to the council to confirm that its plans for a Class D charging Clean Air Zone and a package of additional measures have now been approved.

The Government has also allocated £14.2 million from its Implementation Fund for the delivery of signs, cameras and other infrastructure, and £38 million from the Clean Air Fund to support a package of mitigation measures to support businesses and individuals likely to be impacted by the introduction of a Clean Air Zone.

The council is also offering a range of exemptions to allow eligible businesses and individuals more time to make the switch to compliant vehicles.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “We clearly have a major public health crisis in our city, with people being exposed to illegal and unsafe levels of air pollution. The introduction of a Clean Air Zone is the start of our fight back.

“I welcome this announcement from the Government, which gives approval to the plans we have put forward to bring air pollution levels down to legal limits.

“We feel that we will have sufficient resources to get the balance right between introducing a very much needed Clean Air Zone and supporting the communities and businesses potentially affected by these measures.

“I’m pleased that we will have nearly £15 million to support the taxi community, both Hackney carriage and private hire drivers, to upgrade to cleaner and greener vehicles, enabling them to continue providing their valuable service to the city.

“I’m also pleased to have worked with the council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, and particularly its chair, Councillor Barbara Dring, to secure this package of measures.

“In light of the reduced funding for a scrappage scheme, we will continue to work with other council leaders and combined authorities across the country to lobby the Government for a national diesel scrappage scheme.”

Additional information

The £38 million of support from the Clean Air Fund will cover the following schemes:

• £10.84 million to provide mobility support for individuals working with the Clean Air Zone (of which at least 50 per cent must be used for a scrappage scheme);
• £5 million for a Hackney carriage support package;
• £2.75 million for a council-run Hackney carriage leasing scheme;
• £7 million for a private hire vehicle upgrade package;
• £10.05 million for an HGV and coach compliance fund;
• £0.35 million for supporting engagement and awareness activity, and
• £1.97 million to support the administrations of the above schemes and mitigations.

• Commercial vehicles registered within the Clean Air Zone (LGV/HGV/coaches – maximum 2 vehicles per company) – 1 year
• Commercial vehicles registered within the Birmingham area travelling to the Clean Air Zone with an existing finance agreement  beyond 2020 (LGV/HGV/coaches – maximum 2 vehicles per company) – 1 year
• Residents living within the Clean Air Zone, who have their private vehicles registered  to their address - 2 years
• Individuals travelling into the Clean Air Zone for work – 1 year
• Visitors to key hospitals, GP offices and care homes within the Clean Air Zone – duration of stay, with exemption running for 1 year
• Vans and minibuses registered as providing essential community and school transport services that are classified as section 19 operators, registered for operation in Birmingham – all years
• Vehicles registered with disabled tax class – exempted for the duration of the CAZ

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Libben Health and Safety will be giving away a FREE bottle of Baileys Irish Cream to a lucky delegate who attends their First Aid at Work course between 23rd – 25th April in Walsall.

All delegates who attend the course will have their names entered into a draw, where one lucky winner will be picked out of a hat to receive the free bottle of Irish Cream.

The Level 3 course, which will take place at Libben’s Head Office in Walsall, is aimed at those who are looking to become designated First Aiders in their work place.

The qualification complies with the guidelines and criteria set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in accordance with the 1981 (First Aid) Regulations.

Delegates are expected to complete the First Aid at Work course within 10 weeks, with each sessions lasting a minimum of 2 hours.

Kevin Edwards, Managing Director of Libben Health and Safety said: “Every year, we celebrate occasions such as St Patrick’s Day by hosting giveaways. This year, we’re treating delegates to our upcoming First Aid course to a chance to win a Baileys Irish Cream – a fitting prize on a day that honours the patron saint of Ireland.

First Aid at Work is essential in all industries, as a range of incidents can occur from accidents caused by sharp objects and obstructions to sudden illnesses employees may experience whilst working. We’re encouraging as many employees as possible to take on a very rewarding role, which will see them save lives.”

To be in with a chance to win a Baileys Irish Cream, please contact Libben’s Head Office on 01922 474 999 and secure your place on our First Aid at Work course.

Joe Toles, a 60-year old single father from New York City, has spent the past 10 years raising six sons he has adopted. Without any regrets about it, he is now about to make their family bigger with his seventh adopted son, a 20-year old named Jhon who is from the Dominican Republic and has learning difficulties.

“There’s never going to be the perfect time to start or expand your family,” Toles, a former guidance counselor, told the said. “But this feels like the right thing to do.”

Growing up in foster care ever since he was born, Toles himself experienced the struggle of not having a home of his own during his childhood. It’s what inspired him to adopt those most in need — teenagers and young adults — instead of babies that are what most people would likely adopt.

“Adopting an older child gives hope to somebody who probably doesn’t have much hope at that moment,” he said. “No matter how old they are, they need a home base and to be part of something.”

Although in most cases, foster kids who weren’t adopted become homeless, poor, or drop out of school, Toles said he was guided to the proper path by his high school track coach. Aside from having finished high school, he was also able to enter Alabama’s Auburn University on a full athletic scholarship.

“The coach said, ‘I treat you the way you deserve to be treated,’ and that’s the way I raise my sons,” Toles said.

Toles had his first adoption in 2009 with the help of the nonprofit You Gotta Believe, which finds permanent homes for hard-to-place teens and young adults. His first adopted son, Xavier, was then 17 years old. In 2010, he took in Johnathan, now 24 years old, followed by Ronny, 21, in 2012 and Creemel, 25, in 2014. They were followed by Kamren, 14, in 2017 and Cinsere, 13, in 2018. Toles is now about to also become a legal father to Jhon.

Toles admitted that he went through a number of challenging issues regarding puberty and behavior, especially that two of his sons aside from Jhon have special needs. But he was able to surpass it as a great father.

“It takes work, but I make the effort in nurturing the relationships,” Toles said. “Until I took the plunge, I would never have understood the real difference it’s made to all our lives. Love happens and it changes everything.”

Moreover, Toles goes beyond providing security and stability to his adopted sons. He also established a foundation in 2005 called The Joseph Toles Foundation. Through that, he helps foster kids get sponsorship to summer camps and other activities.

Anti-knife crime campaigner Alison Cope and criminologist Craig Pinkney will share their views on policing and knife crime at a Birmingham City University event next week.

Marking the 20^th anniversary of The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, the free event on Wednesday 20 March aims to raise awareness of Stephen Lawrence’s death and the calls that followed for an overhaul of police procedures and attitudes towards race.

A panel discussion will take place following a screening of an episode from the ‘Stephen: The Murder that Changed the Nation’ BBC documentary series.