Community News

From mowing the lawn to cleaning the toilet, when it comes to moving in together, making compromises with your partner is inevitable. They say that you don’t truly know your other half until you live together, but what are the pet peeves that are really infuriating couples across the nation?

A recent study1 by bed and sleep specialist, Time 4 Sleep, reveals the things that annoy Brits the most about living with their partner.

The researched discovered that, when it comes to annoying bedroom habits, snoring tops the list, with over 28 million people (44%) in the UK admitting that their other half’s noisy sleeping habit irritates them.

Other bedroom habits testing the nation’s relationships include; hogging the bed sheets (23%), leaving the bed unmade (16%), eating in bed (15%) and having different sleeping patterns (15%). Recent research by Furniture Choice2 also revealed other bed sharing habits that are annoying the nation, includes; fidgeting too much (30%), taking up too much space in bed (23%) and stealing or encroaching on their pillow (15%).

It’s not only our bedroom habits that are winding up our other halves either. If you’re looking to dodge an argument, it might be worth avoiding the following top five biggest relationship pet peeves:

• Leaving dirty laundry on the floor (29%)
• Not doing their share of the chores (28%)
• Not doing the washing up (27%)
• Leaving dirty plates and glasses around the house (26%)
• Not being romantic enough (22%)

Other relationship compromises include agreeing to cook and clean more (27%), having to change our eating habits to suit our partner (19%) and spending more money (17%).

Robyn Haldane, 25 year old Business Development Executive from Leeds, reveals her biggest pet peeves when living with her boyfriend. She says: “I love my boyfriend very much but sometimes it’s like living with a man child along with our actual 5 year old daughter! He just loves winding me up at every opportunity.

“Some of his more annoying habits include; taking every pair of shoes off in the living room and leaving them there as a collection, eating everything, if I make lunch for work the next day he will eat it, turning off the TV when I’m halfway through watching something, never emptying the bin and tripping me up all the time when we go shopping! He is good at doing the washing and hanging it out to dry though.”

Families in the West Midlands will get tips for healthier snacking when Public Health England’s (PHE) Change4Life roadshow comes to the Black Country next week. First stop will be Walsall Tesco Extra, Littleton Street on Monday 8 January. Next will be Dudley Tesco Extra at Town Gate Retail Park on Tuesday 9 January, followed by Tesco on New Street in West Bromwich on Wednesday 10 January. All roadshows will be open from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

In February the Change4Life roadshow will also visit Tesco Superstore at Keyway Retail Park in Willenhall (Thurs1 Feb). There will also be stops in Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Burton, Coventry and Birmingham (see Notes to Editors).

The Change4Life roadshow will visit 30 supermarkets and 14 shopping centres nationwide, encouraging parents to “Look for 100 calorie snacks, 2 a day max”. This is because half the sugar children consume, currently around 7 sugar cubes a day, comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks, leading to obesity and dental decay. Recent data show 24.2% of 4- to 5-year-olds (Reception Year) are overweight or obese in the West Midlands region, increasing to 37.1% in 10- to 11-year-olds (Year 6).

Dr Lola Abudu, PHE West Midlands Director of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Changing our children’s snacking habits can be a real challenge and we want to make it easier for families to find healthier options. By asking parents to Look for 100 calories snacks, two a day max, we’re helping them to give heathier snacks, while giving them less frequently.”

At the event, families will see live demonstrations of the new Change4Life ‘Food Scanner’ app; which works by scanning the barcode of products and helps bring food labels to life by highlighting the number of calories, as well as how much sugar, saturated fat and salt is in everyday food and drinks. Families will also be shown how to swap to healthier snack options using front of pack ‘traffic light’ labels.

On the day, parents can sign up to Change4Life for additional support and money-off vouchers to help them try healthier snack options, including malt loaf, lower sugar fromage frais, and drinks with no added sugar.

With selected supermarkets signposting parents to healthier snacks and special offers, including fruit and vegetables, Change4Life is making it easy and simple for the whole family to “Look for 100 calorie snacks, 2 a day max.”

Work will start next week on Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s improvements programme.

The Sensing Sculpture room will be closed from Wednesday, January 10 as first-floor redevelopment - funded by external grants - gets underway.

It will be transformed into an exhibition space that will welcome larger touring exhibitions and workshops, allow for items from collections to be on display, and improve the hire of the venue.

For example, the popular Lichfield Street gallery has been able to host part of the Natural History Museum’s World Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in recent years – and the new gallery space will now allow it to display the whole exhibition.

The new gallery space is expected to open in March.

A limited number of items from the Sensing Sculpture room will be on display elsewhere in the gallery throughout the works.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Thanks to successful bids for external grants we are able to carry out these major improvements, which will enhance the visitor experience and allow the gallery to be used to its full potential in the future.

“We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused to visitors during these works.

“The gallery is a historic building which has a place in many people’s hearts and we want to make these improvements to ensure it continues to be a much-loved asset for the people of Wolverhampton.”

The next phase of the improvements on the gallery will see the café moved to the ground floor, alongside a new kitchen area and education space.

It is anticipated this work will commence in spring.

The improvements programme is being funded by a £431,723 Arts Council England small capital grant in addition to £750,000 of borrowing from the council's capital budget - which will be paid back by income generated from the new café - and a £65,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport's Wolfson Gallery Improvement Fund.

The UK’s leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection is calling on cat owners in the West Midlands to nominate their remarkable moggies for 2018’s prestigious National Cat Awards.

Now in its tenth year, the awards celebrate the difference cats make to owners’ lives by highlighting heart-warming stories of devotion, companionship and courage.

Entries open on Tuesday 9 January and owners have until noon on Friday 9 March to nominate their cat for one of five categories:

• Hero Cat – Cats that save the day
• Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing
• Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats
• Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities
• Purina® Better Together – Celebrating the special bond that has transformed and enriched the lives of both a feline and human

Evie, who is now on the road to recovery, said: “I missed her every day I was in hospital and my family could tell she missed me. She’s my best friend and is always there when I need her. I was so happy to win our category but to win the overall title as well was really amazing, incredible.”

Chizzy Akudolu, from Holby City and Strictly 2017, said: “As a cat owner myself, and having attended last year’s awards, I’ve seen first-hand what a tremendous difference they can make to people’s lives. So get nominating as this is their time to shine.”

A panel of celebrity cat-lovers has the hard job of selecting the deserving category winners as well as honouring this year’s National Cat of the Year. Sponsored by PURINA® for the seventh year, winners will be presented with a trophy and prizes at a star studded ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 2 August 2018.

An extra 50 volunteers joined City of Wolverhampton Council’s volunteering scheme ‘Snow Wolves’ assisting council officers in clearing snow and ice from pavements during the severe winter weather last month.

Snow Wolves has around 220 dedicated volunteers who lend their community a helping hand during the winter period.

Now in its third year, the council is looking to drum-up more volunteers to join the pack, with the aim to hit the 1,000-mark by the end of the year.

Volunteers will receive a free snow shovel, two 3kg shaker tubs of rock salt and a high visibility vest to undertake the works.

In return, they are asked to make a commitment to use the equipment for the benefit of their community in the event of heavy snow and ice, complementing the council's winter service.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "By joining our team of Snow Wolves you will be a true hero for your community when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

"In the event of heavy snow and ice, the council's priority is to grit and clear the highway network to keep the roads safe and moving - ensuring the city doesn't grind to a halt.

"This vital work means that we can't always get out to treat all pavements and driveways as quickly as we would like to - that's where Snow Wolves come in.

“Our team of volunteers braved the snow and ice to clear pavements and doorsteps of elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents last month. They did an amazing job – we just need more people who know their local areas to pitch in and help their neighbours in need.

“If this sounds like you, I strongly encourage you to sign up and join our fantastic team.”

Many Snow Wolves have been praised by their neighbours for their hard work in assuring their streets, pathways and driveways are accessible and safe to use.

Volunteer Ahsan Saeed joined Snow Wolves last winter, he said: “It was great to be able to help my local community. The scheme allowed us to have the amenities to help local elderly people by defrosting and clearing walkways and pathways.

“The road was also rather hazardous with cars skidding a great deal, the shovel helped by allowing us to make a clear way for vehicles to get out of the street safely. Overall, Snow Wolves is a great initiative and effective to help those who need it most.”

Councillor Evans added: “I would like to thank our existing Snow Wolves for all their hard work and dedication especially during the recent heavy snowfall. You have all made a significant difference to your community and for that, you should be proud.”

Snow Wolves packs will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Applicants should be physically fit and aged over 18.

The hunt is on for the Midland’s Best Bridesmaid with stag and hen experts Red7 leading the search.

Did your Bridesmaid go above and beyond to make your big day the best it could be? Perhaps she created a perfect bridal survival kit or took charge of the wedding to ensure that bridezilla did not surface.

Whatever the reason, if your Bridesmaid brought the essence of #squadgoals, Red7 wants to know!

Red7 is the original and best specialist stag and hen travel agents and boasts over two decades of experience. To honour the hard work that bridesmaids put into weddings, Red7 is asking couples country-wide to nominate their Best Bridesmaid with heart-warming and remarkable tales of why they should be crowned the nation’s finest.

The crème de la crème will not only claim the glory of being the region’s Best Bridesmaid, she will also be treated to mini ‘BridesmaidMoon’ for two on a short European Cruise to Amsterdam and Bruges*.

Ian Lucas, Founder of Red7, commented: “We are excited to discover the Midland's Best Bridesmaid and see the entries that will no doubt be full of everything from hilarious stories to tear jerking memories.

“The spotlight is usually firmly on the bride and groom on the big day, and rightly so. We thought it would be fun to take a look behind the scenes to the ladies running around to ensure that all is perfect from start to finish. Nominate the best of the best from your #WedSquad and give her the recognition she deserves.”

Last year’s winner, Jessica Greener said: “I’ve been a bridesmaid six times so far! Winning this title is a real testament to the relationships I have with my best friends. I have loved being a part of each wedding, it’s so important that I can be there for my friends as they start out on their next adventure.”

When it came to organising a festival-themed hen party last year, Jessica was a self-proclaimed ‘bridesmaidzilla’, “I was a complete control freak, organising everything from the flower garlands to the cocktail recipes. I got a reputation amongst our friends as the hen do party-planner for everyone tying the knot. I must be doing something right – I’ve just been asked to be a bridesmaid for another wedding in the summer!”

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Services (JIS) Ian Boyne will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingstong on the 14th January 2018 at 10am.

Members of the public are invited to join in the celebration of the life of the veteran journalist and may view the body prior to the start of the service from 8:30 am to 10:00 am.

A condolence book will be opened, and the service will be streamed live on the JIS Facebook page as well as carried live on JNN.

His body will be interred at the Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine.

Visitors to Wolverhampton city centre will now see streets, public features and open spaces brought to life by new LED lighting throughout the year.

Phase one of the Lighting Up the City project got underway in August and is already helping create a brighter and more inviting environment that feels safe during both day and night.

The focus of the scheme is on a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.

It has so far seen the dressing of the Dudley Street and Cheapside trees with lights along with other locations, as well as a light curtain in Exchange Street.

The Queen Square fountain and steps, and St Peter’s Gardens have had new lights installed, while uplighters now showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue outside St Peter’s Church and Lock Street open space.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: “This project aims to showcase some of the many architecturally interesting features and buildings in the city, create a more interesting and attractive environment throughout the night and day, and create a greener and more inviting environment.

“The lighting up of selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment.

“In creating a more inviting and safer environment it is anticipated that footfall will increase within the city resulting in economic benefits for the area. In addition, the inclusion of a walking route within the city is anticipated to contribute towards healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity participation levels.

“The scheme is of course being carried out with the environment in mind by using LED lighting to reduce energy demand.”

Prior to phase one work to upgrade existing lighting schemes within the city, including the Cenotaph at St Peter’s Square, and the Ionic Order at Wednesfield, was completed.

Long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks - small green spaces in an urban setting.

A number of buildings and structures have also been identified across the city centre for enhanced lighting and will require agreement and support from a number of different partners.

The council has had discussions with partners such as the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, House of Fraser, and the Mander Centre, as the final proposal is developed.

The council is also looking to introduce lighting schemes as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project, and within forthcoming public realm improvement and connectivity projects that are being developed as part of the Connected Places Strategy delivery plan.

Efforts will also be made to introduce planning conditions that require developers to bring forward lighting schemes as part of any future city centre sites.

The council intends to lead by example by proposing a specific lighting scheme to enhance the main entrance of the city’s art gallery to showcase the many architectural aspects of the building.

British parents will spend an average of £4,886.28 on birthdays through primary school according to new research from Barclays. This is despite a third (33%) admitting that they buy more presents than their children need and 31% admitting they should spend their money in more intelligent ways.

In a survey of 1,000 British parents with children aged eight or below, it was revealed that the average parent will spend £164.65 on presents, £433.39 on parties and £100.06 on presents for other children every year. In addition to this high expense, parents also revealed they will spend as much as £223.05 on party bags. And with parents expected to have to fork out an average of £60,000 on the expenses children’s school years bring, from school uniforms, to trips, to extra-curricular activities, the strain on savings is only going to deepen in later life.

Looking at the regions in the UK most guilty of overspending on their children’s birthdays, London came out on top – the average Londoner set to spend £5,047.72 through primary school. This was followed closely by the North East and North West regions, with inhabitants set to spend an average of £4,313.72 and £3,532.01 respectively.

The research showed that parents feel immense financial strain due to the amount they spend on birthdays, with half (50%) admitting to having sacrificed other financial commitments such as saving and investing to afford extravagant birthday costs.

• The people of Scotland are most aware of their overspending, with almost half of people surveyed (42%) thinking that they buy their children more presents than they need
• Londoners are most guilty of dipping into their savings to pay for birthdays, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting to dipping into their rainy day fund
• The research found that the people living in the West Midlands are the most remorseful, with over a third (38%) believing  they could have used the money spent on presents in better ways
• Those living in East Anglia are most likely to sacrifice their own needs to throw their children the perfect party, with almost a quarter (23%) admitting this.
• Londoners admit that their children are the most spoilt due to the amount of presents they receive (27%)

Clare Francis, Savings and Investments Director at Barclays, said: “As a parent, it’s easy to understand why people spend so much money on their children on their birthdays, but the money you spend on this one day adds up and ultimately can end up having quite an impact on the savings you might have otherwise put aside for your child’s future, especially since many of us are juggling just to make ends meet each month already.

For anyone spending more than they think they should, it’s perhaps time to reassess the amount you’d typically spend on birthdays and take a longer term view. Although it seems worthwhile now, there are plenty of moments later in their lives when having that bit of extra money will help, whether it be funding items for school or a trip abroad. So make the decision to not get carried away and hold firm in not bowing down to peer pressure for their next birthday – it could make a big difference in the future.”

Naughty naughty

The research also revealed some of the misbehaviours of children at birthday parties, which included anecdotes about children blowing out candles on the birthday cake, eating the sweets they brought as gifts and stealing the birthday money.

Looking at the most common misbehaviours, a fifth (20%) of parents have said they have witnessed a bust up between children at their child’s party. One in five have endured a child’s guest having a tantrum and one in 10 have had a child turn up uninvited.

Parents ranked their home as the most stressful place to host a children’s birthday party, followed by a swimming pool and a restaurant – completing the top three.

Latest figures released by the National Custom & Self Build Association reveal that 33,000 people have already signed up to the Right to Build register since October 2017, which means that at least half of the demand for serviced plots will have to be authorised by October 2019. To support more people in their desire to build homes in the region and inspire remodelling projects, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is returning to the NEC, Birmingham from 22-25 March 2018. Over four packed days, visitors will benefit from more than 500 exhibitors and 16 free daily seminars and masterclasses in the extended venue.

The event is a best-in-class marketplace for all the latest products and services provided by specialist companies in industries ranging from kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; heating; energy efficiency; architecture; design; financial services; planning permission and much more. Aside from providing advice and guidance, real case studies will be at the show to discuss the dilemmas they faced during their self-build/renovation experience, helping visitors with similar problems.

On site, visitors will be able to book bespoke consultations with celebrity experts who present their favourite TV property programmes. Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’, will be on-hand to discuss homes of the future, new architectural ideas and eco living. Julia Kendell, interior design expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS The Build’ and ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’, will also be there to meet with visitors and talk about trendy interior adaptions and offer inspiration to anyone who wants to revamp their home.

The Advice Centre, a drop-in hub for one-on-one impartial guidance, is open to people who are interested in running ideas past property specialists with years of experience in their field. This show area will see the return of the Ask the Builder zone, where visitors will be given tips on locating approved construction workers from members of the Federation of Master Builders.

Visitors who are interested in free one-on-one appointments with chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will want to stop by the Ask the Architect area, which will cover a wide array of topics such as extensions, new builds, internal alterations and much more.

For objective tailored advice, the Ask the Expert zone will provide 15-minute consultations via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s leading property specialists. Visitors will be able to talk through their plans with Michael Holmes (director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Jason Orme (editorial director of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine; Mariana Pedroso (interior designer and architect); Hugo Tugman (chair and founder of Architect Your Home); Tim Pullen (eco-expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (building expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Allan Corfield (self-build expert of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine) and Sally Tagg (an expert on planning permission).

Wolverhampton will come together remember the victims of Nazi persecution, the Holocaust and other genocides around the world when the City marks Holocaust Memorial Day later this month.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu will lay a wreath during a service led by Inter-Faith Wolverhampton at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square on Friday 26 January, 2018.

Mayor Councillor Mattu said: "Holocaust Memorial Day represents an opportunity to remember the millions of people who were murdered or whose lives were changed beyond recognition as a result of the Holocaust, persecution or genocide.

"It is hugely important that we do not forget what happened during the Second World War and that we educate future generations about the Holocaust, because everyone has a responsibility to fight the evils of discrimination, racism and xenophobia."

The service in St Peter's Square starts at 11am and will be attended by representatives from various faith communities, Trade Unions and pensioners’ organisations, Civic leaders and members of the public.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January – the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkena – and is organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

This year's event will focus on the power of words. It will recognise that spoken and written words from individuals, corporations, community organisations or the state can have a huge impact, whether good or bad, and explore how language was used in the past and is being used today.

A £6.49 painting kit could follow in the footsteps of fidget spinners by becoming 2018’s first new toy craze.

Online marketplace OnBuy says it has seen demand for the simple painting package soar as a fad for pebble-hunting gathers pace up and down the nation.

The game, often driven by Facebook and Instagram, sees people painting pebbles and hiding them around their local area for others to find, photograph and share on social media before re-hiding them for someone else to find.

It started in America and is now sweeping Britain, with reports of coloured rocks being found everywhere from Devon, Dorset and Hampshire to Yorkshire, Norfolk and Scotland.

With the strangely addictive fidget spinner the fourth most searched term on Google in 2017 after Meghan Markle, the iPhone 8 and Hurricane Irma, the thirst for the next new trend has never been greater. Pebble painting kits could take up one of Google's top spots next year, says Cas Paton, Managing Director of OnBuy.

He said: “We think this creative craze looks set to continue and be the next big thing for 2018.

“It’s so much cheaper than some of the things we’ve seen catching the imagination in the past – anyone can go out and pick up pebbles from the beach, or even their own back gardens, and parents love it because it gets the kids away from their phones and tablets.

“It’s something that appeals to every generation, and the creative possibilities with the designs are endless.”

OnBuy’s rapidly-growing online marketplace is the perfect one-stop shop for all your favourite toys, with thousands of product lines from registered sellers.

Based in the UK, low fees for sellers mean savings for customers, making OnBuy the better value alternative to Amazon.

The voluntary organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, based in Birmingham, UK, has agreed to develop Sheetal Kund near the Rajgir Gurdwara in India into a tourist spot.

On the request of Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, GNNSJ took on the initiative. The foundation stone was intended to be laid by Nitish in December last year but the programme was deferred.

Chairman of GNNSJ Bhai Shahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh mentioned that the blueprint for the development of Sheetal Kund Gurdwara is already drawn up.

"The Jattha will bear whatever funds are required. Sheetal Kund gurdwara is the first project taken up by the Jattha after Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City," said Mohinder.

Sheetal Kund is associated with Guru Nanak, and is believed that Guru Nanak visited the Kund at Rajgir in Nalanda district with two disciples about 450 years ago.

"Mardana, a Muslim, suddenly felt thirsty. After taking permission from Sri Guru Nanak Dev, he went to a nearby kund (waterhole) which was hot. Unable to quench his thirst, he returned and requested the Guru to help him. After repeated requests, the Guru visited the waterfall. When Guru Nanak Dev's feet touched the water, it cooled down, earning its name Sheetal Kund," said Trilok Singh Nishad, chairman of Shree Sanatani Sikh Sabha.

Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro's immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020.

The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination.

“With such incredible demand, and high occupancy experienced throughout the year at the Resort, extending the Field of Light to 31 December 2020 will allow even more guests to enjoy this extraordinary experience,” said Voyages Executive General Manager Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Ray Stone.

“Since opening, more than 200,000 guests have been deeply moved by the Field of Light, it's hard not to be. This further extension offers guests the opportunity to enjoy not only the spiritual nature of the destination, but experience it in a unique and mesmerising way,” said Ray.

The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara, is Munro's largest work to date, with more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of nine football fields. It is also the artist's first work to be illuminated entirely through solar power. The spheres, connected via illuminated optical fibre, bloom as darkness falls. Pathways draw viewers into the artwork, which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars.

Tourism Australia MD, John O'Sullivan welcomed the decision to extend the exhibition until the end of December 2020. “Field of Light has been a remarkable success and there's clearly still significant demand amongst people both here in Australia and overseas to make the journey to Uluru to see what is unquestionably one of world's most spectacular and immersive exhibitions. People travel to experience difference and this is about as unique a way of connecting with one of our country's most spectacular natural wonders as you're ever likely to get,” he said.

The award-winning exhibition has received extensive media attention during its two seasons, significantly featuring in 2017's Qantas Safety Video with over 90 million views worldwide.

“I am greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork.  It's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this – flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru, is immensely powerful to people,” said Bruce.

Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning 'beautiful flavour' in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.