Community News

Apprentices from FTSE 100 Company Severn Trent have graduated from the company’s apprenticeship programme.

A total of 36 apprentices will now take on permanent roles within the company by joining teams that help look after the water and waste services for eight million customers across its region.

Mark Smith, Senior Learning and Development Advisor at Severn Trent, said: “This has been a fantastic and talented group of individuals who have accomplished so much during their apprenticeship. They’ve won Gold at the Industry World Skills competition, competed in the nationwide Brathay apprentice challenge, and also had one of their own named apprentice of the year.

“As well as all this and more, they’re also the first set of apprentices to complete the new industry standards apprenticeship course, with some receiving top marks and graduating with distinctions.”

Severn Trent is the first water company to start apprentices on new industry standards, apprenticeships that are specifically designed for front line operations and maintenance roles.

The graduating apprentices have spent up to three years learning and developing with the company, working in various placements across the region, and now are guaranteed a role in their speciality.

“Our apprentices have been an absolutely integral part of our business, and they’ll play a really important role for us in their new roles,” adds Mark. “The programme gives young people a chance to learn and develop while getting a hands-on experience in an industry that’s constantly evolving.”

Severn Trent has now doubled the number of options available to apprentices by offering eight different schemes, including new programmes such as finance, group commercial and project management, alongside the previous operational and engineering schemes.

“The scheme continues to be a great success and we’re looking forward to welcoming more apprentices in the future,” continues Mark. “I’m positive our apprentices will go on to do great things at Severn Trent, and work hard in making sure our customers always receive the best possible service.”

Had one too many over Christmas? People who have made it their New Year's resolution to cut down on the amount of alcohol they drink in 2019 – or even give up entirely – are being encouraged to take part in Dry January.

Alcohol Concern's annual campaign to abstain from booze throughout the first month of the year kicks off on Tuesday (1 January, 2019), and the charity is encouraging people to 'Sign Up, Save Money and Feel Great'.

It says that last year 88% of participants saved money, 71% reported that they had better sleep and 67% had more money. Just over half also lost weight.

Guidance on recommended limits of alcohol states that people should consume no more than 14 units a week – the equivalent of six pints of beer or seven standard glasses of wine. Pregnant women should not drink at all. If people do drink, they should do so moderately over three or more days and keep some days alcohol free.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Dry January is the perfect way to reset your relationship with alcohol. It only takes a few weeks to break a habit, so this could be your route to happier, healthier drinking in the long-term.

"The latest medical advice makes it clear that drinking any level of alcohol regularly carries a health risk for anyone, but if men and women limit their intake to no more than 14 units a week it reduces the risk of illness like cancer and liver disease. The guidance also says that pregnant women should avoid alcohol entirely as a precaution.

"Research has shown that temporary abstinence from alcohol can bring many benefits, including losing weight, having more energy and better sleep and saving serious money. The benefits of giving up alcohol entirely are even greater.

"I'd encourage anyone who thinks they may have had one too many over the Christmas holidays to take up the challenge and see if they can enjoy a Dry January, and a happier, healthier new year."

She added: “If Dry January seems too challenging, it is still worth keeping an eye on what you drink and thinking about how alcohol fits into your life. Many people drink alcohol socially as part of having a good night out, or as a way of relaxing after work.

"But do you know how much you are drinking and how this could be affecting your health? Keeping a simple record of the number and type of drinks you are having, and how you are feeling at the time, is a good way to keep a track on what, when and why you’re drinking.

"Remember that although alcohol can give you a temporary lift, regular, long-term use can affect your mood and get in the way of good relationships with family and friends. And as January can affect people’s general mood leaving them feeling a bit sad, drinking alcohol to feel better may actually make your feel worse."

Cambridge has been revealed as the most innovative city in the UK, according to new research by MPA Group.

The study, conducted by the innovation funding specialists, found that between January to November 2016, Cambridge had an impressive 315.7 patents published per 100,000 residents.

Such entrepreneurship builds on the city’s long history of invention, with Cambridge famed for being the birthplace of the reflecting telescope, IVF, hovercrafts and iris recognition.

Coventry, home to the science and practice of holography, the classic bicycle and London black cabs, saw 108.9 patents published per 100,000 residents.

Derby came in a close third with 98.6 patents. The city is responsible for the creation of video game character, Lara Croft. The Tomb Raider character was first designed in the 1990s at the Core Design Studios in Derby and the series of games have sold millions of copies across the world.

The top ten most innovative cities were found to be:

1.   Cambridge (315.7 patents per 100,000 residents)

2.   Coventry (108.9 patents per 100,000 residents)

3.   Derby (98 patents per 100,000 residents)

4.   Oxford (78 patents per 100,000 residents)

5.   Aberdeen (60 patents per 100,000 residents)

6. Slough (48 patents per 100,000 residents)

7. Aldershot (47.9 patents per 100,000 residents)

8. Bristol (38.2 patents per 100,000 residents)

9. Crawley (36.7 patents per 100,000 residents)

10. Gloucester (32.7 patents per 100,000 residents)

The research also looked into the public’s knowledge of homegrown inventions and asked which UK invention the nation is most proud of.

Over half (51%) of respondents selected penicillin, discovered in Oxford as the UK invention they are most proud of, followed by the MRI Scanner, created in Aberdeen (43%). Completing the top three is the telephone, attributed to British physicist Robert Hooke (42%).

Despite the UK being home to some of the world’s most famous inventions, it seems the public aren’t clued up when it comes to which inventions we can claim as our own.

Research found that Brits failed to recognise the guillotine (6%) born in Halifax, Slough’s Ford GT40 racing car (11%), and the defibrillator (13%) created in Northern Ireland.

The regions which were unable to identify any of the British inventions were found to be*:

1. South West England (20%)
2. West Midlands (17%)
3. London (16%)
4. Northern Ireland (15%)
5. South East England (15%)

Northern Ireland was the region that would feel the proudest (85%) if an important innovation was invented in their town/city. Surprisingly, only 27% of Northern Ireland residents knew that the defibrillator was invented in the UK.

Considering that the MRI scanner was invented in Aberdeen, it is perhaps surprising that only two in five of Scottish residents (41%) identified the MRI scanner as a UK invention.

Residents in Wales were the least clued up and didn't know if their town/city was famous for inventing anything (68%)

Mike Price, Director at MPA Group, said: “The UK truly is a hub of innovation and it is reassuring to see that we as a nation still haven’t lost our entrepreneurial spirit. It’s amazing to see the vast amount of patent applications that have come out of Cambridge alone. With nearly 14,000 patent applications filed in 2016, we are excited to see the next revolutionary invention to come out of our country.

“However, it’s not just inventors that are leading the way for innovation, there are thousands of companies across the country investing into research and development. It’s great that this has been recognised by the government as being a vital part of business growth in the UK, and that companies can be rewarded through HMRC schemes like Patent Box and R&D Tax Credits."

People looking to take a new direction and make 2019 a life-changing year are being encouraged to learn something new with the Outstanding-rated Adult Education Wolverhampton.

Dozens of courses are on offer starting next month with something to inspire everyone, and prospective learners can find out more at enrolment and information days taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 16 and 17 January, 2019.

They include courses which can help people improve their existing skills or learn something new, get back into work or prepare them for life at university.

Subjects on offer include English, Maths, Health and Social Care, Food Safety, Administration Skills, Access to Higher Education, British Sign Language, the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Computing for Beginners, First Aid, Childcare and Preparing to Work in Schools.

There are also a range of creative technical courses including sewing and textiles, jewellery making, floristry, painting and drawing, cake decorating and sugar craft.

Adult Education Wolverhampton is also offering its popular Life Skills course for adults with learning disabilities, and the Like Minds course for people with mental health needs.

Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The New Year is a great time for adults to start thinking about learning something new. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for long if you want to join a course as there are dozens beginning next month.

“Adult Education Wolverhampton provides a wide range of academic and vocational courses, as well as preparing people for the world of work or university. Through learning something new, you can also increase your confidence, health and wellbeing and general enjoyment of life."

Adult Education Wolverhampton is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, one of only a handful of adult education providers in the country which currently holds the top award.

The 2018 FE Choices national student satisfaction survey found that 97% of Adult Education Wolverhampton students would recommend the service to others.

Spending Christmas and New Year holidays on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro is such a thrilling moment now pulling thousands of travelers from Africa and other parts of the world to this part of Africa.

Many visitors try their luck to conquer the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, while others spend their holidays in villages on the Mountain slopes to enjoy and share the festival moods and joy with local communities living on the slopes.

Christmas and New Year traditions are mostly observed in Kilimanjaro Region where the mountain is located.

Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania is an iconic landmark of Africa: A towering, snow-capped mountain just south of the Equator. To many mountaineers and hikers, climbing this mountain is a lifetime adventure.

Having been named among other top 28 leading tourist destinations in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro cool weather had attracted construction of modern lodges on its foothills, ready to accommodate big numbers of visitors looking to spend their holidays on the mountainside.

Lying on the laps of the Mountain, the Kilimanjaro Region is now an upcoming and unique safari destination in Africa outside the wildlife parks and other protected areas, banking on the Region’s diversified cultural and natural heritage.

Located in Tanzania’s premier Northern Tourist Circuit, Kilimanjaro Region is now ranking among the best African safari destinations where visitors could enjoy rich African cultures blended with modern lifestyles of the local communities living on the slopes of the Mountain.

Christmas is a big holiday pulling thousands of families from Africa, North America, Europe and the rest of the world to converge on the Mountain slopes to share their joys with local communities.

Bearing the pride of the Mountain, Kilimanjaro Region stands among the places in Africa established with tourist hotels and lodges in its all places where local communities welcome foreign visitors from Africa and other parts of the world to enjoy Christmas together.

From the villages, tourists can take their chance to enjoy viewing the Mountain. Kibo peak, the highest point in Africa shines with snow which creates golden colours during morning and evening hours.

Set to promote the Kilimanjaro Region and Tanzania, annual tourism exhibition, the Annual Kilifair Tourism exhibition has been established, targeting to market Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro among the local, regional and other tourists.

Taking place in Moshi on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilifair is now the brand mark to attract tourists to visit the Region.

All parts of the Region are accessible by public buses and private vehicles through the all-weather roads, also by air.

Tourists traveling from different parts of the world can easily visit the villages via the Kilimanjaro International Airport, located close to the Mountain slopes, also through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Region is one among African localities with a long outstanding history blended with modern lifestyles enough to attract high-class tourists and other visitors looking to relax and mingle with local communities in real traditional African villages.

Walking safaris through the villages, rich with lush banana and coffee trees could be an exciting safari experience outside the wildlife parks; the popular tourist attractions in East Africa.

Work is progressing well on 50 new council homes which are being built in Wednesbury.

Sandwell Council is working with Seddon Construction Ltd to develop the site in Carisbrooke Road, Friar Park.

The £7.5 million development is made up of four two-bedroom apartments, 28 two-bedroom houses, 15 three-bedroom houses and three four-bedroom houses.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing, visiting the site, said: “I’m extremely impressed with the progress that’s being made since worked started in the spring.

“This is another example of the council working with a partner like Seddon Construction to increase the quality and choice of housing in Sandwell.

“Schemes such as this are part of the council’s wider affordable housing development programme to increase the number of council-owned homes available.

“By the end of March next year, we will have built 125 much-needed new council homes during 2018/19 with another 274 in the pipeline during the next two years - 2019-2021."

Rob Moore, business unit director - housing partnerships at Seddon, said: "We're delighted to be working with Sandwell Council on this very important project for local, quality housing.

"The project is progressing very well and our close working with the Sandwell Council project team is demonstrating our joint commitment to delivering real investment for local people."

Funding for the project has come from the council’s Housing Revenue Account Investment Programme, which is made up  from council rents, and Homes England.

The site was previously occupied by a high-rise block, Carisbrooke House and two maisonette blocks which were demolished by the council some years ago.

The first phase of four homes will be handed over to the council early next year. The entire development is scheduled to be completed by June 2019.

The Government are being urged to provide businesses with greater reassurances over their ability to recruit migrant workers after plans for a new post-Brexit immigration system were unveiled.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced proposals which include the removal of a cap for medium and high-skilled workers on the number of work visas issued, widening of the skills threshold to include people with qualifications equivalent of A levels and ending requirements for resident labour market tests by employers who wish to sponsor a worker.

The Home Office say the new immigration and borders system, which will signal the end of free movement, is to be implemented in a phased approach from 2021.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said that while the white paper offers some positives - such as the increased flexibility on the skill levels of workers – it doesn’t go far enough in reassuring businesses.

Chief executive Paul Faulkner (pictured) said: “Across Greater Birmingham, and in all sectors, many businesses rely on EEA workers to fill vacancies they cannot recruit for within the UK.

“The immigration proposals released today reflect some consideration of business needs, but may not go far enough in reassuring these businesses.

“Increased flexibility on the skill levels of workers is a positive offer from the government, however the wider application of immigration charges to both employers and applicants will certainly be seen as yet a further burden on businesses.

“The consultation on the white paper in the New Year will be absolutely key in ensuring that post-Brexit immigration works for businesses, the UK economy, and applicants.

“The government must ensure that the proposed temporary worker scheme is a practicable facilitation for companies recruiting seasonal workers from the EEA, and we will be calling for the arbitrary salary threshold to be reduced, so as to reflect real-world conditions across the whole of the country.

“In the midst of any discussion on what Brexit will mean for the UK and for businesses, post-Brexit immigration is a dominating theme. It is crucial for the future of the UK, its communities and its economy that the immigration system adequately addresses the needs of businesses, and the Chambers invite the Home Office to visit Greater Birmingham and consult with interested members.

“I would also invite any businesses concerned about the impact of Brexit on their organisation to complete the GBCC’s quick, easy and free Business Brexit Health Check.

“This will offer the key information they need and a personalised report with suggested steps for preparing for Brexit related risks or taking up opportunities.”

West Bromwich Albion players Ahmed Hegazi and Bakary Sako took time out of their busy training schedule to officially open Moorlands Little Learners pre-school in West Bromwich.

The footballers cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the newly built nursery, within the school grounds on Winchester Road, that was saved from closure during 2017.

The nursery was temporarily moved to a nearby church hall after their building in school grounds was deemed unsuitable.

Sandwell Council was able to step in to prevent closure by funding the new £300,000 building as a permanent base for Moorlands Little Learners.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services, attended the opening. He said: “I know how concerned parents were at the possible closure of this nursery and I’m glad we were able to find the money to help fund Moorlands Little Learners.

“It was lovely to see the new building and meet staff and parents and as a life-long Baggies fan, I was thrilled to meet Hegazi and Sako at the opening.”

Kate Roberts headteacher at Moorlands Primary school said: “We are so pleased with our new building and hope it will be put to full use in the coming months.

“If we get enough take-up of places, we hope to be able to offer the government’s scheme of 30 hours of free childcare for families in the community.

“We were all thrilled to meet the players from West Bromwich Albion and thank them for coming to open our new building.”

Poorly patients at Sandwell Hospital were left delighted when West Bromwich Albion stars visited their bedsides to spread festive cheer.

Head Coach Darren Moore, along with Harvey Barnes, Kyle Bartley, Sam Johnstone and Matt Phillips met youngsters in the Children’s Ward and visited patients on the stroke rehabilitation ward where they signed autographs, posed for photographs and handed them gifts.

The event was organised in partnership with Your Trust Charity, which is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, and serves to enhance the experience of patients, their families and staff.

Seven-month-old son Harry Hodgetts was being treated on the ward and received an electronic activity centre from goalie Sam Johnstone. His mum Sarah said: “It’s such a nice gesture and a lovely thing for the players to do. Harry loves his present.”

Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager, said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Albion players to our hospital, especially at Christmas.

“This year the players met not only some of our younger patients that we are currently treating but also some of those on our stroke rehabilitation ward.”

Abbie Hanlon, Play Specialist, added: “It’s been really heart-warming to see how happy it makes our patients and it’s very kind that the footballers take time out of their busy schedule to bring in gifts and chat to them.”

Darren added: “Some of these patients are avid Albion fans so it's good to get up close and personal with them.

"They cheer us on from the sidelines so it's up to us to help and encourage them through difficult times.

"We want to lend our support and give them a boost to get better. It helps breed positivity.

"It's important to come into the community - it's something I really believe in.

"To hear their stories is inspiring to us all."

And goalkeeper Johnstone echoed the words of the Baggies boss following the visit.

"We came here to visit people who are going through a hard time, probably going to be in hospital over Christmas, kids and adults," said the Albion stopper.

"It's meant to be a period for celebrations and spending time with family.

"Hopefully we've put some smiles on people's faces."

Wishing every one of our advertisers, readers, supporters and friends an amazing Christmas and Happy Holidays.

A group that works to improve the team building and social skills of Tipton children has received a special Sandwell Council grant.

The Little Nippers group provides children aged 5-11 from the Princes End area with workshops on sports, cosmetic making, cookery classes, robotics, seasonal crafts and movie sessions.

Children also got to enjoy a trip to Dudley Zoo’s Winter Wonderland event where they met Santa Claus and received a present.

The Thursday sessions started in November at St Mark's Church Hall and will run to mid-March.

Group chair James Marsh said: “I would like to thank Sandwell Council and local councillors who have supported us with funding to enable children to visit Santa and provide sports equipment and craft materials that will be used by children and make a difference to their lives.”

Councillor Ann Jarvis, town chair for Tipton, said: “This is a wonderful idea and the programme will give children a safe and warm environment where they can enjoy activities.

“The cosmetics and robotics workshops will help develop new interests and skills, which hopefully will lead to children spending less time on games consoles and mobile phones.

“And the cookery classes will teach children how to cook meals from fresh and unprepared ingredients, which are healthier to eat due to less salt and sugar being present compared to pre-made food and ready meals.”

It is hoped the activities will encourage children to use their imagination and develop new skills and hobbies. Children taking part in the skills workshops will also receive an information booklet, which they can take home with them, so they can continue with the activities at home.

A town grant of £691 is supporting these various activities.

Staff from a Black Country law firm have run, walked, climbed, baked, cycled and ‘dressed up and dressed down’ to raise £50,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).

All 200 employees across Talbots Law’s six offices in the Black Country and Worcestershire have taken part in the company-wide effort, which has helped it smash its annual target by £20,000.

The money raised will go towards lifesaving equipment for the fleet of four KIDS/NTS ambulances, which act as mobile intensive care units contained within an ambulance and used to provide emergency specialist transport for critically ill babies and children.

Mary Mocklow, Chief Executive of Talbots Law, commented: “It was a unanimous decision to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and I’m so proud of the way our employees have got involved and contributed in their own individual way.

“We’ve had people cycling over 250 miles to Paris, staff climbing mountains, running for the first time and loads of bake-offs – all to raise much needed money to support the tremendous work of the nurses, doctors at specialists at BCH.”

She continued: “The initial target was £30,000, but I’m delighted to announce this week that we have delivered £50,000, which is a fantastic achievement. Better still, we’ve decided to do it all again next year in a bid to raise £100,000 by 2020.”

Talbots Law staff haven’t just been raising money, they have also been donating their own time to complete a range of volunteering opportunities.

These activities have included entertaining patients waiting for appointments and helping to create a Christmas feel by putting up festive decorations in the wards.

This week, employees will be heading back to Birmingham Children’s Hospital to give out gifts to children who are not well enough to be at home for the festive period.

Mary concluded: “Next year, members of the team are already planning to repeat their brilliant fundraising performance by completing a skydive, whilst Sarah Rooney, Trainee Solicitor will be running the London Marathon in April.”

Millions of households are being urged not to risk sinking their celebrations this Christmas by tipping turkey fat and other leftovers down the plughole.

A new study by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has revealed that 1 in 5 consumers in England and Wales still put leftover fat, oil and grease from cooking down the kitchen sink or drain – and that could be a recipe for disaster this Christmas¹.

People aged from 18 to 34 are the most likely to have put fatty substances down the plughole, which can clog up sewer pipes and increase the risk of homes being flooded with sewage. Greasy leftovers can also block a property’s drains, leaving the household having to fork out hundreds of pounds to clear up the mess.

That’s why the Water Watchdog is urging everyone to stop and think about what they put down the sink as they prepare their Christmas dinner.

CCWater is encouraging people to use an old container – like a jam jar or butter tub – to collect leftover fat, gravy and grease and allow it to cool before scraping it into the bin.

Steve Grebby, CCWater’s Wastewater Policy Manager, said: “It might be tempting to put greasy leftovers down the kitchen sink but it really isn’t worth the risk of ruining your Christmas.”

“It’s much safer to let fat or grease cool in a container before scraping it straight into the bin. It might cost you a little more time but it could save you a lot of heartache and money.”

The number of homes flooded with sewage fell by a third last year to 3,560 but the water industry still spends an estimated £100 million a year clearing blocked sewers - and it’s consumers that pick up the tab through their sewerage bills.

Megumi Mesaku a.k.a. Miss Megoo, the talented saxophonist who wowed the audiences at The Phoenix Newspaper 8th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards has released a wonderful album available through all regular channels including iTunes and Amazon.

The Phoenix Newspaper Editor in Chief had this to say about the album: "BOOM!! The Number 1 album on the Reggae iTunes. A Perfect gift for Christmas with an excellent compilation of tracks to wet your tastebuds. A Must have! 10/10!"

You can get the album at the links below, but we also have copies of the album to give away to our lucky readers! For your chance to win just answer this simple question.

Megumi performs on which instrument?

1) Flute

2) Trombone

3) Saxophone

For your chance to win just email your answer through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your postal address and a contact telephone number. Competition closes at Midnight on the 23rd December. There is no cash alternative.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/a-saxy-reggae-christmas/1444448042

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saxy-Reggae-Christmas-Megumi-Mesaku/dp/B07KT6VDQS

Thanks to weather conditions this year, the organisers of Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market have a supply of Christmas trees that are still in nearly-new condition.

As the market packs up for another year, the organisers want the trees to be re-used if at all possible, so they do not have to be recycled into wood chippings before the end of their useful life.

If you are still after a tree just before Christmas, you can pick one up free of charge – on offer on a first-come, first-served basis. The details of where to collect the trees from are as follows:

Date: Monday 24 December

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: Outside the Apple Store on New Street