Community News

Did you know Porthcawl is hosting a brand new fire and water festival this half term? The sizzling event will celebrate the spirit of the sea, jam-packed with flaming excitement. From world record attempts, to fire eating, dancing and juggling, here's what you won't want to miss.

Witness a world record attempt on water

Watch history unfold as 200 surfers attempt to break the world record for the most people surfing at once. Kicking off Porthcawl's Fire and Water event, this world record attempt is not to be missed. With the current record standing at 120, there's never been a better reason to come along and hop on a surf board!27th October, 9am, Sandy Bay. Time will be weather and surf permitting.

Enjoy an afternoon of beach themed adventure

Join SeaQuest and National Marine Aquarium for an afternoon of family fun on 27th. Toast up a marshmallow for an indulgent smore, learn to build your own beach shelter, discover fascinating marine artefacts washed ashore and take part in an epic beach clean blitz! If you've still got energy, why not get hands on and make a microbead mosaic?1pm-5pm, times may vary according to weather.

Everything from street theatre to wellie wanging

Enjoy an afternoon jam-packed with entertainment. Keep your eye on the beach for sand art bought to you by the Awen Cultural Trust, or test yourself with a flags competition hosted by Sker and Pink Bay SLSQ. If you'd like to try something new, get your boots on and try a wellie wanging competition later in the day!All taking place between 1pm and 5pm. These times are weather dependent and may be subject to change.

Witness Seaquest's epic Night Surf

See the action as surfers battle it out on the floodlit waves. 6pm-9pm

Feel the heat with a night of flames and Grand Finale

Porthcawl's Fire and Water event will continue with a night of flames. Expect an extravagant firework display and performances from world-travelled FlameOz, throughout the course of the evening. FlameOz will not only be dancing and juggling with fire - they'll even be eating it! 27th October, 8.30pm, Sandy Bay.

Immersive surf experience

Step on a virtual surfboard and try virtually riding the waves of Rest Bay without getting wet! If paddle boarding is more your thing, SUP through the harbour in the stunning autumn sunshine. This innovative immersion room experience will come to Trecco Bay for half term from 27th October.

Snap away with Porthcawl's brand new selfie-board!

To get you warmed up for the event, Porthcawl is launching a brand new selfie-board nearby. Take a selfie in front of a giant 10m x 2.4m selfie board at the Rest Bay Watersports Centre site, when it launches this weekend. Snap away in front of the brand new feature and use the hashtags #DiscoverPorthcawl and #DarganfodPorthcawl to share it with your friends.

Ms. Sangita Reddy, Vice President of FICCI and Joint Managing Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group, said in New Delhi, India, today that corporate India will stand up and recognize the meritocracy of the LGBTQ+ community within the overarching ambit of inclusiveness and equality.

Speaking at the first National Dialogue: “Queering the Pitch – Agents of Change,” organized by The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Ms. Reddy said: “Corporate India is ready. We stand for inclusiveness.” She, however, cautioned that this change movement should be handled with sensitivity and positively so that it is kept on the right direction.

Mythology Guru and Author, Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik, expounded on relevance of love and inclusiveness, stating that Indian culture and tradition enjoin equality amongst all sexes – male, female and transgender and more – in the face of socially constructed norms associated with their birth sex.

Mr. Pattanaik said, “Where there is fear, there is exclusion; when people don’t accept inclusiveness, they fail to experience the divine”, and added, “To realize God, you have to love.” He said that businesses are all about giving back to society and therefore one cannot separate industry from society and society from nature.

The dialogue followed the launch of the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Past President, FICCI.

Dr. Suri said that the time was ripe to accept, embrace and empower the LGBTQ+ community. The landscape for the community had changed with the reading down of Section 377 of the IPC by the Supreme Court, she said and added that KSF was a unique platform where relevant people can engage in a meaningful dialogue about the extremely marginalized LGBTQ community. “We need to break the stereotyped image of the community, accept them socially and mainstream them professionally and economically,” she emphasized.

KSF has become the official affiliate of ‘It Gets Better India’, a global platform to uplift, empower and connect the LGBTQ+ community through storytelling and community building. With over 60 million views online, this campaign has been one of the most successful social campaigns in modern history. The ‘It Gets Better India’ campaign has seen personalities such as Barack Obama, Stephen Colbert & organizations such as Google, Apple and various others participate in spreading positive messages that encourage queer youth to live their truth, with pride and dignity.

Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “The Foundation aims to equip our people with skills to enable them to lead meaningful lives. It is time to queer the pitch”. It builds on the success of the ‘It Gets Better campaign’ and will seek to provide employable skills to the community and sensitize organizations on more diverse and inclusive practices.

A memorial stone to a “fearless” First World War hero from Wolverhampton has been unveiled – exactly 100 years to the day that he performed a remarkable act of bravery on the battlefield.

Cpl Roland Elcock, of the Royal Scots Regiment, ran alone towards firing enemy machine-guns in Capelle-St. Catherine, France, in 1918.

He got to within 10 yards of the enemy guns, which had been causing heavy casualties, put them out of action, captured five prisoners and saved the British advance from being held up.

Later that day, near the River Lys, he again attacked an enemy machine-gun and captured the crew.

In recognition of his bravery, Elcock was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest award for gallantry – and the official citation described him as “absolutely fearless”.

All 469 British soldiers who were awarded a VC during the First World War are having a memorial stone laid in the town of their birth as part of the national centenary commemorations of the conflict.

Elcock, who was born in the Heath Town, Wolverhampton, in 1889, had his stone unveiled at the cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton City Centre, today at a ceremony attended by his grandchildren and civic and military dignitaries.

His granddaughter, Christine Kinsella, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “My grandfather must have been absolutely fearless, he was only 19 at the time. The family are all so very proud, there aren’t many people who can Google their grandfather and find what we have found.

“It has been a very proud and emotional day. He was a very shy and modest man and I think he would have been embarrassed by all the fuss that has been made over him, but he deserves it – this is his day.”

Grandson Dominic Owen, who lives in Northern Ireland, followed in his grandfather’s footsteps. He said: “On hearing my grandfather had the Victoria Cross, when I left school the only thing I wanted to do was follow in his footsteps and I joined the Royal Scots. He was a big inspiration and I’m so proud of him, I don’t think I was as brave as him though. I served a good few years, I saw active service in Northern Ireland and The Gulf and it was a wonderful career.”

Councillor Phil Page, Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, said: “Roland Elcock is a true war hero, his bravery on the battlefield 100 years ago was nothing short of astonishing.

“He was rightly awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry and this memorial stone will ensure his memory lives on.”

Councillor Linda Leach, chairwoman of the City of Wolverhampton Remembrance Committee, said: “In this centenary year of the end of the First World War, it is fitting that we have remembered Roland Elcock VC, a Wulfrunian who demonstrated such amazing gallantry on the field of battle.

“Elcock returned to Wolverhampton to a heroes’ welcome and newspaper stories from the time describe thousands of cheering citizens and a civic reception in his honour. Elcock sounds like a typically modest Wolverhampton chap, he did not boast about his actions and felt he had done no more than duty to king and country required.”

After the war, Elcock worked at Wolverhampton Corporation Electricity Department and later moved to India finding employment in the post and telegraph service. He was promoted to the Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs on the North-West Frontier.

During World War Two he achieved the rank of Major in the British Indian Army. He died of ill health at Dehra Dun, India, on 6th October 1944 where he is buried.

In August this year, a memorial stone was unveiled in honour of Wolverhampton’s only other First World War VC holder, George Onions, at Oxford Street in Bilston.

Tricks and treats at Birmingham Museums this October half term holiday are guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Here’s a full rundown of the spooky goings-on at all of the Birmingham Museums sites.

Halloween fun at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Come along to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for frights and delights for little ones from Saturday 27^th October – Sunday 4^th November.

There’s something different to enjoy every day, with activities, trails and wonderful collections, it’s a fun-packed week at the museum. You can make spooky masks, get hands on with creepy objects in the collection or get your photo taken in the portrait booth of fear.

On 31^st October visit the museum for Family Halloween Day. See the museum dressed ready for some spooky goings-on and join in with lots of great and ghoulish activities. Come along in your best Halloween costumes and enjoy the fun.

To kick off the half term week on Saturday 27^th October Michelin starred Chef Glynn Purnell will be at the museum to celebrate his new children’s book - The Adventures of Whoops the Wonder Dog. From 11am-1pm proud Brummie Glynn will be signing copies of his first children’s story book, inspired by his beloved Jack Russell Terrie Whoops who sadly passed away earlier this year. He will then be reading his story alongside illustrator Ashley King, who will be demonstrating his drawings from the book.

Plan your visit to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery at birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on.

Spooky Science Week at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

At Thinktank prepare for a week full of spooky fun, from Saturday 27^th October to 4^th November. Take part in the scary slime lab, learn how to build your own monster or try and find the witch’s house in an interactive storytelling session.

You can also get creative with one of the Halloween-themed crafts, along with enjoying four floors of fascinating hands-on displays on science and technology, including the science garden and Planetarium.

For something extra special the museum will be opening its doors after hours for a Spooky Science Night on Sat 27^th October, 6-9pm. During this magical evening children can get dressed as their favourite creepy creature and take part in eerie experiments. There’s also the chance to enjoy the science of fright show, dance the night away at the Silent Zombie Disco, and take part in lots more tricks and treats. Come in fancy dress to be entered into a fantastic prize draw on the night! For more details and tickets visit birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank/whats-on.

Halloween happenings at the Heritage Sites

Visit one of the Birmingham Museums Heritage Sites for hair-raising adventures throughout the half term holiday.

Take a ghostly tour of Aston Hall, one of Birmingham’s most haunted buildings, on Tuesday 30^th October and Thursday 1^st November. This daytime tour guided by a friendly member of the team means the whole family will have a frightfully good time!

On Wednesday 31^st October Aston Hall’oween will see the Hall transformed into a haunted mansion with a children’s pumpkin trail and a chance to see a witch trial.

Travel back to some of history’s most terrifying periods and find out about the great plaque at Blakesley Hall from Tuesday 30^th October to Friday 2^nd November. On Tuesday you can make ghoulish masks and try out some pumpkin racing and on Thursday there will be creepy crawly crafts.

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is giving visitors the chance to explore the abandoned Smith & Pepper factory with a spooky makeover on Wednesday 31^st October. Explore this atmospheric museum with the help of costumed guides and the haunted factory trail.

Do you dare to explore the spooky cellars at Soho House? From Wednesday 31^st October to Thursday 1^st November help hunt down all the bats which have escaped around this Georgian house with your flashlight and watch out for creepy goings-on that lurk the rooms.

Sarehole Mill has fun trails and crafts throughout the week and on Friday 2^nd November visit Weoley Castle to create terrifying gargoyle masks.w

Visitors will be able to discover the largest collection of Turner Paintings ever to visit Oxfordshire.

Works in the collection include 'Untitled, a view of Oxford from Headington Hill', various Lecture diagrams and many more of Turner's famous artworks.

Turner painted 'Blenheim, Oxfordshire' in 1833, the aspect depicting the 'Finest View in England' in his Picturesque Views in England and Wales series. Visitors will be able to see a print of this iconic image at Blenheim Palace.

The paintings will be exhibited in the opulent State Rooms and set amongst the priceless heritage of the Palace.

Items from this collection are kindly on loan from the Tate, Ashmoleon Museum and University of Oxford. This is an unmissable opportunity for visitors to see an extensive Turner collection set within the landscape that Turner has painted.

A master of history, landscape and marine painting, he challenged the style of the old masters, trailblazing in technique and subject matter.

Described as the 'father of modern art' by John Ruskin, Turner often shocked his contemporaries with his loose brushwork and vibrant colour palette while portraying the development of the modern world unlike any other artist at the time.

It is no wonder that Turner became the most celebrated painter in England and that over one hundred and fifty years later, we celebrate contemporary artists of the same innovating spirit through the aptly named Turner Prize.

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer has announced a spectacular new tour, ‘The World of Hans Zimmer’, set to tour the UK in March 2019, visiting Arena Birmingham on Thursday, March 21^st, 2019.

Under the direction of Gavin Greenaway, Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack conductor – whom, he says, he trusts more than he trusts himself – a large symphony orchestra will deliver an intense and unforgettable concert experience in arenas around the country, including London’s iconic Wembley Arena.

In contrast to the renowned “Hans Zimmer Live” tour, where the sound focuses on Zimmer’s band and the electronic sounds of the music, “The World of Hans Zimmer – A Symphonic Celebration” will present the composer’s works arranged for a live symphony orchestra for the very first time. Zimmer spent months working on transforming his soundtracks into opulent concert suites, curating a stunning, genre-defying stage show but leaving the actual live performance to Greenaway.

The Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner is undoubtedly one of the best-known and influential film score composers of our time. His powerful soundscapes have shaped contemporary cinema like those of no other composer. His soundtracks have endowed a nearly endless list of blockbuster productions with drama and emotional depth: The Lion King, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Da Vinci Code, The Dark Knight, Inception and Interstellar are just a few of the most famous films he has scored. In January 2018, Hans Zimmer received his 11th Oscar nomination for the breath-taking film score of Christopher Nolan’s box-office hit Dunkirk.

The concerts themselves will see Zimmer’s hugely influential soundtracks presented it in a less elite world, offering fans young and old the chance to experience the legendary composer’s work in an exciting new way, in what promises to be a spectacular.

Many homeowners take their electrics for granted. Faulty electrics can be one of the most dangerous, yet invisible, risks to the home which is why it is imperative to hire qualified, registered contractors who will be able to complete any work to a safe and high standard.

According to research by NICEIC, the UK’s leading name for registered electricians, as little as seven per cent of homeowners in the UK would think to check professional accreditation bodies before hiring a tradesperson. Instead, 30% would take their friends word as a justified recommendation.

Aligned to this, a worryingly 57% of homeowners would feel confident enough to have a go at tackling DIY jobs around the house without any prior experience, with 38% admitting they would even dabble in electrics.

Darren Staniforth, technical expert at NICEIC, said: “It’s shocking to see that so many homeowners will happily hire an electrician without checking for any professional accreditation. Unfortunately, this is something that we have seen a lot of in recent years, with many taking to social media to ask for help.

“While it’s all well and good asking friends for advice, homeowners need assurance that any tradesperson visiting their home is competent to carry out the work required and that their work has been checked and assessed by a recognised approval body. NICEIC-registered electricians provide the ultimate assurance and peace of mind.”

Top four reasons to hire a registered electrician:

1.    Cheapest is not always the best

Using an approved tradesperson provides additional assurances that the work will be carried out safely and to the appropriate regulations. You should always get at least three quotes for all work to contrast and compare – but remember, the cheapest is not always the best.

2.    Ensuring safety and competence

NICEIC registered electricians are assessed to the highest standards. They undergo a rigorous assessment process, as well as being re-assessed on a regular basis to ensure continued compliance.

3.    Compliance with building regulations

Part P of the building regulations requires certain electrical work carried out in the home to be notified to your local building control authority (England and Wales only).

If the homeowner cannot produce the right evidence to prove that the electrical work has been carried out in accordance with the building regulations, then your local building control may insist that the work is re-done at the homeowners cost.

In addition, not having the appropriate certification may cause problems when it comes to selling your home further down the line.

A straightforward way of meeting the requirements is to use an electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC. They can self-certify the work and notify the local building control department on your behalf.

4.    Platinum Promise

All NICEIC registered businesses are covered by the Platinum Promise – a guarantee that protects the homeowner against all non-compliant installation work. Should any work carried out by a NICEIC registered contractor be found to not comply with the Building Regulations, they can be instructed to return and complete the work to the required standard.

The National Pet Show has just announced a raft of fantastic new animal-mad features for next month’s show, together with more special guests and organisations added to the bill…

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday will be hosting a show-stopping parade of four-legged record breakers and their owners. They include Lynne Land and her poodle, Mojo (Most rotations by a dog on the hind legs in 30 seconds), Rachael Grylls and her skipping Jack Russell, Jessica (Most skips by a dog and person in one minute-single rope), plus Hagrid the giant shaggy Leonberger (Fastest time to catch 10 items by a dog)!

Also new on the 2018 VIP list is Doug the Pug Therapy Dog whose owner, Cate, will be speaking about his vital role in transforming people’s lives in hospitals, schools and care homes. Doug will feature in the ‘Hound Hangout’ alongside a cast of social media’s brightest doggy celebrities and Insta-pooches who can’t wait to meet their two-legged fans!

Other highlights include Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick who will inspire young visitors at his specially built ‘Noel’s Ark’. He will also be doing a book signing at the show, following the release of his brand new book Listening to the Animals: Becoming the Supervet. Wildlife fanatic and TV presenter Michaela Strachan will host SuperDogs Live (a jaw-dropping live extravaganza celebrating the nation’s love of dogs) and signing copies of her wonderful book Michaela Strachan's Really Wild Adventures.

Newly announced for the amazing Animal Rescue Barn are Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home and the Greyhound Trust who work tirelessly to find perfect, forever homes for our four-legged friends. These two inspiring charities will be rehoming as many animals as possible during two marathon weekend sessions. Bring it on!

Stuntdogs & Animals Ltd will also wow the crowds. This crack team are in demand internationally for their ‘animal whispering’ techniques on blockbuster films and TV shows such as Fantastic Beasts, Kingsman, Poldark, Beauty and the Beast, and Vanity Fair. Look out for them in massive upcoming releases Spider-Man and Aladdin! They, and their furry charges, will be demonstrating a series of awe inspiring activities and tricks at the show.

The National Pet Show is the purrfect opportunity for visitors to treat themselves and their pets with the ultimate pre-Christmas shopping experience. Amazing gift ideas (for the pet who’s got everything) abound throughout the show, with such luxuries as beautiful pure wool dog beds, scrumptious top of the range pet treats and even ‘pawsecco’ fizz for dogs and cats (yes, you heard us right!). Alternatively, for smaller, bespoke or exclusive stocking fillers the show’s Marketplace area promises to be an Aladdin’s cave of goodies for pets and pet lovers alike.

With all this, and even more to be announced, The National Pet Show is the ultimate weekend event in celebration of all things pets!

A group of women from the Royal Airforce have been jointly awarded at the annual Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards ceremony held in Birmingham today, in honour of their centenary year.

Accepting the Women of Achievement Award 2018 on behalf of the women of the Royal Airforce was Air Vice Marshall Tamara Jennings.

Prior to the award being presented, 2017 Business Woman of the Year winner Fleur Sexton gave a speech in which she spoke of her achievements over the past twelve months since winning the award.

The women take over from the current holders who were also a collective of women from across the Emergency Services, who received the award in recognition of their leadership and dedication in the face of the terrorist atrocities in Manchester and London and the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

Former winners of the Woman of Courage or Achievement Award include Martine Wright, who overcame the horrific loss of both of her legs in the 7/7 terrorist bombings of 2005 to rebuild her life and compete at the London 2012 Paralympics, and Katie Piper, whose personal story My Beautiful Face inspired millions.

Also recognised at the awards was Sally Preston, founder and Managing Director of Kiddylicious, a global and award-winning brand, creating snacks and meals for children. The brand is sold in every major UK supermarket and in over 27 countries worldwide.

In addition to the Women of the Year and Business Woman of the Year accolades, Fiona Allan, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at the Birmingham Hippodrome, was presented with the Jaguar Show Your Edge Award for defying convention and showing an edge in a transformative way from within her business life. Fiona was also among those shortlisted to receive the Business Woman of the Year Awards.

A final accolade, a Special Recognition Award, was dedicated to the Women of the Suffragette Movement, also on the centenary of the 1918 Suffrage Act. The presence of keynote speaker, Dr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst added even greater worth to this award.

The 36^th annual Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Midlands Today’s Arti Halai, took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, NEC on 12 October 2018. In excess of 600 guests came together to highlight and celebrate the achievements of their peers from across the UK. Proceeds from this year’s event will be split between the nominated charities, which this year are Revitalise and The Prince’s Trust – Women Supporting Women initiative.

Revitalise CEO Chris Simmonds, who was among those in attendance at the event commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be here today in celebration of the outstanding achievements of so many exceptional women. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to honour the centenary of the Royal Airforce, than by awarding the exemplary women who have displayed such incredible dedication and innovation over the past 100 years.

“The qualities displayed by these remarkable women are very much reflective of those of our founder Joan Brander, who worked tirelessly to ensure that she created a legacy which revolutionised the quality and accessibility of respite care for disabled people and carers.

“I would like to personally thank everyone here today for their continued support of our charity. Your generosity has enabled us to support disabled people and carers to enjoy respite holidays for over three decades, bringing happiness to the lives of our guests from right across the UK, including right here in the Midlands.”

Pauline Edden, Board Director of the Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards commented: “Never has it been more timely or important to celebrate women’s achievements in business and society. 2018 has been an incredibly successful year for the Woman of the Year Luncheon and Awards and I would like to give thanks to all the wonderful supporters who continually help to make our event successful.”

Earlier this year, The Directors of the Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards were proud to welcome two high profile female achievers and former winners of WOTY, Jenny Campbell who is also a well-known entrepreneur on BBC’s Dragons Den and Baroness Helen Newlove to the board.

The Women of the Year Awards honour women’s outstanding individual achievement in all professions. In addition to the Women of the Year Awards, the Business Woman of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement in the sphere of business and provides positive role models to encourage other women to enter the business arena.

Revitalise is proud to have been a beneficiary of the awards since the event’s foundation.

Revitalise is a national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and carers. Revitalise provides short breaks, with 24-hour nurse-led care on-call and personal support at its three accessible UK centres in Chigwell in Essex, Southampton and Southport. Each centre offers a wide range of accessible activities and excursions in a holiday environment.

Local children did their bit to keep Haringey clean yesterday, holding a litter pick near their school, joined by Cabinet Member Cllr Elin Weston.

Trinity Primary Academy’s Year 5 and 6 students, joined by parents and the community, decided that litter needed to be cleared from the Trinity Gardens next to their school.

Calling themselves the Trinity Eco Warriors, the Bounds Green Road pupils decided to write to the council about their planned litter pick.

Councillor Elin Weston, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“It was great to see Haringey’s young people taking proactive action like this, and taking pride in their environment. I was really pleased to be able to get involved and that our Parks team were able to join us and support the litter pick.

“We know that residents of all ages want to live, work and go to school in a clean borough and I’d like to say a big well done to the Trinity Eco Warriors for helping to keep Haringey clean and green.”

The council is committed to tackling those who dump rubbish in our borough. Find out how you can help Haringey catch those responsible

A memorial stone to a “fearless” World War One hero from Wolverhampton will be unveiled on Monday – exactly 100 years to the day that he performed a remarkable act of bravery on the battlefield.

Cpl Roland Elcock, of the Royal Scots Regiment, ran alone towards firing enemy machine-guns in Capelle-St. Catherine, France, in 1918.

He got to within 10 yards of the enemy guns, which had been causing heavy casualties, put them out of action, captured five prisoners and saved the British advance from being held up.

Later that day, near the River Lys, he again attacked an enemy machine-gun and captured the crew.

In recognition of his bravery, Elcock was awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest award for gallantry – and the official citation described him as “absolutely fearless”.

All 469 British soliders who was awarded a VC during the First World War are having a memorial stone laid in the town of their birth as part of the national centenary commemorations of the conflict.

Elcock, who was born in the Heath Town, Wolverhampton, in 1889, will have his stone unveiled at the cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton City Centre, on Monday at a ceremony attended by his grandchildren and civic and military dignitaries.

Councillor Phil Page, Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, said: “Roland Elcock is a true war hero, his bravery on the battlefield 100 years ago was nothing short of astonishing.

“He was rightly awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry and this memorial stone will ensure his memory lives on.”

Councillor Linda Leach, chairwoman of the City of Wolverhampton Remembrance Committee, said: “In this centenary year of the end of the First World War, it is fitting that we will gather on Monday to remember Roland Elcock VC, a Wulfrunian who demonstrated such amazing gallantry on the field of battle.

“Elcock returned to Wolverhampton to a heroes’ welcome and newspaper stories from the time describe thousands of cheering citizens and a civic reception in his honour. Elcock sounds like a typically modest Wolverhampton chap, he did not boast about his actions and felt he had done no more than duty to king and country required.”

After the war, Elcock worked at Wolverhampton Corporation Electricity Department and later moved to India finding employment in the post and telegraph service. He was promoted to the Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs on the North-West Frontier.

During World War Two he achieved the rank of Major in the British Indian Army. He died of ill health at Dehra Dun, India, on 6th October 1944 where he is buried.

The plaque will be unveiled during a public memorial service at 11am at the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton on Monday.

In August this year, a memorial stone was unveiled in honour of Wolverhampton’s only other First World War VC holder, George Onions, at Oxford Street in Bilston.

Two retired military dogs have become the face of Pets at Home’s new Remembrance poppy range developed exclusively with The Royal British Legion.

Billie, 8, a Labrador, and Buster, 7, a German Shepherd, who both recently retired from serving in the military returned to the Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton Mowbray to take part in an exclusive photoshoot.

The two hero dogs were given the chance to proudly model a new range of poppy-themed pet accessories, created to support the Armed Forces charity, in the Centenary year of the end of the First World War.

Billie, who retired three days before Christmas last year, served as a vehicle search dog and Buster trained as an RAF Police dog. This week, however, they turned their paws to modelling the three new pet accessories, of which 100% of the profits* go to The Royal British Legion.

The range features a Poppy Collar Charm that fits seamlessly on to any dog or cat collar or horse harness, a Poppy Bandana, featuring a poppy print that also fits on to any collar and a Poppy Bowtie, perfect for an official engagement.

Billie and Buster’s owner Claire Martin, 33, who served in the Veterinary Corp until 2010 before becoming a Senior Instructional Officer was on hand to see her two dogs strut their stuff in the photoshoot. She said: “I’m so proud of both Billie and Buster, they definitely weren’t camera shy and they looked honoured to be wearing their Remembrance poppy accessories.

“Remembrance Day is chance for us to remember those who lost their lives securing our freedom and it’s fantastic that pet owners can now get involved whilst also raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Peter Pritchard, Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to help the UK’s pets support such fantastic charities.

“Heroes Billie and Buster both looked sensational in their poppy attire and we are so proud to have them model our range.

“We are already absolutely staggered by the response of our customers and their pets to our poppy range – all three products are flying off the shelves faster than we could ever have hoped so we are thrilled.  We’ve now ordered more stock of the accessories to cope with demand and urge customers to get their hands on them before they sell out again."  

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community - serving men and women, veterans, and their families. Their diverse range of services covers employment, finance, independent living, respite, recovery and care. They either offer services directly, or work with partners to direct support wherever and whenever it’s needed.

The prestigious BP Portrait Award will open at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Saturday (October 13).

It is free to attend the exhibition during the Lichfield Street’s normal gallery opening hours of Monday to Saturday (10.30am – 4.30pm) and Sunday (11am – 4pm).

Now in its 39th year, the BP Portrait Award showcases the most outstanding and innovative new portraits from around the world. From informal and personal studies of friends and family to revealing paintings of famous faces, the exhibition features a variety of styles and approaches to the contemporary painted portrait.

This year, 2,667 entries were received from artists in 88 countries. Each was judged anonymously by a panel of judges (the artists’ name, nationality, gender and age were withheld) and the list was gradually reduced to just 48 exceptional portraits for the exhibition.

Each member of the judging panel addressed what makes an outstanding portrait, weighing up the likeness, narrative, structure and overall impact of the work.

Highlights of the exhibition include portraits by the shortlisted artists, Felicia Forte and Zhu Tongyao, as well as the First Prize winner, Miriam Escofet, whose enigmatic work An Angel At My Table shows the artist’s elderly mother sitting at her kitchen table surrounded by tea crockery. Escofet says she was conscious of wanting to ‘transmit an idea of the Universal Mother, who is at the centre of our psyche and emotional world.’

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy said: “It is great to see BP Portrait Award back in the City of Wolverhampton and I am very happy that we have the opportunity to exhibit it again.

“The works on display are exquisite and the skills of these artists are extraordinary. I urge everyone to take the time to come and see the exhibition before it moves to Scotland in December.”

Ms Des Violaris, Director UK Arts and Culture BP, says: “The BP Portrait Award has established itself as one of the most important platforms for portraiture in the world. BP is a major supporter of UK arts and culture, and we are extremely proud of the continued success of this award programme and its touring exhibition which will bring the 2018 Award to Wolverhampton, Edinburgh and Winchester.”

The BP Portrait Award 2018 exhibition was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in June. It launches at Wolverhampton Art Gallery with a special evening viewing on Friday 12 October and opens fully to the public on Saturday 13, running until 30 November.

City of Wolverhampton Council and partners have successfully put in place three new workers to help tackle homelessness in the city.

Their roles will be funded from part of an initial £138,000 grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government in June.

The news came on World Homeless Day (October 10), helping to highlight the work and role of the Rough Sleeping Operational Group, which includes council partners P3, Wolverhampton Homes, St George’s Hub, the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC), and Good Shepherd Ministry.

Two Outreach workers have been appointed who will work with individuals on the street, getting them into accommodation, into treatment, claiming benefits and supporting them to engage with additional services.

An Inreach support worker will help former rough sleepers in their own home - offering tenancy sustainment to reduce the risk of them losing their accommodation. This work will be carried out across 20 properties.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “The council continues to actively work with its partner agencies to find longer-term solutions for preventing rough sleeping in the city.

"We particularly focus our efforts on preventing someone from becoming homeless in the first place and work closely with our partner agencies such as P3, Housing Outreach teams and colleagues providing money advice, to find solutions for people threatened with homelessness, and ensure support is available for those who are unable to maintain their tenancy for whatever reason.

"We have also developed a new ‘Rent with Confidence’ framework and approach which gives people information about the standard of and management of the private accommodation they move into and helps the council to identify suitable properties which help to end or prevent individuals' homelessness in the future.

“The extra funding is enabling us to broaden this work and make even more of a real difference to reducing homelessness in the city.”

As part of the ceremony Hannah Townson, who won Apprentice of the Year for Retail received her apprenticeship certificate after being awarded the role of Deputy Store Manager having successfully graduated from the programme.

Aldi Transport Apprentice, Lee Congrave, who won Apprentice of the Year for Logistics said: “I’m really proud to have completed my apprenticeship. The last year has flown by, and I’ve achieved my HGV licences. I’m really excited about my future with Aldi and look forward to continuing my career with Aldi as a Driver.”

Aldi Store Apprentices are trained in all aspects of Retail Management during their three-year course, which features a mixture of in-store and theory work. Apprentices on the programme also receive a Level 3 Retail Team Leader. By the end of the programme, successful Store Apprentices have the opportunity to become Deputy Store Managers if they have exceeded expectations, or become Assistant Store Managers if they have particularly excelled.

Aldi demonstrated its commitment to employing young people even before the Apprentice Levy was introduced in April 2017 – having made a significant investment in the development and training of apprentices since it first launched its Stores Apprenticeship Programme in 2012. The UK’s 5^th largest supermarket then went on to launch its Logistics Apprenticeship in 2013 and further extended its apprenticeship offering with the launch of its Driver Apprenticeship in 2016. The three available Apprenticeship programmes have created more than 1,000 jobs for young people since the initiatives began.

Marius Manolescu, Regional Managing Director at Aldi, comments: “Our apprentices are a vital part of our company and it essential that we invest in each and every one of them so they can develop with the business to become successful retail managers of the future.

“We’re extremely proud of our graduating apprentices, as we know how much hard work and commitment it takes to succeed on the course. We hope that these are just the first steps in long and successful careers for our apprentices.”

The Store Apprenticeship Programme offers Store Assistant training in year one, and Store Management training in years two and three, with a fantastic salary of £6 per hour which rises to £7.50 per hour in year two, and £8.90 in year three. This equates to £225 per week at first, and £267 per week in year three; significantly higher than the national minimum wage for apprenticeships.

The Logistics Apprenticeship is a one year programme, during which candidates work towards achieving their Level 2 Supply Chain Operative Following this, there is the opportunity to join the team on a permanent basis with progression opportunities a real possibility in the future.

The Aldi Driver Apprenticeship programme provides full training, funding and support to candidates wanting to become fully licenced LGV Drivers. Apprentices start on £10.17 per hour (which is £305 per week) and are supported and mentored throughout the programme at the Atherstone Regional Distribution Centre to achieve a Level 2 LGV qualification.

Researchers at Birmingham City University are set to host the institution’s first ‘Menopause Café’ this month, in celebration of World Menopause Day on Thursday 18 October.

‘Menopause Café’  was founded by Rachel Weiss in Perth, Scotland, with the goal of increasing awareness about the impact of the menopause on those experiencing it, their friends, colleagues and families.

‘Menopause Café’ events are free to attend and open to all genders and ages. The events provide opportunities for people to come together over cake and coffee to talk about the menopause or to just listen.

Birmingham City University will host two ‘Menopause Café’ events on Thursday 18 October at its City Centre and City South campuses.

The events have been organised through a special collaboration between two Birmingham City University-based initiatives: ‘The VQ’, a women’s sexual health impact network co-led by Dr Annalise Weckesser and Dr Keeley Abbott, and ‘Athena SWAN’, led by Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas.

“We’re really excited about holding ‘Menopause Café’ events at Birmingham City University and to be part of a larger movement of addressing the stigma around the menopause”, said Dr Annalise Weckesser.

“The cafés create a space that open up conversations about the menopause.  We’re especially keen to talk about how the menopause impacts upon women in a work context, where women often are made to feel that they must hide their symptoms and cope in silence.”

The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.

Commons symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, night sweats and difficulty sleeping.

The Birmingham City University ‘Menopause Café’ events take place between 12pm and 2pm on Thursday 18 October, with cake and coffee provided. The events are free to attend but attendees must register in advance.