Community News

The Community served by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust will be pleased to hear that their long awaited new hospital the Midland Met, will once again ring to the sound of heavy machinery as the builders move back in.

The news follows the Department of Health and Social Care agreeing to provide the funds to finish the building through a publicly financed direct contract, after the collapse of Carillion in January.  Procurement for the main contract will start next month (November). The contract for interim repair to the two thirds built hospital has today been signed off by the Trust’s board, and awarded to Balfour Beatty. The company will be on site from Monday 8^th October, with work due to commence by 22^nd October, and work is expected to take six months.

Commenting on the decision, Chief Executive Toby Lewis said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with Balfour Beatty to take the important next steps in completing the Midland Met.  It has been sad to see the building standing paused for the last nine months, and so it is great news that work will shortly restart.  We are grateful for the considerable support that we have had locally and nationally to move forward.  We are investing in our existing buildings for the interim period but there is no doubt that a new single acute and emergency hospital in Smethwick is what the local NHS needs to provide the very best care.  It also releases money to invest in primary care and mental health services.  This news brings that transformation closer.”

Thomas Edgcumbe, Balfour Beatty Managing Director for its North and Midlands regional business, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Trust on this key hospital project which is vital for the local residents and the wider community.

“Our wealth of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector will enable us to recommence work quickly and allow for the successful completion of this early works contract.”

Over 100 events will be hosted by Haringey this October in libraries, museums, art spaces and other venues across the borough to celebrate black history and culture. Haringey Black History Month logo

Our Black History Month programme kicks off with a reading and book signing by Vanika Marshall who will be discussing Black British History: Black Influences on British culture (1948-2016), which provides a fascinating insight into the impact of 70 years of black struggle, politics, arts, sports, literature, and music on British life and culture.

As 2018 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush landing, we are especially looking forward to celebrating Black History Month this October. The Windrush generation have created a rich heritage in Haringey, and they are an integral part of what makes it such a great place to live and work today. Haringey’s cultural diversity is undoubtedly one of our greatest strengths, and we are proud to boast one of the largest and most diverse black communities in the United Kingdom.

Bruce Castle Museum will play a major role by hosting a Black Georgian Londoners Exhibition, which reveals the museum’s 18th century heritage and connections, alongside a collection of rare and unusual portraits of Black Georgians. The exhibition opens on 14 October and will run until March 2019.

Cllr Zena Brabazon, cabinet member for Civic Services said:

Black History Month is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the significant contributions black people have made to our community and the country. We are delighted to provide an extensive programme of activities celebrating our rich black heritage and culture.”

Key events during Black History Month include:

• A Black History Month quiz run by the leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Joseph Ejiofor on Monday 29 October, 7pm at the Green Rooms Hotel.
• A talk on the Black presence in Haringey/Black Haringey heroes with Black History Studies takes place at Wood Green Library (N22 6XD), 7-9.30pm on Thursday 18 October.
• A Black Georgian Londoners Exhibition launch and family day on Sunday 14 October 1.30-4.30pm at Bruce Castle Museum, N17 8NU.
• A performance by singer, songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson who graduated from the Laban and Manhattan Schools of Music and composed for the London Symphony Orchestra. This takes place on Tuesday 2 October, 1-1.30pm at Wood Green Library.
• A talk on the African and Caribbean presence in art and design at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) at Hornsey Library (N8 9JA), 7pm on Monday 22 October.
• Children’s author Tola Okogwu will do a reading of her book Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way, 10.30am at Stroud Green and Harringay Library (N4 4QR) on Tuesday 9 October.
• A performance by young people’s dance group Steppaz exploring events from the late ‘40s, transitioning through music to the present. This will be at Hornsey Library on Sunday 28 October at 2pm.
• A three-part exhibition by Tottenham artist Paulette Robinson examining the rich dynasty of African heritage, the Americas and now. This exhibition will run from 1 October to 2 November across Wood Green, Marcus Garvey (N15 4JA) and Coombes Croft (N4 4QR) Libraries.
• Arts and crafts activities including storytelling workshops with drums, making African headdresses, health talks, poetry and literary discussions. Various times and dates apply.

Christmas at Birmingham Cathedral (St Philips) on Colmore Row will include an outdoor market and grotto in Cathedral Square this year. The cathedral’s Clergy Team will officially open the market and bless those who visit at a special launch evening 6pm Thursday 15 November.

The unique location will lend itself to a festive array of locally sourced crafts, gifts, food and drink and will run from Thursday 15 November until Sunday 22 December. Families will be able to book in for a very special visit with Father Christmas and to enjoy the events and services happening inside the cathedral. The market will be home to one of the largest Christmas trees in the city.

For generations, families have made a point of visiting the cathedral as part of their Christmas celebrations. The cathedral team and congregation are delighted that worship will be going beyond the doors of the cathedral.

The cathedral will be hosting a full programme of worship, music and film events to celebrate Advent and Christmas. The cathedral’s coat donation appeal will be stepped up this winter. Wrap Up Brum will run from November until the end of December. 2017’s appeal saw people from across the city and beyond donate over 3,000 coats and warm jackets plus hundreds of hats, coats and scarves for the homeless community and those in need.

Members of the public will be able to donate coats at a chalet within the market. The cathedral team will then place the donated items on a rail outside the cathedral for those who need one. We will also continue to work with local charities including St Basils, Lets Feed Brum, The Salvation Army and SIFA Fireside to ensure the items reach those who the vulnerable in our city.

Anna Pitt, Chief Executive at Birmingham Cathedral said the cathedral has a commitment to engaging with the local community.

She said: “I am delighted that the market will offer commuters and those who work in the city an opportunity to dwell in Cathedral Square, enjoy the market, and spend time with their family and friends in the city centre. Those who visit the cathedral this year, whether for worship, the market, carols or events will find a very warm welcome.”

Friday marked a historic moment for the City of Wolverhampton as machines began full demolition of the city’s railway station.

It is the next stage in delivering a £150 million transport hub to provide an attractive commercial gateway to those entering the city by national rail, bus or tram.

The scheme has been cleverly designed in two phases to ensure train services from City of Wolverhampton continue to operate as normal throughout.

British Transport Police and train staff recently moved into temporary accommodation on the nearby Banana Yard.

This paved the way for contractors Galliford Try to set up the works compound and today start bringing down the former British Transport Police building, with a small section of the current station building next to Platform 1 to also be demolished.

The erection of the first section of the new station building will swiftly follow and will become operational to customers by autumn 2019, when phase 2 of the programme – bringing down the remainder of the current station and completing the new build - will also start.

The new state-of-the-art railway station to serve the city will be fully open in summer 2020.

Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Trains, Virgin Trains, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.

Council Leader and WMCA portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: “This is a momentous occasion for the City of Wolverhampton.

“It has been a long-held vision for the council to deliver a new railway station befitting of our great city and seeing the first bricks tumbling brings us close to that reality.

“There is £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced - this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”

Once work on the new station is completed it will pave the way for the Midland Metro Alliance to begin the final link of the new city centre tram extension. The Midland Metro Alliance are currently delivering the Pipers Row and Railway Drive phases of the extension to the railway station.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “It’s fair to say that Wolverhampton has waited a long time for this new railway station and that when it is complete it will provide a suitable gateway to a thriving city.

“Just as important, the new station will be the hub of a rail, tram and bus network which will be a huge benefit to the people of Wolverhampton.

“The start of demolition work is an important milestone and I am delighted to be able to take part and equally that the West Midlands Combined Authority investment is going towards something already making progress.”

Chris Jones, Associate Director, Ion, said: “Undertaking these key demolition works brings us a step closer to delivering the high-quality station facilities that the travelling public of Wolverhampton deserve.”

Richard Brooks, Customer Experience Director at West Midlands Railway, said: “We’ve been working closely with the council and other stakeholders to ensure that rail services aren’t disrupted by the project and the impact to our customers will be kept as low as possible. The works carried out over the next two years will give passengers in the area better transport links to the wider region than ever before.

“It’s always great to see diggers hit the ground and this is a significant step forward in the project. The West Midlands is benefitting from a huge amount of investment in its transport infrastructure and the new Wolverhampton Interchange will be one of the jewels in its crown.”

Martin Frobisher, Managing Director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “We fully support third party investment like this into the railway, which along with our Railway Upgrade Plan, is helping to provide passengers with better journeys.

“Investment in new stations helps regenerate surrounding areas and encourages private sector money to be spent, helping to create jobs and boost economies.

“With the tram extension to the station, Wolverhampton will have a transport hub which will provide local people with excellent transport links across the West Midlands and beyond.”

Guardsman Christopher Bepatt, 23, from Great Barr in Birmingham, has deployed to Afghanistan as part of the UK’s uplift of 440 troops to operations in Kabul.

Troops from both the Grenadier Guards and The Mercian Regiment are currently in Kabul providing protection to NATO and coalition mentors who meet with Afghans at national defence and security institutions in the capital daily.

“My role is to provide protection from mentors from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and even Afghan soldiers if necessary, as they advise and train at the Afghan National Army Officers Academy” said Guardsman Bepatt.

“We’re not here to control this country, we’re here to help advise and train”, he said.

The Prime Minister announced an increase of 440 additional UK troops to assist in operations in Afghanistan at the NATO summit in July, making the total number of UK troops in the country around 1100.

“I’m happy to be on a tour in Afghanistan, the experience is good”, said Guardsman Bepatt. “When I get home, I think it will feel good to know that I’ve been to Afghanistan and played my part in helping out.”

Guardsman Bepatt joined the Army in 2014, and attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, before arriving at the Grenadier Guards. In 2016 he was part of the world famous ‘Trooping of the Colour’.

“My first ‘Troop’ was weird – you see it on TV, then after all this training, you’re there, you’re part of it. It’s weird in a good way – exciting”, said Guardsman Bepatt.

Speaking of the men and women he serves alongside, he said, “People in civvy street wouldn’t help you out as much as the people I work with. You live together 24/7, so you count on each other. It’s like a brotherhood.”

His Company Commander, Major Neil Strachan, explained what the rest of the Grenadier Guards have been tasked to do this year, “The Grenadier Guards are deployed in three operational theatres simultaneously – The Queen’s Company is in Afghanistan, another Company (around 120 soldiers) is in Iraq providing mentors to Iraqi forces and their own force protection, and yet another Company is in South Sudan providing force protection to the UN mission there.”

Speaking of the progress he has seen in Afghanistan, Major Strachan said, “This is my third tour in Afghanistan, there has been significant investment made by the international community in Afghan security forces, and it’s clear this investment is working.”

“The current mission focuses on institutional development and ensuring that the Afghan government and military are supported in their efforts to provide security.”

Since UK combat operations ended in 2014, the UK has contributed to the NATO led, 41 nation, Resolute Support Mission which seeks to improve the capacity of Afghan national defence and security institutions through training, advising and assisting them. This is to enable Afghans to secure their borders and combat terrorism within the country.

This October animal lovers everywhere will come together to celebrate our furry – and not so furry friends – on World Animal Day.

Taking place on October 4th World Animal Day (the feast day of Francis of Assisi - the patron saint of animals) symbolises an international day of action to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.

As animal lovers first and foremost, Lintbells, manufacturers of premium natural pet supplements, have suggested what you can do to show your support for this year’s World Animal Day:

Volunteer at your local animal shelter

It’s a sad fact but all too often animals are left with no one to care for them, making them vulnerable and in need of some help. Whether they’re ill, old or still young, it’s important we show them the love and care they deserve.

This World Animal Day why not visit an animal shelter and see the amazing job they do in looking after abandoned and injured animals. Of course, volunteers play a vital role and it’s a brilliant opportunity to work with the animals directly. Often shelters are in need of local volunteers for walking, cleaning, grooming or just spending some quality play time with their animals. If you have time, you could even become a long-term supporter.

Have a sponsored dog walk

A recent survey conducted by Lintbells found that dog owners spend an hour and 12 minutes more outside each week than those without dogs. So, this year why not incorporate your daily walking routine into something that raises money for World Animal Day? Organise your own sponsored walk or take part in a sponsored walk near you for a great opportunity to meet fellow dog lovers. Make posters and invitations to raise awareness and get as many owners to come along with you as you can. You could even use your own dog’s paw prints to decorate them! If your dog isn’t quite as mobile as they once were, incorporating a natural joint support supplement such as YuMOVE into their diet can help to ease stiffness and promote long-term joint health. That way they can keep up with the young’uns!

YuMOVE is now also available in an exciting new ONE-A-DAY Chewie, making it even easier to provide your pooch with the support they need to stay fit and healthy.

Litter picking sessions

Litter is a huge problem in modern society and it can seriously harm animals and wildlife in your local area. To protect our animal friends from dangerous broken glass or plastic packaging, why not organise a litter pick with your family and friends or get involved with a community litter pick near you.

If you’ve noticed a specific area, perhaps a favourite dog walking spot that you think could benefit from a litter pick, you will need to gain permission from the landowners before you carry it out. Your local council can supply you with litter picking equipment, as well as arranging a waste collection once you’ve finished – it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends all while improving your local area and raising awareness for the environment.

Ready, set selfie!

At a time where social media has taken the world by a storm, it’s hard to scroll through a news feed without seeing a post about a beloved pet. On this special day, why not take a few cute pictures with your dog or cat and upload it onto social media with the #worldanimalday to boost the awareness of the importance of caring for our animals.

Make your garden wildlife friendly

If you love to garden and have access to your own outdoor space, you can use your gardening hobby to help the wildlife around you. Our dogs love spending time in the gardens so why not make yours a welcoming space for all creatures. Even small gardens can offer a huge variety of habitats to various animals - plant as many types of flowers as you can, as every plant is suited to different insects such as butterflies and beetles.

Hanging bird feeders with a range of nut and seed mixes can attract many species to your garden. What’s more, watching the birds from your window can be very relaxing and a fascinating insight into local wildlife! If you want to make even more of a home for your new-found friends, you can invest in a bird bath or bird box as a great way to attract whole families of birds to where you live. Be sure to put up bird boxes before spring and try to shelter them where possible to keep them safe from the elements.

The search to find the West Midlands’ standout built projects - that are having a significant positive impact on their local communities - is on, following the opening of entries for the RICS Awards 2019, West Midlands.

The annual RICS Awards celebrate the region’s top property projects that provide real value to the communities they serve by making them a better place to live, study, work or visit. The eight categories include Building Conservation, Residential, Commercial property and Infrastructure, and there’s an overall esteemed ‘Project of the Year’ title, awarded to the development that demonstrates outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in Birmingham won the ‘Project of the Year’ title at this year’s RICS Awards, West Midlands and it will now compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final on 2 November for the chance to be crowned the 2018 ‘UK Project of the Year.’

Each category award winner is also automatically entered into the national RICS Awards Grand Final to compete against other regional winners for a chance to gain the national accolade in their respective category.

Category winners from the RICS Awards 2018, West Midlands - which will now compete for national awards - are:

• Building Conservation – Attingham Park – Visitor Centre, Biomass Plant, and Stables Café Renovations, Shrewsbury
• Commercial – Kingswood Lakeside – First Choice Catering Space, Cannock
• Community Benefit – TouchBase Pears, Selly Oak
• Design through Innovation – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, Birmingham
• Infrastructure – Tool Box Talk Video Infrastructure
• Regeneration – National College for High Speed Rail, Birmingham
• Residential – Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent
• Tourism & Leisure – World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent

She adds: “Our region has some of the very best skilled property professionals, and these awards also celebrate the collaboration of such talented professionals in the teams that have delivered world-class developments that are having a positive impact not only on their local communities, but often also on the wider economy by attracting visitors and investment to the region.

“We wish this year’s winners the best of luck in representing our region at the national Grand Final in November, and showing the other UK regions that the West Midlands can offer some of the best places to live, work and visit thanks to these exemplary projects.”

Feminist artists who have explored protest, social commentary, and identity in their work, will be showcased in a major new contemporary art exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery this November. In the anniversary year for women’s suffrage, this exhibition asks just how much has changed for women?

Women Power Protest includes bold contemporary artworks from over 55 artists drawn largely from the Arts Council Collection, along with pieces from Birmingham’s collection. The Arts Council Collection National Partnership exhibition looks at the experiences of becoming and progressing as a woman amongst varying degrees of opportunity and oppression in relation to race, class, geography and sexuality.

Through debate, protest and radical endeavours, women fought for their right to voice their opinions in a public realm that systematically silenced women. Women Power Protest showcases female artists whose work has highlighted their personal experiences and continued to push for women’s rights over the last seven decades.

Including notable names such as Lucy Gunning, Margaret Harrison, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Sonia Boyce, Susan Hiller, Lubaina Himid, Marion Coutts, Mona Hatoum and Mary Kelly, the exhibition will draw attention to the progress made since the first women were given the right to vote 100 years ago, and the immense challenges women still face today.

A work from the iconic Post-Partum Document series by Mary Kelly (1978/79) is displayed in the exhibition. The 18 slate tablets, resembling miniature Rosetta stones, are the part of a six-year exploration of motherhood and Kelly’s relationship with her son. Meanwhile For the Fallen (2001) by Marion Coutts transports the viewer back to their own school years through a wooden vaulting horse recognisable to many from P.E. lessons. Engraved with the words For the Fallen it turns the object into both a war memorial and a monument to embarrassing childhood experiences.

The exhibition does not shy away from difficult issues. An early work from Sonia Boyce, Mr close-friend-of-the-family pays a visit whilst everyone else is out (1985) is a charcoal drawing which depicts a challenging scene, that explores the abuse of trust experienced by a young woman, and reflects some of Boyce’s concerns about power relationships. Margaret Harrison’s Rape (1978) uses media texts and images to boldly highlight the injustices against women in rape cases.

A work by 2017 Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid – Cotton.com (2002) – uses pattern to explore the conversations that may have taken place at the time of the Cotton Famine between workers in Lancashire’s cotton mills who defended the lives of African slaves in America.

All three works in Claudette Johnson’s Trilogy series (1982-86) form part of the exhibition. The large-scale portraits were created when Johnson was a member of the BLK Art Group in the 1980s in Wolverhampton and her empowering paintings aim to make black women visible in the art world.

Works from the 90s mark the rise in the popularity of female artists at this time. Lucy Gunning’s Climbing Around My Room (1995) was her first video work and is on display in Women Power Protest, alongside Tania Kovat’s Grotto (1995), a playful 2-metre high cave-like structure. Kathy Prendergast’s The End and the Beginning (1996), is a small intricate work in which three generations of human hair are wound around a wooden cotton spool. The theme of identity and heritage continues in Mona Hatoum’s Plotting Table (1998) - a fluorescent green map which viewed in the dark turns the world into a board game designed for territorial wars.

Birmingham has a history of female protest and the exhibition includes works from the city’s collection. Works from the collection include Louise Bourgeois’ The Bad Mother (1998), Barbara Walker’s Bliss (2012) and Barbara Hepworth’s Four Figures (1951).

Emalee Beddoes-Davis, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “This exhibition acknowledges the monumental step taken for women’s rights 100 years ago, but through challenging contemporary artworks it explores some of the experiences common to being a woman in 21^st century society, and the progress still to be made. Feminist activism continues as women across the world strive to have their voices heard and this is an ideal time to reflect and showcase these artworks in Birmingham.

“As women, not all the artists featured in this exhibition have gained the recognition they deserve. The exhibition recognises the historic bias in collections and how we have to continue to strive to ensure female artists, and in particular those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, are given the platform they deserve.”

Jill Constantine, Director of the Arts Council Collection, said: "Representing the work of female artists in the Arts Council Collection is an important aspect of our work. Last year, for the first time, we acquired more work by women than men and in this important year for all women, I am delighted that our National Partner, Birmingham Museums Trust is exploring their contribution in this exhibition."

The exhibition will be marked with a weekend of thought-provoking events and activities from Friday 16^th – Sunday 18^th November, including performances, spoken-word poetry, debates and talks. More details to be revealed soon. birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on/women-power-protest.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is an Arts Council Collection National Partner and Women Power Protest is part of the National Partners Programme 2016-19 artscouncilcollection.org.uk/national-partners-programme.

This morning, Londoners were treated to a slice of history, as St Pancras International unveiled an enormous bespoke birthday cake in celebration of the station's 150th anniversary, created by prestigious Parisian cookery school - Le Cordon Bleu.

Featuring on the station's Grand Terrace, the five-foot showstopper depicts the iconic station's architecture and 150-year history in edible detail - from the Pullman steam trains, which first embarked from the station, to the original vaults, previously used to store beer barrels along with other goods transported to the capital, which can still be seen at the station today, along with its famous Barlow Shed roof.

Le Cordon Bleu's Head Chef Julie Walsh and her dedicated team pastry chefs spent over 200 hours on the creation which contains over 6 dozen eggs, 10 bags of flour and weighs in at a whopping 9 stone.

Julie Walsh, Head Chef at Le Cordon Bleu says: “We were so excited to be asked to create this unique design for such a prestigious London landmark. We worked closely with the station's heritage team to ensure that every element of the cake captured a moment in the station's history. Every detail was intricately replicated by hand to ensure that each element, from the brickwork to 'The Meeting Place', looked authentic.”

Other legendary station artefacts which can be found atop this impressive build include the iconic Victorian archways, the free-to-play Elton John piano – played by the man himself and most recently, Jeff Goldblum. Plus, the British Poet Laureate - Sir John Betjeman, famously known for halting the demolition of the station in the 1960s.

Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director at HS1 Ltd (owners of St Pancras International) says: ““St Pancras International has always been more than just a train station. It's a destination. We want people to discover the stunning architecture, shops and restaurants, to art and cultural events, and today, the exquisite six-foot cake, steeped in history.”

“What better way to celebrate what is a huge mile stone for us? The Le Cordon Bleu team have done a fantastic job in representing so much of the station's 150-years, including what it is today, in such intricate detail and we're really proud to share it with our visitors.”

Passers-by will be able to snap a picture of the five-foot insta-worthy showstopper, which will be displayed on the Station's Grand Terrace for today only. Celebrations will continue with an official cake cutting ceremony open to the public @6pm where a choir of 100 Year 9 boys from across the HS1 line join forces to sing Happy Birthday plus a few additional celebratory songs.

The choir is made up of 6 schools within the Creative Education Trust, brought together in partnership with The Voices Foundation. Some lucky members of the public will have the chance to take home a piece of cake too, as East Midlands Train staff will be handing out slices to visitors.

The first of 150 new homes are emerging on the Tap Works Development scheme in Low Hill – with the show home set to open its doors this Saturday (September 29).

Galliford Try Partnerships is delivering the project, which consists of three derelict locations – the historic former Armitage Shanks Tap Works Factory site, and land on Fifth Avenue and Broome Road. Once complete, the homes will be sold under the group’s Linden Homes brand.

Forty of the units will be council homes for rent, with the remainder to be sold as market housing.

The first six homes for market sale on Fifth Avenue and Broome Road are close to completion, while the first 12 council homes on the same streets are set to be handed over to the council in spring 2019.

At the same point, a specialist supported housing scheme of 14 homes on Fifth Avenue for people with mental health needs, which will be staffed at all times, will also become ready for use.

The remaining council homes, as well as market housing for sale, are expected to be completed within three years.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Peter Bilson, said: “I am delighted to see the Tap Works scheme hit this major milestone.

“This is an exciting time for house building in the city with a host of projects springing up to benefit everyone.

“Work on this site supports the house building programme and will deliver quality homes for all."

Darren Beale, Regional Director of Galliford Try Partnerships, added: “We’re delighted to be working with City of Wolverhampton Council to deliver this mixed tenure development and to transform these derelict sites into homes that people are proud to live in.

“The combination of affordable and starter housing for sale goes some way to satisfy the demand for new homes across the city.”

Hallfield School in Edgbaston today launched a year of special anniversary celebrations by planting a time capsule on the school grounds.

The capsule, which will be opened by future pupils on the School’s 150^th anniversary in 2029, contains artefacts that will give future pupils a snapshot of life at Hallfield School in 2018. This includes photographs and articles of school events in 2018, a school newsletter, items of school uniform, a school teddy, art work, a chess trophy, children’s letters to future pupils and today’s Birmingham Post and First News. The Head Master even took time out to write a letter to future staff and pupils of 2029 for the capsule.

After filling the time capsule up, the School’s Head Master, Mr Morrow, said a few words before burying the capsule in the ground.

Speaking of the event, he said: “We wanted to start a year of celebrations with an event that would capture the imagination of our pupils. They had obviously put a lot of thought and effort into the contents of the time capsule and it will be fascinating to see how life compares in 10 years’ time.”

Hallfield School will be celebrating their 140^th anniversary throughout the academic year with a series of exciting events for pupils, parents, alumni and the local community. For more information visit www.hallfieldschool.co.uk/hallfields-140th-anniversary

Works by some of the very best up and coming artists are being exhibited at the annual University of Wolverhampton MA show, at Wolverhampton Art Gallery from Thursday, September 27 to Wednesday, October 3.

It free show features the work of 45 MA students from Design and Applied Arts and Digital and Visual Communication courses as well as the university's artists in residence.

The exhibition celebrates the talent and creative output of local, national and international students across practices including glass, ceramics, textiles, product design, illustration and photography, video and film.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The artworks cover a diverse body of work and I am delighted the university's MA Show is once again at the gallery. I would also like to wish all the students taking part continued success in their creative careers."

Among artists exhibiting is Kennedy Jayne Glews, who is studying for an MA in Design and Applied Arts, Fashion in Fashion and Textiles. Kennedy, is also the owner of a dance school and teaches in Fashion and Textiles.

She has created a piece called ‘Art of Movement’ which includes moving parts.

Kennedy said: “I wanted to re-invent the connection between costume and dancing and make the costume part of the performance, as well as enhancing the movement of the dancers when they are on stage. By adding light and flexibility to the costumes it marries the two for the performers and the audience.”

Support and advice sessions are being held at four Wolverhampton libraries next month as the city marks Libraries Week.

Central Library is hosting a Coffee and Chat from 10.30am to 2pm on Mental Health Awareness Day, Wednesday 10 October.

The event will highlight support available to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing from organisations including the Community Support Service, Carer Support Team, Starfish Social Hub, Terrence Higgins Trust, St George's Hub, HeadStart Wolverhampton, The Haven, the Children's Society and Wolverhampton Healthy Minds.

Visitors will also be able to see Central Library's new Reading Well for Mental Health book collection, which was launched earlier this year and includes a variety of titles to help people manage common mental health conditions or deal with difficult feelings and experiences.

Meanwhile, members of the Community Support Service and the Carer Support Team will be holding Talking Points sessions at Penn Library on Tuesday 9 October from 11am-12.30pm, Low Hill Library on Thursday 11 October from 2.30pm-4pm and Long Knowle Library from Friday 12 October from 3pm to 4.30pm.

The Talking Points sessions give people the opportunity to speak face to face to members of the Community Support Service and Carer Support Team and find out more about services and support groups available in the local community.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Our libraries are about much more than just books, and are hosting an increasing number of events and activities such as these where residents can get access to high quality information and advice from a range of service providers.”

It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries. For more information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

Libraries Week is organised by CILIP, the library and information association, and takes place from Monday to Friday, 8-13 October. This year, with a focus on wellbeing, libraries across the country will showcase how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support people with their mental health.

Families can find out more about WV Active's Swim Academy by diving into free pool parties which are being held next month.

Parents and children are invited to visit WV Active Central from 12pm–2pm on Saturday 13 October and WV Active Bilston–Bert Williams from 12pm–2pm on Sunday 14 October to discover the swimming programmes offered at the two City of Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centres.

Instructors from the WV Active Swim Academy will be on hand at both centres to lead free taster swimming lessons and assess people's swimming abilities. And there will also be a free pool party for families with toys and inflatables taking place from noon-1pm on both days.

The WV Active Swim Academy works in partnership with Swim England to offer swimming lessons for children aged between four and 16, and for adults.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “This is a great opportunity for families to find out more about the learn to swim programmes on offer through the Swim Academy at WV Active Central and WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams.

“Swimming is a hugely important skill to have, and our Swim Academy delivers lessons to thousands of children and adults every year.”

Discover the magical forest transformed into a winter wonderland as, inspired by the landscape itself, the National Pinetum lights up for Christmas. The new festive adventure offers families the chance to explore Bedgebury's woodland after-dark and dramatically drenched in seasonal colour.

Highlights for this new trail include the Tunnel of Light; over 1million pea-lights in a 70m long immersive walkway under a canopy of ancient trees. Signing lanterns and fountains of dancing light are found along the mile-long route as well as a scented Fire Garden for an unforgettable experience.

Internationally acclaimed installation artworks from Tilt and Pitaya are also to be found nestled into the forest landscape and lighting hidden nooks of the pinetum.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where you least expect them. At the Boardwalk, the giant redwoods are surrounded by a carpet of glowing colour-changing globes.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with mulled wine* or hot chocolate* whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Toast marshmallows* at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel*, and spy Father Christmas and his elf along the way.