Community News

New parents and mothers-to-be can get information and support at a free event taking place to mark the culmination of World Breastfeeding Week.

They can find out more about feeding their baby and baby-led weaning, as well as other issues such as using slings and hypnobirthing, at the event at Low Hill Community Centre, Kempthorne Avenue, on Tuesday 7 August.

Experts from the City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Health team, the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust's Infant Feeding Team and health visitors will be on hand to offer advice and guidance, while families will be able to meet other parents, share experiences and learn new skills. Refreshments will be available, along with activities for babies and toddlers.

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The aim of this free event is to give parents the information they need to make a fully informed choice on feeding their baby, and to support and develop their relationship with their child.

“They can also get information and advice about a range of other issues which will benefit themselves and their new arrival, and will have the chance to meet other new parents.”

She added: “The session is part of the ongoing work of Public Health, the council’s Early Years’ service and Wolverhampton’s Infant Feeding Team to encourage more new mums in Wolverhampton to breastfeed.

“Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop illnesses such as gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections. They are also less likely to be obese or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels – all risk factors for heart disease.”

The free drop-in event takes place from 1pm-3pm. World Breastfeeding Week 2018 runs from Wednesday 1 August until Tuesday 7 August. It is organised by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network of individuals and organisations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide.

A scheme which aims to help people understand and manage their mental health and wellbeing through reading has been launched at Oldbury Library.

The Reading Well initiative encourages libraries to offer a range of books which provide helpful information and support for managing common mental health conditions or dealing with difficult feelings and experiences.

Subjects include mindfulness, coping with depression and anxiety, and grief as well as body image and body dysmorphic disorder, binge eating and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Some books also include personal stories from people who are living with or caring for someone with mental health needs.

The books have been recommended by mental health professionals and people with experience of the conditions covered. They have been tried and tested and found helpful.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell’s deputy leader launched the scheme with Sandwell Mayor, Councillor Joy Edis.

She said: “I’m delighted to be launching this important scheme.

"The books are all endorsed by health experts as well as people living with the conditions covered, and their relatives or carers.

“You can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can visit your local library and take a book out yourself.

“This is another example of how our libraries are reaching out to provide services to our communities."

Reading Well has been developed by the Reading Agency in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians and the programme is funded by Arts Council England, Wellcome and the Welsh Government.

Reading Well collections are available in all of Sandwell’s 19 libraries and its mobile library service.

Wolves’ Championship title triumph and spectacular open top bus parade is to be celebrated in a free exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

It will open on Saturday, August 4 and will showcase a selection of photographs from the club’s city parade and party in West Park that excited more than 80,000 proud fans on May 7.

Images, interviews and a short film, provided by City of Wolverhampton Council, Signal 107, Express and Star, and Wolves offer a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the planning, preparation and celebration of the club’s title-winning success.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “May 7 saw pride in Wolverhampton come alive when the open top bus paraded through the city.

“I encourage everyone to come and see what a great day it was and if you were there on the day come and see if you can find yourself in one of the photos.”

The new display will also feature historic artefacts relating to the club, including pin badges, programmes, souvenirs, memorabilia and archive photographs.

To support the exhibition there will be a range of family activities planned at the Lichfield Street gallery and in Wolfies Den at Molineux on matchdays.

Dracula is one of the most universally iconic novels ever written. A monumental, genre defining classic that is known the world over. Dracula remains the father of all vampire tales and this autumn an all new production, DRACULA, sees the bloodthirsty tale resurrected to receive its most terrifying staging ever.

A Touring Consortium Theatre Production in association with the Everyman Theatre and Ewing Entertainment, it receives its World Premiere on Friday 28th September 2018 and visits Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 November.

Sexy, dark and thrilling, this brand-new stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of obsession and horror is brought to opulent and irresistible life in a contemporary interpretation that includes all the definitive characters. Ben Hart’s incredible illusion design will create an atmosphere of spine-chilling fear as audiences are shaken to their very core.

Completely re-imagined by an exciting creative team, discover the story that started them all. In Transylvania, enter the castle of Count Dracula and his three brides. The Count, who feeds on the elixir of young blood to look youthful, will take you on a deliciously evil ride as he pursues his victims and encounters Jonathan Harker, Professor Van Helsing and Dr. Seward along the way.

Emotionally fulfilling, utterly terrifying, spellbindingly addictive, will this Dracula ever die?

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was first published in 1897 and has since been made into countless radio, TV and Hollywood films. Inspiring the recent resurgence in vampire mania and the Twilight movie series, Dracula on stage will be a must-see.

“There was a deliberate voluptuousness that was both thrilling and repulsive. And as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal till I could see in the moonlight the moisture then lapped the white, sharp teeth. Lower and lower went her head. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited.” Bram Stoker, Dracula

DRACULA is produced by Matthew Gale who returns to The Touring Consortium and renews his professional relationship with Jenny King who has adapted the Novel for the stage which is her first play. Their longstanding professional relationship includes successful collaborations with The Railway Children (Waterloo Station and Toronto) which won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, Slava’s Snow Show (Southbank Centre and Touring) and with Mark Goucher A Chorus Line (Palladium) and the UK tour of Hairspray.

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company, is a collaborative partnership with seven regional large-scale touring theatres for whom recent productions include Regeneration, Of Mice and Men and Tale of Two Cities.

DRACULA will be brought shockingly to life with Illusions courtesy of Ben Hart, magician and illusion designer. The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year (2007) designs extensively special effects for theatre, film and television. Recent theatrical credits include Fanny and Alexander (Old Vic); A Christmas Carol (RSC); and The Exorcist (West End).

Eduard Lewis directs this terrifying new adaptation which is designed by Sean Cavanagh and lit by Ben Cracknell. Cleo Pettitt is Costume Designer and Music and Sound design is by Paul Ewin with Sara Green as Movement Director.

Full casting to be announced.

Children and families are to work to clear up litter on their West Bromwich estate – after being inspired by discussions about the effects of plastics on wildlife on a trip to Sky News Studios.

The young people from the Essex Avenue area went on an educational cohesion trip to London and made a video on the dangers of plastics.

They worked on the video at the Sky News headquarters. Councillors have given a grant towards the setting-up of a special project to educate the public on a West Bromwich estate on the detrimental effects of plastics to the environment.

Local activist Edna Dunn secretary and treasurer of the Essex Avenue CommunityTenants and Residents Association said local families went on an educational cohesion visit to London.

She said:  “We went along to the Sky News centre and when we were there I was very proud of the response of the local young people who were concerned about the plastic waste in the oceans.

“We made videos about what could be done to reduce plastic waste and the young people decided that they would never throw away a plastic bottle again and would help to collect them up in our area.

“We decided we would do what we can in our area to deal with the litter and to discuss the importance of being responsible with the use and the recycling of plastics.

“We were very grateful to the council for giving us a grant to provide the materials to help us to litter pick our area and we are looking forward to the children and their families working together to pick up the litter.

The £650 small town grant from Sandwell Council is to be used on  special project to educate the public on a West Bromwich estate on the detrimental effects of plastics to the environment.

Members of the public will be urged to take a more responsible view of the use of plastics, by using less of them and by recycling them responsibly.

Council officers will work with the community on a clean-up campaign on the estate.

Councillor Shirley Hosell, deputy town lead for West Bromwich, said: “It has become clear that plastics can create a lot of problems for the environment and under this proposal we hope to reduce its use and encourage recycling.

“We will be working to support tenants and residents in their wishes to have a cleaner and green environment on their estate.”

A brand new service is being offered to patients at University Hospitals Birmingham, which is being supported by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. Pets in hospital is a new scheme that will see specially trained dogs visiting patients at the hospital, helping to reduce their anxiety, and enhance patient communication and interaction.

The Pets in hospital scheme has launched across the elderly care wards at QEHB, as well as other selected wards, and patients will be able to request a visit from one of the specially trained dogs through the nurse in charge on their ward. The dogs will be accompanied by their owner, and will wear special, brightly coloured coats that identify them as Pets in hospital dogs.

Mandy Green, Head of Patient Experience at QEHB said: “Pets in hospital is a fantastic scheme that will make a big difference to many patients at the hospital. Research has shown that animals can have a positive impact on improving patient wellbeing by helping to reduce anxiety, enhance patient interaction and promote a calm, positive environment for staff and patients.”

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity said: “QEHB Charity is delighted to support Pets in hospital at QEHB; it is a wonderful scheme that will help to improve patient welfare.

For those of us who love dogs, we know that being around a calm and loving animal can help to lift spirits and reduce anxiety.  For many people, the companionship of a four-legged friend has been source of comfort throughout their life, and research has proven that patients can benefit from interacting with a dog whilst in hospital. Not only can the presence of a friendly and calm dog bring joy to a patient, it can aid interaction with staff and family members, and improve their wellbeing.

Justine Davy said: “None of this would have been possible without the kind support of the Charity’s fundraisers. Further donations will enable QEHB Charity to provide the assessment, training and equipment, including the distinctive dog coats, which are necessary for an owner and their dog to become a part of the Pets in hospital team.”

You can support Pets in hospital by donating £7 per month to pay for the training and equipment for one of the specially trained dogs. Head to hospitalcharity.org/petsinhospital to find out more, and select which one of the adorable dogs you would like to support!

Wolverhampton City Archives celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday.

To mark the occasion the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, and Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, paid a visit to the Whitmore Hill venue.

Users, friends of the archives and staff - past and present - have also been nominating their favourite items from the archives’ vaults to be part of an exhibition - My Favourite Archive.

It showcases photographs, maps, documents and newspapers, as well as illustrating the variety of items kept within a high-tech accredited storage area.

The archives hold almost 700 years of recorded history, and ten of the City of Wolverhampton’s iconic collections have been nominated for visitors to see.

These include Theatrical archives for the Theatre Royal & Grand Theatre, accounts from Wolverhampton Constables, the Beatties Collection, Japanning Pattern Book, Works Leaving Sunbeam and copies of the Wolverhampton Chronicle.

Cllr Reynolds said: “The City Archives is one of the jewels in our crown.

“It provides an invaluable service to Wolverhampton residents and beyond – helping to put the city on the world map through its international links.

“We have £3.7 billion of investment on site or planned in the city and a bright future to look forward to – but it is important we do not forget about our heritage – and the archives ensures our proud history is recorded and well protected.”

The archives were founded in 1978 and in 2009 it became a separate entity from Central Library, moving to its existing home in the Molineux Hotel building.

The Molineux building was a family home until 1860, a pleasure park until 1889 and then in 2003, when a fire almost destroyed the building, the council launched an extensive restoration project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands, English Heritage, Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton Development Company.

The fully restored Grade II listed building retains many of the original features. Among these are the wood panelled Oak Room and ornate Rococo Room – both restored to their Georgian glory.

While the surroundings have changed radically since it was a family home, the remaining garden areas include period features such as an 18th century-styled kitchen garden, box hedging parterres, yew and holly topiary and seating, providing a peaceful oasis for visitors.

Wolverhampton City Archives exists to collect, preserve and make accessible historical records relating to the City of Wolverhampton, and to secure significant modern records for future generations.

Documents available include books, maps, plans; over 30,000 photographs; records of local churches, schools and other institutions; records of the city council and its predecessors; and records of local industries, clubs and societies.

Those who are interested in genealogy can use records including newspapers, census returns, probate records and electoral registers to find out about their family history.

A critically endangered ibis which became extinct in Europe more than 300 years ago has successfully bred at Birdland.

The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction is looking after no fewer than five Walldrapp, or northern bald ibis, chicks.

The ibis was once common throughout much of Europe the Middle East and northern Africa, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years.

It disappeared from Europe in the 18th century, and is now considered critically endangered.

A critically endangered (CR) species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

“Two of our ibis couples, which pair for life, have successfully hatched their eggs this year which is a first for us,” said Head Keeper Alistair Keen.

“The birds have bred in the past but this is the first time we have had so many chicks together so we're extremely pleased and optimistic all five will rear successfully.

“Our waldrapp ibis are part of a European captive breeding programme and the plan will be for the chicks to eventually move to other collections and help protect these incredible birds from extinction,” he added.

Today less than 1,000 birds survive in the wild; 600 in Morocco, 200 in southern Turkey and a small remnant in east Africa. Until recently there was a small population in Syria but this is believed to have died out as a result of the civil war.

Growing up to 80cms tall, the northern bald ibis is a large, iridescent black bird with a long, curved beak, bald head and neck and bizarre ruff of feathers.

The bird has a fascinating and long association with humans. In Ancient Egypt it was revered, along with the sacred ibis, as a holy bird and a symbol of brilliance and splendour.

In Turkey the species' annual migration was believed to guide Hajj pilgrims to Mecca and, according to local legend, it was the second bird Noah released from the Ark.

In 1504, a decree by Archbishop Leonhard of Salzburg made the northern bald ibis one of the world's earliest officially protected species and in 1557 it featured in the Bird Book by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner - among Europe's oldest and most famous illustrated books on native wildlife.

About 98% of the population died out between 1900 and 2002, as a result of hunting, loss of habitat, pesticide poisoning, disturbance, and dam construction.

A number of conservation programmes are now underway, including an ambitious attempt by a German group to reintroduce the species into Europe. They are using a microlight plane to try and re-teach captive-bred birds, released in the northern Alps, to fly south for the winter.

This Christmas Blenheim Palace will be transformed, both inside and out, showcasing the biggest Christmas ever to take place at the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site. With a new indoor Cinderella experience taking over the Palace State Rooms during the day and a bigger and better Christmas light trail illuminating the 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland in the evening; visitors can expect an incredible festive experience from November 2018.

Cinderella: The Fairytale Experience

New from 23 November 2018 – 6 January 2019, the State Rooms of Britain's Greatest Palace will be adorned with seasonal decorations as it transforms into a Cinderella experience. Wander beneath garlands into rooms filled with Christmas trees glistening with ornaments, ribbons, baubles, holly and swags of mistletoe...

The story begins as visitors are welcomed into The Great Hall, from where they walk along colonnades and through historic rooms filled with hidden surprises. The Stepmother's drawing room is set for Afternoon Tea, the Ugly Sister's room is bright and bold, scattered with clothes, books and shoes, whilst Cinderella's room is home to her delicate hand-made gown.

Walk through a larger-than-life storybook into the crystal world of The Fairy Godmother, then along to the Prince's charmingly grand room.

The Long Library is transformed into a glass-inspired Ballroom, filled with laughter and dance. Midnight strikes, the clocks all chime..... as the story ends. Visitors can hang their own wish upon the Wishing Tree in the romantically candlelit chapel.

Don't forget to visit the Stables to rummage through the dressing up box. Become a King, Queen, Prince or Princess for the day. Once in your finery, pose by carriages and pumpkins to recreate your very own fairy tale Cinderella moment.

New Christmas Market in the Great Court*

Christmas at Blenheim Palace will also be hosting a brand new extended Christmas market.

Escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market set against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Court. Filled with a variety of hand- picked, irresistible gifts, unique works by a range of designers and tempting treats for foodies, it's the perfect addition to a Christmas day out at Blenheim Palace.

With ceramics, textiles, homewares, leather goods, jewellery, toys, stationery, bags, hats and so much more, it is the perfect place for visitors to begin their Christmas shopping!

The Illuminated Trail

Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns from 23 November, 2018 – 1 January 2019, illuminating England's finest view with a bigger, brighter and more spectacular evening trail than ever before.

New for 2018, visitors can expect over a million pea-lights, lasers and projections. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with silvery shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

From the delicate and twinkling to the grand and spectacular, follow the lakeside path past the Gingerbread House and under hundreds of larger-than-life glowing flowers suspended in the branches. Sparkling hedgerows and tunnels lead visitors to a brand new Field of Light and on towards a garden filled with jewel-like, colour changing globes. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for Bubble Path before pausing at the flickering scented flames of the Fire Garden for a moment of tranquil reflection.

As visitors walk through a Canopy of Light festooned with over 100,000 pea-lights, the mesmerising voices of Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas and his elves along the way before you pause at the Water Terrace Finale to enjoy the jumping water jets, projections and criss-crossing beams of light as they dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Gather to toast your own marshmallows at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel and enjoy other traditional fare before browsing Blenheim Palace's well stocked gift shop.

Film star, Michael Sheen, is urging people to cast a vote for their local finalist in the National Lottery Awards 2018, the annual search to find the nation’s favourite Lottery funded projects.

In the running is Suited for Success which is competing for the title of the National Lottery’s Best Education Project and is the only project from the Midlands through to this year’s awards.  It’s one of 49 projects from around the UK competing in this year’s National Lottery Awards, which celebrate the inspirational people and projects who do extraordinary things with National Lottery funding.

First impressions count. Suited for Success is a charity which provides essential moral support along with free second-hand suits and workwear to help unemployed men and women make a great first impression in a job interview that could change their life.

Managing director, Patricia White, says winning a prestigious National Lottery Award and having their work showcased on national television would be an honour:

“To be able to provide job interview presentation skills and FREE interview outfits to those who have experienced long-term unemployment, have a history of offending, drug abuse, homelessness, poverty and other life challenges is hugely rewarding.

“We’re delighted that our work on building self-esteem and confidence to help the people who need it most into employment has been recognised, and we’re thrilled that Suited for Success is the only Midlands project in the running for the awards.”

Film star and National Lottery Awards ambassador, Michael Sheen, says: “I am immensely proud of the incredible work these National Lottery funded projects deliver day in and day out in our communities throughout the UK.

“Their truly life-changing work is only made possible through the amazing dedication of all the staff and volunteers who run them. My message is simple - these extraordinary finalists need your support, so please get voting!”

The project with the most votes will be crowned the winner and receive a £5,000 cash prize to spend on their project, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded glittering awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One on 26 September 2018.

Jane Austen’s lively tale of love and heartbreak will be brought to life in the great outdoors this September – in a bid to raise vital funds for a Birmingham hospice.

Birmingham St Mary’s is hosting ‘Live at the Pavilion: Sense and Sensibility’, in which they’re inviting local people to enjoy a magical evening of theatre and picnic under the sky.

Taking place on Sunday 2 September in the hidden grounds of King Edward’s School’s cricket pavilion, the performance will follow the loves and lives of the famous Dashwood sisters as they make their first forays into the exciting world of Regency society.

Adapted by the award-winning writer Laura Turner, viewers will watch as Elinor and Marianne fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time – as well as find that all-important balance between sense and sensibility.

In addition to the drama, spectators will be able to enjoy a luxury picnic hamper which includes honey glazed gammon, homemade quiche, seasonal berry Eton Mess and more. Prosecco, wine and other drinks will also be available to purchase.

All funds from the picnic will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local people living with life-limiting illness.

Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “What better way is there to enjoy Sense and Sensibility than in the magical surroundings of the great outdoors? Come rain or shine, we’re excited to bring this Jane Austen classic to Birmingham and look forward to watching the Dashwood drama unfold like never before.

“It will cost £8 million to run our hospice this year, so Live at the Pavilion is a unique way to enjoy a relaxed theatre performance whilst raising vital funds for charity. We really do rely on the kind generosity of local people to ensure we can continue to provide our expert hospice care to everyone that needs us, wherever and whenever they need us.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s cares for 350 people across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the hospice, in people’s own homes, or in community locations.

Sense and Sensibility will be performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company from 4.30pm to 9pm. Tickets cost £16. Picnic hampers start at £14.50 and include cutlery, plates and napkins. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or deck chairs.

City of Wolverhampton residents on Thursday celebrated learning success at an event designed to show them their next steps towards employment or further education.

Participants from the Language@Work programme run by City of Wolverhampton Council in partnership with Wolverhampton Leaning Platform gathered at the Old School Building in Dudley Road, Blakenhall.

They were presented with certificates by Councillor Lynne Moran, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, and were able to look at a range of options from employment and education providers such as Wolves at Work, YOO Recruit, City of Wolverhampton Council Community Services, Aspiring Futures, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and Workers’ Educational Association (WEA).

The Language@Work programme is one of several Learning Communities programmes helping residents access wider city education and skills services by breaking down barriers such as language, health, low or no previous education, and criminal convictions.

Wolverhampton Learning Platform, is working closely with the council to coordinate and deliver on this strategy.

Other programmes currently available across the city are Mind@Work, First Steps into Construction, and Get into Cleaning.

Cllr Moran said: “These programmes are designed to enable residents who need support to engage, integrate and contribute to society.

“The event yesterday was an opportunity for learners to access services and support they may not have known about.

“This city-wide initiative in partnership with Wolverhampton Learning Platform is geared around providing a coordinated response to learning on your door step, at a grass roots community level for those who may not have accessed learning and support previously or for a long time.”

The Language@Work programme has seen participants benefit from customised support, introductions to a range of services from across the city, IT, work-related courses and Information Advice and Guidance, with around 25 per cent going on to secure employment and 75 per cent progressing onto positive pathways.

Adam Bhardwaj of Wolverhampton Learning Platform added: “Learning Communities is an excellent initiative which provides learning, training and employment opportunities for the local residents of Wolverhampton within their local communities.”

Brits in the West Midlands have voted for their scariest movies and TV shows of all time – and say creepy dolls, serial killers and cannibals are most likely to keep them up all night.

The Exorcist, Poltergeist and Psycho were voted the top three scariest movies, and the eighties were dubbed the most terrifying movie decade.

Three of the West Midlands’ top 10 scariest movies and TV shows were made in the decade of shoulder pads and pastel leg warmers, including Friday the 13th (1980) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

A new survey of 2,004 people by Atomik Research for Universal Parks and Resorts Halloween Horror Nights showed spiders, ghosts and zombies were also in the West Midland’s top 10 screen horrors.

A quarter (26%) of Brits from the West Midlands believe their irrational fears come from movies, another quarter (25%) put it down to scary TV programmes and 23% put it down to childhood events.

Thirty-eight per cent of British horror fans from the West Midlands say they are brave enough to sit through a scary movie or TV show by themselves – with the rest needing somebody else to share the fear.

Research for Universal Parks and Resorts Halloween Horror Nights, which feature haunted houses and scare zones themed around Stranger Things, Revenge of Chucky, Trick ‘r Treat, Scream, shows that scariest films and TV shows of all time for Brits from the West Midlands are:

1. The Exorcist (1974)
2. Poltergeist (1982)
3. Psycho (1960)
4. Saw (2004)
5. Friday the 13th (1980)
6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
7. Saw (2004)
8. The Walking Dead (2010)
9. The Purge (2014)
10. The Mummy (1999)

1. Creepy dolls (28%)
2. Serial killers (28%)
3. Cannibals (26%)
4. Spiders (23%)
5. Ghosts (21%)
6. Zombies (19%)
7. Aliens (17%)
8. Snakes (17%)
9. The Devil (16%)
10. Clowns (15%)

Weston-super-Mare's MP John Penrose will officially open the latest attraction at the resort's Grand Pier, the Museum of Memories, this week (Friday, 27 July, 2018).

Created by consumer historian Robert Opie, this extraordinary experience features thousands of everyday items that are displayed into a chronological context.

Starting in Victorian times, the intrepid time-traveller is taken on a journey through Britain's consumer revolution - everything from the arrival of gramophones and motor cars to the radio and Mars bars.

For many visitors the highlight will be the 1950s, '60s and '70s, crammed full of memory moments - Spangles, Fry's 5 Centre, Aqua Manda, Dan Dare, Ker Plunk, Watney's Party Seven, the rise of youth culture, transistor radios, teenage fashion and pop music.

Robert Opie said: "It's fascinating to see how this rich tapestry of consumer history conjures up so much conversation, just from seeing such simple things as breakfast cereal boxes, crisp packs, sweet wrappers and children's toys.

"It is amazing that these most ephemeral things trigger personnel recollections, whether for school days or a seaside holiday, a birthday party or a family treat."

Michelle Michael, co-owner of the Grand Pier, said: "We look forward to welcoming John Penrose to formally open the Museum of Memories. His long-standing links to the resort, as well as his work as Tourism Minister during a period which included the London Olympics and Queen's Diamond Jubilee, make him the ideal VIP to open the Museum of Memories.

"I hope he discovers a few memories of his own during his visit."

Three students with Adult Education Wolverhampton who scooped awards at this year's Festival of Learning were invited to a special celebration of their achievements this week.

Washington Shearer was named the Festival of Learning's Return to Learning award winner for 2018, with Kate Hubbard and Hala Akhras highly commended in the Learning for Health and English Language Learning categories respectively.

Their achievements were celebrated at a reception followed by afternoon tea hosted by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Phil Page, yesterday (Thursday 19 July, 2018)

Washington, 52, had hidden the fact that he couldn’t read or write all his life, however with the help of Adult Education Wolverhampton he is now aiming to put that right.

While in prison Washington started to learn basic English and this gave him the motivation to learn more. On probation he decided it was time to turn his life around, and eventually found the confidence to sign up for an Entry Level 1 English class.

Although unsure at first, Washington soon discovered that he loved learning, and found himself looking forward to every class. He passed his exams and has progressed to Entry Level 2.

Washington can now connect and communicate with his family using social media and participate more fully in family life. His confidence and self-esteem have grown, and he now has ambitions to work as a mentor, sharing his story and helping others who are in a similar situation to the one he was in.

He said: “Studying is empowering me. I now believe in myself and have expectations for a much brighter future. I’m so happy I can now sit with my grandchildren and read them a story.

Washington’s English teacher, Pamela Lavender, said: “Washington sees this as his second chance. He is always positive and willing and helps his peers whenever he can.”

Kate was highly commended for the way that learning has transformed her life. Her world had collapsed when she was struck down with multiple life-changing illnesses. She felt destroyed mentally and physically, but her world reopened when her doctor recommended the ‘Like Minds’ classes offered by Adult Education Wolverhampton.

The 34-year-old has since moved on to mainstream classes, including pottery, painting and drawing, flower arranging and hat making. The craft activities are helping with Kate’s dexterity and her practical skills have developed tremendously. Learning has opened up new possibilities for a future career and Kate’s long-term plan is to work in a creative field, helping others in a similar situation to the one she has been in.

She said: "Adult Education Wolverhampton saved my life. I’m back on the right track, loving life and all that it might hold for me.”

Kate’s teacher, Bethune Matthews, said, “Despite the debilitating illness Kate is enduring, she comes into class each day with a glowing smile. She is positive, determined and a great motivator.”

Hala, age 41, moved to England from Syria five years ago. She had studied English in Syria but the opportunities to use it in daily life were few and far between. Living in Wolverhampton, she hesitated to communicate because she was afraid of making mistakes in her speech. She soon became depressed and pessimistic about her future.

Hala decided to change her path and learn English again. She attended ESOL classes at Adult Education Wolverhampton, starting with Entry Level 3 and moved onto Level 1 and Level 2. She also enrolled on a Childcare course and progressed through various courses including GCSE maths and English, and is now on her way to becoming a Teaching Assistant.

She said: "I have much more courage and am now happy to communicate with people around me – I am no longer isolated. I believe that my family and I will have a much better life.

Hala’s teacher, Rachel Orotayo, added: "Hala’s decision to learn English was one that took a lot of courage and personal strength but was one she knew she needed to do to integrate in her new community.”

Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "It's wonderful that the success of three of our adult learners was recognised at the Festival of Learning; their stories show that anyone can benefit from learning.

"Adult Education Wolverhampton is only one of four adult education providers in the country to have been judged as Outstanding by Ofsted.

“Inspectors commended it for its exceptionally high achievement rates, high quality teaching, excellent resources, good levels of support and for making learning enjoyable, so there couldn’t be a better time to enrol.”

A group of Birmingham researchers have conducted an in-depth study on young people’s educational needs surrounding the phenomenon of sexting, with findings suggesting that improved support needs to be provided.

The study, led by Birmingham City University, is the first of its kind to focus on the expressions of young people on the types of support, intervention and sexting education that they need.

Undertaken by health, media and education academics at Birmingham City University and University of Birmingham, the research looked to address the absence of young people’s voices in the creation of sexting interventions and to create recommendations for schools.

The term ‘sexting’ is generally understood as the sending of self-generated and sexually explicit messages, images or videos using mobile phones or other electronic media.

Academics Dr Annalise Weckesser, Dr Alex Wade, Dr Clara Rübner Jørgensen and Jerome Turner conducted interviews and focus groups with 13-15 year-olds at a UK secondary school, with students expressing a desire to learn and talk in school about sexting issues as part of their regular curriculum.

“We only had an assembly, but it only showed us how a girl was bullied after”, a female participant said.

“It never told us why not to do it and if it’s illegal”, she added.

Students felt strongly that school assemblies were an ineffective way of disseminating information about sexting, repeatedly stating that “no one listens in assemblies”.

The researchers found that the word ‘sexting’ wasn’t a term that participants generally used amongst their peers. Instead they referred to self-taken sexual digital images as ‘nudes’ or ‘pornos’.

Both male and female participants felt that boys tended to be the recipients rather than the senders of nudes, and that boys were more likely to “force”, coerce or pressure girls to send them nudes.

Boys were not believed to be coerced into sending nudes, but sent them to be “silly” or “act cool”.

Some participants made a distinction between popular and unpopular students, stating that popular students face milder consequences if they had a nude leaked, especially if the nude was deemed flattering and attractive.

“Interestingly, students also identified a number of scenarios in which sharing nudes was understandable and beneficial”, said Dr Annalise Weckesser, research co-author and senior research fellow at Birmingham City University.

“Examples included sharing naked images within friendship groups to gain reassurance that their body was normal, sharing a nude as an expression of body confidence, and sending nudes as a means for creating intimacy and establishing trust within a romantic relationship.”

The study found that students weren’t comfortable seeking support from parents of teachers, but instead would prefer speaking to someone “who you don’t see every day”, such as a youth worker, a school nurse or an older student mentor.

The majority of participants felt that the police shouldn’t be informed about the sharing of student nudes, as they had “better things like murders to investigate”.

Recent police data highlighted that 6,328 sexting offences were registered in 2016/17 – a rise of 131% when compared to 2014/15, when 2,700 cases were logged.

The researchers hope that the study will encourage schools to involve young people in the development of their educational approach to sexting.

“A key recommendation from the study would be for schools to consider carefully the forum in which materials on sexting are presented, the methods by which it is communicated and the way the varied motivations for sexting can be acknowledged”, added Dr Weckesser.

“As trust is a key issue for young people in discussions of sexting, schools and colleges need to consider both how trust can be strengthened and how confidentiality is communicated and practised.”