Community News

Remember the days when you met a new partner and you would practice your signature with his surname? When you wanted to be a footballer and already had an autograph? When you signed cheque books?  Nope, too far in the past?

Our signature is our name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification, but it seems the days of the carefully honed personal signature are coming to an end!

According a national study by UK cyber security consultancy -  Online Spy Shop - more than half of adults rarely sign their names anymore and one in five don’t even have a proper signature, instead just writing out their name when one is required and potentially leaving themselves open to the risk of identity theft and fraud.

The national study of 1,000 UK adults found:

* 55% of say they “rarely” use their signature

* One in five UK don’t have a consistent signature

* Four in ten signatures written in the UK are to sign for deliveries

Younger people are even less inclined to bother.  21% of those aged 18-24 say they don’t have a consistent way of signing their name and 15% can’t remember the last time they had to do it.

Over-55s are little different and may be responsible for keeping the written signature alive for a while yet.

84% of over-55s say they still have a consistent signature, but even among a demographic that grew up with written signatures as the standard, 7% can’t remember the last time they used theirs. Regular signature use is 20% lower among under-55s compared to over-55s.

According to the study, deliveries account for 41% of all signatures, while parenting related paperwork such as school consent forms and homework diaries account for 10%.

Steve Roberts of Online Spy Shop, who commissioned the research believes signatures could still have a place for a while, despite advances in encryption and security.

“We’re now so used to engaging with modern means of verification, be that fingerprint recognition or simply passwords and PINs, that the idea of just scribbling our name seems almost ridiculous.  So it’s no surprise that a significant proportion of us no longer have a definitive, consistent signature to call our own and many of us can’t even remember the last time we signed our own name.

“I don’t think it’s quite the end of the written signature, but I certainly believe the days of youngsters perfecting a unique, hard-to-copy autograph to use in adulthood will be a thing of the past, if it isn’t already.  Although in the EU, digital signatures are legally as legitimate as hand-written signatures, the latter is still standard proof of consent in many scenarios, so I’d recommend people take care to ensure their signature isn’t easily-copied, just in case.”

Down time has got a lot more fun thanks to a project between Pioneers Leading the Way (a youth empowerment charity), Wickes and social enterprise VIY (Volunteer It Yourself), which has seen local young people help build downhill go karts at the Bordesley Green Allotments. Following the project, the 38 volunteers gained accreditation in Carpentry.

The work, which was carried out in association with VIY, took place over a weekend and helped young volunteers learn valuable skills in carpentry by helping to build downhill go-karts. The work was completed alongside Pioneers Leading the Way, who are a charity that specialise in raising self-esteem, confidence and motivation, and both building and using the go-karts will hopefully fulfil this. Taking part in the project, aims to boost confidence amongst volunteers, and also helps to open doors thanks to their new qualifications. The Perry Barr Wickes store helped fund the project by donating materials required.

Mohammad Askar, Lead Mentor at Pioneers said: “Our volunteers really enjoyed getting involved in this project and it’s fantastic to see them working hard and enjoying themselves whilst gaining new found confidence and new skills that will help them in the future. They did a fantastic job and goes to show just how much can be accomplished in two days when everyone rolls up their sleeves and pitches in.”

Alistair Trevitt, Store Manager of Wickes, Perry Barr said: “It was great to be involved in such a worthwhile project that builds young people’s confidence and brings them together to teach them valuable DIY and trade skills. The downhill go karts look great and will hopefully be a great addition to the local community. It’s been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from everyone involved.”

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Carer Support Team has moved into its new home at Central Library.

The team offers a range of support for people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour in Wolverhampton, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the services they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

They provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and short breaks for carers, and offer a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and training in skills such as first aid.

Drop-in sessions take place at Central Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-noon and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-4.30pm, and appointments for assessments can also be made outside of these times.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "Carers shouldn't have to struggle on their own; there is support out there, whether it be emotional, financial or practical advice and our Carer Support Team is on hand to help.

"The move to Central Library will enable the team to meet many more carers in a more accessible location close to the new City of Wolverhampton Market, and because the library has long opening times they will also have the flexibility to see carers outside of normal working hours.

"In addition, the team will be working across a range of other venues, including district libraries and community centres to promote the support they can provide to carers across all parts of Wolverhampton."

A carer is anyone who provides support for a relative, friend or neighbour without payment. The person they care for may have a mental health need, learning disability, physical and sensory disability or may be an older, vulnerable person. It is thought there are more than 26,000 unpaid carers in Wolverhampton.

Children will be getting breakfast with their books during the summer holidays at several local libraries as the popular scheme returns to Sandwell.

Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.

All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers

Children can get their breakfast from Blackheath Library, Glebefields Library, Rounds Green Library and Stone Cross Library

Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said: "Cereal readers has proven to be very popular with local families and we are very grateful for the donations from local companies as well as the time given by our valued volunteers.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "It's great to see so many children are enjoying 'Cereal Readers' and visiting libraries during the school holidays.

"We do lots to encourage parents and carers to take their children to libraries and having a breakfast on offer for the is a great incentive."

For six-year-old Sandwell schoolgirl Evie, there is no doubt littering is rubbish!

Evie wrote a letter and designed an eye-catching poster explaining to the council why littering and tipping rubbish is a bad thing and that she wants it to stop.

To thank Evie for her efforts, the Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Joy Edis invited her to the Mayor’s Parlour.

Evie wanted people to stop dumping rubbish on paths and at Sandwell's parks, so she created a poster explaining how to correctly dispose of waste.

In her letter, she explained why she doesn’t like people throwing rubbish on the floor. She said: “I want the world to look wonderful not scruffy. It will make the world complete if people do not throw their rubbish on the floor anymore."

Sue Ramsay, headteacher at Eaton Valley Primary School where Evie is a pupil, was very impressed when she found out about the letter. “It is great to see a child so young making her voice heard,” she said.

And Evie's mum Jane is very proud of her daughter. She said: “Evie took it upon herself to do this poster and write a letter to the council due to her passion for a cleaner and tidier Sandwell.”

Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Joy Edis, said: "I was extremely impressed by Evie's colourful poster urging people not to drop litter, and also her letter, saying she doesn't like people throwing their litter on the floor.

"It was lovely to meet Evie, along with her dad and grandparents - who brought her to the Parlour - to chat to her about her views on this important issue which obviously matters very deeply to her."

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.