Community News

Sales of local and regional artisan gin have grown by 50% in the past year at Waitrose as demand for spirits from local distilleries continues to rise.

To meet customer demand, the retailer has today (24 July) introduced another three new gins from local British distilleries to several of its shops* – Ramsbury Gin (made on the Ramsbury Estate near Marlborough, Wiltshire), Cotswolds Dry Gin (made in Stourton, Warwickshire) and Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin (made in Bedale, North Yorkshire).

In recent years, Waitrose has worked with local distilleries across the UK to bring more artisan gins to its shelves, many of which had never been stocked in supermarkets before.

The retailer has long supported small suppliers and currently sells more than 2,500 locally and regionally sourced products from over 600 producers. Through its support, Waitrose has seen a number of local businesses become nationally-recognised brands, including Warner Edwards, whose Rhubarb Gin was initially sold in 133 Waitrose shops but is now stocked in nearly 300.

John Vine, Waitrose Spirits Buyer, said:

“Gin is now the most popular spirit we sell, having overtaken whisky earlier this year.

“Gin from local and regional distilleries have become particularly popular for several reasons. There's been a shift towards people sipping the spirit before their meal as an aperitif, so artisan gins, which tend to have been infused with unique flavours, really appeal for this purpose. Our customers are also looking for local gins in a bid to support smaller suppliers.”

The first ever plan of action designed to prevent incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity violence was launched on 14 July 2017, at a meeting held in the ECOSOC chambers at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The plan of action was developed by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, with the support of KAICIID, the World Council of Churches and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers.

The event was inaugurated by Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng; and Secretary-General of KAICIID, Faisal Bin Muaammar. Amongst a number of religious leaders of individual communities from around the world, Bhai Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman and Religious Leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha UK, provided a Sikh perspective on the panel discussing the role of religious leaders in preventing incitement to violence.

Bhai Sahib Ji commented, ““This Plan of Action and the process by which it has been developed is highly commended.

The misuse of religion to provoke violence is a symptom of diseased minds. To eliminate this disease at the source, we must lovingly liberate our minds through empowering ourselves with the values of compassion, truthfulness, selfless contentment, humility and love. Only peace within oneself can lead to peace around us.”

Implementation of the Plan of Action will contribute to the prevention of atrocity crimes, especially in areas affected by religious and sectarian tensions and violence and enhance the respect, protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion or belief and peaceful assembly.

At the launch meeting, religious leaders, the United Nations, Member States, and civil society began discussing strategies for the implementation of the Plan of Action and the coordination between religious leaders and implementing agencies.  Important next steps include the dissemination of the Action Plan among Member States, relevant UN agencies and other stakeholders.

Property Transformation Manager Lizzie Jones has won the City Year UK West Midlands Bridge Builder Award for 2017.

Lizzie had been mentoring 22 year-old Coventry University student Samaira Amin over the last academic year, supporting her as she volunteered full time in Bordesley Village Primary School with youth social action charity City Year UK during her placement year.

Michelle Lester, Community Investment and Engagement Adviser at National Grid, received the award on Lizzie’s behalf from Samaira at the City Year West Midlands Graduation Ceremony, held on the 19th July at mac in Moseley. 54 young people who had been serving as mentors, role models and tutors full-time in schools over the last year graduated from the scheme, and will now go on to the world of work or higher education.

Lizzie said of her win: “The programme has been fantastic, as the structure and guidance given by City Year UK has been exceptional and made the experience so much more rewarding.

“The most important part for me has been having the pleasure of hopefully playing a small part in Samaira’s journey through life.  As a Bridge Builder I’ve been able to explore Samaira’s career development goals  alongside helping her plan for life after City Year.

“Being able to share skills I’ve developed over the years at both National Grid as well as ideas my own mentors have shared with me has been extremely rewarding, as has being able to offer Samaira the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field she’d like to pursue.”

City Year UK Head of the West Midlands site Dave Gibson said: “Our young volunteers get so much out of the volunteering programme through both being mentors to pupils in primary and secondary schools and from being mentored themselves by our supporters and funders.

“Samaira has come far on the programme and I’m delighted that her mentor Lizzie has been awarded for her work over the year.”

City Year UK Volunteer Mentor Samaira Amin said: “Lizzie was a great support this year in developing my career plan and she has helped me realise the potential in me to achieve my goals. Lizzie has got me a lot of contacts to help me get some experience and find out what I would enjoy, and she is always inspiring me to take up opportunities. I appreciate all her support and i'm looking forward to see what the future holds.”

City Year UK’s  Bridge Builder Award recognises supporters who have volunteered their spare time to mentor the charity’s young volunteers, helping to prepare them for the next step - whether that is staying in education or finding a career. The support includes mock interviews, CV workshops and assistance in deciding on their next steps.

City Year UK engages young people aged 18 to 25to serve full-time in schools in disadvantaged communities for a year. The young people are supported to build on their key skills and attributes including confidence, resilience and leadership through tackling some of the UK’s most pressing social issues and supporting pupils to achieve their potential.

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham is calling for young people to get snapping during the school holidays and enter their photos into the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards.

Whether it’s a bug, a bird or a big, beautiful mammal, it’s a fun way to spend some time during the holidays, photos of any kinds of wildlife and animals are welcome.

And for the first time there will be a prize given for the best photograph taken on a mobile phone.

TV star Chris will once again be part of the judging panel. He said:  “If you’re under 19, why not head out into the countryside and snap some wildlife?  Or you could get a great shot of your pet, whether it’s your dog, cat or even your hamster.

“Photographs of any animals can be entered into the competition.  We see some incredibly beautiful images and this year I’m hoping to see fantastic pictures of animals taken with devices like mobile phones and tablets as well.

Chris added: “But make sure you send your photos in by the deadline of Friday 18 August.”

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards are a chance for young budding photographers to win amazing prizes.  From the top prize of a weekend photography break ‘Seal Spectacular’ from Natures Images, to up to £800 of photographic vouchers from Wex Photographic.

There are 5 categories:  Under 12 years; 12-15 years and 16-18 years; Portfolio and new for 2017, mobile phone and devices.  Entrants can enter three categories with a maximum of 25 photos.

The new Mobile phone category will provide a fresh challenge, reflecting the important photographic role played by mobile devices in our lives today. Any mobile device can be used in this category, which is aimed at all skill levels, from beginners to complete pros.

Last year’s winner was Kyle Moore from Suffolk.  His photo of a fox on an urban street at nighttime particularly impressed the judges.

Kyle says: “The school summer holidays are such a great time to go out with your camera because you’ve got more time to plan your pictures.

“I would really recommend entering this competition. It’s fun taking photos and trying to find a new angle on an animal you might see regularly.  Why not see what comes through your garden or look under rocks in parks.”

The judging panel for 2017 will include long standing judge, wildlife expert and BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, alongside leading wildlife photographers, Jules Cox, Andrew Forsyth and Elliott Neep.   Also in the judging line up will be aspiring professional wildlife photographers and former winners Catriona Parfitt (2005 and 2010) and Kyle Moore (2016) .

The judging panel will also include sponsors Ellie Rothnie (wildlife photographer and Natures Images representative); Mark Sisson, Natures Images and Philip Warner from Warners Printers Midlands.

Professional wildlife photographer and former RSPCA chief photographer Andrew Forsyth from Brighton, East Sussex said: “It's an honour to be on the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards judging panel again this year.  And I’m so pleased that mobile phones and other devices have also been added as a category.

"We always see so much talent when we are judging this competition. It is great to see so many young people taking pictures of animals and the new category may encourage even more to have a go.”

The long-term future of Wildside Activity Centre is set to be secured by a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ of the premises from City of Wolverhampton Council to the organisers.

The Whitmore Reans Estate-based centre on Hordern Road provides educational and environmental outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, in a green canalside location.

A strong business case has been put forward by the organisers of the social enterprise - and both parties are now working towards signing an official agreement for a 35-year lease.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “Wildside Activity Centre provides a tremendous service to the community and is run by a very dedicated team of volunteers.

“We have worked closely with the centre’s leadership team to enable this Community Asset Transfer to take place.

“The business case they have put forward means the long-term future of the centre is secure and will serve the local community to the full.

“The official agreement must now be signed by both parties – and I am looking forward to seeing the centre build on its popularity over the coming years.”

The Wildside Activity Centre was set up by the council as a local authority-run outdoor pursuits centre but has been self-funded since May 2014.

A registered charity, the company is committed to investing £75,000 worth of volunteer hours to provide activities and improve the facilities on a not-for-profit basis.

It is looking to further develop its extensive programme, which includes canoeing, cycling, narrowboat trips, conservation projects, nature and adventure activities.

This will be achieved through sessions for schools, youth groups, uniformed and voluntary organisations, and disability groups, as well as family-orientated holiday programmes.

Public open days showcasing its work, and events on key dates such as Mother’s Day, will continue to broaden the appeal of the centre.

The hire of the meeting room, with a small kitchen, wi-fi and data projection facilities, is also in place to bring in revenue.

Long-term unemployed City of Wolverhampton residents can benefit by volunteering at the centre.

Len Kruczek, Wildside Activity Centre Chair of the Board, said: “This is a huge landmark for us and we are extremely grateful for the council’s support on this transfer of the centre to the charity.

“We serve all ages and all abilities and get people reconnected with nature.

“We have a wonderful, newly decorated meeting room with canal views available for hire, an extensive range of activities, brilliant boat trips and exciting holiday programmes. “We are completely committed to the hard work ahead of keeping the centre going to serve the local community.”

Six Sandwell apprentices are celebrating success after successfully launching their construction careers.

All six have passed qualifications while working on a housing development in West Bromwich after being recruited by Sandwell Council’s employment team – Think Sandwell.

They have been part of the team at the Harvills Hawthorn site where 230 new homes are being built by local housing developer Lovell, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, Riverside Living, Compendium Regeneration and Sandwell Council.

The apprentices have been working through a two-year NVQ Level 2, Level 3 or Higher National Diploma (HNC)and continue to develop their skills as part of Lovell's dedicated apprenticeship training programme.

Ryan Wood, 24 is now a trainee site manager. Previously working in a local supermarket, he was doing well but felt he’d reached a plateau and needed a new career path. With a wide range of skills and wanting an active role, he was successfully interviewed for the trainee site manager position.

John Shaw, 21 is now trainee quantity surveyor and taking an HNC course. Think Sandwell put him forward for a 12-month labouring position with Lovell to get his foot in the door to construction. Showing potential he was encouraged to apply for a position as a trainee quantity surveyor and secured the position in March 2014. John said: "I am really enjoying my construction career. I love my job now.”

David Beard, 21 is now an apprentice carpenter He started his apprenticeship in October 2014 after three month's work experience, he's now successfully completed his NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in carpentry and joinery and is now working towards his Level 4.

Dale Flute, 21 is now an apprentice bricklayer and also started his apprenticeship in October 2014 also after completing three months' work experience. He's successfully completed his NVQ Level 2 course and is now working towards his Level 3.

Jake Beasley, 21 is also an apprentice bricklayer and has been with Lovell since August 2015 and is completing his NVQ Level 2.

He said: "It's been brilliant getting to work with different people and learning different things and different ways of doing jobs.

"I'd gained experience in the trade with my dad since I was 14 and always enjoyed it with but knew I needed to do an apprenticeship to get qualified.

"The competition for an apprenticeship with Lovell was strong but my previous experience helped and I was also able to show that I would be committed, loyal and hard working."

Scott Kelly, 21 is a carpentry apprentice and just completing his NVQ 2 after starting with Lovell in October 2015. His supervisor says he has developed while he has been with Lovell, is keen to learn and excels at every task whether on site or at college.

Councillor Paul Moore cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the apprentices on their dedication and hard work in achieving their qualifications.

“The benefit of an apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn and gain real life work experience which employers are keen to see in candidates who apply for jobs in their organisations.

He added: “Building much-needed homes in the town is a big boost to families in Sandwell and it’s great that these young people are learning the skills to develop and further their construction careers through building new homes in Sandwell.”

Stuart Penn, Lovell's managing director for the Midlands, added: "Even during the recent tough times, we have continued to take on apprentices. We give them kind of training and support that maximises their chances of success - and therefore rewards our investment with an excellent new employee trained to excellent standards.

"Our challenge as an industry is persuading people to join - or rejoin - the construction industry. Hundreds of thousands of construction and house building jobs disappeared during the recession and the industry is still suffering with the lack of skilled operatives and professionals.

"These apprentices have been exemplary and have demonstrated the qualities we are looking for - enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to work hard and achieve their goals."

Young families are embracing a programme to develop the teaching skills of new parents.

The Making It REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) programme enables education professionals to help parents develop their knowledge and confidence so that they can support their children to read and write at home.

Among those taking part in the nationally-recognised literacy programme are teachers, parents and children aged between two and five at Trinity C of E Primary School in Heath Town.

Around 15 families are being supported by staff who hold events and take part in home visits to help raise children's literacy levels.

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "All parents can support their child's progress by becoming educators and taking part in enjoyable activities which encourage their child’s development and thinking

"These can be anything from reading and sharing books to going to the library, playing games with letters and numbers and singing songs and rhymes.

"The Making It REAL programme is about ensuring parents have the techniques they need to be able to support their children to develop their reading and writing skills."

Alex Jones, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Assistant Director for Education, said: "Teachers and parents have said how positive the programme is, particularly the way it has helped developed relationships between the school and the families who are now coming into school and asking how they can better support their child's learning.

"They have particularly benefited from the events and activities which we have arranged with the school, such as a recent visit to one of our libraries where parents were able to share rhymes, stories and books with their children. Teachers have noted that the children involved in the project are now much keener to write and have a greater love of books and reading."

The programme has been so successful that it will be run again in the next academic year and involve families from the Early Explorers and nursery, as well as Reception and Year 1.

Community Garden Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston, Birmingham has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as a quality community green space, among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that received the prestigious Green Flag.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Martineau Gardens is a thriving independently run charity: volunteers (many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities) care for the wildlife friendly Gardens, hundreds of school children come to learn about the environment and Birmingham people (now in their thousands) visit the Gardens annually to enjoy its peace and tranquillity.

Caroline Hutton said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the eighth year running from Keep Britain Tidy. Martineau Gardens is a community-run garden that’s open for free to the public. This award is a tribute to the dedication of our volunteers who work hard to keep the gardens a beautiful and tranquil spot for Birmingham people to come and relax in.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

Birmingham Airport has partnered with a social enterprise company called ‘The Wonder Why Society’ to help promote inspired learning and improve educational opportunities for pupils in local primary schools.

Based in Birmingham and part of the Solihull Chamber, the company aims to tackle two social problems - disengaged learning and the skills gap.

The interactive learning platform informs and engages users on issues such as the environment and community and has a Birmingham Airport zone included.

Jo Lloyd, Birmingham Airport’s Commercial Director said: “We have always believed that supporting the education of young people is one of the most effective ways in which we can invest in our region's future.

“The Wonder Why Society is an innovative way for us to take our education programme forward in an exciting and dynamic direction. We're sure the local pupils, who will be given access to the site from airport funding, are going to love exploring a whole new world of learning.”

Samantha Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Wonder Books Ltd, said: “Birmingham Airport is our first business partner which is fantastic news. It not only gives the project a huge step up in terms of recognition and support but also brings local industry into education.

“We are really looking forward to bringing together children, schools, parents and industry experts in the local area and working as a team to engage with children and motivate them to learn independently and develop their skills.”

This project is very much in line with Birmingham Airport’s Corporate Responsibility Strategy of developing local communities and promoting health and wellbeing in the area.

During a ceremony held yesterday to mark the first Blue Economy Day at the Seychelles Institute of Teachers Education (SITE), the Chief Executive Officer of the James Michel Foundation, Mr. Jacquelin Dugasse, and the Minister of Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Mr. Didier Dogley, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation.

The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation is to ensure harmonization and a holistic approach to the work undertaken by the Government of Seychelles and the James Michel Foundation on the Blue Economy.

Under the MOU, the James Michel Foundation and the Government of Seychelles will pool resources and actions in the following areas:

• Policy compatibility and representation • Joint activities • Exchange of information and experience

“The signing of the MOU establishes the platform for cooperation between the Government of Seychelles and the James Michel Foundation for the promotion of the Blue Economy concept, raise awareness of climate change impacts on Seychelles, advance the cause of small island developing states nationally and internationally,” said Mr. Dugasse.

The ceremony was also organized to celebrate the Youth Ocean Champions. The James Michel Foundation sponsored prizes, which were presented to the children by Mr. Jacquelin Dugasse. The prizes were given for the winners of the national school competition “Blue Economy Career Profile” as well as prizes for Anse Royale primary school and Pointe Larue secondary school for promoting the Blue Economy Concept at community level.

Also present at the ceremony were the Vice President, Mr. Vincent Meriton; Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Mr. Joel Morgan; and Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Mitcy Larue.

Thirteen Leaders directors braved the heat on Thursday 6th July to walk 10 miles in fancy dress - from their head office in Worthing to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel - to raise money and awareness for the firm’s charity partner, Together for Short Lives.

Superman, Thor, Wonder Woman, a giant strawberry and a man on an ostrich were among the characters who walked for more than four hours in sweltering heat.

The group raised more than £4,000 which will go towards Leaders’ fundraising target of £50,000 to support seriously ill children and their families when they need it most.

Allison Thompson, managing director at Leaders, says: “Since we partnered with Together for Short Lives in 2015 we’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and generosity of our staff, customers and business associates for this fantastic cause. The directors and I wanted to do our own challenge to show our support and contribute to our ambitious fundraising target for the year.

“We are so grateful for all the sponsorship and encouragement we received, and for the warm welcome that greeted us when we arrived at Chestnut Tree House. We were given a tour of the hospice, which is a truly inspirational place and makes such an enormous difference to the children and families they care for.

“This is a cause very close to our hearts and we are delighted that through our partnership with Together for Short Lives we are supporting all our local children’s hospices which do such a fantastic job across the UK.”

Nick Appleby, head of corporate fundraising at Together for Short Lives, says: “We are thrilled with the amount raised by the Leaders directors through their fantastic challenge. The wonderful commitment that Leaders staff show to the charity continues to amaze us!

“The funds raised for Together for Short Lives will help to ensure that children's hospice services can continue to deliver essential 24/7 support for thousands of seriously ill children and their families who rely on their vital care.”

Together for Short Lives supports all 54 children’s hospices across the UK. Leaders named the organisation as its charity partner in 2015 and has raised £95,000 for it since then.

The East-Midlands’ drinkers are curating a collection of increasingly premium drinks at home, with the average household ‘drinks cabinet’ now worth in excess of £200, according to a new nationwide study by premium tonic and mixer specialist Franklin & Sons, and the East-Midlands’ monthly drinks bill tops £100 per household.

Yet it appears we could be spoiling enjoyment of our top tipples with poor choices and habits when it comes to mixing our favourite drinks, with using warm, flat mixers and no ice among the top home drinking sins.

The study of 2,000 householders – commissioned to mark the height of the summer G&T season – found that the average British home now has a selection of spirits worth £63.20, with gin, whisky, vodka and rum at the top of the nation’s list of favourite spirits.

And we are also clearly becoming more discerning, with more than half our spend on spirits now going on premium or craft options costing more than £15 a bottle, while the rest of the nation’s average drinks cabinet is made up from a collection of beers, lagers and ales worth £15.13, cider (£10.66), red wine (£27.06), white wine (£22.88), Champagnes and sparkling wines (£28.68), port (£15.36), sherry (£12.04), and fortified wines (£11.84).

Irrespective of geography, though, Franklin & Sons’ study also found that the current out of home cocktail craze in the nation’s pubs, bars and restaurants has now most definitely found its way into our homes. Three out of 10 respondents said they had recently hosted or attended a cocktail party and seven out of 10 said they regularly mixed cocktails at home, with no fewer than 29 popular creations on the nation’s home drinks menu, including a Dark ‘N’ Stormy (dark rum and ginger beer served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime), a Woo Woo (vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice), and even a Gimlet (gin and lime juice).

World’s Best Spirits drinks consultants Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley – regular contributors to Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch – comment: “It’s clear from Franklin & Sons’ findings that, as a nation, we are becoming increasingly discerning, knowledgeable and adventurous about what we are drinking.

In celebration of the school summer holidays Victorian Arcade in Walsall will be hosting a day of circus entertainment on Saturday 5th August.

Shoppers and their families are invited to join in with a free circus workshop from 11am until 4pm where youngsters can learn how to juggle, spin plates and more with the help of the Arcade’s professional circus performer.

What’s more, the centre will be welcoming an amazing all round entertainer who will be on hand to entertain children and create balloon models for all visitors to the Arcade. A free face painter will also be helping youngsters get into the circus spirit.

Darren Griffiths, Senior Regional Facilities Manager of GBR Phoenix Beard, commented:

“We are thrilled to be hosting a circus extravaganza here at the Arcade. We hope to provide the perfect opportunity to entertain local kids for free. Our event promises to be a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy.”

Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Alexander The Great Airport, Skopje on 17 July with a press conference and gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel Skopje. The events were hosted by Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ehab Amin, who welcomed VIP guests including the Republic of Macedonia’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Goran Sugareski; TAV Macedonia General Manager, Mr. Alp Er Tunga Ersoy; Macedonian Ambassador to Qatar, Mrs. Vukica Krtolica Popovska, and Qatari Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Hassan Bin Abdullah Zaid Al Mahmoud.

The gala dinner invitees, including Macedonian and Qatari VIPs, honoured guests from the travel industry and media, all enjoyed a dazzling line-up of entertainment and a headline performance by famous Macedonian singer Jana Burceska.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ehab Amin, said at the press conference: “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the launch of Qatar Airways flights to Skopje, our new gateway into Eastern Europe from our hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways is proud to bring the five-star experience to the Macedonian capital, which is so rich in culture and history.”

General Manager of Airport TAV Macedonia, Mr. Alp Er Tunga Ersoy, said: "Doha, known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, will be an exciting travel opportunity for Macedonian citizens, both in terms of leisure and business, but it will also enable Macedonians who live in Australia and New Zeland to visit their motherland. We hope that the Republic of Macedonia, with its natural beauty and cultural-historical heritage, will be an interesting destination for Qatari tourists and business travellers. The presence of Qatar Airways in the Republic of Macedonia as a brand will make Skopje Airport even more attractive as a market, opening new possibilities for its development, while additionally contributing to further traffic growth.”

Qatar Airways is expediting its expansion in Eastern Europe, with service to Prague, Czech Republic and Kyiv, Ukraine set to commence by the end of August. The award-winning airline is committed to bringing more visitors to Eastern Europe by adding a further level of choice for passengers travelling to or from Croatia, Hungary, Azerbaijan, and other Eastern European destinations.

In response to increasing demand, flights to Zagreb increased to a 10-weekly service last year, while Budapest and Baku both increased to a 12-weekly service in June 2017. Inbound tourism to Eastern Europe is expected to grow after the airline’s route launches of Serbia, Armenia, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria in recent years.

The new route to Skopje will also provide the people of the Republic of Macedonia the opportunity to connect to more than 150 destinations on the airline’s global network via its hub, Hamad International Airport, in Doha.

Qatar Airways will operate the four-times weekly service to Skopje with the award-winning Airbus A320, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. Both Economy and Business Class passengers can enjoy the airline’s relaunched superior entertainment system, offering up to 3,000 entertainment options.

In addition, the commencement of air cargo service to Skopje by Qatar Airways Cargo will promote air trade growth in Republic of Macedonia by connecting the country with its major importers in North East Asia via the airline’s state-of-the-art Doha hub. The cargo carrier’s newly launched Climate Control Centre enhances its seamless cool chain solutions and offers perfect transit services to support the exports of fruits and fresh produce out of Skopje to various destinations across its global network.

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, this year celebrates 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 destinations business and leisure destinations. One of the world’s fast growing airlines will continue to add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017 and 2018, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of 200 aircraft.

As the summer holidays kick off, parents across the UK are expecting to spend £468 on entertaining their children, according to the Post Office Money annual Parents’ Summer Spending report.

The costs associated with the summer break have decreased by 14 per cent compared with last year – although remain almost a fifth (17 per cent) higher than in 2012, when Post Office Money first conducted the research. With a third (33 per cent) of parents admitting they spent more than expected last summer, the anticipated fall in costs this year may suggest that many plan to keep a closer eye on their spending over the coming weeks.

Summer expenditure year-on-year

With the recent heatwave sweeping the country many parents will already have kicked off their summer spending; 27 per cent of parents spend more as a result of good weather, as they look to make the most of the sunshine.

When it comes to entertaining, two in five (40 per cent) parents expect to spend the most money visiting attractions, while 37 per cent of parents say family meals out will be their biggest cost. Just over a quarter (28 per cent) expect to spend the most money on treats for their children, with 22 per cent stating a holiday abroad will be their biggest expense.

There are also additional costs, aside from entertaining their children, which bump up the overall cost for mum and dads.  Parents expect to spend an average of £43 on other people’s children in addition to their own, as well as expecting to pay £78 on childcare and £97 on fuel – pushing the total potential summer expenditure to £686.

While their children will be excitedly counting down the days until summer, many parents are busy planning how they’ll cover the increased cost of summer, with over half (52 per cent) worried about how they will afford the summer costs – 41 per cent also feel under pressure to compete with other parents’ spending.

Owen Woodley, Managing Director at Post Office Money, said: “There can be many hidden costs over the summer months and while two in five parents we spoke to have the cash to cover these additional costs, many do not. 13% of parents told us they are planning on dipping into their savings, 9% will draw on their credit card and some families are even saying they’re likely to miss bill payments or even take a mortgage holiday to help manage this overspend.

“Planning in advance to find the best ways to cover any shortfall now can help relieve financial pressure and avoid negative financial implications further down the line.”

Some ‘savvy’ parents would even consider making little sacrifices now to help fund this summer’s spend – with 26 per cent saying they would consider sacrificing buying new clothes and 21 per cent prepared to give up going out during the evenings and at weekends. Some parents would also consider sacrificing saving during the summer period (22 per cent).

Owen Woodley continues: “If parents do plan to use credit, they should review their credit services to ensure they have the best value product to suit their needs. Avoid going into an unapproved overdraft to avoid unnecessary fees and penalty charges and review if your credit card offers the most competitive rate of interest. Some credit cards offer 0% interest rates, allowing you to spread the costs over a number of months, without incurring interest on the balance until the interest free period ends. These cards can also provide balance transfer facilities where you can transfer existing credit balances to another card that charges less interest. By using the next couple of weeks to consider the different options available to them, families can help relieve themselves of the worries connected with their upcoming summer spending.”

Helen’s Haberdashery situated within Victorian Arcade in Walsall has announced that series two competitor of the Great British Sewing Bee, Jenny Taylor, will be hosting an exclusive workshop and book signing on Saturday 26th August from 10am until 12:30pm.

In celebration of the launch of Jenny Taylor’s new book, attendees can expect to take part in an exclusive workshop in which Jenny will be on hand to offer expert advice on how to create their very own vintage teacup pin cushion. Visitors will also be given the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the star herself regarding her time as presenter on Create and Craft as well as her current positon on Sewing Quarter.

Even better, from 1pm until 4:30pm, Victorian Arcade shoppers are invited to attend a special book signing of Jenny Taylor’s new book titled ‘Girl with a Sewing Machine – The No-Fuss Guide’.

Those wishing to attend the workshop are encouraged to pop in store and register their interest as soon as possible to reserve their space at the workshop as places are expected to book up quickly. All attendees will be required to bring along their own cup or alternately purchase one from Jenny on the day.

Helen Baines, owner of Helen’s Haberdashery, commented:

“We’re delighted that Jenny Taylor will be making an exclusive appearance at Helen’s Haberdashery on Saturday 26th August. It’s set to be a day full of handy hints and tips and a fantastic opportunity for local crafters to meet a sewing star!”

Darren Griffiths, Senior Regional Facilities Manager of GBR Phoenix Beard, commented:

“I hope that many local knitters and sewers take advantage of this wonderful opportunity at Helen’s Haberdashery and I encourage them to sign up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. I would also like to remind shoppers that Saturday 26th August will see Victorian Arcade host a very special Jurassic Park themed event from 11am until 4pm and visitors are encouraged to bring along their cameras as the Arcade will be welcoming a very special pre-historic visitor.”