Community News

A disabled-led arts festival, organised by national disability charity Sense, in partnership with Midland Arts Centre (MAC), took place in Birmingham this weekend (19 – 20 May), with crowds coming in to explore, play and experiment with multisensory art.

The ‘Sensibility Festival’ co-directed by Graeae Theatre Company and Stephanie Singer (BitterSuite), included a mixture of sensory experiences, guided tours and accessible activities, across two venues: MAC and TouchBase Pears. Artists Justin Wiggan, Saranjit Birdi, Lyn Cox and Becca Thomas (InterAction), led the creation of the unique arts installation, co-curated by 60 artistic advisors with sensory impairments.

Visitors were able to explore art and creativity using their senses, including the centrepiece of the festival, the ‘Sensory Labyrinth’, designed to be touched, eaten, smelt, moved and felt.

Stephanie Tyrrell, National Art Manager for Sense, said:

“The ‘Sensibility Festival’ was a hugely engaging festival, that enabled the public to explore how artists with sensory impairments can use their senses to create art. Over the three days, visitors were amazed at how they could use their senses. We hope this festival marks the beginning of people with sensory impairments, having the opportunity to be creative, to develop accessible and multisensory art in the future.”

Towns and cities across the West Midlands will participate in Bike Life, the UK’s most comprehensive assessment of cycling development. Previously the report, produced by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans in partnership with Birmingham City Council, has focussed on one city. Thanks to increased funding by the Freshfield Foundation, and the cities and regions themselves, it’s now set to cover the whole of the West Midlands.

Local authorities in the seven districts of the West Midlands Combined Authority area (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton) will be working with Sustrans to capture data on infrastructure, travel habits, public attitudes and the impact of cycling. The project is designed to help UK cities normalise cycling and reports will be published in 2020 and 2022.

Bike Life was founded in 2014 in seven major UK cities but has grown significantly since. Between 2018 and 2022, more cities and regions will participate in the project bringing the total to 14. Collectively they cover almost 14 million people or 20% of the entire UK population.

The approach taken by Bike Life mirrors the Copenhagen Bicycle Account which outlines the development in cycling, identifies challenges and informs planning at a local level. This helps local authorities to build the case for cycling whilst shaping the political and funding landscape for active travel across the UK.

In Birmingham the council has responded to the findings of Bike Life with a programme of investment to deliver cycle friendly canals and two new segregated cycle routes. Delivered through the ‘Birmingham Cycle Revolution’ the city is aiming to provide safe, attractive and accessible infrastructure to become a healthier and happier city.

Lead member for safe and sustainable travel on the WMCA transport delivery committee, Cllr Diana Holl-Allen, said: “Our sustainable travel team work very hard to promote cycling as a transport choice and we know there is real demand out there so we certainly welcome this initiative. Cycling is a key element of our sustainable travel work and our top level priorities of reducing road congestion and carbon footprint in the region.”

Sustrans Partnerships Manager, Midlands and East, Gavin Passmore said: “We’re really excited to be rolling Bike Life out across the West Midlands. It’s fantastic that the region’s local authorities have signed up to a larger programme. Inactivity, air quality and traffic congestion are issues that can no longer be ignored and we need national and local governments to rise to these challenges. In 2017 Bike Life revealed strong public support in Birmingham for cycling - with eight out of ten residents backing more investment in dedicated spaces for cyclists. An expanded programme will help to build political support amongst a wider audience bringing about the change we really need.”

The RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital in Birmingham is one of the busiest RSPCA centres in the country. Last year, the centre took in 1,331 animals, including 267 dogs, and rehomed more than a thousand animals to their new forever homes.

In 2017, the hospital treated more than 15,000 patients from dogs, cats, rabbits and wildlife, and carried out 1,129 neutering operations.

That is why, this year, people taking part in the My Big Walkies challenge which kicks off in June, can raise money specifically for the Birmingham hospital.

Animal lovers can pledge 10,000 steps a day to help animals just like Bronte and Ollie.

Bronte is a black lurcher crossbreed who came into RSPCA care after she was involved in a road traffic accident.

Staff managed to trace her owners who signed her over so that she could get the treatment she needed at the animal hospital.

The one-year-old had a small fracture to her hind foot.

Deborah Caffull, Birmingham Animal Centre manager, said: “As you can imagine with Bronte being a young dog and an active breed she was so bored by not being able to run and get the exercise her breed loves so much. Now she has been given the all clear for normal exercise and rehoming.

“She loves being off the lead and chasing toys so she will need an active home. Once her energy has been spent she is a very affectionate girl and loves cuddle time. She is great with other dogs and just wants to play, so she could live with another pooch in her next home if they are also fairly playful. Bronte is an energetic typical lurcher who will benefit from experienced owners who can reassure and build her confidence when needed.”

Ollie is a brindle and white crossbreed who came into RSPCA care more than a year ago after he was rescued by an inspector when his previous owner failed to treat his poorly leg.

Ollie had been suffering with a limp in his right hind leg. Once he came into RSPCA care, it was discovered that he had a luxating patella, also known as a floating kneecap. After a month of treatment it was decided that the best option was to amputate the leg and Ollie is now coping well on three paws.

Deborah added: “Ollie is a smart dog and knows basic commands. He loves zooming around off his lead, chasing balls and running rings around us. He will need someone who can continue to socialise him with other dogs so would need an experienced owner and a family with children of secondary school age or older.”

Miranda Goodenough, head of innovation at the RSPCA said: “Birmingham Animal Hospital and Centre is relentlessly working hard to protect the welfare of animals. Each year more than 10,000 animals are cared for at the hospital and the numbers are rising every year.

“That is why you can support the hospital by signing up to My Big Walkies, and take 10,000 steps a day - that’s one step for every animal saved.”

Former West Bromwich Albion player, Brendon Batson, joined 400 cyclists to raise an impressive £23,000 for a charity that’s close to his heart.

Brendon – who played for the Black Country club from 1978 to 1982 – cycled 75km across the West Midlands to help raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary’s.

The event – which is known as ‘Ride the Reservoir’ – saw the footballing legend and other cycling enthusiasts ride through the scenic villages of Romsley, Belbroughton, Chaddesley Corbett and Barnt Green, before heading back to Bartley Green reservoir.

The ride was originally planned to take place on Sunday 18 March but was postponed to late April due to snowy weather. Whilst Brendon couldn’t make the new date, he decided to complete the cycle independently, to show his continued support for the hospice.

In 2009, Brendon’s wife, Cecily, was cared for by the hospice after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. He said: “The care Cecily and my family received was just incredible. It was a massive comfort that she was cared for at home and I’ll never forget the kindness and dignity the nurses and doctors showed us.

“That’s why I wanted to take on Ride the Reservoir – as it’s my way of giving back to the charity that gave so much to my family. Whilst I was gutted that I couldn’t make the postponed date and ride with everyone else, I still really enjoyed getting on my bike and doing something great for the hospice.”

This year was Ride the Reservoir’s most successful event yet, as it raised a record-breaking amount of funds for the hospice and had its highest number of riders. All the money raised will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s, which provides vital care and support to local people living with life-limiting illness.

Lucy Watkins, head of fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “This year’s Ride the Reservoir was our best yet. There was a fantastic energy before the ride and it was brilliant to see so many people get pedalling for our hospice.

“It was a tough decision to postpone the event but it’s wonderful to see people who couldn’t make the new date – like Brendon – still get on their bike and complete the ride on their own. Thank you to everyone who took part – your generous fundraising will ensure that we can continue to provide our crucial care across Birmingham and Sandwell.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s cares for 350 people – whether that’s at the hospice, in people’s own homes or in the community. It costs £8 million a year to run its vital services – over half of which need to come from voluntary donations – so it truly relies on generous support to ensure it can continue to care for even more local people living with life-limiting illness.

As part of the City of Wolverhampton’s Queen Street Gateway Townscape Heritage Scheme local volunteers have researched the history of several of the street’s properties.

The work carried out so far will be part of a new exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery in May which tells the story of Queen Street through the years.

Volunteers and City of Wolverhampton Council employees have used a range of sources, including documents, maps and photographs, to highlight areas of continuity and change.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Queen Street is such an iconic street in Wolverhampton and is an important part of the city’s history.

“By working with volunteers, historians and the businesses previously located and currently located on Queens Street we will look to restore the buildings to their former glory.”

Ron Macklin, New York based artist, became involved in the exhibition through the Urban Sketchers Group. Ron said: “I really love the Queen Street project and was happy to participate in this sketching event.

“The architecture is truly beautiful even though many of the first-floor commercial stores have masked that beauty. All one needs to do is look up and you can see the beautiful, intricate and graceful details.

“Clearly the original Queen Street owners, architects and builders had a strong pride of place.”

The exhibition also includes a selection of art pieces produced by various local community groups that shine a light on this important thoroughfare.

The exhibition is located on the first floor of the Lichfield Street art gallery and opens with a special launch event on May 26. Visitors will be able to meet the curators and volunteers who have worked on the project and share Queen Street stories.

It runs until Wednesday, July 4 and admission is free.

The Phoenix Newspaper was in Windsor for the Marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and as you can see, everyone was in the party spirit! Congratulations to the happy couple from everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper!

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

Families are invited to a fantastic and free day out at the Sandwell Families Big Picnic this half-term.

The picnic, which attracted hundreds of children, parents and carers last year, is on Thursday 31 May by the children's play area in Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich from 11am until 3pm.

This is the ninth annual picnic hosted by Sandwell Council's Family Information Service and promises to be bigger and better than previous years.

Families are asked to bring a picnic along and join in with the free activities on offer including face painting, balloon modelling, circus skills with Steve the Juggler, storytelling, play activities, arts and crafts, sporting activities, animal fun, information stands and much more.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "This is a great event for families and best of all, the activities are all free.

"I encourage parents and carers to bring their children and a picnic and enjoy the day. We just hope the weather is as kind to us as it was last year."

National Express is calling on kids all over the country to get creative and design a summer poster promoting their home town to take pride of place on the side of a coach.

The UK’s largest coach operator’s national Colour the Coach competition challenges youngsters aged 5-15 to enter by designing a summer-themed poster advertising the place they live, to encourage people to visit some of the amazing locations on National Express’s unrivalled coach network.

The six winners - whose designs will be whittled down to a shortlist by a panel of judges before being put to an online vote – will see their posters splashed across the side of a National Express coach this summer for thousands to see.

And to encourage the development of their creative talent, each winner will also receive a quality art set including a range of brushes and paints.

National Express Coach Managing Director Chris Hardy, who is on the judging panel said: “Colour the Coach is a fantastic competition which each year, leaves us stunned by the creative talent that we see on display. Our coach services travel to hundreds of destinations so the winning designs will be on display all over the country. I’m calling on youngsters to prepare their palettes this summer and produce a poster that really blows us away.”

Now in its fourth year, the competition has seen 15 winners from all over the country with their designs touring Britain’s motorways on National Express’s coaches.

In past years children have been asked to design their ideal holidays or favourite landmark. Now National Express is bringing summer back home by asking youngsters to promote the place where they live in a bid to encourage people to visit it this summer.

Six winners will be chosen from around the UK and each one will see their picture boldly displayed on one of the many daily coach services that drive on the roads around everyday.

‘Colour the Coach’ is open to children aged 5-15 and entrants should simply draw a poster promoting their home town, incorporating a summer theme, on an A4 sheet of paper using whatever drawing materials they want.

Singing sensation Beverley Knight MBE has been presented with Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton.

Freedom of the City is the highest honour the council can bestow and recognises outstanding achievement.

Wolverhampton-born Beverley, a multi-award-winning recording artist and performer, has been given the honour in recognition of her eminent services to the City of Wolverhampton and public relations.

She was presented with a scroll by the new Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Phil Page, at a specially-arranged civic function last night (WED MAY 16).

Beverley said: “This personal award which I’m able to share with the whole city is beautiful. I was born and raised in Wolverhampton and to have such an accolade given to me is seismic.

“It’s celebrations all around for me right now, it is a beautiful time to celebrate Wolverhampton’s long and strong history and its future.”

Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Cllr Phil Page, said: “Freedom of the City is the highest honour we can bestow and it is only granted very rarely to exceptional individuals.

“Beverley Knight is a daughter of the City of Wolverhampton who has achieved outstanding international success as a recording artist, performer, West End star and charity ambassador. She deserves this honour not only for her achievements, but also for the positive and exemplary manner in which she conducts herself, she has never forgotten her roots and is passionate about Wolverhampton and its people.

“We were delighted that she came home to perform at our recent celebration event to mark Wolverhampton Wanderer’s promotion to the Premier League and now she is back once again to receive freedom of the city.”

Besides being an MBE, honorary doctor of music and an ambassador for several charities including Christian Aid and The Terrence Higgins Trust, Beverley has carved a successful career as a singer, songwriter, broadcaster and record producer.

She took the UK soul scene by storm in 1995 and gained an international fanbase in more than 20 countries with fans as far afield as Australia and Brazil.

She has received three MOBO awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award and has been nominated for BRIT Awards and the Mercury Music Prize, amongst many others.

Beverley received her MBE from the Queen in 2007 in recognition of her services to music and the work she does on behalf of several charities. She was recognised as a Wolverhampton Famous Daughter in 2011 in the arts, media and entertainment category and the judging panel described her as an outstanding role model.

In recent years she has appeared in many acclaimed West End shows including The Bodyguard, Cats and Memphis The Musical for which she was nominated for an Olivier award.

Beverley is a life-long Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and recently performed at a celebration event in West Park in front of 30,000 people to mark Wolves promotion to the Premier League.

WaterSafe, the national register for approved plumbers, is helping to find the UK’s finest plumber in its role as a judge for the UK Plumber of the Year 2018 competition.

The organisation is calling for skilled plumbers from the Midlands and West of England to enter by Friday 29 June for the chance to be crowned the UK’s best plumber and win a prize fund worth more than £10,000.

This year will celebrate more talented plumbers than ever, with the introduction of six regional heats as well as the grand final.

The competition is organised through JT, Bristan and Wolseley and qualified plumbers can apply at ukplumberoftheyear.com with details of a project that demonstrates their skills.

Chris Sneath MBE, founding director and chairman of WaterSafe, will be on the judging panel for the second year running.

He said: “It’s an honour to return to the UK Plumber of the Year competition as an official judge.

“Last year saw a record number of applications and it was both inspiring and reassuring to see so many talented, professional plumbers across the UK who were proud to showcase their work.

“I’m looking forward to see what 2018’s candidates have to offer and would encourage everyone to enter.”

WaterSafe will shortlist three plumbers from the each of the following regions: North England; South England; Midlands and West; Northern Ireland; Wales and Scotland.

Following a public vote, each regional winner will go through to the grand final, to be held later in the year.

WaterSafe is backed by all water companies in the UK and the drinking water inspectorates. It provides an online directory of plumbing businesses in the UK who are trained to meet the strict regulations which aim to keep drinking water safe.

Congratulations to the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their wedding yesterday!

With beautiful sunshine beating down on the estimated 100,000 people that descended upon Windsor the happy couple tied the knot in front of millions worldwide, before processing through the streets.

The happy couple looked calm and relaxed as they arrived on the day, and their youth and energy was reflected in the choices made for the ceremony.

The energy and buzz from the crowds along the procession path was nothing short of electric, with every small thing, from the Queens Guard processing to the palace to the first glimpse of the carriage met with rapturous applause.

Windsor was awash with Red White and Blue with everyone wanting to be able to say they were a part of the big day.

From everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper, we wish Harry and Meghan every happiness in their life together.

Look out for coverage in the June edition of The Phoenix Newspaper!

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Pupils and parents in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and step out for Walk to School Week which begins on Monday (21 May).

Around a million children and families nationwide will be celebrating Living Streets’ Walk to School Week and swapping the school run for a school walk – either by leaving the car at home or parking further away from the school and walking the rest of the way.

Experts recommend that children are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight, and walking to school is an easy way to achieve some of these active minutes.

Children who travel actively to school will arrive feeling refreshed and ready to learn, and evidence suggests they will do better in class and be happier, healthier and more independent as a result.

Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "A generation ago, more than two thirds of children walked to school, but now it's dropped to half.

“There are so many benefits from choosing to walk to school rather than driving, from improving the health and wellbeing of children and their parents, to helping to reduce congestion and pollution, and so I would encourage all our schools to take part in this very important campaign."

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, added: "We have a well-documented problem with high levels of obesity among both adults and children and young people in Wolverhampton, and incorporating even a short, brisk walk into people's daily routines can bring about fantastic mental and physical health benefits."

National Walk to School Week is organised by the walking charity Living Streets, which is currently working with a number of Wolverhampton schools to encourage more people to walk to school, including Loxdale, West Park, East Park, Palmer’s Cross, SS Peter and Paul, Lanesfield, Eastfield, Wilkinson, Stow Heath, D’Eyncourt, Oak Meadow and Elston Hall primary and Woodfield Infant and Junior schools.

Woodfield Junior School Headteacher Philip Salisbury said: "We began to encourage more children to walk to school for two main reasons. The first was the terrible traffic situation we have outside the school twice a day; it is distressing for residents, children and parents alike, as well as being very dangerous.

"The second was for health and wellbeing reasons. It is good for children of all ages to walk, however short the distance, and we are a school that promotes healthy activity for all our children and staff."

Tom Richards, from Living Streets, said: "Nationally, 79% of boys and 84% of girls fail to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day, while around a quarter of cars on the road during the morning rush hour are taking children to school, causing congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

"Through Walk to School Week, we want more children and their families to make walking the natural choice and making walking part of every child's daily routine."

To find out more about National Walk to School Week, and to download a free Family Walk to School Kit, please visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school. People who make a pledge to join in could win a £40 shopping voucher.

An event highlighting LGBT+ hate crime and the impact it has on the community will be held in Haringey this month.

The Stop LGBT+ Hate Crime event – organised by Haringey Council, BAME LGBT+ arts charity Wise Thoughts and Haringey Police – will look at the scale of hate crime, both in the borough, and nationwide, and explore how local groups and the police are working to tackle it.

There will be speakers from Haringey Police, the council and a local victim of a homophobic attack.

The event on May 24 is free, and will be held in the Wood Green Library Business Lounge between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. Booking is not required.

Haringey has a proud LGBT+ history and the council recently renewed its commitment to the community, pledging to do even more to make the area welcoming for LGBT+ residents and visitors. It means that LGBT+ residents will have a greater role in shaping priorities and services to ensure they meet their needs.

Haringey Council Chief Executive Zina Etheridge said:

It is essential to us that LGBT+ people living in and visiting Haringey feel safe and welcome. Haringey’s diversity is something we are incredibly proud of, and we have some brilliant groups and individuals making a real difference to LGBT+ equality in the borough. We encourage residents to come along to this event and to work together to show that hate crime of any kind won’t be tolerated here in Haringey.

One of Britain’s greatest ever tennis players joined a host of other female tennis stars from her home city to look ahead to this year’s Nature Valley ClassicBirmingham, which takes place in a month’s time.

Former British No 1 Ann Jones, who won eight Grand Slam titles during an illustrious career, was at the Edgbaston Priory Club – the venue for the Classic - with Birmingham’s current British Under- 18 champion Lillian Mould. They were joined by local female coaches, junior players and ball girls from Bishop Challoner Catholic College in Kings Heath to celebrate women’s tennis in the city ahead of the prestigious women’s tournament.

Jones, also from Kings Heath, has a long association with the tournament, which is now in its 38thyear. She played an important role in getting it onto the international WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) circuit and her contribution was recognised in 2012 following the £5 million refurbishment of the venue when the new centre court was named after her.

The line-up for this year’s tournament, which takes place between June 16th-24th,is one of the strongest yet with reigning Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza, two-time Wimbledon champion and defending Birmingham champion Petra Kvitova, five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova, British star Johanna Konta and US open finalist Madison Key among those confirmed.

Ann Jones commented:

“Birmingham has always had a strong female tennis scene and it was great to speak to the young players and coaches who are part of that here today at the Edgbaston Priory Club and meet some of female volunteers who help make the tournament such a success.”

“This is a great event for tennis and sport in the Midlands and I’m proud to see how far it has come over the last 37 years. To have some of the world’s best players here next month will hopefully help inspire the next generation of young female tennis players in the city and I’m looking forward to seeing the action.”

Nature Valley Classic Tournament Director, Patrick Hughesman, added

“The tournament has really gone from strength to strength over the years and is a real highlight in the Midlands sporting calendar. Ann, who is such an iconic figure locally and globally for the game, has played really important part in helping put it on the map.”

“With one of our strongest ever line-ups and ticket sales up on this time last year, it promises to be a fantastic nine days of tennis. The city and the region is great at putting on live sport and there is real buzz around that at the moment which we are proud to be part of.”

Lillian Mould, who took the Under 18’s British title last August, said:

“Having the tournament here in Birmingham and on my doorstep is amazing. To get the chance to see some of the world’s best players live is inspiring not just for me but for lots of other local young players. I’d love to be able to play at the tournament one day and maybe even follow in Ann’s footsteps.”

Fans attending this year’s Classic, a traditional curtain raiser for Wimbledon, will also be able to experience the touring ‘Explore Wimbledon’ exhibition showcasing the history of the famous tournament, which celebrates the 125thanniversary its the women’s singles championship this summer. This year also marks the 50thanniversary of the Open Era in tennis, which saw the game transformed into a modern day professional sport. Ann Jones was at the forefront of the historic change to the game and reached the semi-final of the first ever Open Era Wimbledon in 1968.

For more information on this year’s Nature Valley Classic and to buy tickets visit https://www.lta.org.uk/major-events

For Midlands tennis fans who can’t wait that long to get their fix the From 19 – 27 May, a host of British and international stars will battle for the inaugural Loughborough Trophy title at Loughborough University.

As Meghan Markle arrived at the Cliveden House Hotel last night she said that she was feeling 'wonderful' ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry today.

She looked happy and peaceful as her mother accompanied her into the hotel, mere minutes after Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge, his best man Prince William greeted wellwishers outside Windsor Castle.

Both will spend the night in seperate hotels before being reunited at St George's Chapel at lunchtime on Saturday.

Following her Father being unable to attend the wedding, it has been said that Meghan will walk the first half of the aisle by herself, before the Prince of Wales will accompany her down the second half of the aisle.

It certainly looks to be a very impressive and progressive occasion!