Community News

A councillor who once tipped the scales at nearly 30 stone is preparing to run his first London Marathon.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, will be taking part in the 26.2-mile race in April to raise hundreds of pounds for Sense, the national disability charity which supports people with complex communication needs.

He said: "My late brother John was hampered by being blind in one eye for most of his life, and his passing made me look for a charity that helps people with more complex needs which I could support.

"My own journey has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I was once approaching nearly 30 stone and had many health problems. I went up and down with my weight before being asked to take part in the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Call to Action in 2014 to tackle high levels of obesity in the City.

"Inspired by this, I managed to lose over eight stone and went onto to complete several 10ks and two half-marathons – but I've always wanted to do a full one."

Councillor Sweet's preparations for the London Marathon were hampered by a fractured hip and hernia surgery last year, during which time he gained some 20kgs as he was unable to run. But he vowed: "I am not going to let this setback define me and I am gently building up the miles and hoping to stay fit and well as the big day approaches.

“I’ve set a target of £1,500 for Sense, but am hoping to raise as much as I possibly can.”

Joining Councillor Sweet in this year's London Marathon – and also supporting Sense – is Martha Cummings, the council’s Voluntary Sector Coordinator. She is also a member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club and Event Director at Wednesfield Junior parkrun.

She said: “I started running three years ago to lose a little weight and to get ready for the London Marathon which is my biggest challenge on my bucket list.

“I'm now lighter, fitter and in much better shape than when I started running, and have completed three 10ks and six half-marathons including the Great North Run and Birmingham Marathon – all to get me to London.

"There are so many good causes out there that are doing incredible work for people with very challenging lives, and I’ve used my efforts to raise money for different charities, helping a variety of people and causes.

“Sense is an amazing charity, and thanks to the generosity of family, friends and strangers I am already two-thirds of the way to raising £1,500 to help offer a life changing opportunity to someone who is deafblind or has complex needs. I would be incredibly grateful for any further support to help me to reach my target.”

Accompanying the duo at the London Marathon on Sunday 22 April will be Lisa Eardly, a nurse at Newbridge Surgery, Event Director of Wolverhampton parkrun and fellow member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club.

She said: “Paul, Martha and I volunteer and run together at Wolverhampton parkrun at West Park every Saturday morning.

“This is my first London Marathon and I’ll be celebrating my 50th birthday a couple of weeks later.

“I’m fundraising for Kwale eye hospital in Kenya, as I’ve been fortunate to have three stints nursing voluntarily in Kenya.”

Sense supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. It began, and continues, to support people who are deafblind. Today, it also supports a wide range of people with complex communication needs. To find out more, please visit www.sense.org.uk.

With Mother’s day just around the corner, everyone at Twycross Zoo, including the adorable mother and baby orang utan duo, Kibriah and Kayan is feeling the love

Come and say hello and visit the award-winning conservation charity in the heart of Leicestershire this Mother’s Day, where mums go FREE all mothering Sunday weekend.

On Sunday 11^th March from 1pm, visitors can treat mum to an exclusive sparkling afternoon tea in Himalaya’s Windows on the Wild Restaurant, where the whole family can enjoy a delicious range of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.**

Open from 10am to 5pm 364 days a year, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins and say hi to the snow leopards.

Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10.00 to 17.00, 364 days a year. For more information and to book tickets visit www.twycrosszoo.org or call 0844 474 1777.

Steps to improve green spaces, retail parades and walking routes as well as support for businesses and traders are just some of the proposals unveiled today to bring a new lease of life to Tottenham High Road.

Haringey Council’s draft Tottenham High Road strategy has been put together following earlier engagement with local people and includes a wide-range of proposals designed to improve the area such as restoring historic buildings; encouraging more people to shop and socialise in the area; reducing congestion, and creating more local job opportunities.

Local residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on the proposals as part of a consultation that runs until 23 March. There will be an exhibition at Marcus Garvey Library throughout the consultation period and public drop-in sessions on March 1 (4pm-7pm), March 3 (11am-3pm) and March 14 (5pm-8pm), also at the library.

Proposals set out in the High Road strategy follow in the footsteps of a host of recent improvements to the High Road and Tottenham’s town centres. These include landscaping and improvements at Tottenham Green; a new weekly market on the green; restoration of the war memorial; West Green Road Pocket Park; improvements to Bruce Grove Bridge; an upgraded Holcombe Road Market; Albert Place, the restoration of the former Monument Way toilets into the (soon to open) High Cross bar, and new and restored shopfronts.

Feedback will help shape future plans and investment for the High Road and surrounding areas, including Seven Sisters, West Green Road, Bruce Grove, Tottenham Green and Broad Lane.

Highlights of the draft strategy include:

Improving travel links to make it easier for people to get to Tottenham’s town centres, encouraging shopping and socialising

Working with building owners to improve the external appearance of historic buildings such as the former Barclays Bank at Seven sisters, Bruce Grove toilets, St Mark’s Church and the Palace Cathedral

Transforming the High Road in Seven Sisters to create a greener and cleaner environment with improved air quality

Making West Green Road a welcoming shopping destination with ideas like new paving, lighting and street furniture

Cllr Alan Strickland, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning said:

Tottenham is an historic area with outstanding diversity. The High Road is the spine running through Tottenham and the community needs to be at the heart of any plans to improve the area’s environment and boost its prospects. We’ve already delivered a raft of positive changes, and we want to work with local people to make further improvements that will help the High Road continue to thrive in the future.

Our Tottenham High Road strategy aims to set a clear vision for the area to help shape its future success, and I would encourage all residents and businesses to let us know their views.

With cold spells continuing for much of the UK, Cats Protection have some top tips to help protect cats from ‘the beast from the east’.

While snow can be beautiful and exciting for humans, it is important to remember some of the risks it poses to our feline friends.

These are some simple measures to help keep cats safe in plummeting temperatures:

• If your cat is seeing snow for the first time, let them explore a safe, enclosed area first and accompany them in case they get into difficulty.

   

• Check your cat’s paws when they come in and gently wipe off any road grit, salt or compacted snow.

   

• Like humans, cats can get frostbite.  Be vigilant for any signs of skin discolouration, pain, swelling and/or blisters, particularly on extremities such as their ears and toes.

   

• Consider keeping your cat indoors at night, when temperatures are lower and the risk of road traffic accidents is higher.

   

• Provide shelter for cats that have access outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, or wedged slightly open or install a cat-flap so cats do not become trapped inside.

   

• Check your cat-flap regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow.

   

• Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth while out roaming. Be vigilant, and check under the bonnet of your vehicle before starting.

   

• The cold can severely affect the joints of arthritic cats. Provide plenty of warm and comfy places to sleep and ensure your cat can access them easily.

   

• Your cat may love to snuggle in front of the fire to keep warm; screen-off open fireplaces and always supervise your cat if you have a fire lit.

Hundreds of children in Sandwell have been given their breakfast during February half-term as part of "Cereal Readers" scheme.

Children at Blackheath library tucked into their breakfast and then took part in activities provided by library volunteers and the Murray Hall Trust. The scheme has also run at Glebefields library in Tipton, Rounds Green library in Oldbury and Stone Cross library in West Bromwich.

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 other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.

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 children is a great incentive."

"We are putting plans in place so we can provide the scheme during the Easter school holidays to more libraries in Sandwell."

Shortly after settling into the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Centre, in Birmingham, Luna started to show symptoms of fur loss and sore feet. She was put back into a foster home, where her symptoms disappeared.

Three months on from her arrival into RSPCA care, the charity is still looking for a loving home for her.

Emma Finnimore, cattery supervisor at Newbrook, said: “Luna is an absolute sweetheart and we are desperately looking to find her a home. She got very stressed out from being in a cattery environment, it was as though she was allergic to it!

“We think that her symptoms were stress-related, she simply couldn’t cope with living in a cattery environment. She seems less stressed in a foster home, although she got a little stressed out when her foster carer went away for a few days.

“She’s been with us now for 98 days*, which means she has spent Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day without a home to call her own.”

Luna had to have an eye removed when she arrived at the RSPCA, due to an injury - however she’s adapted well to having one eye.

Emma added: “She is a proper lap cat and climbs on the moment she sees you take a seat. If you pick her up she will give the best cuddles!

“Luna will suit a quiet home to match her personality. She could live with children of a primary school age who understand she likes a peaceful life.

“Luna enjoys being groomed as this is more fuss and attention for her. She isn't really interested in toys and when we've tried, she just looks at us as if to say, ‘yeah right!’

“We know for sure that Luna will make a great addition to her new home and will be a fantastic companion.”

It is 35 years since the first Fudge Kitchen opened its doors, introducing an American concept of fresh whipping cream fudge, made to an authentic 1830s recipe. Introducing the pioneering concept of 'retail theatre', the shops still hand make fudge in full view of the customer, using traditional techniques involving copper cauldrons of bubbling fudge, poured onto marble and 'loafed and slabbed' using huge spatulas to turn the cooling fudge and achieve that FK famed creaminess.

It was risky. High-end, gift chocolate had a place in consumer comprehension, but fudge? Fudge made by true artisans, using only the finest ingredients? Fudge that didn't come in a box with a kitten on the front? Fudge that was soft, fresh and smooth …?

The first major refit of Fudge Kitchen shops in 2007 was all about educating the consumer to this potential and reflecting that premium positioning, drawing on the design language of the luxury chocolate sector. After 35 years of educating the market, in total, Fudge Kitchen's new rebrand is about communicating the collective, big personality and values of the company.

“We have successfully repositioned and educated people that fudge, done properly, with natural, and good quality ingredients can be something rather special and spectacular,” says MD Sian Holt. “Fudge Kitchen has grown-up and now is the time to let our own, very unique personality and strong brand shine through in its own right. Quirky straplines and design features reflect the group personality of the fudge family, and lighter-brighter colours let the hero of the piece, our fudge, stand out on a fresh, contemporary stage all of its own.“

Design concept-ionery …

Fudge Kitchen is variously famed: for exceptional, multiple award-winning confectionery, for trailblazing NPD innovation, for exquisite packaging, for sure. But equally for the fabulously maverick staff, replete with moonlighting musicians, stand-up comedians, artists, even bell ringers; with crazy millinery, upbeat banter and hugely theatrical skills to boot.

Poor Jamie McFarlane, from Let's Talk Agency, was tasked with communicating the whole disparate shebang. And, as he explains, he has done just that:

"As the branding agency for Fudge Kitchen, we've helped the brand update its image to bring out its personality more consistently. Previously, each of the stores had different interior designs that only followed a loose branding theme. Our designs make the branding consistent across all stores, while letting each shop retain its individual flavour.”

"We chose each store's colours according to the new brand colour palette, and implemented common features that would be present in each store. Every shop now has a large cocoa powder explosion graphic on its walls, expressing the energy, passion and fun of the brand, and highlighting the big copper pot where the fudge is made – the focal point of the stores” Jamie McFarlane, Director, Lets Talk Agency

The result is bright, light, and artisanal functional; with clear, colour-coded signage, flavour and allergen information and a layout designed for both efficiency and as a stage for the fabulously theatrical process that is traditional fudge making, which customers specifically visit to watch. Yet, with the quirky details that differentiate the brand – from the rubber duck and chainsaw listed on the Fudge Tooling board, to sage advice accompanying the Fudge Flavours: ”Remember, more is more and less is lazy” and “Don't Tap on the Glass, it Scares the Fudge”.

Tributes have been paid to the serving Mayor of Wolverhampton and one of city’s “favourite sons”, Cllr Elias Mattu, following the sad news of his death at the age of 59.

Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Roger Lawrence, said: “Elias was my friend and a loyal, dedicated and loving family man. On behalf of the City of Wolverhampton, I extend my very deepest condolences to his widow Asha and his children Anthony, Ishmael and Jessica.

“Elias served his city and council for nearly two decades with huge dedication and commitment. He was one of our city’s favourite sons, a hugely popular councillor and person, hugely respected by the people he served.

“His great strength was his warmth, impeccable manners, leadership, compassion, loyalty and unifying influence. Elias worked closely with different community and faith groups across the City of Wolverhampton, bringing people from all backgrounds together and making our city a better place as a result.

“Despite illness, he continued his mayoral duties for as long as he could with unyielding strength, optimism and determination and raised thousands of pounds for his mayoral charities. He will be profoundly missed by many people.”

Councillor Mattu was the 159th Mayor of Wolverhampton, elected on 17 May 2017 for the 2017-18 municipal year.

Originally born in Punjab, North India, Cllr Mattu came to live in the City of Wolverhampton at the age of nine. Educated at Graiseley School, Wulfrun College and Wednesbury College of Commerce and Technology, he went on to study law at Wolverhampton University whist working as a volunteer at the Citizens Advice Bureau. He also studied for a certificate in Management and a Diploma in Leadership and Management at Warwick University.

He served as a councillor for Graiseley Ward for nearly 18 years and, as well as Mayor, held several other key positions on the City of Wolverhampton Council, including cabinet member for leisure and communities and cabinet member for adult services, chair of scrutiny panel, licensing committee and member champion for equalities.

Councillor Mattu also held significant roles on outside bodies representing the council, including the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, West Midlands Equality and Diversity Board, West Midlands LGA, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and its Central Regions Vice-Chairman.

As a local ward councillor, he served as a vice chair of the St Chad’s Association and Graiseley School Governing Body for 22 years, including 12 years as the chair of governors. He was shortlisted for a national award for his contribution to the development of the city’s successful community hubs.

Elias had a great passion for sports. Over the years, he participated in hockey, cricket, boxing and martial arts. He also enjoyed power-lifting, becoming a regional coach and referee – and in the late 1980s he opened his own club where he trained five British power-lifting champions and one European champion.

The flags are flying at half-mast at the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton and a public book of condolence is being set up inside the building.

City of Wolverhampton Council inspected its first residential property today after receiving reports of illegal sales of counterfeit tobacco.

The city council’s Trading Standards team carried out ‘operation gauntlet’ this morning (Thursday 22 February) after successfully obtaining a warrant to search a property based in Low Hill, Wolverhampton.

A shocking variety of fake and genuine cigarettes - which have avoided UK duty were found to being sold ­illegally at the property.

Along with West Midlands Police, a trademark expert and specialist search dogs, the team inspected the entire property to search for hidden tobacco.

An estimated £40,000 worth of fake goods were being stored in garden sheds, and bedrooms and the living room of the property.

Over 70,000 counterfeit cigarette and tobacco packets and were seized and taken for further examination.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “"This is part of our ongoing operation to tackle the sale of illicit and counterfeit tobacco.

“Selling and supplying counterfeit tobacco is a serious crime that not only robs the public purse of much needed revenue, but also poses a real threat to public health.

“Today is a perfect example of the hard work that is being undertaken by our trading standards team and the fantastic work we do with sniffer dogs who play a vital role in our success.”

Council officers also contacted West Midlands Fire Service after finding a large quantity of fireworks stored in garden shed. Due to the resident not having a license to sell these products, the fireworks were also seized.

Young readers are being encouraged to celebrate their favourite literary characters as Wolverhampton's libraries mark World Book Day on Thursday (1 March, 2018).

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s libraries are holding competitions for children aged five to seven and eight to 12, with £10 book vouchers up for grabs – all children have to do is pick their favourite book, and say why they like it so much. There is also a word search challenge to complete.

Entry forms are available from local libraries now, and the closing date for entries is Monday 5 March.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Getting into the reading at an early age can instil a life-long love of books.

“We're looking forward to hearing from young readers about the books they love – and why they love them – as we mark World Book Day."

For more information about Wolverhampton's libraries, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

To find out more about World Book Day, please visit www.worldbookday.com.

Meanwhile, pupils from Bushbury Hill Primary School will be attending Low Hill Library on Wednesday (28 February) for storytelling sessions on the theme of emotional health and wellbeing.

The visit is part of a World Book Day event organised by the library service in in partnership with HeadStart Wolverhampton, the ground-breaking programme designed to improve the mental health and well-being of children by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.

Nursery pupils from Lanesfield Primary School will also be visiting Spring Vale Library for a World Book Day story time session tomorrow (Tuesday).

Councillor Reynolds added: “Our libraries welcome class visits by prior arrangement and it is great to see schools taking advantage of their local branches.”

Calling all cyclists! Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has partnered with popular cycling event, Mad Summer Hare, and is looking for your support in what is now the West Midland’s flagship cycling event.

The Mad Summer Hare sportive is a flagship ride in the West Midlands that attracts a lot of local riders from across the region. Riders will ride 72 miles to the Cotswolds and back with four big hill climbs, or as many as you can handle, all in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Due to its popularity and the success of its sister event, the Mad March Hare, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has become a key partner aiming to raise vital funds for the 90,000 sick children the hospital treats every day.

Dan Fox, Event Organiser for Mad Summer Hare, comments:

“We’re thrilled to have Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity as our principle charity and above all, we’re super excited to see over 1200 riders raising money for the incredible work they do.”

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, adds:

“We are absolutely delighted to be the key charity partner for this year’s Mad Summer Hare. As the major cycling event for the West Midlands, it is certain to be a key fundraising event for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, so it’s fantastic to have their support.

“We’re grateful to all the riders taking part as they are helping raise the vital funds needed to continue helping our 90,000 sick kids.”

The event has raised over £30,000 for charities so far to date.

The Mad Summer Hare sportive takes place on Sunday 2^nd September from Umberslade Farm Park.

Birmingham-based multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, Edmond Shipway, is pleased to announce it has been awarded three star ‘extraordinary’ accreditation, the highest standard for workplace engagement, from employee engagement specialists Best Companies.

The exclusive endorsement is based on the results of an extensive staff survey which collates honest feedback from employees relating to their wellbeing, pay and benefits, opportunities for personal growth and the standard of leadership, as well as a host of other indicators. It recognises firms that truly excel, fostering an environment in which its staff are personally and professionally enabled to operate at the highest possible standard for their clients.

Edmond Shipway was further praised for demonstrating a commitment to meaningful employee engagement through its continued investment in its staff via the National Training and Development Plan, the implementation of a strong charity programme and improvements to its induction processes.

As a result of its accreditation the business has, for the first time, earnt a place on the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For list. It was announced at the annual awards ceremony last night that the company placed at number 41 in the prestigious nationwide tables.

Jamie Crouch, Director of Edmond Shipway in Birmingham, said; “Having achieved “outstanding” status in 2016, I am thrilled that our efforts to improve our engagement processes have been rewarded with this extraordinary accreditation and a place on the Sunday Times Best Companies lists. We are very proud of our staff retention rates and I believe that a key factor in our success has been listening to and working with them to develop a rewarding package of positive engagement policies and great staff benefits.”

Starting out in Harringay in 1949 and later moving to Wembley in 1959, the show grew in popularity as ‘the’ special event to mark the end of the equestrian season. Today, the Show is held at Birmingham’s Genting Arena and NEC, its home for the last 16 years, where it takes up over 50 acres of the NEC campus.  With 60,000 visitors and 1,500 competitors across the five days, the show produces an array of equestrian entertainment as well as hosting National Showing and Showjumping Championships.

To mark the special occasion, HOYS will be incorporating more entertainment displays into the timetable than ever before with four varied displays offering something for everyone.  There will also be a Sunday all-day ticket package to enable more people to stay and celebrate the Gala Evening Finale with us in style; this will be called the Platinum Jubilee Package and there will be just 1,000 packages available to buy on a first come first serve basis.

Following 2017’s Horse of the Year Show, where the event faced a challenging project to make changes to the layout of the Show due to alterations in the NEC’s infrastructure, we have listened to our customers’ feedback and made changes to the show. The changes include a redesign of the Retail Village to make even more space for the trade stands that you want to see there.  Every single ticket variation provides full day access to the immense HOYS Retail Village too, so you can shop ‘til you drop and be surrounded by likeminded equestrian enthusiasts.  The HOYS Live Zone will return to the Retail Village with a brand new line up of speakers and demonstrations, and the ever-popular Meet the Horses Area will also retain its standing in the Retail Village vicinity.

Emma Wardell, Event Director for Horse of the Year Show comments: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 70^th Show this year; it is a tribute to our competitors, our visitors and all of our generous supporters that we have got to where we have today. Whilst the Show continues to evolve, the changes enable us to grow and to continue to provide the high standard of event which everyone expects to come and celebrate. The Show has a lot of gratifying history which we are extremely proud of and our aim is to continue to put on an unbeatable line up of equestrian entertainment but also to focus on what HOYS is all about – the horse and the competitors who strive to achieve a Horse of the Year Show accolade.”

Legendary rock band KISS is supporting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital by donating an incredible, money-can’t-buy prize to help raise valuable funds for the hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Following the tragic event at the Manchester Arena last year, the Children’s Hospital has received an out-pouring of support from across the North West and beyond with individuals, schools and businesses wanting to help in any way possible to support the patients and staff at the hospital. This tremendous support has now stretched across the Atlantic with rock stars KISS getting in touch to pledge their support after the awful attack.

The band has donated a phenomenal prize of three of their personal guitars signed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer respectively, plus a signed personal snare drum with signed drum sticks from Eric Singer. The guitar donated by Paul Stanley is his signature Ibanez PS120 guitar which he was intending to play at their Manchester Arena gig on Tuesday 30th May. The band sadly had to cancel the gig following the attack at the Manchester Arena. The guitar has never been played and will be up for auction along with VIP tickets to any sold out KISS show in the world, plus tickets for the sold out Kiss Kruise 2018 with a meet and greet with the band.

Paul Stanley said: “We were devastated by the heinous attack in Manchester Arena and had to do something to support the city. Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital's incredible work with children was never more evident than after this horrific event. We are humbled to be able to give something to support them in their ongoing efforts. Knowing that the money raised will go towards purchasing life-support ventilators, our prayers and wishes will continue to help both those affected directly by the attack, and beyond. This night will give everyone an opportunity to do their part in raising as much money as possible for an incredibly worthy cause.”

This incredible prize will be auctioned off at the Red Sea Pedestrians (RSP) 10th Anniversary Charity ball in aid of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, which will be held next month on 17th March 2018 at the Lowry Hotel. The RSP Charitable committee have supported Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for a number of years with funds raised for the charity totalling to £827,381 since 2011.

The Charity Ball will be raising funds to support the hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) which cared for many of the young victims who were seriously injured in the Arena attack. Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is a regional major trauma centre with all paediatric major trauma cases from across the region directed to the hospital, with most of these cases cared for in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. A total of £740k is required to ensure the unit is able provide 26 cutting edge life support machines. The new state-of-the-art life support machines are the most advanced mechanical ventilators and the very real impact they will have on the quality of patient care, and the benefits it will mean for medical staff is considerable.

Maurice Watkins CBE, Chairman of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity’s fundraising board added: “We’re delighted that KISS has donated this incredible prize to be auctioned at the RSP Charity Ball and want to thank them for their tremendous generosity. In recent testing times staff at the hospital – just like the city of Manchester – pulled together to make sure the young victims from the attack got the best possible care, as quickly as possible. The new ventilators we are fundraising for will ensure that the medical teams in our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit can assess a patient’s condition faster and more accurately, resulting in more effective treatment and care at a time when rapid reaction to a patient’s condition is crucial.” The charity is accepting closed bids for this auction prize. To find out more information or to place a bid please contact the charity team on 0161 701 1124. Bids will close at midnight on Saturday 17th March 2018.

A host of free residents’ events this March will offer opportunities for people to get support with living, learning and working in the City of Wolverhampton.

The packed programme will run from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 31 and includes a range of drop-in events to help residents into the world of work, to find an apprenticeship, to find the right home and improve their wellbeing.

There are also events aimed at supporting families, supporting people to stay independent, and information on how people can get more involved in their city.

Residents can find out about all the events by visiting www.livelearnworkwolves.com.

Ian Darch, Chief Executive at Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, said: "The City of Wolverhampton has so much to offer, it's a great place to live, learn and work and there is a fantastic range of local organisations here to support local people to reach their potential.

"Together, partners across the city have arranged a wide-ranging programme of events to help residents into work, become self-employed, develop their skills, improve their health, stay independent and find the right home."

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, added: "Supporting residents into jobs, providing opportunities for people to learn and develop their skills, delivering housing, and improving the health and wellbeing of local people are top priorities for the city.

"Dozens of organisations and businesses have come together for the 2018 Residents Programme which is bigger and better than ever, bringing events to residents that showcase the services and support that are available all year round.”

The programme kicks off on Wednesday, March 14 with special drop-in events for women and girls who ‘aspire for better’ to get support to improve their wellbeing, financial independence and social connections. The sessions take place between 10am and 12pm, and 1pm and 2pm at Aspiring Futures, The Old School, 73 Dudley Road, Blakenhall.

The city’s Housing Fair, which last year attracted over 550 visitors, will take place on Sunday March 18, from 11am to 3.30pm at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street. This free event, sponsored by WV Living, will bring together a range of organisations all under one roof offering help and advice on buying your first home, downsizing, improving existing properties or renting, and much more.

Residents of all ages looking for a job with training can head to Wolverhampton Racecourse, Gorsebrook Road, on Tuesday March 27, between 4pm and 7pm, to find out about apprenticeships and chat with people with vacancies.

Access to Business is hosting an information and advice session for people interested in self-employment at Molineux Stadium’s Hayward Suite, Waterloo Road, on Thursday March 22, between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Residents concerned about Dementia and organisations interested in finding out how to support Wolverhampton to be Dementia friendly can get information and advice on Wednesday March 21, from 10am to 2pm, at Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s Georgian Room. There will be plenty of free information available on dementia support in the city and advice on legal and safety matters.

On Tuesday, March 27 there is a great opportunity to view one of the city’s amazing care villages as Showell Court, Othello Road, Low Hill opens its doors to showcase how this type of living and new technology can improve your life and open up new opportunities for meeting new friends.

Volunteering also comes under the spotlight in an information event at Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, 16 Temple Street, on Thursday, March 22, between 10am and 2pm, for anyone wanting to find out about volunteering.

This is the fourth City of Wolverhampton Residents Programme and is part of a drive to improve opportunities, prosperity and health for residents, as well as raise the profile of the city, its people and opportunities, as part of city conference season.

Kidderminster Dog Club and its award-winning agility team is preparing for another show stopping performance at Crufts next month (8-11 March) with the support of Fish4Dogs.

The team, which has won the medium dog category three times and was runner-up in last year’s show, is being put through its paces to fine-tune its dexterity and accuracy, against the clock.

Fish4Dogs, which is located in Rushock in Worcester, has sponsored the neighbouring team since 2009 – providing it with a team kit – polo shirts and fleeces for the handlers, and food and treats for the dogs.

Team Captain Stuart Milton, said that Fish4Dogs was the ideal choice to fuel its canine athletes because it provides a healthy and nutritious diet which can be used, in part, to reward the dogs as they master their skills.

“Although we can’t use food or treat during the competition, Fish4Dogs products are used during training to reward the dogs as they master the techniques of the hurdles, tunnels and contact equipment,” he said.

“It’s important to reward the dog as it needs to be attentive and responsive in order to make the turns and stops required as the handler guides it though each course.

“It’s important to keep the dogs healthy and lean and a well-balanced diet is essential. Fish4Dogs also provides the essential nutrients needed to keep their joints in great condition. When I’m training I like to use Finest Complete Food with Salmon. I take a handful from the portion set aside for my dog’s evening meal so that she is still eating the amounts that she would do on a daily basis and no more.”

The team is made up of six handlers and their dogs – although only four compete during the competition. They train individually and meet regularly to test the dogs on different surfaces so that they can adapt their instruction times to allow the dog to adjust to the footing of the floor. Normally, competitions throughout the year tend be on grass or sand-based surfaces but at Crufts the show ring is carpeted.

It’s not until the morning of the event that the team get to learn the layout of the Crufts course. It has to be challenging enough to put the best teams to the test and excite the audience while ensuring the safety of the dogs.

Kidderminster Dog Club qualified for Crufts at the Middlesbrough event in October. They usually compete around the country four to six-times a year. The agility team includes a border collie, working cocker spaniel, Shetland sheepdog and a crossbreed. All the dogs must between 350 cms and 430 cms in height to be eligible to compete within the medium dog category.

The team has been drawn fifth in the running order for the Crufts event, which will take place on Friday 9 March at the NEC, Birmingham. This will mean that other teams will set a standard that it has to beat.

In addition to the team event, one of its members Steve Swankie with crossbreed Fern, have also qualified for the Crufts Medium Championship on the Sunday.

Said Senior Marketing Manager Jo Little: “We are really proud of our association with the Kidderminster Dog Club. This is the tenth year that they have made the finals of the world’s most famous dog show and we are again please to support their efforts to become champions.”

Fish4Dogs has produced a video of the team in training which can be seen on its Facebook page in the run-up to Crufts.