Members of City of Wolverhampton’s wolf pack from the city’s biggest ever public art event are to be officially auctioned off for charity next month.

The proceeds will be shared between Outside Centre and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Elias Mattu’s chosen charities.

Will Farmer, Director of Fielding Auctioneers Ltd, who is well known for his appearances on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, will lead the Wolves in Wolves auction in the Hayward Suite, at Molineux stadium, on Thursday, November 2.

The wolves to go under the hammer are Wild, Colour, Love, The Sitting, Bayliss, Sunset, Compton, Kiyiya, Rainbow, Meditation, Endless Opportunities, Dynasty, Garden, Sacred Grandfathers, Zeus and Beowulf.

The remaining wolves will either be retained by their sponsors for use in projects, such as Hope at Headstart and Aurora at Talentmatch, both being used for activities with young people.

A handful of the wolves are set to remain on display in the city centre, such as Hunter outside the University School of Art, Old Gold in the Wolves Museum, Thomas at Marston’s House, Support Life at the University of Wolverhampton, Mander at Mander House, Beanstalk at the Grand Theatre, and roaming wolf Claude.

Almost 40 mini-wolves from the Wolverhampton Art Gallery exhibition will also be auctioned off on the night.

Will said: “I am thrilled to be the auction partner for this fantastic and very successful project.

“It will be wonderful to find some new homes for the wolves and to raise a huge amount of money for charity.”

The majority of the 30 wolves are currently resting in a warehouse waiting to be cleaned ahead of the auction.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The wolves have really captured people’s imaginations and the whole project has been a howling success.

“The auction now gives people the chance to bid for their favourite wolf and raise money for charity at the same time.

“Wolves in Wolves has showcased the city to visitors and the 30 wolves have helped put the city on the map as a cultural centre.

“It has also been a great way for people of all ages to get active and discover the city and what it has to offer.”

On the day of the auction, doors will open at 4pm for viewing, with the auction starting at 7pm

The survey, of more than 3,000 dog-owners across the country, found that of those owners who responded, 20% of their dogs living in the region have walks of less than 30 minutes a day.  This was closely followed by the north east of England, where 19% of dog-owners polled say their dogs get less than 30 minutes walk a day.

The survey was commissioned in the lead up to the RSPCA’s Big Walkies challenge in October, which invites people to walk 10,000 steps a day, with or without a dog, to raise money for animals in need. The results also found that 8% of those who responded  from the West Midlands didn’t walk their dogs at all.

The survey also showed that, in the West Midlands, the dog owners who responded reported that:

Almost 40% of dogs go out for a walk at least twice a day;

47% of dogs have a daily walk of 30 minutes to an hour; 26% go out for one to two hours, and 6% for more than two hours;

23% of dog-owners always let their dogs off their leads during a walk, while 23% never go off their leads.

Nationally, the survey suggested that:

Dogs in London have the ‘best walkies’ in England, as their owners reported that they  are most likely to be walked at least once a day with almost half having two strolls a day, and they are more likely to be allowed off the lead, play with other dogs and have a ball or toy to play with;

44% of owners said that their dogs go out for a walk at least twice a day, while 6% don’t get a daily walk at all;

Nationally, 49% of dog owners reported to a daily walk of 30 minutes to an hour; 27% go out for one to two hours, and 9% for more than two hours

28% of dog-owners report to always let their dogs off their leads during a walk, while 18% never go off their leads.

Animal-lovers who sign up to My Big Walkies will pledge to walk at least 10,000 steps a day - approximately five miles - with or without their dog throughout October while being sponsored to do so.

If they complete the challenge animal lover will have clocked up 155 miles in October - the same as walking from Birmingham to Brighton.

Dog-loving singer Peter Andre who is supporting the RSPCA Big Walkies challenge, said: “It's important to remember how much happiness dogs bring to our lives. Sadly there are many dogs which are ill-treated every day and the RSPCA works incredibly hard to combat animal cruelty.

“I encourage dog-owners to sign up for My Big Walkies. Taking part will help raise money which will enable the RSPCA to carry out this vital work.

“It's also a fantastic opportunity to get out and about with your dog, while helping less fortunate dogs at the same time. It’ll be fun, great for your health and fitness, great for your dog and it's all for a fantastic cause - the RSPCA.”

Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA’s dog welfare expert, said: “The results from our survey suggest that where we live has an impact on how we exercise our dogs.

“London dogs in particular appear to have more opportunities to do what many dogs love - playing with other dogs and their owners as well as toys and balls.

“There are some very lucky pooches in the capital but no matter where you live, you and your dog can enjoy some great walks.

“Taking your dog for a walk can have huge benefits for both of you. For many people dogs are a huge part of the family, and exercising with them offers great opportunities to spend quality time together and helps form a strong bond. It can also boost your own fitness and happiness levels.

“For dogs, having a good sniff and investigating their surroundings while on a walk can boost their health and happiness.

“There are also huge benefits to you as a dog-owner - as a recent study showed that a brisk 10-minute walk a day can add years to your life.** So imagine the benefits you will reap by walking 10,000 steps a day!”

The level of exercise a dog needs will depend on their age, breed and health and 10,000 steps may be too much for some dogs. So if owners aren’t sure how much exercise their dog needs we would advise them to seek advice from their vet.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the 2017 Award of Excellence was presented to the PATA Micronesia Chapter for their outstanding work promoting the region. PATA Micronesia was recognized for their unique approach to marketing the diverse and expansive region, which encompasses 2,100 islands spread over 2.9 million square miles of Pacific Ocean, “the blue continent.”

The Micronesia Chapter was recognized for its unique creation of interactive experiences at major global travel trade shows in core markets, developing face-to-face personal interaction with potential visitors and travel planners. The chapter also capitalized on focused use of digital and social media campaigns to share Micronesia’s diverse culture, hospitable people, and incredible natural beauty.

PATA Micronesia is the only chapter in the internationally acclaimed organization to represent more than one destination, which includes the islands groups of the Northern Marianas, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshalls, and Guam. “The PATA Micronesia Chapter, led by Guam, USA, is amongst the most community engaged chapters within the organization,” said Dr. Mario Hardy, PATA CEO.

“In the true spirit of PATA, they regularly reach out to their various constituents, providing assistance and guidance in their endeavor to promote the responsible and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry. Furthermore, they also regularly engage with PATA members globally and other chapters in their efforts to further the agenda of the entire organization,” said Hardy.

The Chapter was recognized for its creativity in representing the region globally, winning booth display awards and capturing mass audience appeal with cultural presentations and training opportunities for travel industry professionals. PATA Micronesia also expanded into new markets in 2016, like the LGBTQ travel community, building on Guam and the CNMI’s recognition of same-sex marriage.

“It is an honor to be recognized by PATA for the work we do in Micronesia,” said PATA Micronesia Chapter Chairwoman Pilar Laguaña. “PATA Micronesia is more than the only Chapter representing multiple destinations, we’re spread over millions of miles of ocean. It’s a challenge to effectively capture and share with the world what makes each island destination so special in a single, unified message. This award is an affirmation to our Chapter that our efforts are recognized for their effectiveness in representing our vast, diverse region.”

This is the third Award of Excellence bestowed on the PATA Micronesia Chapter. The Chapter was first recognized in 2004, for its commitment to communication strategies within Micronesia, and again in 2010, for its use of social media and impressive branding strategies.

Residents, businesses and organisations across the City of Wolverhampton are being encouraged to "Go Orange" and support an international campaign to end gender-based violence.

The annual United Nations’ Orange the World campaign takes place over 16 days between 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and 10 December, UN Human Rights Day.

Organisations across the City, from small community groups and charities to schools and large public sector bodies including the City of Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Police, are being asked to "Orange Wolverhampton".

In doing so, they will not only raise awareness of gender-based violence – violence primarily committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and sexual violence – but also the help and support that is available to victims in the City of Wolverhampton.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Gender-based violence in any of its forms is illegal and totally abhorrent, and we are committed to working with our partners to identify and support anyone who is the victim of it.

“We are delighted to once again be supporting the United Nations ‘Orange the World’ campaign and turning the City of Wolverhampton ‘orange’ is an important part of our work to raise awareness of the issues and to make sure people know how to get the help and support they need.

"It is important to stress that the title of violence against women and girls recognises the gendered nature of these issues, in that the majority of victims are female. However, the campaign seeks to end all interpersonal violence affecting women, men, girls and boys.

"There are so many ways organisations and individuals can get involved and we're hoping people will come together to ‘orange’ the City of Wolverhampton in support of the campaign."

Organisations and individuals are invited to respond to the challenge, ‘what will you do to Orange Wolverhampton’?’

As well as using tried and tested ways to Orange Wolverhampton during the 16 days of action – including turning websites and social media channels orange, changing the colour of corporate logos, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, lighting buildings orange, flying orange flags and more – organisers would like to see groups and organisations being really inventive about what they can do using the colour orange to raise awareness and more.

So whether you are a motorcycle or cycle club that could hold an orange ride and gather for an orange photo, a business with orange branding or a sports team that could play an all-orange match, please sign up your organisation and share your plans at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/orangewolverhampton2017.

Individuals can also show their support by wearing orange clothing on “Go Orange” day – Monday 27 November – as well as sporting orange ribbons throughout the 16-day campaign.

People backing the campaign are encouraged to show their support on social media using the hashtag #orangewolves and by tagging @wvsafeguarding in the conversation. Alternatively, please share photos with the Safeguarding Boards via Facebook at www.2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/wolverhampton-safeguarding.

Councillor Sweet added: "Through close partnership working we have made significant progress in addressing gender-based violence, developing more effective ways of working together and implementing a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub which is further improving the way agencies respond to safeguarding concerns.

"The Go Orange campaign is a great way for everyone to show we are committed to ending violence against women, men, girls and boys and highlighting where people can turn to if they are affected by the issue in any way.

“Last year, many people asked if they could make a donation to local support services, and I am pleased to say that we will be setting up a JustGiving page this time.”

Anyone worried about or suffering from any form of domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour-based violence, or sexual violence should call the relevant helpline:

·         The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour Helpline for women and men on 08000 194400

·         National Domestic Violence helpline for women on 0808 2000 247

·         National Domestic Violence helpline for men on 0808 8010327

·         Wolverhampton Adults Social Care team on 01902 551199

·         Wolverhampton Children's Social Care on 01902 555392

·         NSPCC FGM Helpline on 0800 028 3550

·         Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called honour-based violence and forced marriage 0800 5999 247.

In an emergency, always call police on 999.

Every summer, centres and branches end up bursting with cats and kittens as a result of unplanned litters born at this time of year and unwanted older animals.

This can lead to cats and kittens being abandoned in their droves, ending up in rescue centres.

Across England and Wales from May 1 to September 24, there were 11,313 cat abandonment complaints reported to the RSPCA.

The RSPCA is urging responsible pet owners to get their cat neutered from four months old to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “They may look cute but having a litter of kittens to look after is hard work and costs money. Sometimes the reality of looking after them does not live up to the expectation and it is times like this when we see so many kittens abandoned.

“From being tied up in plastic bags, dumped in boxes, left on a bus, or thrown out with the rubbish, the RSPCA has sadly seen too many kittens abandoned this summer.

“There is a cat overpopulation crisis facing the UK and our centres struggle with the demand especially during the summer months. There are an estimated 10.3 million pet cats in the UK and although it is estimated that around 90% of owners have their cats neutered about 13% of owners of female cats say that their cat has had at least one litter. Of these owners, 70% said their cats pregnancy was unplanned which inevitably results in a lot of kittens*.

“Some people may think cats need to have a first litter to be healthy but this is an old wives tale. Neutering your cat allows them to go outside and do all the things they enjoy, such as climbing and playing.”

From May to September the RSPCA has neutered more than 4,000 cats.

The numbers of cats in RSPCA centres and branches in May reached a whopping 3,652 and June saw even more with 3,848. In July there were 2,492 and August there were 1,950 cats and kittens needing care.

Alice Potter added: “However, not all cats and kittens abandoned by their owners will have been lucky enough to make it into RSPCA care. Unfortunately there are kittens who have been dumped and will not make it, there is likely to be others who weren’t found in time, or never found at all.

“If your cat has had an unwanted litter please do not throw them out like rubbish. There are options and animal welfare charities like the RSPCA who can help.

“If your cat has reached about four months old or more there are voucher schemes which can help with the cost of neutering such as the Cat Smart scheme in Sheffield and the Cat Care and Control Consortium in London. Check with your local RSPCA branch to see what services are available.”

2017 marks 125 years since the publication of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to readers of The Strand Magazine in 1891, but the publication of these twelve short stories, on 14 October 1892, brought the detective and the doctor to the masses.

VisitEngland's Year of Literary Heroes survey showed that Sherlock and Watson's escapades tap into the nation's love of suspense, with crime (38%), thrillers (38%) and mysteries (37%) revealed as the most popular genres to read; everything from recent runaway success The Girl on the Train to classics by Agatha Christie keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Holiday-makers who prise themselves from their page-turners can follow in the footsteps of the Sherlock Holmes books, film adaptations and TV series, play detective at Sherlock-inspired attractions, from code-breaking bars to themed escape games, and delve into the real-life locations associated with the fictional worlds of crimes and mysteries from And Then There Were None to Dracula.

SHERLOCK-ATIONS – ON THE TRAIL OF THE BOOKS, FILMS AND TV SERIES PORTSMOUTH: Where it all began… Sir Arthur Conan Doyle moved to Portsmouth with his wife in 1882 to set up his medical practice, and it was there that he first wrote the world's greatest detective into creation. Head to Portsmouth City Museum and explore permanent exhibition 'A Study in Sherlock', the largest collection pertaining to Doyle and his creation in the world. The gallery explores Doyle's life and career, Sherlock Holmes as depicted in film, theatre, advertising and more, and includes a Sherlock Holmes mystery and narration by the collection's patron, Stephen Fry. Doyle's home, which was destroyed in the Second World War, is commemorated by a blue plaque. Admission to the museum is free.

LONDON: Home of Holmes 221B Baker Street is Holmes' base in the books – however this address doesn't actually exist! Head to 237-41 Baker Street to find the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which features a recreation of the detective's disorderly study. Baker Street underground station has a statue of Holmes, and a short walk away takes you to Madame Tussauds, home to waxworks of both Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch as the detective, plus interactive theatrical challenge the Sherlock Holmes Experience. The BBC adaptation used a townhouse at 187 North Gower Street to play the role of 221B Baker Street, and many scenes were filmed at next-door Speedy's Sandwich Bar & Café, where you can get a Sherlock Breakfast of eggs, avocado and salmon. The Criterion in Piccadilly Circus (now Savini at The Criterion) was where Dr Watson first heard about Sherlock Holmes, sowing the seeds of their relationship; a plaque commemorates the literary claim to fame. Brit Movie Tours runs a Sherlock Holmes Walking tour of London.