Despite high profile government and police campaigns highlighting the dangers of using a mobile when driving, many motorists are still flouting the law and putting their lives, and those of other road users, at risk. A new study for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, reveals that a third (34%) of drivers are still using their mobile phone without a handsfree set.

The figures are especially alarming as the most recent government statistics show that in five years there was a 24% increase in the number of accidents in which a contributory factor was the driver being distracted by using a mobile phone.

Kwik Fit’s study revealed that more than a quarter (26%) of drivers use their satnav or GPS on their phone, while almost one in five say they take calls (19%) or read text messages (17%). One in six (16%) make calls without a handsfree set, with around one in eight (12%) sending texts. Although some drivers claim they only use their phone in an emergency, more than half a million motorists admit to making calls on almost every journey they make.

Four months on from the introduction of increased penalties for mobile phone use, many drivers remain unaware of the laws and the penalties for breaking them. More than two in five people (43%) do not know that the penalty for using a hand-held phone when driving is six points. The additional focus on inexperienced drivers has also passed many people by, with only 47% of Brits knowing that those caught using a phone without a handsfree set in their first two years will lose their licence.

It is worrying that it is the youngest drivers who are the most ignorant about mobile phone rules, despite the use of a handheld mobile phone having been illegal since before they started driving.  Drivers aged 18-24 are nearly three times more likely than the average motorist to believe it’s legal to use your phone when stopped at traffic lights, and twice as likely to say you can answer calls but not make outgoing ones, and that drivers are allowed to use their phone in slow moving traffic. All these statements are incorrect.

It is also the youngest drivers who are most likely to have experienced trouble on the road due to mobile phone use. 40% of 18-24 year olds have either had a collision or near miss, or got involved in an argument because somebody was using their mobile phone, more than double the figure for all drivers. Almost one in ten (8%) drivers aged 18-24 say they have had a collision because they were distracted by their mobile phone, with a further 8% saying they have almost done so. This compares with figures of 2% and 3% respectively for all drivers.

While many of these collisions may be minor bumps with no injury, government data reveals that there has been a large increase in serious accidents where a contributory factor has been the driver using a mobile phone. The number of accidents in which people were killed or seriously injured increased by 25% between 2011 and 2015, the most recent years for which full data is available.  Although the number of fatal accidents in which a driver has been distracted by a mobile phone has remained consistent at an average of 22 per year – there has been a big rise in the number of accidents resulting in serious or slight injuries.

Flouting the laws on mobile phone use is most common in London, where nearly half of drivers (47%) say they use their phone without a handsfree set. The most law abiding region is the East of England, yet even here, almost a quarter (24%) admit to breaking the law when it comes to mobile phone use.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “The findings of this study are very worrying indeed. While car manufacturers have made great strides in improving safety, it is vital that drivers remember that they are the most important safety feature in the vehicle. Any form of distraction can have serious consequences, as sadly, the statistics clearly show.

“It is especially important for inexperienced drivers to be fully focused on what they are doing. The fact that this report has found that younger drivers have less knowledge of the rules and are more likely to take risks means more needs to be done to educate them in the very first weeks and months of driving. Kwik Fit is working with schools and colleges around the country to hold events aimed at improving the safety of those drivers who are new to the road and education on the use of mobiles is an important part of that.”

Brenda Franke, 56, from Bromsgrove is taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in Sutton Park, Birmingham, to remember her mother, raise awareness about dementia and money to combat the condition.

She will  join a current total of 4,000 supporters already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be on 16 September. People can register for Memory Walk as individuals or as a team. The walk will take place over two distances with options as to undertaking a 3.5 km or 5.5 km route.

Brenda said: “My beloved Mum had Alzheimer’s. Sadly she died in 2013, after becoming ill following a short time in a Care Home where her condition was managed badly. Mum was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 4 years prior to her death. She became very forgetful and kept repeating herself. She suffered mood swings and became agitated at times.  As the condition worsened over time so did her memory and mood swings. One morning, whilst Dad was asleep, Mum left the house wearing two skirts two blouses slippers but no tights (she always wore her tights) and walked into town with the dog (not on a lead) crossing a number of busy roads on the way. We were all out searching for her in a panic and the Police were involved.  A neighbour spotted her and brought her home to our enormous relief. That was an awful time.

“I do hope and pray that more money is put into research to try and find a cure for this awful disease.  Staff in Care Homes, Nursing Homes and hospitals so need to be better trained to deal with dementia patients and to give them the dignity and respect they deserve. Tighter regulation of Care Homes and Carers is needed to ensure they are providing the best care possible to people with dementia.

“I will be supporting Alzheimer’s Society in its efforts to raise awareness and funds.  I am signed up for the Memory Walk at Sutton Park in September and am walking with my sisters (we are called Sister Act) in memory of our lovely Mum who we miss every day more and more.  I hope to carry on fundraising in the future.”

More than 26,000 people over-65 in Birmingham and the Black Country are estimated to be living with dementia and last year’s event at the smaller location of Cannon Hill Park was attended by 5000 people, raising more than £322,000 to help people living with the condition.

Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer. We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.”

A Birmingham School of Acting alumnus is set to appear in the internationally acclaimed production of ‘War Horse’

Lewis Howard will be playing the role of the Heart of Joey, a horse from Devon who was sold to the British cavalry during the First World War and shipped to France.

The National Theatre play, based on the award-winning novel by Michael Morpurgo, centres around Joey’s journey as he gets caught up in enemy fire, fights on both sides and eventually finds himself in no man’s land. It also follows Joey’s owner, Albert, who is on a mission to find his beloved horse and bring him home to England.

At its heart are ground-breaking puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping and charging horses to life on stage.

Lewis Howard will join the production on its upcoming national tour, beginning in Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on Friday 15 September this year. The play will then visit various UK cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Nottingham and Plymouth, before closing in Glasgow in February 2019.

‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo said:

“After a few months’ rest, out at pasture, Joey, the ‘War Horse’ and his great team from the National Theatre, will be touring the UK again, taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities, many of them places ‘War Horse’ has not been seen before.

“I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event. Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on.”

Lewis Howard graduated from Birmingham’s School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University in 2012 with a BA honours degree.

Since then he has performed as Callum in ‘Swivelhead’ at Pleasance Courtyard during last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has featured as Jesse alongside Adeel Akhtar in the 2016 film ‘The Big Return of Ray Lamere’.

Lewis was born in Birmingham but grew up in Falmouth, and has continued to work with Cornish theatre companies over the past few years.

Discussing his latest role, Lewis Howard said:

“I’m puppeteering the heart of Joey for this tour of ‘War Horse’ and it's my first job for the National Theatre, so I am very excited and humbled to be part of this production, which coincides with the centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War.”

‘War Horse’ completed a record-breaking eight year London run last year and has been seen by over seven million people in 97 cities and 10 countries around the world. It has won 25 awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway, and is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history.

As well as featuring Thomas Dennis as Albert, ‘War Horse’ also features Jo Castleton as his mother, Rose Narracott, and celebrated folk musician Bob Fox returns as Song Man. ‘War Horse’ is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, with Katie Henry being the revival director for this new production.

Speaking of his time at Birmingham City University, Lewis Howard said:

“I had a brilliant three years at Birmingham School of Acting, honing skills on how to better my performances but also, and somewhat more crucially, how to work with many different people and enjoy teamwork – something vital on a show like ‘War Horse’.”

Rehearsals for ‘War Horse’ began last week in a 470 square metre rehearsal space, custom built by MDM Props in London to accommodate the large company, which includes a 34-strong cast.

Daniele Sanderson, Deputy Head of Birmingham’s School of Acting, said:

“We are thrilled that Lewis has secured a role in this wonderful production and look forward to seeing him in action when the tour lands at Birmingham Hippodrome next year.”

Love was in the air at Wolverhampton’s beautiful Bantock House Museum and Park when it hosted its first ever wedding on Saturday – for a couple who live right next to the popular attraction.

Corrinne Wilde and Steven Carpenter are the first to use the house, situated off Finchfield Road, as a wedding venue.

The couple, who have five children and seven grandchildren between them, married in the Arts and Crafts-inspired Drawing Room in front of 35 guests.

Corrinne’s proud daughter, Sarah May, said: “We couldn’t believe this was the first wedding at Bantock House, it is such a lovely place, we assumed other people would have already used it as a wedding venue.

“Mum and Steve live in Broad Lane, right by the house, it’s almost a home from home for them. They walk on the park most days and are always taking their grandchildren there so it was an obvious choice for their wedding day.”

Bantock House Museum is a Grade II listed building, set in 48 acres of lovely parkland. It was the home of Thomas and Mary Bantock first and then their son and his wife, Baldwin and Kitty Bantock, who generously gave it to the people of Wolverhampton in 1938.

Much of the Edwardian house interior is influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Sarah added: “After mum was widowed 12 years ago she met Steve, who was divorced, and they moved to their apartment overlooking Bantock Park, so it is a very special place. Following the ceremony, they travelled to the Mount Tavern, in Penn Road, where they first met, to celebrate with more friends and family.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor John Reynolds, said: “Congratulations to Corrinne and Steve, we wish them lots of happiness. Bantock House is a lovely place and the perfect venue for an intimate family wedding.”

City of Wolverhampton is to hold what is hoped will be the biggest ever Wolves Pride event to celebrate its community diversity.

The newly-formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance is hosting the event on Saturday, September 30, with support from City of Wolverhampton Council, University of Wolverhampton and Wolverhampton Homes.

It will take place from noon to 9pm on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the University of Wolverhampton’s Ambika Paul building.

William Power of E11EVEN Group, who has staged LGBT+ events across the country, will deliver the event.

It will feature a broad range of music, live entertainment and performers, as well as a fantastic range of street food, bars, information stands, merchandise stalls, and a family area with fun activities for the children.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Member Champion for Equalities, Councillor Paula Brookfield, said: “We are delighted to be supporting what we hope will be the biggest Pride event the city has ever seen. The rich diversity of the City of Wolverhampton is a real strength and it is important we celebrate it through this event in the calendar. Not only does it raise awareness of LGBT+ equality messages – but it provides the platform for a great family day out in the city centre.”

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “As the ‘University of Opportunity’ we are always keen to work with our partners and neighbours for the betterment of the local community.  We believe that by supporting Wolves Pride we can ensure that everyone enjoys a fun event, which also affirms the importance that the City and the University places on LGBT Equality.  We are especially pleased that this event will fall within our Welcome to Wolves induction programme, and so it will be a unique opportunity to bring together students from across our campuses to celebrate the diversity of our community.”

Lesley Roberts, Wolverhampton Homes Chief Executive, said: “Wolverhampton Homes has supported Wolverhampton Pride since the first event five years ago and this year we are proud to support it as part of the newly formed Wolverhampton LGBT Alliance. Pride gives us a wonderful opportunity to show how organisations can work together to improve services to the LGBT+ community in Wolverhampton.”

William added: “Working alongside city partners we aim to bring over 3,000 people into the city centre to celebrate diversity and provide a great day out for all the family.”

Thousands of people are today being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Birmingham Memory Walk in Sutton Park.

A total of 3,417 supporters have already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be on 16 September. People can register for Memory Walk as individuals or as a team. The walk will take place over two distances with options as to undertaking a 3.5 km or 5.5 km route.

More than 26,000 people over-65 in Birmingham and the Black Country are estimated to be living with dementia and last year’s event at the smaller location of Cannon Hill Park was attended by 5000 people, raising more than £322,000 to help people living with the condition.

Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer. We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.”