The University of Wolverhampton celebrated its investment of £100 million in a construction super campus at a prestigious event at the House of Lords in London.

The investment is part of the University’s ‘Our Vision – Your Opportunity’ £250 million ambitious project to invest in world class education and training in support of economic growth in the region.  The regeneration of the former Springfield Brewery in Wolverhampton has brought together businesses and the education sector with the aim of creating jobs and providing technical and professional experts required by the industry.

The derelict 12 acre site, a former Grade II listed brewery, is currently being transformed into Europe’s largest specialist construction and built environment campus, providing a pathway for construction education and training from the age of 14 through to senior professionalism.

The transformed site is currently the home of the newly opened West Midlands Construction University Technical College with plans in place to start work on the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment.  A hub for the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills is due to open in September this year.

The event at the House of Lords, hosted by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Swraj Paul, brought Faculty of Science & Engineering staff together with key people from construction companies, education trade and technical awarding bodies and former Springfield Brewery employees to celebrate the completion of its first phase.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The House of Lords celebration event recognised the efforts and commitment of partners who have invested time and money in the first phase of this ambitious project whilst at the same time highlighting that there are opportunities for developers, investors and partners to work with us on phase two of the project.

“Construction is a vital growth sector for the Black Country with the global construction industry forecast to grow by more than 70% over the next ten years.  The new super campus will be well placed to take advantage of this rising international demand with strengths in architecture, engineering and sustainable construction – all designed to address the national skills shortage of engineers and construction workers.”

Chris Blythe, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Builders, who was a guest speaker at the event, said:  “The construction industry isn’t different to any other industry.  We have the ability to pull together many strings of activity and we can’t continue to have wistful and wasteful concepts for growth.  We need innovative approaches to skills and training.

“Building is at the heart of quality of life for people and we need a seamless transition from the past to the future.  Springfield will most certainly make that difference.”

James Hewitt was the Brewery Manager at Springfield, following in the footsteps of his father Geoffrey, who had been head brewer. He said: “I loved working at Springfield; the people were lovely and the atmosphere of the whole place was really good. I very much enjoyed visiting the site and seeing the marvellous reconstruction that is occurring.”

The Springfield site was originally purchased in 1873 by William Butler to house his growing brewing business, with the Springfield Brewery opening in 1874 under the William Butler and Company name.  The brewery closed in 1991 and a fire destroyed much of the historic structure in 2004.  The University purchased the site in 2014.

The average family in the West Midlands last spent quality time together with their loved ones over two months ago, according to new statistics released by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for its Wear it. Beat it. fundraising campaign. (1)

A new survey by the BHF has revealed the stresses of modern day living are putting a considerable strain on family life. One in six people from the West Midlands said the last time they spent quality time with their family was over a year ago, or not at all.

One third of parents (33.3%) in the West Midlands said they leave the house at least once a week without seeing their children. Two in five (40.5%) of the region’s parents also said they’re so busy that in an average day they often don’t spend any time whatsoever with their children, and many (16%) had missed an important occasion because of it.

A quarter (24.1%) of parents from the West Midlands worry their children spend far less time with their family than they did when they were young. While it might be work getting in the way for busy parents in the area, one in six (18.3%) worried that social media is distracting their children away from quality family time when they are home. One in seven (15.2%) said it’s because everyone’s busy schedules just didn’t match up.

Two in five (42.4%) of those polled from the West Midlands said they feel guilty that they don’t spend enough time with their loved ones. The BHF is encouraging families to get together on Friday 9 June for the charity’s annual wear red day.

By donning your favourite red garments and organising a red fundraising event, you can help support life saving research in the fight against heart disease. Sign up at WearitBeatit.org.uk

Donna Spriggs Elliott, Head of Community Fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s clear that our busy modern day lifestyles, and the stresses of the daily grind, are keeping us from spending time with our families.

“Heart disease devastates the lives of millions of people across the UK, often without warning, so finding a way to break away from our normal routines to spend time together is important and our Wear it. Beat it. day is the perfect opportunity.

“By taking part in Wear it. Beat it. and raising money for our research, you can help us beat heart disease for good.”

Last year more than 15,000 people took part in Wear it. Beat it. raising over £750,000. The BHF is calling for even more of you to get involved this year and help raise in excess of £1million for the charity’s heart research.

It could be a yummy red bake sale after school or a red-themed garden party with friends and family. Whatever you choose to do, Wear it. Beat it. is a great way to bring everyone together and help make a difference to millions.

Once you sign up, you’ll receive a free fundraising kit jam-packed with ready-made ideas and goodies to help make Wear it. Beat it. the BHF’s biggest, reddest and best year yet.

Proton Packs at the ready as the highly anticipated Playmobil Ghostbusters sets are here to “save the world in miniature".

The six new sets, created by Playmobil, mark the toy manufacturer’s first venture into entertainment brand licensing and hit toy shop shelves around the UK this month.

Children will recognise many a famous Ghostbuster scene in the new sets, which contain the well-known characters, infamous landmarks and of course the baddies of the beloved film.

From the famous Firehouse Headquarters to the Ecto-1 vehicle, fans will be able to create their own scenes of the iconic film locations and tackle the villains, such as the giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. This badly behaved ghost stands at over 13 centimetres retaining his presence as the giant we all know by dwarfing other Playmobil characters - and with moving arms and rotatable hands he can grip the ghostbuster characters and accessories.

Fans can also catch and contain troublesome ghosts and ghouls within the “Ghost Containment Unit”, and take on the greedy ghost Slimer as he tries to eat his way through the hotdog stand. Or simply re-create your favourite scenes again and again from the comfort of your own home.

As a top manufacturer within preschool toys, Playmobil knows the importance of allowing your child’s imagination to take over, so sit back and relax whilst they take on the role of their beloved characters. From Raymond Stanz, to Louis Tully and Egon Spengler, there are hours of endless play ahead of them.

Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager from Playmobil said: “This is the first licensed brand range to ever be produced by Playmobil and we are looking forward to seeing children enjoy bringing to life their Ghostbuster sets using their own imagination. Who knows what spooky scenarios we may see children create using Stay Puft or Egon.”

The artists recruited for City of Wolverhampton’s Wolves in Wolves public art project have been revealed.

Wolves in Wolves, is being organised in partnership with Outside Centre and Enjoy Wolverhampton.

It will see 30 sculptures of wolves placed around the city, creating the largest public art event in Wolverhampton. Designers are being partnered with sponsors to create artwork to decorate the wolves.

The pupils at Moreton School in Old Fallings Lane, have been working on designs for the Mayoral wolf, and the students are also decorating the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wolf, while Head of Art, Jody Williams, will be decorating one for Yoo Recruit.

Other artists include Aimee Millward, Charlie Kelly, Harriet Davies, Kesia Pennington-Yates, Stef Fridel, Clem Brens, Danielle Robottom, Alex Vann, Jemima Mantle, Sunita Meen, Claire Rollerson, Julie Fletcher, Nigel Kilworth, Headstart young people, Katie Keith, Laura Hickman, Marie Sewell, Neil Hodgkiss, Jaslyn Lucas, Emily Bland, University of Wolverhampton students, City of Wolverhampton College students, Joanna Burgess, Claire Darke, Highfields School pupils, and Parastoo Duffet.

Other sponsors to date include Marston’s, Wolves FC, Talent Match, Grand Theatre, WV Active, University of Wolverhampton, Movecorp, NCP, Hilton Main Construction, Learn Play Foundation, City of Wolverhampton College, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Homes, Mander Centre, and Wolves Speedway.

City of Wolverhampton Council Director of Governance, Kevin O’Keefe, said: “The idea was put forward by business support officer, Manor Singh, as part of the council’s 100:100 scheme, which encourages staff to suggest ways the council can improve.

“Manor’s inspiration arose from travelling in Europe, where he saw a similar event being staged in Dublin some years ago. Manor was born and brought up in Park Village and was delighted his idea was picked to raise the profile of his home city.

“Wolves in Wolves is a great opportunity to showcase the City of Wolverhampton to visitors.

“It is fantastic to see businesses, schools and residents working closely together on this exciting project.

“It will put the city on the map as a cultural centre – and it is also a fun way for families to get active, and discover the city and what it has to offer.”

Wolves in Wolves will combine a quality artistic and cultural event with associated public health, educational and economic benefits.

Once the event is finished, the majority of the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for local charities.

Dr Paul Darke of Outside Centre said: “The enthusiasm from the artists is really energising Wolves in Wolves.

“It is the beginning of a new Wolverhampton cultural project for us; throwing out the drab, the negative and the misconceptions for a future of colour, hope and ensuring people from across the region, country, and internationally, see Wolverhampton for the great cultural city that it is.”

Calling all classic car fans! Blenheim Palace is hosting the Pre-50 American Auto Club 'Rally of Giants' on Sunday 9 July. This superlative gathering offers a rare opportunity for collectors and admirers to see the finest and most valuable examples found anywhere in Europe.

There will be more than 400 classic American vehicles attending, including some of the best examples of motoring history and the most valuable. Dating from the early 1920's through to the 1970's the Rally of Giants is a must visit for those with a passion for American motorcars. For those with only a passing interest in motoring avocation expect your interest to be piqued with this remarkable collection of American motorcars, trucks, military vehicles and bikes.

Attracting collectors from the UK and continental Europe to Blenheim Palace the rally provides the perfect backdrop for admiring, purchasing and selling classics. Visitors can enjoy a full day out in Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens with delicious food and refreshments available in the new Orangery Restaurant which overlooks the private Italian Gardens.

To find out more information about the Pre50AAC and the 'Rally of Giants' visit the Pre '50 American Auto Club website: pre50aac.com

Haringey residents are being encouraged to help host a fun gathering in every ward in the borough during this summer’s Great Get Together.

Set up in memory of late MP Jo Cox, the Great Get Together on the weekend of June 17-18 will be a nationwide celebration of Britain’s many diverse communities, highlighting the many things we have in common.

Activities could range from coffee mornings to street parties, and as part of the council’s commitment to making it as easy as possible for residents to come together, street party licence fees will be waived; grants of up to £250 available for events that will benefit the local community, and free event management training is also on offer.

Cllr Claire Kober Leader of Haringey Council said: “Jo was a tremendous MP, driven by a commitment to championing diversity and a firmly held belief that we have more in common that than which divides us. I’m proud that in Haringey, a borough with a proud history of diversity and a place where people of all backgrounds live harmoniously side-by-side, we’ll be supporting the Great Get Together in memory of Jo. The weekend will be a great opportunity for residents of all walks of life to come together to share their different cultures and celebrate the things that unite our communities.”