For five years, the Meadway Sports & Social Club has generously fundraised for the Heartlands Children's Wards. The team have contributed a total of £2,067 by hosting an annual dominoes tournament and a lottery to raise funds to help support children whilst they stay in hospital.

A new online exhibition focuses on a number of the evocative artworks created by artist Arthur Lockwood, dating from the 1990s to the 2000s. Arthur Lockwood: Documenting the Black Country, aims to highlight the various subject matter that Lockwood portrayed and his individual interpretation of areas and themes, including his birthplace Birmingham and the wider Black Country.

Working in watercolour and pen, Lockwood captured the changing urban landscape, including depictions of demolishment, redevelopment and derelict buildings.

Birmingham’s celebration of Black History Month was launched with a special event where, as well as reflecting the city’s diversity and heritage, this year’s programme also reflects on the continued impact of Covid-19 has had on the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. This year’s launch marks a return to live events, taking place at the Legacy Centre of Excellence, in Aston, in Birmingham.

Residents in the West Midlands who have just gained a new job could benefit from free bus, tram and rail travel to work.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has teamed up with local transport operators to offer two four-week tickets free, then a third four-week ticket at a 50% discount from the standard price on selected bus, tram and nnetwork travel passes through the Workwise scheme.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out the government’s ‘COVID-19 Response – Autumn and Winter Plan 2021’(external link)  for managing COVID-19.

The publication outlines the government’s plans for autumn and winter 2021 for England. It includes the government’s ‘Plan A’ – a comprehensive approach designed to steer the country through autumn and winter 2021/22.

The gradual decline of the high street has been taking place over a number of years, with retail battling the impact of the 2008 crash followed by the massive growth of online shopping and then a global pandemic. A significant part of the rapidly evolving face of the high street has been the decline of the familiar department store, with BHS, House of Fraser and Debenhams all collapsing.