Community News

Good Neighbour is part of Provident’s company value of lending a helping hand to those who need it. This year, the programme has awarded funding to projects including assistance dogs charities, vocational training projects, youth clubs and autism communication groups.

Projects nominate themselves by visiting https://www.providentgoodneighbour.co.uk/submissions. A panel of judges will then select three finalists which are then subject to a public vote. The winner will receive £2000. There is also funding of £750 and £500 for the first and second runners up respectively.

Provident’s Home Credit Director, Andy Parkinson, said of the campaign:

“Our Good Neighbour Programme is all about recognising projects and organisations, no matter how small, which bring about positive changes in their communities. Provident agents have always worked closely within the communities in which we operate, and we see first-hand the importance of community spirit.”

Nominations can be submitted by anyone, whether they are part of the charity or an outside supporter.

With Father’s Day fast approaching why not treat your dad to a gift that he wasn’t expecting?

PLAYMOBIL have the perfect gift that will not only bring delight to petrol-heads, but also transport dads back to their youth.

The new Porsche 911 Targa 4S is the sporty must have car featuring working headlights, rear lights plus a light-up dashboard. The car is customisable, just take it to the showroom and decide what you’d like to have done. And if Father’s Day on June 18 is a warm one this year, then you can go for a cruise with the roof off as the car is perfect for some open air driving.

For all those dads who enjoy re-living their youth, then why not treat them to a gift that will ignite their inner child – the new PLAYMOBIL Ecto-1 from the recently released Ghostbusters range. With space for up to four Ghostbusters figures, their proton packs, ghost traps and other ghost equipment there are hours of entertainment to be had. You can guarantee there will be no trouble in your neighbourhood this Father’s Day.

These fantastic gifts also work for those dads with little ones who want a piece of the present action. This is because the PLAYMOBIL sets provide perfect bonding time between dads and their little angels.

Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager from PLAYMOBIL, said: “The joy of PLAYMOBIL sets is the fact they can be enjoyed by people both young and old. Many dads up and down the country will delight in the nostalgia presented with these two fantastic products – and of course these are toys that all car lovers will enjoy.”

The Porsche 911 Targa 4S and Ecto-1, along with all other PLAYMOBIL sets can be purchased both in store and online. For more information visit playmobil.co.uk.

Back by popular demand, Romans’ annual Local Picture Competition – entries open on 12th June.

To enter, send in a photograph showcasing your hometown in the best possible light, demonstrating why it’s a great place to live. Those who accomplish this in a single photo can win up to £500 in vouchers as well as a £1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

“We want to know what makes your hometown unique! Whether it’s a historic landmark, a breath taking view or a busy high street, we want to see why you love to live there” explains Romans Sales Director Antony Gibson.

In addition to winning shopping vouchers, the lucky winners and runners up can select a charity of their choice for a donation of up to £1,000 to be made by Romans. We have four prizes up for grabs, a winner selected by the public and a winner and two runners up chosen by our panel of independent judges.

The judges are looking for a photograph that…

• Captures your home town
• Demonstrates why it’s such a great place to live
• Could be used on a postcard

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Voting commences immediately once the competition begins, and anyone can vote - even those who don’t enter the competition.

The rules are simple; the photographs must be taken within an area Romans estate and letting agencies operate, this includes; Reading, Wokingham, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, Winchester, Sunningdale and Farnham and everywhere in between. If you’re not sure where your nearest Romans branch is, simply visit romans.co.uk.

It is the show that has been in the making for years – 67 million years to be exact – as Dinosaurs in the Wild, a new immersive live action dinosaur experience of unparalleled reality, comes roaring into the NEC.

Combining theatre, theme park fun and the very latest scientific research, Dinosaurs in the Wild will not only be the first event of its kind to be hosted in the UK, but heralds the dawn of a new era for the NEC as it will be the first long-stay show the venue has hosted.

Created by award-winning producers with a track record on some of the most successful dinosaur productions of all time, the multi-million-pound attraction will take up residence in the UK’s No.1 venue for over nine weeks this summer.

“We were keen to create something new that raised the bar for live action experiences. We are confident Dinosaurs in the Wild will do just that and we are equally confident that the NEC will be a fantastic launch venue,” explains Producer Jill Bryant, who also headed up the development and launch of the arena show Walking with Dinosaurs, which has attracted 8-million visitors worldwide.

“We chose Birmingham for Dinosaurs in the Wild partly because we felt it was the perfect location in the middle of the country, but also because of the great expertise and facilities the venue offered”.

She added, “We encourage everyone in this wonderful city and its surrounding regions to come to the NEC to enjoy a dinosaur experience of unparalleled reality and truly encounter these animals in ways they have never seen before.”

A global first, Dinosaurs in the Wild cleverly weaves together live sets, cutting-edge computer-generated imagery and animatronics to create a believable prehistoric world. Visitors will be able to see – and feel – for themselves what the world was like millions of years ago under the realm of the dinosaurs.

It is designed to make visitors feel as if they really are there with living dinosaurs, at that time in their world.

The show itself will be spectacular as stunning technology recreates the late Cretaceous period in all its primeval glory. The 70-minute adventure will transport visitors, who will be guided throughout the tour, back 67 million years by time machine to the scientific research station TimeBase 67 run by Chronotex Enterprises, the UK’s pioneering time travel company.

Nine incredible dinosaurs will feature in the experience, including the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex, the iconic Triceratops, the gigantic Alamosaurus and the club-tailed Ankylosaurus.

The immersive experience uses the latest scientific research to truly reflect how these majestic animals looked.

Creative Director Tim Haines, who also produced the landmark BBC TV series Walking with Dinosaurs which was seen by 800 million globally, said, “Dinosaurs were not as lizard like as once thought. Following the latest scientific research revelations, it is believed they would have would have sported everything from spines, quills and even elegant flight feathers. Even Tyrannosaurus could have had a shaggy mane!”

Tim added, “Dinosaurs in the Wild will be the first time the public has seen realistic representations of these animals since these discoveries were made, so it really is a world first opportunity.”

Kathryn James, Managing Director of the NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions can’t wait for Dinosaurs in the Wild to start, “We are thrilled to be hosting this incredible show and we are really excited that the NEC was chosen as its global launch venue. It is brilliant for the people of the West Midlands to be able to experience Dinosaurs in the Wild before anyone else in the world and the thought of stepping out into a land of virtual reality is certainly an exciting one - I can’t wait!

“We are making the NEC campus a 24/7 destination, and this is one of the next steps to bringing even more long-stay leisure content to our venue. We hope people will come, enjoy the show and explore the shops, bars, restaurants and other activities available at Resorts World which opened on site in 2015.”

A new play which explores how social media, peer pressure, advertising and fashion magazines impact on how young people view themselves premieres this weekend in Birmingham (Friday 9 – Sunday 11 June).

Performed at mac birmingham, ‘Do You See What I See?’ is a cabaret show devised from research and improvisation, and is aimed at young people aged 11 to 14 and their families.

Featuring original songs and music, the show has been devised and performed by first year students on the Applied Performance undergraduate course at Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University.

Working with a team of professional practitioners, including directors Gillian Adamson and Terina Talbot, the cast have called upon their own struggles with body image to ensure the play can tackle what pressures young people are experiencing today. In researching for the show, they also spoke with young people and distributed a survey on various social media platforms about body image. 

Birmingham School of Acting’s Applied Performance course seeks to prepare passionate and skilled theatre-makers, who want to make a real difference through drama, singing, dancing, spoken word, a documentary or digital art. The focus is on creating new performances and projects with a purpose.

In ‘Do You See What I See?’ 12-year-old Molly struggles with the way she looks and, affected by society around her, she desires to have the ‘perfect body’. Through social media, catwalks, makeup and fairy tales, the audience is taken on a journey through a day in Molly’s life. A cabaret company assists this journey and tries to answers questions of why she feels the way she does, through music and fun.

Birmingham School of Acting student Samuel Speed from Rotherham, South Yorkshire is one the cast members of ‘Do You See What I See?’ He said:  

“Body image should not be ignored. It is one the main factors which affect younger people like myself today. The fact that we have to change something about ourselves every second of the day just to have that sense of fitting in and belonging is upsetting and growing worse.

“The subject matter which we are tackling here is not to give a right or wrong answer to an audience, neither is it to solve the problem. But we are at least standing up to the reason and saying that there is help out there and no one has to or should feel alone.

“Each day at Birmingham City University I learn something new, which I feel is shaping me in all different kinds of ways and is opening my eyes up to the world in a bigger picture than before. I may not be ready to face what's beyond the doors just yet, but I know I am being equipped for whatever comes my way.”

As a cabaret show, music plays an integral role to ‘Do You See What I See?’ and the students worked with the Musical Director, Gladstone Wilson, to compose original songs that help propel the story forward.

The play opens with the sentimental ‘Lost and Found’, which establishes the cabaret company as there to ‘help fix what’s broken’, while the play is peppered with a lullaby called ‘Molly’s Theme’.

The cabaret show also includes pop music parodies of Beyoncé’s ‘Pretty Hurts’ and Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’, which further highlight the play’s central themes.

Hundreds of pupils from across Wolverhampton are tuning up for a spectacular musical performance in Queen Square next week.

Around 520 children from 18 primary and special schools in the City will be taking part in a free concert on Tuesday 13 June from 11.30am-12.30pm, performing songs in a wide range of styles and traditions led by Paul Wilcox from Wolverhampton Music Education Hub.

Tuesday’s performance marks the culmination of a six-month project organised and delivered by Wolverhampton Music Service. Teachers from schools around Wolverhampton took part in regular workshops, learning songs which they could subsequently teach in their own schools in preparation for next week's performance.

Sarah Tulley, Wolverhampton Music Service Assistant Headteacher, said: "School staff have met together on a monthly basis to develop their musical skills so that they can then go on to teach the songs to the children in their schools. We have really enjoyed the opportunity to sing together and are hugely looking forward to next week's performance."

Bill Hague, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Head of School Planning and Resources, said: “Music is an important part of a young person's education, and our Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across Wolverhampton.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the pupils to show off their talents, and I am sure they will put on a fantastic show which will make their parents and teachers incredibly proud. I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along on Tuesday to cheer them on.”

Wolverhampton Music Service provides tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra. To find out more, please visit www.wmsonline.org.uk.

When Kiran Seeley steps over the edge of Birmingham’s Park Regis Hotel to join John Taylor Hospice’s first abseil, she’ll be remembering her very special grandmother.

“She was always happy – just an absolute joy to be around,” says Kiran when asked to describe her grandmother Enid. “She was so supportive, loved to hear what I was up to and took a great interest in her grandchildren. I remember when I was younger and she’d come to our house to visit. When I’d go to bed that night I’d find £10 stuffed under my pillow. I’d call her up to thank her and she would say ‘don’t tell your mom and dad’! I have so many special memories of her.”

When grandmother-of-two Enid Seeley was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Kiran and her family were devastated. “She was told that the cancer was too close to her brain so they couldn’t operate,” explains 27-year-old Kiran.

“Chemotherapy and radiotherapy weren’t an option so as a family we pulled together, helping her to still do the things she loved and making sure she was as comfortable as she could be.”

In the spring of 2010, Enid moved from her home in Fillongley, Warwickshire, to live with her son and daughter-in-law, Kiran’s parents, in Erdington.

“I was at university in Liverpool at the time but I came home early that summer to spend time with Granny and help Mom and Dad the best I could,” said Kiran. “She started to become frailer and that’s when John Taylor’s Hospice at Home Team came to support us.

“From my grandmother’s perspective she loved their company. She’d tell the nurses about her life and the little things they did meant so much – like switching on her favourite radio station Classic FM. From our family’s perspective, their support was a big relief.

“My grandmother passed away peacefully at home in August of that year. It was a bit of a blur for me at the time but now I look back I appreciate just how gentle and compassionate the hospice staff were and my grandmother needed that.”

A committed fundraiser, each year Kiran pledges to raise money for a good cause. She was en route to her job as a buyer for Marston’s Brewery in Wolverhampton when she spotted her next charitable challenge – John Taylor Hospice’s abseil.

She explains: “The last two years I’ve been baking to raise money and whilst this is both fun and tasty it is a hobby I am very much comfortable doing. This year I wanted to set myself a true challenge.

“I was on the train to work when I spotted an advert for John Taylor’s sponsored abseil and I thought ‘that’s it!’. The hospice provided specialist and considerate palliative care for my grandmother so now’s the time for me to do something for them.”

Kiran, who hopes to raise as much money as possible when she takes the 170ft plunge, is encouraging others to join her on 8 July. “It’s a great way to raise money for hospice care and will be an amazing thrill! You can even share the experience with a friend or family member as you can abseil down the building at the same time. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me - by donating to a very worthy cause you’re helping give me the confidence to jump down!”

Head of fundraising Katie Mitchell, who is also part of the abseil team, said: “Kiran and all of our abseilers are doing something wonderful to support John Taylor Hospice. Throughout the past year, hundreds of people like Kiran have helped us provide essential care for local families by fundraising for us. Whether it’s by taking on a challenge, hosting an event or attending one of our events, we’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our supporters. Together we’re making a massive difference for hundreds of patients and their families.”

Love was in the air as Wolverhampton Art Gallery staged its first wedding ceremony on Saturday.

Bride Nisha Patel, aged 29, was eager to return to her home city of Wolverhampton to tie the knot with Northampton-born Bhavin Pandya, 28.

When she heard the Lichfield Street venue had been granted a license to hold weddings, she and her husband-to-be jumped at the chance to book their special day there.

The couple, who now live in Dudley, were joined by more than 80 guests for the occasion in the first-floor Georgian gallery room.

Nisha said: “We feel so happy and unique to be the first couple to tie the knot at the art gallery.

“I grew up in Wolverhampton and I wanted the ceremony to be in my home city.

“After months of planning and looking for a unique venue to hold our ceremony, we found that the art gallery was putting an application through to become a registered venue for civil ceremonies.

“We waited for the application to be approved, which was nerve wracking, as it was so close to the wedding date - but it was definitely worth the wait.

“The gallery is so beautiful and was the perfect setting for our ceremony where we made our own piece of art 'The Declaration of Marriage'.

“Everyone who attended loved the setting and found the ceremony so unique. It is definitely a perfect venue for the perfect ceremony.”

Wolverhampton Art Gallery is one of the new venues registered by City of Wolverhampton Council that can hold weddings. Other venues include Bantock House Museum in Finchfield and Wolverhampton’s accredited City Archives in the city centre.

As well as weddings, all the venues can be hired for private functions.

June means it’s officially summer, and the prospect of surprisingly brilliant British weather can only mean one thing… it’s time to throw a barbecue with your friends and family!

But, before you start warming those coals, we ask you to spare a thought for those dirty grills which have been languishing in the garden shed since August 2016. Oven Pride has pulled together some top tips on how to show your barbecue some summer loving that will not only make your food taste better, but help maintain one of the most loved summer cooking tools around.

1. You wouldn’t cook a steak in a dirty pan, so why put your steak on the barbecue before giving it a good clean? Be sure to start off by cleaning your barbecue grates, and to make your life easier Oven Pride’s Deep Cleaner is the perfect solution to rid your grills of stubborn burnt on food. All you need to do is put the grates in the plastic bag provided and pour half to ¾ of  the cleaning solution over them. Leave these to soak for a minimum of four hours or overnight for the best results, and then rinse thoroughly with hot soapy water.

Top Tip: Cooking fresh food before cleaning grates with old burnt on grime will give your food a bitter flavour and could ruin your chances of hosting a perfect BBQ

2. Don’t forget to clean the inside of your barbecue too. Start off by disposing of old ashes from the bottom of the barbecue and then pour the remaining Oven Pride solution into the tray. Wearing gloves, use a sponge to spread the

solution around the whole tray and leave for a minimum of four hours, or overnight for best results.

3. The main cleaning event might be the barbecue but let’s not forget every barbecue’s best friends… the spatula, skewer and cooking tongs. After all, how will you flip those burgers and turn your sausages? Make sure you give all of these utensils a deep clean in hot soapy water to rid them of old grease and burnt on food, as over time this can be hazardous and also impact the flavour of your food.

4. And lastly, how can I maintain this level of cleanliness for the rest of the summer we hear you say? After each use, wait until the grates are lukewarm and give them a quick clean using a grill brush and hot soapy water, this way any food residue will be easier to remove.

The UK’s biggest mass-participation cycling event is coming to the East Midlands, kick starting a national summer of cycling this June for over half a million people.

Bike Week 2017 (10 – 18 June) is set to add another 500,000 people to the five million who already cycle three times or more a week.

From family friendly traffic-free rides, to bike breakfasts, and even naked bike rides, Bike Week brings together a host of hundreds of fun events across the UK to help make cycling a more accessible and attractive proposition to the many people who might just need a gentle nudge back into the saddle this summer.

Whether it’s for a fun leisurely off-road ride with family and friends, a chance to escape the daily grind and explore the countryside, or simply to avoid the traffic jams getting to work or on the school run, Bike Week provides a one stop shop of events and inspiration to get you out and about in the saddle. There are a wide range of events taking place across the county suitable for cyclists of all ages and levels of experience.

With cycling becoming more popular than ever, increasing numbers of people are taking up cycling as an easy and efficient way to travel. According to the National Travel Survey, over five million people cycle three or more times a week.

Cycling UK’s Chief Executive, Paul Tuohy said “Bike Week is the UK’s excuse for a party on a bike, and that’s why our theme this year is ‘Fun & Freedom’. Cycling UK wants to help millions more people to rediscover – or find out for the first time – just how much fun you can have cycling. So whether you’re out with friends, are planning a family get together, or like getting away from the daily grind, join the half a million people taking part in Bike Week from 10 – 18 June!”

To support those already cycling or new to riding a bike, Bike Week is also partnering with Halfords this year, so that Bike Week participants can get a free bike check, and 20% off the price of gold, silver and bronze servicing.

Local independent restaurant Milan Indian Cuisine, situated on Newhall Street City Centre, will be launching their ‘Good Earth Indian Vegetarian Food Festival’ this month. Beginning on the 19th June and finishing on the 1st July, Milan will be showcasing some exciting and exclusive vegetarian options, with all ingredients sourced from the abundant and nutritional produce of Mother Earth.

No country in the world is as strongly associated with vegetarianism as India, and the country is often referred to as the paradise for vegetarian food. Mahatma Gandhi is perhaps India’s most famous exponent of vegetarianism, arguing vigorously that vegetarianism was more conducive to a life led according to the precepts of ahimsa (respect for all living things and avoidance of violence towards others).

In celebration of the vegetarian diet, Milan Indian Cuisine have created an exclusive menu featuring specially selected, unique creations that are prepared by their expert chefs. The festival menu will include a range of aromatic delights.

Parvinder Multani, Head Chef at Milan Indian Cuisine, comments: “The vegetarian food festival is all about enjoying what the Earth has to offer. In today's world with lifestyles becoming sedentary what more can one ask to have a low calorie well balanced nutritious food with abundant variety.” Comment ends.

Milan Indian Cuisine was established in 1988 as one of the first Indian restaurants in the area and is well-known for their great range of authentic yet innovative Indian dishes for vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners alike.

The dedication of teams of committed volunteers in Wolverhampton has been recognised after seven organisations they represent received the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

It is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, presented for outstanding achievement by people who regularly volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the lives of others.

Awards were given to Access to Business, Ashmore Park Community Association, Bilston Town Community Football Club, Hope Community Project, Interfaith Wolverhampton, Jai Jashn Dance and The Haven Wolverhampton.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu, whose theme for his Mayoral year is recognising the value of volunteering, said: “Charities and volunteers do tremendous work helping the most needy and vulnerable people in our City, and I am delighted that these seven groups have been recognised in this way.

“We have thousands of fantastic volunteers in Wolverhampton who give up their valuable time to support others, and it is wonderful that so many are now the proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service."

Access to Business provides critical specialist support services for the unemployed, specialising in support for people with disabilities and health problems.

Ashmore Park Community Association offers a welcoming space where all ages come together for a wide range of activities and events which promote physical, social and mental well-being.

Bilston Town Community Football Club provides free or affordable educational coaching and access for young people to watch live sport.

Hope Community Project supports the most vulnerable and forgotten people of all ages living in the Heath Town area of Wolverhampton.

Interfaith Wolverhampton has, for more than 40 years, been dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding and community cohesion between people of different faiths and cultures.

Jai Jashn Dance delivers Bollywood‐based community classes, exploring the dance heritage of India with members able to positively demonstrate and promote its diversity.

The Haven Wolverhampton works hard to support vulnerable women and children who are victims of domestic abuse and homelessness to regain their place in society.

Access to Business Chief Executive Josie Kelly said: "We are absolutely honoured and delighted to have received our Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

“For over 15 years we have been providing services for unemployed and disabled people in our City to improve their skills and confidence and support their route to employment.

“Volunteers play a vitally important role in supporting our work and include our volunteer Board of Directors and many local volunteers supporting and promoting our work helping others to improve their lives."

Ann Wood, Chair of Ashmore Park Community Association, said: “I am bursting with pride. This is a great honour and privilege for our charity and all our volunteers who work so hard to provide facilities and activities for others.

“They will be delighted to know that they are award winners – and not just any awards winners, they are now Queen’s Award Winners for Voluntary Service."

Many of the nominations were supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council which worked closely with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service Lieutenancy Assessment Assessor Sylvia Parkin MBE, from Tettenhall. She said: "I am delighted that these seven worthy groups of volunteers have been recognised in this way.

“It is impossible to overestimate the impact their organisations have on the people of Wolverhampton, and the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service highlights their commitment to the city and its residents.”

To be nominated for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service an organisation must provide a service that meets a need for people living in the local community, be supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it and be run locally.

After weeks of campaigning and back and forth spiel about their respective merits and problems, the political parties left the future of the country up to the people of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 8th June. After a tense, few hours the results came trickling through.

No one party won an outright majority, the Conservatives won 315 seats (at the time of writing) and Labour won 261 seats. With 326 seats needed for an outright majority, no one party could claim that right. Consequently, many have begun wondering what this now means, in this article, we shall highlight the possible outcomes of the hung Parliament.

Firstly, a coalition government seems the most likely outcome. The Conservatives are the largest party in Parliament with 315 seats, whilst the DUP have 10 seats, considering the previous working relationship these two parties have, a coalition between the two of them does seem likely. At present with four seats still to declare their results, it is possible that the Conservatives would gain enough seats there to be able to properly form a coalition government with the DUP, though of course there would need to be a lot of negotiation before a proper agreement is reached.

Given that Brexit negotiations are due to start in earnest within the next few weeks, any negotiations cannot take too long, as Britain will want to present a united front when it comes to the negotiation table.

Secondly, Theresa May could if all else fails form a minority government. This would mean that though she does not have an outright majority in the House of Commons, as the biggest party in the Commons, her party would be able to hold the position of government of the United Kingdom, but they would be reliant on other parties to make the passing of laws easier.

This last happened during the 1970s, under Labour and led to a lot of civil unrest, as Labour was held hostage by the Trade Unions and infighting. Consequently, it does not hold much appeal to anyone who has an inkling of history. Furthermore, as previously mentioned Brexit negotiations are fast approaching, and the government would wish for as strong a hand as possible when entering the negotiations.

A minority government would not give them that, due to a belief that they lack democratic legitimacy in some corners. And ensuring that any agreement reached has smooth sailing in the Commons would be much harder, with MPs more likely to stick to their own inkling than toe the party line.

To conclude, this election has produced a surprise result, especially when one considers that Theresa May was twenty points ahead of Jeremy Corbyn when she called the election in April. With her stumbling performance and countless U-Turns on policy, the gaps in her ability to lead have been exposed combined with Jeremy Corbyn’s growth in confidence, and the Hung Parliament begins to make more sense. We are in for a very interesting few weeks.

Yesterday, Britain went to the polls, to choose a new government. The parties have been campaigning since April, and they have offered a variety of different options on a whole host of issues. There has been the usual rhetoric, slogans thrown about, ‘strong and stable’ performances as well as ‘weak and wobbly’ performances. After nearly two months of campaigning it all came to an end yesterday, and with the increased number of people who have registered to vote, turnout was expected to be high.

However, to ensure that nobody skips out on doing their democratic duty, Scottish Beer company BrewDog offered voters a free pint if they vote. It’s a simple process really, if a voter took a picture of themselves outside their polling station and then enters one of BrewDog’s many bars across the country and shows staff their picture, then they will get a free pint.

During the day, The Phoenix Newspaper decided to take up this offer, and at the bar located opposite Turtle Bay in the city centre, found a packed pub. When a barman was asked about the offer he had this to say. “Yeah, we did something similar with the referendum, and not many people turned up. But since there’s been more people registering to vote this time around, and turning up, I think we’ll have a lot more customers. It’s a good thing you know, people are getting out there and having their voice heard.”

A group of young workers, just finished work arrived at the bar around five thirty, and when interviewed had this to say. “Yeah, we’d normally come here anyway, but the free pint really enticed us down. It’s a great initiative.” Many of them were hoping for a Labour victory, with one member hoping for a hung Parliament!

Certainly, there was no lack of excitement over the election or the offer. A smart initiative by BrewDog and one that is sure to bring more excitement and fun to an already intriguing election season.

An exciting new opportunity for schools and organisations will soon be available at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre.

The animal centre in Birmingham is expanding to include an education centre which aims to promote the importance of animal welfare to children and young people.

RSPCA Newbrook Farm Education Centre will launch in August with school visits, activity days, animal welfare programmes and outdoor learning.

It aims to support families, children and young people develop their compassionate skills, learn about nature and the five animal welfare needs.

Debbie Caffull, animal centre manager, said: “We are so excited to be launching the education arm of RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre this summer. Education is such a vital part in ensuring good animal welfare in the future. The centre hopes to inspire children to love and care for animals as much as we do, and teach them important life lessons along the way.”

Craig Osborne, animal hospital manager, also supports the education centre, he said: “Programmes that teach children and young people compassion towards animals can help them realise the potential they have in their own lives and the valuable contribution they can make to their community.”

Newbrook Farm has recently been awarded a Quality Badge from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and is now expanding on this with a dedicated education centre.

Charlie Chan, community engagement manager, who is developing the education centre, said: “All the programmes are completely free and can work alongside the national curriculum or an organisation’s own projects.

“As well as school visits, activity days and animal welfare programmes for schools, youth groups and families, there will also be opportunities for outdoor learning including fun trails to get back to nature.

“The activities are designed to be achievable and rewarding as well as having an element of discovery and learning. Education is key to ensuring that everyone is aware of the five animal welfare needs and how to meet them.”

The Newbrook Farm Education Centre is urging schools, local groups and organisations to get in touch now to find out how they can book into the education centre.

There is also a need for more volunteers to get involved with the Volunteer Speaker Scheme. This scheme sees volunteers delivering talks to school groups and assemblies about the work of the RSPCA and the five animal welfare needs. The role would suit anyone with some spare time who is comfortable speaking to groups, passionate about animal welfare and looking to help.

The education centre could also be a brilliant opportunity for a university student to use as a placement to support and enhance their studies, or for someone looking for work experience in this sector.

For more information and updates, find the Newbrook Animal Centre on Facebook, RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre and Hospital, or follow us on Twitter @RSPCABirmingham.

Hundreds of toddlers will be dressing up and taking part in a mass march around Dudley Zoo in aid of charity next week.

The annual Barnardo’s Big Toddle is due to take place on the mornings of Tuesday and Wednesday, June 13 and 14.

This is the 20th year of the popular half-mile sponsored walk, which sees parents and children either organise their own event or attend one of the larger regional spectacles.

Dudley Zoo hosts the largest Toddle in the UK, and this year’s event has a ‘colour’ theme with children encouraged to dress up in their boldest and brightest outfits.

Admission is free to under-5s, with discounts for adults and older children. Registrations close this Friday June 9th.

Gates open at 10am, with the walk beginning at 11am.

Barnardo’s regional assistant director Emily Phelps said: “The Big Toddle is the UK’s biggest and best fundraising event for under-5s. It’s all about children helping children by taking part in short sponsored walks.

“Nurseries, playgroups, childminders and parents are welcome to organise their own events, but we also have a number of public Toddles - and the one at Dudley Zoo is one of the biggest in the UK.

“It’s a fantastic venue and we’re looking forward to seeing hundreds of happy faces across the two days.”

Children will be welcomed by a costumed mascot and entertainers, with free refreshments for each registered child.

Barnardo’s staff will also be available to talk about how they can help to give children the best possible start in life.

Dudley Zoo marketing manager Andrea Hales said: “We’re delighted once again to team up with Barnardo’s and support the incredible work they do in giving children the best start in life.

“The Big Toddle is always hugely popular. So make sure you sign up soon and have a really wild time helping to raise funds for a very worthy cause.”