Community News

The Caribbean Diaspora turned-up, sang their hymns and choruses and Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ as thousands in Toronto said farewell to former mayor Rob Ford, including a joyful moment at St. James Cathedral when his daughter Stephanie, 11, told mourners, “He’s the mayor of Heaven now.”

Health chiefs in Wolverhampton are considering a package of measures aimed at helping to improve the health of children and young people in the city. They are looking at expanding the range of activities which take place in schools and the local community as the city seeks to address high rates of obesity among residents, particularly children.

Birmingham’s annual Zombie Walk returns for its eighth year this Saturday 18 June, organisers have announced. Back by popular demand, over one thousand ‘living dead’ are expected to take to the city’s streets to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. The cadaverous crowd will gather on judgement day to weave in and out of the backstreets of Birmingham, making eerie groans and showing off their best zombie slow walks.

Analysis of the driving behaviour of more than 4,300 motorists over a period of 18 months has revealed for the first time, the direct impact mobile phone use at the wheel has on the risk of an accident – whether hand held or hands free.  Analysing speed, road type and hard braking activity when they are using a mobile phone, Wunelli, a LexisNexis Risk Solutions company, with insurance broker Drivology has found that drivers who use a phone hand held at the wheel almost double their risk of an accident as hard braking increases by three quarters (75%), while those on hands free increase their risk by a fifth.

The Beat the Street challenge created a ‘hullabaloo’ in more ways than one across Wolverhampton, as more than 24,000 people who signed up to play the seven week walking, cycling and running game the city clocked up more than 141,000 miles. Instead of the normal double beep which players became used to when they tap their special Beat the Street cards against Beat Boxes around the city, the boxes heralded the start of spring by making different noises – from bells to cuckoos.

A successful Residents Week 2016 wrapped up with a celebration of volunteers in the city at the Civic Centre. The Mayor, Councillor Ian Brookfield, hosted 80 volunteers in his parlour to recognise their contribution to Wolverhampton. City of Wolverhampton Council staff also got into the spirit of volunteering during the week as members of Corporate Leadership Team swapped the office for a city centre soup kitchen.

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and friends a Happy, Safe and Blessed Easter.

New analysis from Direct Line Car Insurance reveals drivers in England and Wales clocked up 28 million fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in a 10 year period for motoring offences. Many of these penalties were easily avoidable; 2,030,100 motorists received a fine for the most basic of driver fails, not wearing a seatbelt. 

One of the region’s most senior business leaders is urging city companies to take part in this year’s Great Birmingham 10k Business Challenge after the event’s organisers revealed the 2016 competition will be the biggest ever. More than 300 runners representing over 30 companies have now signed up to take part in the challenge, which pits companies against each other for fastest-time trophies on Sunday, May 1.

A new strategy aimed at continuing the good work being done to tackle youth and gang violence in Wolverhampton has been unveiled. Over the last few years, the city's previous gangs strategy has helped greatly improve the lives of those communities formerly blighted by gangs, bringing about a fall in gun and knife crime in the process. It has also seen the development of a range of new activities designed to tackle problem gangs.

For 150 years Barnardo’s has been transforming children’s lives helping hundreds of thousands of children to grow up happy and healthy. The UK's leading children's charity, founded by Dr. Thomas Barnardo, is offering fantastic profile-raising and fundraising opportunities for charity and corporate partnerships ahead of the anniversary. Barnardo’s. Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said; "2016 is here at last and this promises to be an exciting year for all of us at Barnardo’s.

With Easter just around the corner, some of us may be considering giving an alternative gift to the usual chocolate eggs.  However, although a twist on the traditional can be a nice idea, ethical pet retailer Pets Corner is urging those who are looking to invest in a pet rabbit to think very carefully before making such a serious commitment.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s tastiest fun run is back. The Chocolate 5K gives chocolate lovers the opportunity to burn off the calories whilst indulging in a sweet chocolate treat or three! The unique fun run attracted 600 participants of all ages last year, raising over £18,500 of vital funds for the Selly Oak based Hospice. This year’s event takes place on Saturday 23rd April and starts at 11am from Rowheath Pavilion in Bournville, the original home of chocolate.

Images have been unveiled at MIPIM Cannes of what Wolverhampton’s new state-of-the-art railway station will look like. The artist’s impressions featured as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s presentation showcasing the city’s regeneration successes and future developments. Work is due to begin on the new railway station next year following the extension and refurbishment of the railway station multi-storey car park, which is expected to be completed by Christmas 2016.

Fifty-three countries will come together to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2016 today under the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. Among the many activities and events taking place globally, a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey will welcome thousands of guests from around the world, including the attendees of the Commonwealth Africa Summit 2016. Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March every year.