Community News

Black Country Chamber of Commerce has announced that longstanding Chamber member, CSCM IT Solutions, have been welcomed to The Chamber Patron Group.

Established in 1995, CSCM provide quality IT solutions using the most up-to-date and trusted technology, listening to customers and offering bespoke advice based on extensive experience and expertise, helping them to make informed decisions impacting upon their business.

Having operated within the Black Country for over 22 years, during which time they have nurtured strong links with other local businesses and charities, becoming a member of The Chamber Patron Group was a logical step for the company to take.

Jude Thompson, Managing Director of CSCM, commented: “Our relationship with the Black Country Chamber has flourished over the years, having become a member of The Platinum Group in 2012. Furthermore, in late 2016, I was delighted to accept a Directorship of the Board position within the organisation and have enjoyed working closely with the Board ever since.

“I feel honoured that our firm is now recognised as a Chamber Patron and look forward to working closely with Gail to champion the local region on a national and global scale, highlighting that the Black Country truly is a great place for business!”

Gail Arnold, Head of The Chamber Patron Group, added: “It has been a pleasure working with Jude and his team over the last few years and I am absolutely delighted that this relationship will continue in a Patron role. Our Chamber Patrons reflect the strength of the Black Country Economy and demonstrate real social impact from our joint work.”

Birmingham motorists should take extra care on the roads this month, as a new study has found Saturday 26 May to be the most dangerous day of the year.

According to Endsleigh Insurance Services, in 2017 the date saw more road traffic claims than any other, and it was 21-year-old male drivers of Vauxhalls who were involved in the most motoring mishaps.

The data from Endsleigh’s internal claims found that people in the South East made 19 per cent of all claims in 2017, with the Midlands named as the second most dangerous region for drivers, with 17 per cent of claims made.

Drivers in the South West, Northern Ireland and Scotland all made a high number of claims during 2017 whilst, the North East, the South, East Anglia and North West, were noted as being the UK’s safer regions.

Surprisingly, London was one of the regions with the fewest motor claims, however it was found that drivers in Wales were the safest having only attributed to four per cent of all claims made during the year.

Owners of Vauxhalls were most likely to be involved in an incident according to the data, with Fords, Volkswagens and Peugeots also featuring highly on the list.

Endsleigh is helping to protect Birmingham’s motorists, so ahead of the most dangerous day, local drivers could be in with a chance of having their insurance paid for an entire year.

Julia Alpan, head of marketing at Endsleigh, said: “We were surprised to see that the most dangerous day last year fell during the spring months, rather than the winter when you’d expect the roads to be icy and more treacherous.

“This year, the date falls on a bank holiday so we’re anticipating it could be a record day for claims once again. We want to urge local people to take their time on the roads so they can enjoy their long weekends incident-free.

“To help drivers in Birmingham to stay safe, and stay covered, we’re offering one person the chance to have their insurance paid for the year.”

Endsleigh’s figures suggest those newest to driving were the most cautious in 2017, as 17-year-olds were involved in fewer than one per cent of incidents, while 21-year-olds accounted for almost ten per cent of claims. In fact, drivers aged between 20 and 25 were responsible for 39 per cent of all claims made in 2017.

According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43% of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) vacancies are hard to fill. Professions in STEM are suffering a skills gap crisis. Apart from common misconceptions about what these professions entail these industries are missing out on nearly 50 % of the population (women).

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and social enterprise, Butterfly Books hopes to transform the way in which youngsters perceive various careers. They create colourfully illustrated rhyming picture books based on various professions.

By raising awareness of careers from a young age their aim is to address unconscious bias about gender and what professions entail in order to help to close industry skills gaps in the future.

Aimed at children aged between 3 and 7 the books can be used to cover areas of school curriculums worldwide and are also a fun way for parents to explain to their children what they do at work.

The company was founded by brother and sister duo Kerrine Bryan and Jason Bryan. Parents to young daughters, they are passionate about the product in the hope that their unique books will educate and inspire the next generation.

Kerrine is an award-winning engineer and the idea behind the books stems from her unconventional route into a male dominated profession that she originally knew nothing about. A profession that she has thoroughly enjoyed and would hate for others to miss out on just because they don't really know what it involves, and a profession where she is a minority in more than one way.

See what Butterfly Books are all about by visiting https://voom.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitches/butterfly-books and casting your vote! Even if you do not want to donate, voting is free and could really help!

Special Guest Speaker, Jamaica High Commissioner for the UK, His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, said: “It’s about where Jamaica is and for you to be a part of it,” as he spoke to the specially invited audience at the ‘Jamaica Evening’ at the H Suite in Birmingham.

“It warms my heart to see Jamaica’s unity in strength,” he said, “especially seeing it in work here. Seeing the work tonight’s organiser, Dean Alexander, and his mom, Dr. Beverly Lindsey, do in this city warms my heart.”

H.E Ramocan was speaking as the gathered guests; who included the likes of the founder and CEO of Caribbean food producer Cleone Foods Wade Lyn CBE, TPN Media’s own Founder/Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin, Dr. Beverly Lindsey OBE OD VLL, Leighton Smith who is Chief Representative Officer at Victoria Mutual Finance Limited, former Aston Villa, Liverpool, Rangers and England footballer Mark Walters and many more.

Lets not forget that Beverly Lindsay OBE OD VLL and Diamond Travel have been championing Jamaica and the Caribbean as destinations for both tourism and investment for a number of years now. The Caribbean Evening was created about 6 years ago to promote Diamond Travel, and to give back to their loyal customers and and was started at the Birmingham Community Association.

The first time had over 300 people, then it moved to the Drum, then Aston Villa, and last year was to celebrate Diamond Travel's 30th year of business, done with Virgin Atlantic to give back to the community that supported them.

Hosted by Tony Marshall – receptionist Noel Garcia in the hit BBC TV drama Casualty – everyone present was at pains to take in what the High Commissioner was addressing, especially in light of the current ‘Windrush Generation’ issue which has itself found a ‘casualty’ following the resignation of the government’s Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

“Jamaica is the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean,’” Ramocan said. ”There are more Jamaicans outside of the country than ever before.” The topic of crime in the country was also raised by the High Commissioner and addressed, informing the audience exactly how the country was cleaning up problem areas.

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A prominent presence on the night was Victoria Mutual Finance Limited, with Leighton Smith, highlighting the investment opportunities on the Caribbean island; “Take a look at Jamaica...” he said, “...and you will fall in love with it.

“Jamaica is much more than a holiday – it’s a great investment.

“There’s a massive amount of foreign investment moving into the country and, as it is going, within 10 years or so, there probably would not be any land available to take on.  That is why we, Jamaica’s first financial port-hold, are here - to help you with your investment - on your land.

“It’s about making Jamaica financially independent.”

He marked up Stonebrook Manor, in Falmouth and Phoenix Park in Montego Bay, as highly appreciable property venues - for anywhere from the equivalent of £40,000 to £135,000 – before introducing a representative from the acclaimed Moreland Developments with highly sought-after property in Mandeville. It was refreshing to hear from someone making investment opportunities sound so sexy, especially at the prices that were quoted, enticing many in the room to take to their phones to make notes and bookmark opportunities to look at. St. Elizabeth properties, they made clear, are also soon to come.

For those not quite ready, there, there were opportunities to see the sun, sea and golden sands of Jamaica, on the night, with a luxury 7-day holiday to Moon Palace, on offer through a raffle draw.

George Ruddock from the Jamaica Gleaner sent a message to the Jamaican Community to continue its support for an institution like the Gleaner. He proudly spoke of the biggest selling front page news story they had had in recent times from two years ago, and how the paper will evolve looking to the future.

EastEnders star, Rudolf Walker, was also a very prominent presence as he highlighted the fight against one of the world’s greatest killers; prostate cancer. “Black men, especially,” he said, “must know the risk. ‘Conversation’ saves lives and men need to open up and talk more about this issue – It can save yours, or someone else’s, life.”

On the night there was also a presentation on diabetes by Tony Kelly of Diabetes UK, a well known supporter, and probably one of the best at spreading the news about diabetes prevention  and maintenance -  before, on a lighter note, limbo dancing and music from Steel Pulse legend, Basil Gabbidon and Friends, made for this, the fifth Jamaica and Friends Dinner, probably the best yet.

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Local companies wanting to know if their goods or services could sell overseas can discuss the opportunities via a series of new online surgeries.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth project, the Meet the Market sessions will enable ambitious companies to speak to commercial advisers based in British Embassies or Chambers of Commerce across the world.

There are five online sessions available this month (May 2018), each of which provides the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments with Embassy staff in Germany, Chile, Switzerland, Austria and France. Companies based in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Shropshire are eligible.

Andy Smith, International Relationships Manager for SME International Growth Project, said: “One of the best parts of exporting is the chance to travel the world, growing your business while you're at it.

“While visiting a market and meeting face to face is one of the best ways to develop a successful business relationship, we understand this isn't always possible.

“It’s why we are working with our contacts based at British Embassies to enable businesses to assess the local demand for their products or services using easily available technology, which is easy to set up and can be conducted anywhere with internet access.”

Central Library is inviting people to enjoy a Coffee and Chat to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

The free drop-in event takes place from 10.30am-2pm on Wednesday (16 May) and will enable residents to find out more about the services available to support their mental health and wellbeing while also enjoying light refreshments.

Taking part will be a range of mental health providers including Starfish Wolverhampton Social Hub, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Community Support Team and Carer Support Team, HeadStart Wolverhampton, Healthy Minds, Healthwatch Wolverhampton and Memory Matters.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to find out how they can improve their mental health and wellbeing over a cuppa in a relaxed environment.”

The Coffee and Chat drop-in is one of a series of events taking place in Wolverhampton to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 14-20 May and is organised by the Mental Health Foundation. For more information, please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

Every year for harvest festival hundreds of children and supporters from the world of food and farming gather in churches up and down the land with boxes packed with home-grown produce.  It’s our way of giving thanks for the bounty of food from the land.  And it’s a tradition that brings communities together with the church playing a central role.

Love British Food organised a special National Harvest Service with Westminster Abbey in 2013, attended by hundreds of children and a host of supporters from the world of food and farming to celebrate the British food and harvest and welcome the Love British Food Harvest Torch.  Each year since then the Harvest Torch has visited different areas of the country from Birmingham, Bristol Lincoln to Pembrokeshire and this year will visit Chelmsford Cathedral on 29th-30th September and then on to Ely Cathedral for 12th-14th October.

British Food Fortnight which this year runs from 22 Sept -7 Oct coincides with the celebration of the National Harvest Festival as a prominent part of their calendar of events.  The Co-op is again playing a big part in the Fortnight and will be on hand to support local harvest festivals in any way they can.

The team behind British Food Fortnight pulled together the following tips for churches to make harvest time celebrations even bigger:

• Remember everyone in your community can play a part so reach out to the following: social groups, your local Co-op, schools, clubs (WI, Guides and Scouts etc.), food producers, local food suppliers and local agricultural organisations (NFU, Young Farmers, etc.)
• Start planning early.  Work with local schools to get a programme of activity together.  This could involve music and singing, art or cookery (using ingredients from local producers).  Potato painting and printing is also very popular, also cream teas, harvest supper, etc.
• Get in touch with local farms, food producers and manufacturers in your region and gauge how much involvement they can give. Many farms will supply fresh fruit and vegetables to form the basis of a large display.
• Many communities organise food festivals during the summer months.  Approach organisers of these events and discuss how they can get involved.
• Reach out to your local radio stations and papers for publicity.

People who want to get on the fast track to university or the road to a new career are being encouraged to enrol on special courses offered by Adult Education Wolverhampton.

The Outstanding-rated provider’s Level 3, 4 and 5 courses provide a range of opportunities for adults to improve their skills and bolster their CVs – and a series of open days will be taking place over the next few weeks to enable people to find out more.

The courses include Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Art and Design; Business Management; Health including Midwifery or Nursing; Music Technology; and Social Science or Social Work, ideal for those who want to get on the fast track to university.

People who want a career in the classroom can take advantage of Adult Education Wolverhampton's Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3, which will enable them to work with teachers to support children and young people in mainstream schools or colleges, while the Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools or Colleges Level 4 provides excellent professional development for experienced teaching assistants.

Adult Education Wolverhampton also offers a range of options for students wanting to work in the creative industries, including the Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft in Floristry; in Painting and Drawing; and in Sewing and Textiles.

For those who want to teach English as a foreign language, the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults (CELTA) Level 5 qualification is one of the most popular and desirable English language teaching qualifications worldwide.

Finally, Adult Education Wolverhampton is offering a Level 3 British Sign Language (BSL) course, enabling people to improve and extend their signing skills in different contexts and study the linguistics of BSL. Upon completion, students can work as communication support for the deaf or progress to the next level of study required to follow a career in interpreting.

More information about Level 3, 4 and 5 courses is available at the open days taking place at the Foyer Building, City Learning Quarter, St Georges Parade, Wolverhampton, on Wednesdays 16 May and 6 June from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, and on Thursdays 17 May and 7 June from 10am-1pm. Alternatively, please call 01902 551654, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or log on to www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Melody Mutudza, who went on to complete a degree and masters in social work at university after taking the Access to Higher Education Diploma with Adult Education Wolverhampton, said: "I was unable to go to university because I had been out of education for a while and needed a refresher.

"I felt comfortable being with students of the same age with similar experiences. There was a lot of support and the atmosphere was accommodating to any person of any background.”

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Whether it is to pursue a particular ambition, get into university or change career, there are many reasons to consider one of the Level 3, 4 and 5 courses offered by Adult Education Wolverhampton.”

A Walsall College apprentice has reached the final of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy in London, after passing the Liverpool semi-finals with flying colours.

Established in 1956, L'Oréal Colour Trophy is the longest running live hairdressing competition, which showcases some of the best hairdressing talents across the country.

Yasmine Byfield, who is studying a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship, applied for the competition through her employer at Sassy’s Hair Salon in Wolverhampton.

“This competition is something that the salon has done for years,” said Yasmine, “As I had gained enough confidence and experience in the industry, I asked to be put forward.”

Entrants were required to create a look inspired by current trends, featuring a colour that has not been used before and could be a trend in the near future.

Yasmine had only 30 minutes to style her model’s hair, which was presented at the competition’s catwalk show in front of an expert panel of judges.

“They based their final decision on the overall look of the model, with the main focus being on her hair,” she added.

“The competition was split into eight regions around the country, and they selected the top 10 to win ‘Best in Region’. Then from this group, only two were selected to go through to the finals.”

The final of the competition will take place at the L’Oreal Academy in London, where Yasmine will showcase the talents she had developed through her apprenticeship in front of the competition organisers.

“My apprenticeship has brought out a confidence in me that I didn’t realise I had. I’ve learned a lot from working full time in a salon, and I don’t think my degree of understanding would be the same if I had studied in a different way.

I have a talented, supportive team around me at work and through college that have taught me and encouraged me along the way and continue to do so every day.”

Yasmine hopes to specialise in creative colour and train in other areas of hairdressing.

“This apprenticeship has made my career aims more achievable, as I have learned so much and have had many opportunities, such as entering this competition. One day, I’d like to have my own salon, but for now, I really enjoy what I’m doing and building up my clients.”

Visit Twycross Zoo this May half term for a host of exciting activities as the award-winning conservation charity celebrates ‘Love Your Zoo Week’.

This nationwide event organised by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), is the perfect opportunity for people to show their support for the hard work, dedication and care undertaken every day by the team at Twycross Zoo.

From 26^th May to 3^rd June families can enjoy an action-packed programme, including a Heart Trail, where visitors scour the 80-acre site in search of hidden hearts in a bid to win prizes!

As well as special conservation talks, the Leicestershire-based zoo will host its popular Keeper Talks, where visitors can meet the Twycross conservation experts and learn all about the animals in their care. The jam-packed calendar of daily talks will cover all sorts of species, great and small, and include everything from lemurs to zebras.

As members of BIAZA, Twycross Zoo is home to over 500 animals of 130 different species from all around the world, many of which are enrolled in conservation breeding programmes. As the only place in the UK where you can see all four great apes – chimpanzees, orang utans, gorillas and bonobos, the zoo is also a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and The Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP).

Open from 10am to 6pm, 364 days a year, whatever the weather, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Visitors to the impressive 80-acre site can get up close and learn all about the animals in their indoor and outdoor enclosures including the state of the art Gibbon Forest and Giraffe Savanna.

There is so much to see on a family day out, walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins, and let your little ones splash around in the Wet and Wild play area, whilst Mum and Dad have a good rest.

Explore the Himalaya Centre, with its warm and inviting coffee shop, super soft play and newly refurbished, fully licensed restaurant, with breath-taking views overlooking the snow leopard enclosure.

Twycross Zoo Conservation initiative contributes to conservation in the wild since 2006 and has supported over 55 conservation and welfare projects from many different countries around the world, including Ape Action Africa in Cameroon, Lola Ya Bonobo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Cao Vit Conservation Programme in Vietnam.

The UK is renowned for its hatred of confrontation, and nothing sums this up better than leaving a passive aggressive note on a driver’s windscreen to remark on their bad parking, whether that be their inability to park within the lines or some seriously inconsiderate car parking abandonment.

To celebrate this quirky British trait, used car supermarket, The Car People, has launched a search to find some of the angriest and funniest notes left on driver’s cars, and is inviting drivers in West Midlands to submit their examples.

The used car supermarket, which currently has four UK sites is asking drivers to submit a picture of the angriest, funniest and most ludicrous note that has been left on their car or that they have left for someone else, for the chance to win a £100 Love2Shop voucher.

Jonathan Allbones, director at The Car People, said: “Most drivers have at one time or another experienced a moment of frustration with an inconveniently parked car. Lately we are seeing more and more people responding to this frustration by leaving an ‘angry note’ on the car that’s causing the irritation. These notes are often shared on social media and can sometimes provide entertainment.

“We want to find great examples of some of the angriest, wittiest and silliest notes that people leave each other.”

Amateur sleuths are being invited to solve a fun new Murder Mystery Treasure Trail set on the streets of Clerkenwell.

The Clerkenwell Clown Caper is the latest in a series of more than 50 downloadable self-guided Treasure Trails based in and around the capital.

The plot involves circus entertainer and part-time PR exec Lottie Goodwill who has been found with her head buried in an enormous foam-topped pie in a Clerkenwell cafe. A clown was spotted running from the scene carrying a pair of over-sized shoes.

The Trail's theme was inspired by one of Clerkenwell's famous ex-residents, Joseph Grimaldi the 19th century clown, who lived in Exmouth Market for a decade and now has a blue plaque outside his former home.

Lasting around two hours, the aim of the Trail is to solve a set of fiendish clues incorporating plaques, signs, statues, monuments, images, engravings and other landmarks.

The Clerkenwell Clown Caper is the creation of Treasure Trails' Kathy Brown, who has written all of the London Trails including; 'The Missing Royal Wedding Ring Trail' in St James' Park, 'The Muswell Hill Menagerie Murder' and 'Lion Hunting in Stoke Newington'.

“I'd visited the area a few times while working in London and knew it was a 'cool' place, it's also a very historic area, one of the oldest areas of London outside of the City walls, with twisting streets and alley ways,” said Kathy.

“It's home to the medieval priory of the Knights of St John and the Trail passes close to the site of Clerkenwell gaol, which is now used for underground film locations and events.

“One of the most fun parts for me of Trail writing is discovering new areas and finding out about their rich history and quirky characters. It's great when patches of learning join up and you start to build a bigger picture of London and the people who lived here, and how it all comes together,” she added.

BritishCharcuterie.live has announced that Door4Montpellier of Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham is the first monthly winner in a new nationwide competition to find Britain's Best Charcuterie Boards, sponsored by Tracklements.

The family-run cocktail bar is well-loved for its cheese and charcuterie boards, and the winning April board is a sensational combination of British sourced meats turned into Charcuterie by local producers The Cotswold Curer and Native Breeds Charcuterie.

Both these charcuterie producers have entered BritishCharcuterie.live's British Charcuterie Awards, which are being held in August this year.

Door4Montpellier's board received plenty of likes in the open contest on Instagram @britainsbestcharcuterieboards, #BBCharcuterieBoards. It was chosen from nearly 20 entries by the judges who include Guy Tullberg MD of Tracklements, Henrietta Green co-founder of BritishCharcuterie.live and Josh Barrie journalist & Charcuterie Lover.

Door4Montpellier will receive a selection of Tracklements retail jars worth £50, a pair of tickets to BBC Countryfile Live worth £60, and a certificate from BritishCharcuterie.live. The nominator who posted the winning board will receive six jars of Tracklements chutneys & preserves and an apron worth £40, plus two tickets to BBC Countryfile Live worth £60.

The search is still on for the most appealing boards from all over the UK. The monthly contest will run until mid-July, so there are three more opportunities for nominations from the public or the restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and delis themselves who serve a really fabulous selection of charcuterie, of whatever origin. A national winner will be selected from the monthly winners by public vote taking place in the British Charcuterie Tent at BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace from August 2nd – 5th.

How to enter: Every Charcuterie Board is eligible provided it is served in a restaurant, bar pub, café and deli. Entry is simple, just take a picture of a Charcuterie Board and post it on your Instagram page, tag it with @britainsbestcharcuterieboards or #bbcharcuterieboards and spread the word!

Co-founders of BritishCharcuterie.live Henrietta Green and Charlotte Sharpe-Neal are dedicated to encouraging diversity of production and widening public appreciation of British Charcuterie.

The clock is officially ticking as the countdown to Dippy the Diplodocus’ journey from Dorset to Birmingham, as part of Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure, has begun.

Dorset County Museum and the Jurassic Coast Trust have officially marked the handover to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery at a celebration attended by local schoolchildren.

Dippy has been at Dorset County Museum since 10th February with more than 153,189 people visiting the display in just under three months.

The Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus cast, never before seen outside of London, is travelling the length and the breadth of the UK, visiting Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and five regions across England over two years.

Each tour partner venue is using Dippy's visit to showcase their local nature and natural history collections, forging new partnerships between regional cultural, scientific and wildlife organisations in a bid to reconnect the nation with nature. 

Opening at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 26th May, the highly-anticipated exhibition will be the only chance to see the impressive diplodocus cast in the Midlands.

Free tickets can be booked now at: birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on/dippy-on-tour-a-natural-history-adventure

The Jurassic Coast Trust jointly hosted Dippy in Dorset, working in collaboration with other local organisations it has helped more than 25,000 people adventure outside to enjoy their own Dippy-themed natural history adventures.

The handover moment from Dorset to Birmingham was marked at Dorset County Museum with attendance from John Murden, Director of Dorset County Museum and Gurminder Kenth, Museum Manager at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Local schoolchildren from St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Henstridge in Somerset joined in the celebrations to bid Dippy farewell, as the excitement builds ahead of his move to the Midlands.

In Birmingham Dippy will be accompanied by an exciting and engaging exhibition which will bring the city’s extensive bird collection back to the museum for the first time in 20 years, showcasing the evolution of dinosaurs to the birds we know today. Other star exhibits include a velociraptor cast, a cast of a dinosaur nest and a real Great auk, the famous bird which became extinct in the mid-19^th century.

The Natural History Museum's Head of National Public Programmes, Katrina Nilsson said: “We could not have asked for a better start to the tour. Dippy has received such an overwhelming welcome in Dorset and has prompted thousands to explore the fantastic nature available on their doorstep. For the next leg of the tour, Birmingham has an exciting exhibition and events offer and there is a huge array of activities on offer across the Midlands which we hope will inspire a greater understanding and passion for the natural world.”

Dippy on Tour has been brought about in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation which has just made its £1billionth donation in its 60th Anniversary Year. Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, says: “We look to work in partnership with inspiring and engaging causes that make a real difference so it is very exciting to see the impact Dippy is already making in encouraging people to venture outdoors and reigniting children’s curiosity with nature. We hope Dippy will leave an inspiring legacy in Dorchester and look forward to seeing him settle into his new home in Birmingham. What a wonderful way to celebrate Garfield Weston’s 60^th year!” 

Dippy has delighted visitors since he arrived in London in 1905. The British icon is on a mission to inspire five million natural history adventures, encouraging families and schools to explore nature on their doorstep.

Dippy in Birmingham

Dippy’s stint in Birmingham doesn’t stop at the exhibition itself. Throughout the museum, there are plenty of dino-fuelled activities to join in with. Fun for all ages, try out your hand (or spade) at palaeontology with an exciting Dino Dig, or step back 156 million years to the late Jurassic period and explore Dippy’s past with the curator’s tours.

Fancy a pit stop? There are plenty of fun crafts and trails to try throughout the school holidays, and there’s even a Dino Children’s Menu in the Edwardian Tearooms to fuel a fun day at the museum!

The exhibition aims to encourage people in the region to go on their own natural history adventures and explore the incredible natural history collections and amazing biodiversity right on their doorstep. Venues across the Midlands, from Wolverhampton to Coventry and Shropshire to Warwickshire, will be hosting their very own events and activities.

In Warwick, locals can visit the Market Hall Museum to learn all about Jurassic Warwickshire, and see evidence of the county’s dinosaurs and witness some real dinosaur bones and fossils.

Over in Shropshire, at Ludlow Library & Resource Centre, visitors can hear about Jurassic tales and discover natural and prehistoric secrets. Whilst in Coventry, families can see the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum’s ichthyosaur skull, feel the curves of a seashell and listen to birdsong in their multi-sensory gallery.

Two free to attend Dippy Mini-BioBlitzes will also be taking place at Birmingham Museums Trust venues, Weoley Castle and Sarehole Mill. At Weoley Castle, join scientists to search for and identify wildlife in the remains of a 750 year old manor house – spotting local birds, butterflies and bees. At Sarehole Mill they will be investigating the mill pond, searching for and identifying dragonflies and water beetles, pond snails, frogs and newts, and water plants.

Other Birmingham Museums Trust sites will also be gearing up for dino-sized fun. Make dinosaur headgear at Blakesley Hall and join the Operation Earth team at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to learn about natural history.

Gurminder Kenth, Museum Manager at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, said: “The countdown has officially begun and we can’t wait to welcome Dippy to Birmingham. It’s been amazing to see how popular the exhibition has been in Dorset and we know people in the Midlands can’t wait to finally see him at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

“The clock is ticking so make sure to book your free tickets to guarantee your visit to see the Natural History Museum’s famous dinosaur cast and our inspiring exhibition showcasing Birmingham’s natural history collection.”

Dippy on Tour has been brought about by the Natural History Museum, in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill.  Made possible by close collaboration with a wide range of institutions and organisations across the UK, this three-year tour aims to introduce 1.5 million people to this awe-inspiring exhibit.

Legend has it if there are no ravens in the Tower of London, the Kingdom will fall.  Not something Harry and Meghan would be keen to hear in the run up their nuptials next weekend.

However, new research released today, 11^th May - which shows that whilst us Brits love our wildlife, the majority (65%) would like to see more - has prompted smartphone manufacturer Huawei to commission five supersized ravens to tour the UK.

In celebration of the launch of the Huawei P20 Pro – the first smartphone to come equipped with three camera lenses and a 5x hybrid zoom – Huawei commissioned the research to discover what Brits are most keen to take photos of.

To bring wildlife closer to people in key cities around the UK, Huawei has supersized a number of elusive Ravens, making them 5x bigger so they are all the more easy to get a perfect shot of.

One bird is currently positioned at Potters Field, right opposite the home of some of the most famous ravens in the UK, the Tower of London.  The other giant birds will be touring the UK this weekend to make sure people in the cities where wildlife is hardest to see get the chance to catch a rare glimpse of these mysterious creatures.

The ravens will be flying off to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Cardiff over the next few days.

If people spot one in their city this weekend, they can simply take a photo of it and take the picture into their local Vodafone store to be in with a chance of winning a dream wildlife photographer’s trip – a luxury safari holiday for two.

You can take an exclusive look at the ravens and how the magnificent birds were created by watching our behind the scenes video.

The Ravens will be coming to Birmingham in the Bull Ring on the 12^th May, from 10.00-12.00, Unit 313 Level 3, Bull Ring, Birmingham.

To enter the competition, take the picture on your phone into the Vodafone store at either Birmingham Cathedral or Villa Park