Community News

Less than a month after Birmingham was confirmed as the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, students from across the UK city will be gathering to debate the role of the intergovernmental organisation in the modern era.

In the first in a series of debates held in cities across the country, the event, taking place on Wednesday 17 January at Birmingham City Council House, wants to challenge received opinion about the Commonwealth. The event aims to position the Commonwealth as an organisation of significance in international affairs among the city’s 65,000 students and a positive force for change across the world.

The Commonwealth of Nations was formally constituted in 1949 and today represents 2.4 billion citizens across the world – more than one quarter of the world’s population in 52 countries. It works to help create and sustain an organisation that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous, and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values, which is inscribed in the Commonwealth Charter.

Professor Louise Toner is Associate Dean at Birmingham City University and Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association Education Focus Group, which brings together eight major universities and colleges in the West Midlands to celebrate and recognise the significance of their Commonwealth connections. She said:

“The Commonwealth has its roots in the British Empire and for that reason it remains controversial. However, unlike the British Empire, the Commonwealth focuses on harmony, modernisation and the establishment and maintenance of democracy among the former colonies. Plus, research shows that trade between two partner nations is likely be a third to a half more than when one or both trade partners was non-Commonwealth.

“Here in Birmingham, we are already looking ahead to the ‘Friendly Games’ in 2022, but in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Queensland this year and the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, also in April, it is more imperative than ever that young people consider what the Commonwealth means to them and how it can help shape their future.”

The Commonwealth is of particularly relevance to Birmingham due to the international complexion of the city, where 42 per cent of its citizens are from ethnic groups other than white and many of whom maintain contact with their countries of descent.

Organised by the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and journal ‘The Round Table’, the upcoming debate will argue the motion: “This House believes that the Commonwealth prevents the UK from moving on from the past and dealing with the future”.

It will be chaired by Jaspreet Singh, President of Birmingham City University Students’ Union. Jaspreet hails from Jalandhar district in the state of Punjab, India and is Birmingham’s first non-British student union president.

He said: “The Commonwealth is very important as it gives a platform for the former colonies of the British Empire to have their voice heard at an international level. However, we young people are living in a very interesting times, where things like trade often take a priority in big debates and toxic nationalism is acting as a curtain to disconnect peers from each other. The future of the Commonwealth, therefore, needs to find a balance between the colonial mind-set and the aspirations of young, enthusiastic global citizens. Within the framework of the Commonwealth, I believe that the future will bring many opportunities and greater experiences for those students who have their own global aspirations.

“It was a blessing for me to come from my rural village in Punjab to Birmingham City University. My University and Birmingham in general has acted as an incubator to equip me to work with and learn from the experiences of people from all different backgrounds, but specifically from origins within the Commonwealth.

“The Commonwealth should be a way through which young people from the diaspora can shape international discussions and relations, while still keeping in mind the experiences and sacrifices made by their ancestors. I certainly feel a greater sense of belonging to Birmingham after hearing the news about the Commonwealth Games 2022 taking place here in the city.”

Proposing the motion will be Nicholas Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy and student Alana Tomlin, both from the University of Birmingham. Opposing the motion will be Founding Chairman of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Keith Stokes-Smith, along with Darrel Blake, a Black Studies undergraduate student at Birmingham City University.

In 2017, Birmingham City University became the first university in Europe to offer a degree in Black Studies.

Businesses from across the West Midlands have the chance to explore global export opportunities at a major, free event in Birmingham next month (February 2018).

New Year, New Markets will see trade specialists from more than 20 countries and networks representing more than 40 countries attending the event at the ICC on Friday, February 9.

Organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT), the trade event is open to all small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) based in the West Midlands region – from experienced exporters looking to expand their global reach to those that have never traded outside of the UK before.

Andy Smith, International Relationships Manager for DIT West Midlands, said it was a rare opportunity for businesses to meet specialists from so many markets in a single day, to join interactive market seminars and learn of real time export opportunities across the world.

“Getting so many experts under one roof at the same time is a fantastic opportunity for ambitious SMEs based in the West Midlands,” he said. “They’ll be able to target specific markets by setting up one-to-one meetings, browse in our expo zone to see if there are potential leads in markets they’d not thought of before and gain valuable insights into the global outlook for their sector.

“It’s open to any SME across all sectors – it doesn’t matter if it’s a very small business offering a niche service and wants to test the overseas market or an established company that is already trading globally.”

Experts from Africa, South East Asia and Central Europe, the Balkans and Scandinavia will join trade advisers from Western Europe and countries such as USA, Canada, UAE, China and India at the event.

Tim Buisseret, Head of DIT Bulgaria, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to speak to us about the potential in Central & Eastern Europe. CEE offers fast growing market opportunities, with rising disposable incomes and over €100 billion in EU investments, all within a three-hour flight of the UK. We are looking forward to exploring how we can benefit from the expertise in the West Midlands.”

Emma Wade-Smith, UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, added:  “The young, dynamic and fast-growing population of Africa presents enormous business opportunity. The UK is already a major investor and trading partner with Africa, from traditional sectors such as infrastructure, mining and oil & gas through to other areas of UK expertise such as education, healthcare and services. Whatever your company does, you can do good business in Africa and we want to help you grow your business, too.”

The event will also feature an Expo Zone, where visitors can learn more about each market and the DIT Hub will enable businesses to connect to local advisers.

Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midland is urging people to help the region ‘stay well this winter’ by preventing the spread of flu across the region.

Dr Helen Carter, Deputy Director at Public Health England (PHE) West Midlands, said: “Our data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospitals with the flu. We are currently seeing a mix of flu types, including the A(H3N2) strain that circulated last winter in the UK and then in Australia. The vaccine is the best defence we have against the spread of flu and it isn’t too late for people to go to their GP or pharmacist and get vaccinated – especially those in risk groups including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women or those with a long-term medical condition.

“Symptoms of flu include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The best advice is to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water. We also recommend people take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary.

“People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneezes in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu. It is also important to avoid unnecessary contact with other people if you have symptoms of flu, and that includes not just going into your GP surgery or the local A&E department.

“Anyone concerned about their symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP or call NHS 111 to seek further advice. For most healthy people, recovering from flu can take roughly a week. However, for those that are more vulnerable, it can be more severe and it is important to be aware of this.”

Do you have an unusual item that has been inherited from friends or family, or a memento that you have had for years and cannot bear to part with?

Self storage company, Space Station is running a competition to find the UK’s most unusual keepsakes.

From lockets to old postcards, keepsakes can be reminder of a special moment, a time in our lives we don’t want to fade or a memory of a loved one we don’t want to forget.

Space Station is looking for members of the public to submit a photo of a keepsake that has a special story attached to it or something that may have sentimental meaning to the owner, as well as the story behind the memento.

The winner will receive a £100 Not on the High Street voucher and a chance for your beloved item to feature in the UK’s most treasured keepsakes roundup.

Vlatka Lake, Marketing Director at Space Station said: “As a self storage company we are used to discovering the strange and wonderful items that people have kept over the years.

“We’re hoping this competition will give people the opportunity to reveal their hidden gems and share some interesting stories with us that would otherwise have gone untold.”

Sandwell libraries are serving up a feast of activities for anyone who may need a bit of cheering up around Blue Monday, supposedly the most miserable day of the year.

Blue Monday was originally identified in 2005 by academic Cliff Arnall, and is traditionally the third Monday in January.

Sandwell libraries have a programme of events and activities to lift up the spirits and banish the gloom with special events including:

• Laughter yoga sessions at Bleakhouse and Rounds Green libraries
• Zumba sessions at Oakham Library
• Comedy open mic at Thimblemill Library
• Weigh2GO at every library – a free weighing service in your local library to help you keep track of your weight using new Fitbit smart scales
• Funny film screenings including a talk on Norman Wisdom at Great Bridge Library
• Musical variety show at Blackheath Library
• Feel good community drumming sessions at Glebefields and Tipton libraries

There are also collections of mood boosting books on a range of health and wellbeing issues. And don’t forget the importance of reading for pleasure, so come and choose from our latest best-selling titles.

People in the West Midlands are being asked to unite with thousands of others across the UK and step closer to a cure for Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s UK is launching Walk for Parkinson’s 2018 on Thursday 11 January, and the charity is inviting people of all ages and abilities to sign up to a walk near them.

Walks in the West Midlands include Stafford on Sunday 13 May, and Packwood House in Warwickshire on Sunday 9 September.

There are shorter and longer distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there is something for everyone. Team entries are welcome, so why not sign up with your friends, family and colleagues.

Walking and other types of exercise is particularly important for people with Parkinson’s as research shows that two and half hours of exercise a week can help slow progression of symptoms. Exercise also has a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health.

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved. He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms.

“So please join us at one of our Walk for Parkinson’s in the West Midlands. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s”.

Last year’s Walk for Parkinson’s series had more than 4,300 people sign up to walk and between them they raised £417,700. In the West Midlands more than 250 walkers got involved and raised nearly £26,000.

All money raised by Walk for Parkinson’s will be used to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as providing support and information for the 145,000 people affected by Parkinson’s across the UK.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has launched two new Satellite Clinics to ensure more people living across Birmingham and Sandwell have access to crucial hospice care.

The independent hospice has now opened a clinic at Cape Hill Medical Centre in Smethwick and Druids Heath Surgery in South Birmingham, making its services more accessible to individuals and families living with terminal illness.

The Satellite Clinics are part of a new approach to hospice care, aimed at improving accessibility, reach and choice for individuals and their families, loved ones and carers. By opening clinics in well-established medical centres, the Hospice aims to bring care closer to people in their own communities, helping to break down any potential barriers and ensuring more individuals are receiving the critical support they need.

The Hospice now has four Satellite Clinics across the city, with clinics also based in Sparkbrook and Bartley Green which opened in August last year.

Sharon Hudson, community team leader at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Our Satellite Clinics are a really effective way of reaching more individuals who may not be aware of hospice care or want to access care within their own community. After a positive start for our Sparkbrook and Bartley Green clinics, we have seen that offering services in the heart of local communities helps us support more people, ensuring that less miss out on vital end of life care.

“At our Satellite Clinics, we have expert teams of clinical nurse specialists who can provide a wide range of services, including physical, social and psychological advice, symptom management, and family and carer support.”

Tina Swani, chief executive at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Unfortunately, there are too many individuals dying alone, unsupported or with avoidable symptoms, unaware of the difference hospice care could offer them. At Birmingham St Mary’s, our mission is to provide hospice care for all and we are working to create a future where the best experience of living is available to everyone leading up to and at the end of life.

“Our Satellite Clinics are an innovative solution to expand expert services into more local communities, helping us to bring hospice care closer to the people who need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s homes or in the local community.

The clinic at Cape Hill Medical Centre will be open every Friday, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. The clinic at Druids Heath Surgery will be open every Monday, from 1pm to 3pm. For more information, visit: www.birminghamhospice.org.uk

Fear of a potential negative effect on their career is preventing people with hearing loss from disclosing their condition to their employers.

More than half of people living with deafness and hearing loss feel they can’t be open about it in the workplace, according to a new survey by charity Action on Hearing Loss. The new research has been conducted as part of the charity’s Working for Change campaign, which wants to change attitudes to deafness and hearing loss in the workplace.

A third of those who felt they could not be open about their hearing loss said it was due to the fear that they would be treated unfairly at work. A further 61% felt that that others would assume they weren’t competent and 42% saw no point because their workplace wouldn’t be able to help them.

In addition, 84% of respondents have felt stressed and over two-thirds have experienced isolation in the workplace.

Paul Breckell, Chief Executive at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “This new research shows that despite there being 11 million – that’s one in six - people in the UK living with some form of deafness and hearing loss, many of these in employment are struggling unnecessarily. It’s shocking that in 2017, and despite a lot of work by governments and employers to encourage more inclusivity and accessibility, people with deafness and hearing loss feel they can’t be open about it.

“It seems much of the awareness raising has neglected to include invisible disabilities like deafness and hearing loss. The levels of stress and the isolation experienced by people with hearing loss at the workplace are shocking. The numbers are certainly not helped by working cultures where people are worried about talking openly about their condition and the support they might need.

“The prevalence of hearing loss is only going to increase, with 433500 already living in West Midlands (Met County), so it’s therefore essential that employers take note of these findings and create a working environment where people feel both able and welcome to disclose disabilities and sensory impairments.”

Diane Lightfoot, Chief Executive Officer at Business Disability Forum, said: “These findings once again show how important it is for workplaces to make themselves welcoming to everyone, and foster an environment where all employees feel able to progress. There is a very real business prerogative to this, with disability-smart workplaces shown by our own research to have lower rates of employee turnover. Having a more stable and supported workforce could deliver savings running into the billions across different sectors.

“As Action on Hearing Loss’s research suggests, a key first step to take is to dispel any sense of stigma or taboo around disabilities and long-term health conditions, and many of the organisations in the Business Disability Forum community have done this to great effect. Networks where employees with specific conditions can come together to talk and share experiences have brought about real cultural change, including at large multinational companies, with senior champions being open about their conditions and clear that the organisation views disability in a positive light.”

The charity has produced guidance for employers on how to make their workplaces more accessible for people with deafness and hearing loss – from simple deaf awareness tips for staff to providing more detailed information on how the Government’s Access to Work scheme can help enable employees.

Paul continued: “There are a number of things employers can do to support staff with hearing loss and deafness. From basic deaf awareness training for staff and management, the fundamentals of which are common courtesy and being considerate, to taking advantage of Access to Work to cover the cost of amplified phones, there needn’t be barriers for anyone.”

A new, free way to help people to monitor their weight has been introduced at Sandwell libraries.

Weigh2GO is a free, informal, self-monitoring weight management programme using the latest technology and is available at all Sandwell libraries.

The scheme – which uses smart scales for people to track and monitor their weight – is run by the council's public health team with support from libraries.

People who are Sandwell residents or have a Sandwell GP and have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 23 or above should contact the Healthy Sandwell team on 0800 011 4656 for a free referral.

Under Weigh2GO, people weigh themselves on smart scales and their weight data is sent to their smart phones or smart devices and email account. They can also access support online and track their progress through the programme. The programme uses smart scales and is therefore compatible with wearable activity trackers.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This is a new valuable tool which can help people to get accurate and regular checks on their weight.

“I think it is important that this new service is available in all areas at all Sandwell libraries so that they have a flexible way in their busy lifestyles to regularly monitor their weight.”

Public health officers point out that since the scheme started, they have found that participants are losing a significant amount of weight.

This programme is supported by weight management development officers (WMDOs) who work for public health. They have expanded the programme into several community settings, such as leisure centres and faith organisations, to help more people access this simple but effective programme.

Dr Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria's Executive Vice President in the second republic from 1979 - 1983, was an intellectual of many shades with several degrees and doctorate degrees. He was an example of the rare and quintessential Nigerian, who placed the country above personal, party or partisan interest, in the belief that the country could only move forward and realize it's vast potentials, only when politicians rise above personal and parochial interests and put the country first.

He had in fact prepared himself to lead our great country out of the doldrums, into international significance, and position Nigeria as a true world power economically and politically but that dream was never actualized.

Dr Ekwueme was a visionary, unifying and creative leader, focused on the progress and development of Nigeria. He was super brilliant, resourceful, disciplined, principled and hard working.

In 1999, he almost single- handedly founded and nurtured the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, with a view to leading the party to the general elections, and thereby, fulfill his nationalistic agenda for Nigeria, but this mandate was scuttled surreptitiously.

All through his life, the late Dr Ekwueme pursued philanthropy and the philosophy of one Nigeria, that should better the lot of her citizens. No wonder he built the Oko Polytechnic for his community and continued to support it throughout his life.

Nigeria and indeed Africa have lost a giant, whose loss is irreplaceable. His foot prints have been laid in the sands of time and his legacy will live forever.

We join all Nigerians to pray for eternal rest for our departed Dr Ekwueme.

Signed:

Mike Ndukwe Leader Council of Igbo Communities UK

Efuru Nwapa- Obua Secretary/ Legal Adviser Council of Igbo Communities UK

Dame Trot from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s pantomime, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK took some time out of her busy schedule to visit Wolverhampton’s new Debenhams store in the Mander Centre.

The Debenhams store opened its doors in October 2017 - perfect timing for the run up to Christmas – which has been a busy one for both staff at the store and at the theatre. With the pantomime ending its five-week run on Sunday, Dame Trot played by Ian Adams went to visit the staff for a pamper in the new Debenhams Store before one final week of performances.

Sonia Kaur, Service Manager at Debenhams Wolverhampton said; “it was a delight having Dame Trot and the boys visit the store – they’re certainly looking fabulous!”

Ian Adams has returned for a second year as Dame in the Grand Theatre pantomime. He recently formed StarDam productions – a company who specialise in creating stage versions of popular children’s stories which have also been popular at the Grand Theatre. Ian is currently nominated for Best Panto Dame in the Midlands in the What’s On Readers Awards. Voting is currently open here: https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/readers-awards-2018

Scott Bird, Press & PR Manager at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre said; “it’s great news that Ian Adams is recognised in the What’s On Readers’ Awards for Best Pantomime Dame. The new Debenhams store in the Mander Centre was the perfect place for a fabulous Dame and the boys to take some time out in style before the show!”

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK is now in its final week of performances and runs until Sunday 14 January 2018. Tickets can be booked in person, by phone on 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

Blenheim Palace has an eggcellent Easter weekend planned for all the family to enjoy from 30 March – 2 April, with lots of additional fun to be had over the entire Easter holidays.

Follow an over-sized Easter Egg Hunt throughout the 'Capability' Brown Parkland and Pleasure Gardens with some 8ft giant decorated eggs to find. Explore the grounds to seek out the special 'Blenheim Egg', note its location on your map and enter into a competition to win an Easter surprise.

Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens will transform into an Easter wonderland with lots of interactive experiences, family-friendly activities and shows to enjoy.

Find a traditional Victorian fairground with vintage rides for the whole family.

Embark on an Easter Bunny Walkabout; or frolic with the fairy stilt walkers; plus have a go at Archery and get jumping on the bouncy castle or trampolines!

Families can also see an Easter Puppet Show, watch Balloon Twisters, take part in Circus Skills Workshops and have their faces painted over the four day celebration.

All the usual family favourites can still be found in The Pleasure Gardens throughout the holidays, with permanent features, including the giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, The Butterfly House and the Adventure Playground.

Tuck into a feast of family-friendly food with a range of fresh hot and cold snacks, handmade pizzas, soups, salads, ice cream and a selection of healthy choices for children.

People can banish the winter blues and get fitter by joining in cycleathon sessions at Sandwell Central Library this month (January).

Five minutes on the library’s exercise bike means a mile travelled and is a good way of getting that little bit fitter.

Library staff are inviting everyone to come in and try out their exercise bike and see how many miles can be clocked up during one month.

Central Library in High Street, West Bromwich, has a range of fitness equipment to try and you can also borrow resistance bands and choose from a wide range of books on health and fitness.

Those wishing to lose weight can also take advantage of the Weigh2GO scheme where you can use smart Fitbit scales to get weighed and have the information sent straight to your phone.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “This is another good idea for people to use a few minutes at their local library to get a little fitter for the year ahead.

“People calling in for books and the other library services can have a quick workout to get a health mind and healthy body.”

Leading property developer, Ion, who has been instrumental in helping City of Wolverhampton Council deliver the Interchange masterplan for the city, including the i10 office and the new bus station, has announced a public consultation event on Thursday, 18th January to showcase the plans for the eye-catching i9 modern office development proposed for Railway Drive.

It is hoped i9, which will provide 50,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space, will be completed in 2020 and could become a national or regional headquarters for a major business.

Glenn Howells Architects’ design was selected by the council and development partner, ION, from a strong field of ten UK leading architects and urban design practices.

They are the architects behind the Paradise Birmingham scheme – one of the biggest city centre development projects in the UK.

Fraser Godfrey, architect from Glenn Howells said: ‘The design had to be sensitive to neighbouring landmarks such as the Chubb Buildings and the Prince Albert pub and will become a stunning contemporary addition to Wolverhampton’s family of red-brick Victorian buildings. It is set to house restaurants or cafes in the ground floor of the building as well as a rooftop amenity space, with panoramic views towards the city centre conservation area and Interchange.’

A drop-in event held on Thursday, 18^th January, 3pm to 7pm at the Light House, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer St, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT, will give the public the opportunity to see the plans that Ion has developed for the site, meet the architects and give feedback to the developer’s team. Ion’s plans are also available to view on their website – http://iondevelopments.co.uk/projects/wolverhampton-i9/.

Ion is an expert at regeneration and have been instrumental in various transformational city centre schemes around the country including Liverpool Lime Street, Mann Island and the Speke Airport Hangers and Terminal Buildings.

Steve Parry, managing director of Ion, commented: ‘Glenn Howells have created a brilliant concept for i9. It will strengthen Wolverhampton’s appeal as a place to conduct business. We look forward to showcasing the design and hearing the feedback from the public.’

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: ‘Glenn Howells Architects have produced outstanding designs, that combined with blueprints for the other parcels of land, will help us quickly progress developments with our Interchange partners over the coming years.

‘Since i10 was completed we have seen increasing demand for quality office space in that location of the city, particularly from large space users.

‘i9 was always envisaged to satisfy that demand, and we are confident these plans will deliver a landmark office building of the utmost quality that is entirely appropriate to its important historic setting.

‘We want this building to become the design and quality benchmark for future developments in the city and to demonstrate our ambition for the city centre.’

La Manga Club's highly-rated West Course has won new recognition as one of Europe's elite golf venues after being included in the respected Top 100 Golf Courses website's latest European rankings for the first time in its burgeoning history.

The 6,347-yard par-72 layout was one of 15 new entries in the updated list of the best courses on the continent, breaking into the standings at number 95.

Designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1996, the West Course is the newest of La Manga Club's three 18-hole courses, with the tree-lined layout offering the perfect contrast to its older resort siblings – the North and the South, host of numerous high-profile tournaments including five Spanish Opens.

Announcing its decision, the Top 100 Golf Courses website said: “The West Course is, without doubt, the jewel in the crown at La Manga Club and is totally different from the other two layouts.

“Gone are the palms and in come the pines, doglegs and tight, tricky holes. It's a beautiful course, well manicured and with marvellous scenery all around.”

Featuring three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole academy course and outstanding practice facilities, La Manga Club has been at the forefront of European golf since opening in 1972, and this winter joined a select group of courses in Spain to have been granted royal status by the Spanish royal household after being awarded the title 'Real Golf La Manga Club'.

Three times the size of Monaco and nestling in an exclusive corner of Murcia in south-east Spain, the resort recently celebrated its 45th anniversary and has gone from strength-to-strength over the last 12 months following continued investment on and off the golf course.

Among the top accolades it has received recently, La Manga Club was named 'Europe's Leading Luxury Resort & Villas 2017' at the World Travel Awards Europe and 'Europe's Best Golf Venue' at the 2017 World Golf Awards.

The official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the resort's unrivalled facilities also include a 28-court tennis centre, a new European Cricket Performance Centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. In addition, it features the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 15 bars and restaurants.

This Spring will see the return of the UK’s muddiest fundraising event for little ones – Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Last year saw 160,000 children across the UK take part, raising an incredible £243,000 for Save the Children’s vital work, and this year the charity hopes even more people will sign up, take part and donate.

Between 23 and 29 April 2018, nurseries, early years groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Muddy Puddle Walk to raise money for the international children’s charity.

Organising a Muddy Puddle Walk is a great way for your little ones to explore the world around them and jump in muddy puddles, like Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig, for a worthy cause.  Whether you splash in puddles along a trail at the park or get creative and make your own puddles indoors from paper and foil – your Muddy Puddle Walk will be a fun day to spend together that littles ones won’t forget. Raise funds in the way that suits you – help walkers get sponsored for their walk, ask for a donation to take part or even bake Muddy Puddle cupcakes to sell on the day! The money you raise will help Save the Children’s work to transform the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.

Sophie Pirouet, Fundraising Campaigns Manager at Save the Children, says: “We hope everyone will get outside this Spring, come rain or shine, and help raise much needed funds for Save the Children. It’s so easy to take part and it’s the perfect excuse to explore the outdoors with your little ones. By jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa Pig and raising money for Save the Children you can help give children a brighter future.”

By taking part in a Muddy Puddle Walk and raising money for Save the Children, you can help vulnerable children around the world have a safe place to play and learn.  Sign up now at MuddyPuddleWalk.org  for your free Muddy Puddle Walk Fundraising Pack full of fun Peppa Pig inspired activities to help you get started – with tips for great walks indoors and out, fundraising ideas, fun activities to get your walkers ready for the big day and at the end of the walk, there’s a free Peppa Pig sticker reward for every child. The fundraising pack will also explain what life is like for children in different countries, helping them see how they are making a difference through supporting Save the Children.