July 2021 - Pioneer Magazines

4 Local Hidden Treasures For Those Of All Ages

Courtesy of Small House Big Trips, discover four delightful hidden treasures that you can visit around the West Midlands.

Aldridge Transport Museum, Shenstone Drive, Northgate, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8TP

Website: http://www.amrtm.org/

Adults £4, Children £2, Family Ticket (2 adults and 3 children) £11

Opening Times: 10:30am – 4pm | Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday | All Year. Also Bank Holiday Mondays

A local hidden treasure where you can spend as little or as long as you like exploring the legacy of road transport in the West Midlands. See an old-fashioned Austin A40 Ice cream truck in the most beautiful pale green colour, a bright red 1960s AEC Routemaster R2RH Bus and the original 1906 Tram from Birmingham Corporation Tramways. There are many modes of transport to see, from bicycles to milk trucks, to buses and coaches. A great place to have a meander and support this local Charity run by volunteers. Rumour has it that they may be running one of their events in July where you can ride the buses around the local area as part of your entry fee.

Forge Mill Farm, Forge Ln, West Bromwich B71 3SZ

Website: https://www.discoversandwell.co.uk/forge-mill-farm/

Adults £2, Children 2-17 £1.50, Under 2’s FREE, Family Ticket (1 adult and 3 children) £4, Family Ticket (2 adults and 3 children) £6. Bags of food to feed the animals are 80p.

Opening Times: 10am to 4pm daily, pre book tickets online prior to attending.

A cute working farm with lambs, goats, alpacas, rabbits, horses, pigs and chickens. Get up close to the animals and watch them eat the food from your hands. With a play area for children, picnic area and a shop with treats such as toys or ice creams. You can really have a nice 90 minutes or so here.

Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands, Falkland Rd, Lichfield WS14 0GE

Website: https://lhcrt.org.uk/articles/restoration_fosseway_lane.html

FREE Walk
Open 24/7

Enjoy a lovely walk exploring the Heritage Towpath Trail which is part of a derelict canal being carefully restored by a wonderful team of volunteers who are working hard to improve the local environment benefitting both the local community, wildlife and tourism. An array of brand new wooden benches to give you a chance to sit down and rest your legs, read a book taking in the beautiful view of the fields or jump along the bridges (always a firm favourite with my girls). Swans made of chicken wire, a derelict closed off railway line and an array of wildlife. A great 20 minute walk to stretch your legs a little.

Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RT

Website: https://www.winterbourne.org.uk/

Adult £7.20, Child/Student/Over 65 £6.20, Under 5’s FREE, Family Ticket (2+4) £22

Opening Times: Winterbourne house, garden, tea room and shop are open daily 10.30am to 5pm (last admission/orders 4.30pm). Entry to the house is via timed ticket, which are available on arrival.

Experience an Edwardian historic house and garden nestled in a leafy corner of Birmingham. The Grade II botanical garden offers colour and interest throughout the year. The restored walled garden complete with crinkle-crankle wall, is a riot of rainbow shades from May until October. The lawns are fringed with striking colour themed borders, and beyond lies an original sandstone rock garden and a woodland walk through Gunnera leaves and Rhododendron displays. The botanical garden contains plants from around the globe with collections of plants from China, North and South America and the Alpine areas of the world. The gardens offer something for all ages, including activity trails for families and a children’s garden with willow tunnel and picnic tables. Don’t forget to find the most picturesque bridge you will ever see.

Furlough Scheme Changes For Employers On August 1

The extended furlough scheme faces a major change next week as contributions from employers is raised from 10% to 20%, with the government paying the remaining 60% to employees.

Furloughed employees can currently get up to 80% pay (capped at £2,500 per month) for their usual working hours under the Coronavirus Retention Scheme with government vowing to continue support until the end of September 2021.

At its peak, 5.1 million people were furloughed, but that number has reduced drastically in recent weeks with 1.9 million now claiming wages from the government.

People On Furlough Hits Lowest Figure

With employers expected to contribute at least 10% of employee’s wages since July – and the opening up of hospitality and retail – approximately half a million people were taken off furlough in June prior to the change.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “It’s fantastic to see businesses across the UK open, employees returning to work and the numbers of furloughed jobs falling to their lowest levels since the scheme began.

“I’m proud our plan for jobs is working and our support will continue in the months ahead.”

The amount of people on furlough is expected to reduce further in July and August as employers are asked to contribute 20% from August 1.

Despite the number of people on furlough dropping, many are still affected with the biggest impact within travel companies and the arts.

120 Year-Old Hidden Walsall Structure Gets Modern Makeover

Following the receipt of a £412k Environment Agency grant, Walsall Council has confirmed that work to improve a culvert that runs underneath the town centre is complete, ensuring that this hidden structure will continue to support the town’s flood defences for many years to come.

The culvert, which sits underneath the site of the Old Fordbrook Bridge, was built in 1903 and stretches across Walsall town centre. Prior to its construction, there are tales of ladies paying one penny to be escorted across the floods that divided Park Street and Digbeth on horseback.

The culverted section of the Old Fordbrook runs along the north side of the Civic Centre, turning adjacent to Hatherton United Reformed Church.

At this point the Arboretum culvert runs under Gala baths and drops in to the Old Fordbrook and crosses Tower Street continuing under the Town Hall towards The Bridge.

The purpose of the culvert, which was constructed even before the library buildings and Council House were built, is to drain water away from the roads above.

Councillor Adrian Andrew Deputy Leader of Walsall Council said:

“The Victorians and Edwardians were great innovators and this culvert is a great piece of engineering with a basic design principle that has stood the test of time. I was amazed to find out just how far this underground drainage system stretches across Walsall town centre and how important it is to the town’s flood defences.

“The council was awarded a special £412K Environment Agency grant to further maintain this important structure and our newly made over culvert will improve access for all road users and give the system a further service life of 100 years. A job very well done – and I think our engineering ancestors would be rightly proud of our modern-day culvert and of their enduring legacy.”

Highgate Brewery Tap House Eyes License At Historical Walsall Site

The former Highgate Brewery in Walsall could be opening its doors to the public if a recently filed licence application is granted.

A company called the Highgate Brewery Tap House Ltd from Bearwood, Birmingham has submitted the application to Walsall Council requesting a licence for entertainment, including live music, and the sale of alcohol.

Representations regarding the application can be made up until August 17, 2021.

The Highgate Brewery on Sandymount Road is a Grade II listed, five-storey building that was constructed in approximately 1898 with the aim of providing local leather workers with dark beers, including the flagship Highgate Dark Mild.

The brewery remained independent until 1939 before being bought out by Mitchells & Butlers. Though the plan was to close down their competitor, brewing continued at the site due to the company qualifying for extra wartime rationing supplies.

Mitchells & Butlers was subsequently taken over by Bass in 1961.

By the 1970’s Highgate Brewery employed over 60 people and was producing 2,500 barrels of mild ale per week, operating as Bass’ smallest brewery.

During the 80’s, the brewery began to struggle with sales due to changes in the industry and the evolution of the lager scene and lighter bitter ales. Consequently, staff numbers were significantly reduced.

By the mid 1990’s, Bass made the decision to close the plant. A buy-out by management saved the brewery for a number of years, but with spiraling debts it was sold to the Aston Manor Brewing company which made cider and keg beer.

The brewery never recovered from its debts and Aston Manor sold the historic site to pub operator, Global Star in 2007. Recession hit the company hard and the brewery closed in 2010. The site has been up for auction a number of times since but has failed to sell.

Could the application for an entertainment license herald the start of a new and exciting chapter for this historical site?

Diabetes Support Group Opens In Walsall

A new virtual peer support group for people affected by diabetes in Walsall will take place online every couple of months.

Set up by Healthwatch Walsall and Diabetes UK, the group will feature specialists offering advice and support on the condition, as well as giving those with diabetes the chance to share their stories and learn from other suffers in the local community.

Aileen Farrer, Manager Healthwatch Walsall said: “We know from talking to people in the community that supporting people living with Diabetes is so important. We got in touch with Diabetes UK and the Specialist Diabetes Nurses at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to talk about setting up a peer support group locally. So far it’s been a great success and we look forward to meeting even more people and helping to offer the support that people said they needed.”

Donna Chaloner, Lead for Community Diabetes Services for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We are really pleased we have been able to set up this group in response to learning more from what matters most to our service users and they have given us really useful insights into how we can help improve care in Walsall. Prevention is a key priority for the Walsall Together partnership and this is a great example of how we are raising awareness of what people can do to better manage their Diabetes and supporting them to learn more about how they can take better care of themselves.

Shaleen Sandhu, Volunteer Coordinator for Diabetes Uk West Midlands, said: “We are really delighted to be working with Healthwatch Walsall and Walsall Together to bring this much-needed diabetes support group to the area. Living with diabetes or supporting someone with the condition every day can be hard at times, but sharing your experiences with others who understand can really help. I encourage anyone who is living with or affected by diabetes in Walsall to join one of the sessions as alongside peer support, they will also offer expert advice on a range of subjects which will help you manage the condition well.”

The next meeting is set up for 28 July at 11am. For further information, contact Healthwatch Walsall on 0800 470 1660 or email info@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk

Walsall Town Show Reveals Rocking Line-Up

Organised by Pat Collins funfair, the Walsall Town Show is back in August at the Arboretum Extension on Broadway North with a packed line-up of fun for all the family.

What date is the Walsall Town Show?

The Walsall Town Show is open between August 20-22 and runs from noon until 9pm each day.

How Much Is Entrance?

Advanced tickets are priced £6 per adult, £3 per child, or £15 for a family ticket of two adults and two children. Tickets can be purchased online.

What is happening?

As well as all your traditional stalls and funfair rides, such as waltzers and dodgems, an arena show will include a motorbike stunt team performing tricks, while live music is back with multiple tribute acts taking to the stage.

Which tribute acts are playing?

The following tribute acts are confirmed:

Artificial Monkeys
Blury and AKA Noel Gallager
Pearl Scam
The Brightside
Some Might Say Oasis Tribute
Pure Bon Jovi
The Zeppelins
The Ultimate Rock Covers Band
Red Hot Chilli Peppers UK

Live music will take place throughout the day.

Is it COVID safe?

Hand sanitiser will be provided at the event and regular cleaning of facilities, including the toilets. Tokens for rides will also be required rather than cash.

Where can I buy ride tokens?

These can be purchased on the day or in advance.

Check out more open-air family events in Walsall.

Suspect Arrested Following Cyclist Death In Walsall

A man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the death of a cyclist in Walsall yesterday, 13 July.

Incident happened at the traffic lights by Morrisons

The female victim in her 60s was attempting to use a crossing on Lower Rushall Street when she was hit by a VW Polo. She was treated by paramedics, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car drove off a short distance before stopping and members of the public held the man until police arrived at the scene.

Police also suspect that the driver, a 42-year-old man, was driving while unfit through drink and drugs. The man remained in police custody today for questioning.

West Midlands Police spoke to a number of witnesses at the scene and have gathered CCTV footage of the incident. Further witnesses, including those who may have dash-cam footage, have been asked to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Julie Lyman, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance following this tragic incident.

“We are continuing to gather information about the precise circumstances of the collision and would urge anyone who can help, especially if they have dash-cam footage, to get in contact with us.”

If you have information or dash-cam footage please message us via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 1195 of 13 July, or you can email FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.

Related news

New Walsall Community Hub Opened By Boxing Legend

A new Walsall Community hub set up by the Midlands Langar Sava Society (MLSS) opened its doors this week following a grand opening ceremony by former professional boxer, John Fury.

john fury walsall — **John Fury stands in front of artwork created at the MLSS Community and Wellbeing hub. Photo credit: Lisa Bedi photography.**

Situated on Bloxwich Road, the Community and Wellbeing hub features a state-of-the-art gym, a music studio, and areas for workout classes and social meet-ups.

The aim of the centre is to help improve confidence and tackle wellbeing and mental health issues within the local community, as well as provide a safe space where people can enjoy a wide range of activities.

Boxing is just one of the activities available at the community hub with two full-sized boxing rings, punchbags and training to promote mental and physical wellbeing, as well as building self-esteem and teaching discipline.

boxing gym — **State-of-art boxing facilities. Photo credit: Lisa Bedi photography.**

The Community and Wellbeing hub was opened on 10 July with John Fury unveiling a hand-painted mural of his son, Tyson Fury, and a plaque with the inspirational quote:

“If I can show the world that you can come back from it (depression), and get back in shape and to the top, then anybody can do it.”

This new initiative is the latest in a long line of projects carried out by the Midlands Langa Sava Society, who have been tackling poverty, hunger and homelessness across the UK since its opening in 2013, in addition to aiding other causes such as domestic violence and bullying.

To find out more about the organisation, visit: https://www.midlandlangarseva.org/ or follow MLSS on Facebook.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live Hits Birmingham NEC

Win tickets for a special edition of BBC Gardeners’ World Live which is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham this August, 2021.

Over four fabulous days, from 26 to 29 August, a one-off edited version of BBC Gardeners’ World Live returns to Birmingham’s NEC with a selection of favourite outdoor features from the much-loved annual event.

The curated Special Edition will be full of gardening inspiration and entertainment for visitors to enjoy including stunning Show Gardens, inspirational Beautiful Borders and top tips from green-fingered experts.

Presenters Monty Don, Carol Klein and Adam Frost from the BBC2 programme will also be offering their expert advice on the My Gardeners’ World Stage.

The show is also home to a large Floral Marquee, full of award-winning nurseries and displays. This year redesigned with more space between stands to browse and shop, the exhibits will reflect the later timing of the Show with displays highlighting plants in their peak during late summer and early autumn, an angle not usually seen at the Show.

Youngsters can also get involved in the Family Gardening Section and learn gardening skills, as well as enjoying entertainment from Marella Cruise performers at The Bandstand.

Other fun things to look forward to include:

Inspirational Show Gardens
Beautiful borders show where small spaces are transformed into an oasis
Tasty treats at the pop-up BBC Good Food Market

For more information and to book tickets, check out the BBC Gardeners’ World Live website.

Win Tickets To BBC Gardeners’ World Live

For your chance to win a pair of adult tickets to the show on Sunday 29 August, simply:

Follow Pioneer Magazines on Facebook
LIKE the BBC Gardeners’ World Live competition post.
COMMENT on the competition post.
SHARE the competition post.

One winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries on 1 August, 2021 and announced on our Facebook page.

Terms and conditions

All entrants must be at least 18 years of age at the date of entry. Proof of age may be required.
Entry can only be made via the official Pioneer Magazines BBC Gardeners’ World Live competition Facebook post and requires entrants to LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE the post.
Entries must be submitted before the closing date of Friday 30 July, 2021 before 23:59 BST.
Only one entry per household is permitted.
The prize is 2 x adult tickets for the midday entry on Sunday 29 August only.
Prize winners will be drawn at random from all valid entries on Sunday 1 August, 2021 and announced via the Pioneer Magazines Facebook page.
Prizes are non-transferable, non-negotiable and no cash alternatives will be offered.
By entering the promotion, the winner consents to any publicity generated as a result of the promotion.
Your personal information will only be used as set out in our privacy policy, available at: https://www.pioneermagazines.co.uk/privacy-policy-data-collection/

Walsall Council Savings Target Highest In the UK

An investigation by the BBC Shared Data Unit reveals that Walsall Council is planning to cut £28.9m (22%) of its annual net budget in the 2021/2022 financial year, the highest proportional cut of any council in the UK.

£13.55m of the savings are expected to be cut from adult social care services.

The £28.9m figure represents one-fifth of Walsall Council’s annual revenue budget.

The investigation saw the BBC Shared Data Unit analyse 171 councils across the UK revealing plans to save a total of £171bn in the financial year due to the impact of COVID-19.

Despite the cuts, Council leader Mike Bird says that the authority is in a “strong financial position with an ambitious transformative agenda”.

This includes proposed investment plans for the town centre, which include a performing arts venue, a digital skills hub and a construction skills academy.

To aid recovery, Walsall Council also announced a 4.99% council tax increase earlier this year.

Month: July 2021