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Month: August 2021

Pop-Up Parks To Brighten Up Walsall Town Centre

As part of the continuing ‘We Are Walsall’ campaign, new pop-up parks will appear across Walsall town centre over the coming weeks.

Pop-up park

These family-friendly spaces are just a small part of Walsall council’s ongoing plans to encourage residents to support local traders and visit the town centre.

The temporary green spaces, complete with seating, are located in St. Paul’s Square and The Bridge, where families can meet and relax.

At The Bridge, a space is being created with a ‘We are Walsall” backdrop with floor games and seating cubes.

To celebrate the launch of these new areas, Walsall Council has released a promotion video for the town.

So far, the ‘We Are Walsall’ campaign has helped the council claim grants to help promote the town with the likes of family activities throughout the summer, radio advertising and street banners.

This recently included the launch of a continental market in the centre of town.

Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said:

“The atmosphere on launch day was terrific. The town centre was bustling and the continental market traders were rushed off their feet. It was a reminder of how special our high streets are and how important it is for us all to support them. As I’ve said before, it really is time for Walsall to start talking itself up and not doing itself down. This campaign sends out a strong message; we are here, we are proud, we are Walsall.”

Walsall Off-Licenses Under Fire Due To Alcohol-Related Trouble

Walsall Council is currently reviewing the cumulative impact of off-licences and licensed premises in Walsall due to an increase in complaints made regarding anti-social behaviour.

off-licenses

The result could mean a new policy which sees license applications subject to greater scrutiny and existing licensed premises receiving rigorous inspections, possibly resulting in a reduction in the number of off-licenses being able to trade in particular areas (referred to as cumulative impact zones (CPZ).

“This could aid the early identification of problem applicants and, potentially, premises fitting the problem profile and reduce the likelihood of further problem premises becoming licensed,” states the report.

The assessment reveals:

“There are 876 licensed premises and club premises certificates issued under the Licensing Act 2003 for the Borough of Walsall. 118 of these premises are located within the current CIP area (Appendix 3). 20 of these premises provide late night refreshment, 51 of the premises provide alcohol (on and off sales), and 47 of the premises provide both alcohol (On and Off sales) and late night refreshment.”

The proposed new policy also plans to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco products, highlighting the areas of Caldmore and Pleck as hotspots for criminal activity.

Members of the public were invited to a public consultation on the proposed policy, though only 12 people responded with nine in support of the more stringent licensing procedures.

One respondent wrote: “Shops that sell illegal goods must be permanently closed not just reopened under another member of the family name compounding the issue. I know may convenience stores selling out of date alcohol cheap and illegal cigarettes and nothing is done as the council is clearly not competent in this area.”

The policy currently only covers premises situated in the WS1 postcode, but there are calls to extend it to areas such as Aldridge, Bloxwich and Palfrey.

Results of the consultation are currently being considered.

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Talent Behind Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony Revealed

Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight has been named as executive producer for the Birmingham 2022 opening and closing ceremonies.

The star-studded cast of talent lending their expertise to the ceremonies also includes Birmingham-born theatre director Iqbal Khan, who will take the role of artistic director.

Other talent includes Hamish Hamilton, who will take the role of broadcast director. His resume includes directing the half-time Super Bowl shows over the last 10 years.

Rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness has been recruited as music director, while Misty Buckley, more recently known for her BAFTA Award nominee for her work involving Stormzy’s performance at the Glastonbury festival, will be set director.

The opening ceremony of Birmingham 2022 is expected to attract 30,000 visitors to Alexander Stadium on July 28 and will feature a cast of over 1,200 participants.

Recruiting the talent for the opening ceremonies is Birmingham 2022 chief creative officer Martin Green.

He said: “As a showcase of creativity and innovation, a successful opening ceremony will be remembered by athletes, spectators, and broadcast audiences alike for many years to come. It is a defining moment for Birmingham, the West Midlands, and the UK as we welcome the Commonwealth and set the stage for the Games ahead.

“As we create these Ceremonies, it is our intention to utilise the new range of tools at our disposal. From CGI to special effects, the UK is a world leader in cutting-edge broadcast technology. The core creative team assembled to imagine the Opening Ceremony is drawn from a diverse range of disciplines, from theatre to literature, TV to stage production; we have had access to the very best UK and West Midlands talent to create this.

“This talent and these tools are nothing without a story, and this city and region are full of rich and diverse narratives to share with the world. Ten years, almost to the day, since London 2012’s opening ceremony, these Games in Birmingham present a unique opportunity to create a global advert at a moment of renewal as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.”

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Aldridge Swimmer Tully Kearney Wins Gold At Tokyo Paralympics

24-year-old Tully Kearney from Aldridge has won a gold medal on the second day at the Tokyo Paralympics.

tully kearney

Born with cerebral palsy, the seven-time world champion has also set a new World Record in the pool in the S5 100m freestyle, achieving a time of 1:14:39.

Despite being told that she may never be able to swim again, Kearney showed incredible determination after scooping a silver medal on the first day in the S5 200m freestyle event, before claiming gold in comfortable style.

Watch Tully Kearney break the world record at 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

“I’ve got so many people to thank,” said Kearney.

“Firstly my mum. After Rio I was told for the second time I’d never be able to swim again because of my shoulder physical limitation and for me at that point I didn’t even want to try to swim again.

“And if it wasn’t for her forcing me to swim again, not to this level, but she just wanted me to know that I could physically swim.

“If it wasn’t for her, I would not have pushed and being able to get back to this level is something that no one ever thought would be possible.

“So it’s absolutely incredible and even 19 days ago I was in so much pain with my shoulder that we didn’t think I’d be able to race and be physically fit.

“It’s just crazy – it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

A huge congratulations from everyone at Pioneer Magazines!

Lichfield Hero Walk Encourages You To Dress Up as Superheroes

Dress up as your favourite superheroes and join other fundraising families at Lichfield’s Beacon Park on Saturday 25 September for a super-charged charity event!

hero walk

Organised by St. Giles Hospice, with all proceeds supporting the local charity, the Hero Walk promises to be an action-packed activity for the family with a 5km walk jammed with games, entertainment and activities.

To join in the fun and help raise money for St. Giles Hospice, simply head to Beacon Park on 11am on Saturday 25 September and look out for other superheroes.

Following a welcome speech at 11.30, the walk will commence at midday. Entry is £3 for under threes, £6 for under 16s, £10 for adults and £30 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). Doggie sidekicks can take part for free!

Zoe Wright, Events Manager at St Giles Hospice said: “All heroes are encouraged to arrive in their costumes ready to leap into action and help raise funds for their local hospice. If you’d like to take on the challenge in true hero style, St Giles capes can be pre-ordered or bought on the day for a £5 donation.

“The entry fee only covers the administration cost of Hero Walk, but by asking friends and family to sponsor you, you will raise valuable funds to help us continue to provide care and support, free of charge, for patients and their families.

“Raising £40 in sponsorship could pay for one hour of our Advice and Referrals team, £202 could pay for visits to a patient in their own home by our community nurses and £676 could pay for 24 hours of hospice care for a patient at the end of their life.”

To sign-up and for more information, please visit St.Giles Hospice.

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Live Music Event At Walsall Arboretum On Bank Holiday Sunday

A live music event dubbed ‘Lakeside Live’ is taking place at the bandstand at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday 29 August from 1pm to 5.30pm.

Lakeside Live Walsall
Lakeside Live proved to be a big success in 2019.

From rock to RnB, local musicians and bands will be covering a wide variety of musical genres throughout the day and residents are invited to turn up to the free event to enjoy an entertaining bank holiday Sunday afternoon.

Hosted by Black Country poet and former Poet Lareate for Walsall, Ian Henery, Acts include:

  • Martian Social Club – Funk
  • Funk n Disorderly – Funk
  • Kiana – Soul
  • Dinky – Indie
  • Indigo Fallz, – Acoustic
  • Wolf Apple – Rock/Alternative
  • Cori Bowen – Rock covers

Councillor Oliver Butler, Portfolio Holder for Clean and Green said:

“It’s fantastic to see our beautiful bandstand back in use for events and where better to spend a relaxing bank holiday Sunday afternoon enjoying this free event than at the side of the Hatherton Lake in our premier park, which is now a UNESCO Global Geopark.

“Our Healthy Spaces team has worked hard to put together a programme which has something for everyone and I’m really pleased that we’re showcasing our local talent.

“There is plenty of fixed seating, but if people prefer to bring folding chairs or picnic blankets, they’re very welcome to do so.”

Parking is free and the usual Arboretum facilities will be open, including the toilets and café.

CCTV To Combat Vandals At Willenhall Lawn Cemetery

Walsall Council plans to install CCTV at Willenhall Lawn Cemetery following recent spates of vandalism at the site.

willenhall cemetery

A petition was set up by local residents earlier this year calling for CCTV after headstones were damaged and trinkets and ornaments left by loved-ones were thrown around the cemetery.

Walsall Council has responded by confirming that CCTV will be installed later this year and patrols will be increased to take action against anyone caught causing damage.

The council is also investigating whether to install CCTV at other cemeteries in the borough.

Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council said:

“I’m appalled that anyone could intentionally target a place of rest in this way and I am determined that if these heartless actions are seen in person, or captured on camera, that those responsible will be made answerable.”

“These might have been isolated incidents, but they are completely unacceptable. Feelings are understandably running high for those who have been directly affected, or who know and visit the site.  Community concern has also been heightened after some misinformation was shared on social media on what the actual Council permissions are around graveside tributes.  Our clear council policy on this can be seen here Rules and Regulations (walsall.gov.uk)

“Rules aside, we can be certain that any deliberate vandalism has hurt families and caused a great deal of personal distress.

“Whilst the actions of the mindless few can’t now be undone, I am hopeful that the visible and reassuring presence of our council’s Bereavement Services Officers and cameras will stop any future disrespect to our Willenhall Lawn Cemetery – and in so doing protect the sanctity of those who are laid to rest there.”

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Walsall Midwifery Unit Shuts Temporarily

The Walsall Midwifery Unit (MLU) is closing temporarily from 5pm today, Friday 6 August.

MLu

Expectant mothers planning to the use the facility will be given an alternative option, including use of the midwifery unit at New Cross Hospital.

Carla Jones-Charles, Divisional Director of Midwifery at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause.

“The safety of women and babies using our maternity services continues to be our number one priority. To do so we want to make sure we have the very best teams in the right place and are consolidating our services to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, safe, birthing experiences.

“Any women already booked to deliver at the MLU within the next few weeks will be contacted to discuss their options.

“Antenatal and postnatal sessions will however continue as normal and mums-to-be should contact their community midwife if they have any concerns or questions.”

The Walsall Manor Hospital delivery suite is unaffected.

Search For Relatives of Deceased Walsall Lady

Walsall Council has issued a plea for any family members of a recently-deceased Walsall resident to get in touch.

Sheila Margaret Dovey was 83 when she passed away on 26 July, 2021. She was born on 7 August, 1937 and lived in Bentley Drive, Walsall.

Walsall Client Welfare Services Team are asking for any relatives or anyone who knows any relatives of her family to contact them on 01922 655551 or via email: ClientWelfareServices@walsall.gov.uk

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10 Days Out In Birmingham For Under £10

Written by Lavania from “The Amazing Adventures of Me“.

days out in birmingham logo

We are two weeks into the summer holidays and I’m already on the hunt for days out which don’t cost the earth and keep the kids busy. Arlo is four now and I can no longer take advantage of “kids under three go free” – we’ve visited all of our local parks for play areas and scooter rides which are a great free day out (aside from car parking).

We also have some big trips to look forward to but it’s nice to be able to pack a lunch and head out and about for a little adventure without breaking the bank. Here’s a selection of our favourite things to do which come in at less than a tenner per child!

out in birmingham

1. RAF Cosford  Shifnal, TF11 8UP

Open 10-5 every day including bank holidays until October.

It’s free to book a visit – select your time slot on the website. Just pay £5 for parking, it’s an additional £5 for the 4D cinema experience. 40 mins drive from central Brum this is an awesome day out and fun for all the family.

2.Bowling and a Burger

Ten Pin Bowling at Star City is offering a summer holiday deal which includes one game of bowling AND a burger with a side of chips for £5 which is an absolute bargain! They also have lanes at Castle Gate Park in Dudley. Open until 11pm at both sites.

3.Thinktank 

Okay tickets are £10.25 but for this you get access to Mini Brum, the science garden and four floors of exhibits which will take you all day to explore. You can’t say fairer than that! This attraction at millennium point is accessible throughout – open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm.

think tank

4. Catch a movie

Check your local cinemas for kids showings, some local cinemas have some great offers, our favourite include:

Cineworld – Broad Street – movies for juniors £2.50

Vue–Star City –  mini mornings £2.49 (book online)

5. Conkers

This outdoors adventure playground is great for kids with mountains of energy. Kids tickets are £7 and you can spend all day with the enchanted forest play zone, the tree top walk and there’s even an indoor interactive zone for when rain halts play. Open from 10am – 6pm throughout summer. Postcode for Sat Nav is DE12 6GA – about 40 minutes drive from the city centre.

6. Umberslade Adventure 

Another outdoorsy activity – this playground in the middle of the forest has a low ropes course, a commando course, zip lines, a dedicated den building area and ply areas for little ones all for £7. You can choose to participate in additional activities on site for a small extra fee. Open from 10am daily – the Sat Nav postcode is: B94 6SE

umberslade adventures

7. Mini golf

Adventure Mini Golf at Star City is £5 for under 5’s and £8.50 for over’s, or head to Mr Mulligans at Broadway Plaza for a weekday round of twelve holes for £6.50. Tree Top adventure golf in the city centre starts at £4.50 and they have a 2 for 1 offer on at the moment.

8. Fun on the farm

There’s lots of different animal themed attractions in around the Midlands, check out my recent blog here with details of our top ten children’s farms to explore. Forge Mill at Sandwell Valley is a great value mini visit, where you can feed the animals in the yard – adults £3 and kids £2.50 and then of course explore the parks and surrounding lakes all for the cost of a car Park ticket.

farm birmingham

 

9. Bounce

There are a variety of trampoline parks around the city but for a really fun experience then the inflatable zones are the places the kids want to visit. A great indoor alternative to soft play which will keep older and younger siblings satisfied.  – check out Inflatanation which is £9.99 or Infla Ninja for a glow in the dark experience at £8.99. Guaranteed to exhaust this kids and provide a couple of hours of high energy fun.

10. Stay Cool at the snow dome 

When the weather outside gets unbearably hot then head to the snow dome to cool off. Entry to the snow fun park is £9.50 for kids and adults are from £4.95 and they also do parent and tots sessions for under 4’s which are £12. Postcode for Sat Nav is: B79 7ND

We hope you find your own fabulous adventures, share your experiences with us on social media by tagging “The Amazing Adventures of Me” on Instagram or Facebook and if you have any more suggestions let us know and we can add them to the blog!

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