September 2021 - Page 2 of 5 - Pioneer Magazines

West Midlands Skies Will Light Up For Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

With the Queen due to celebrate 70 years on the throne next year, the West Midlands will be preparing to set the skies alight.

On June 2, 2002, the Queen will celebrate 70 years on the throne and Buckingham Palace’s Pageant Master is calling for beacons to be lit all across the country, including the West Midlands.

Bruno Peek has also urged town criers from across the country to join in the celebrations, along with choirs to sing a song that has been specially written for the grand occasion. Pipers and pipe bands are also being asked to play “Diu Regnare’ as a tribute to the Queen.

You may remember that Barr Beacon was one of those sites that featured a beacon for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, alongside other local high points such as Dudley Castle and and West Park in Wolverhampton.

Many organisations are getting involved in a night of celebrations across the country, including the Girl Guides, and the National Farmers Union, while beacons have been arranged for some of the UK’s most prominent landmarks, including The Tower of London, Ben Nevis and the Queen’s Sandringham and Balmoral Estates.

All of the beacons are being made by Birmingham company Bullfinch Gas Equipment, who are putting together beacons that take the shape of a globe to represent the nations of the Commonwealth.

Full details of the plans of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacons, including how organisations can take part, can be found here.

Walsall Council Issues Reminder About Green Bin Recycling

Walsall Council has issued a reminder about what to place in green recycling bins.

Over 100,000 stickers will be appearing on green bins in Walsall throughout September and into October showing residents what should and shouldn’t be placed in the recycling bin.

The council claims that it spent over £350,000 in 2020-21 having to dispose of rubbish placed in the wrong bin. This included food waste, nappies and clothes.

Portfolio Holder for Clean and Green Services, Cllr Oliver Butler said:

“There’s no better time than during ‘Recycle Week’ to remind residents of the positive benefits of being good recyclers. It’s not only about protecting the global environment, slowing climate change and conserving resources for future generations, the benefits of better recycling can also be felt much closer to home if we aren’t spending so much tax payers money on disposing of poor recycling. Less money spent on rejected recycling means more money for services that can really make a difference to local resident’s day to day lives. Lowering these costs starts with all of us reducing the amount of waste we produce and putting the right things in the right bin.

Even with the best of intentions, it can sometimes be confusing about exactly what can be recycled so putting a concise sticker on everyone’s bins makes that message clear. We’re continuing to be tough on not emptying bins which aren’t up to scratch too – there really is no excuse to have the wrong things in your green bin. ‘Stepping Up’ our recycling habits is a simple thing we can all do which will make a difference to everyone in the borough. Follow the guide on the sticker, or if in doubt, leave it out and put it in your grey rubbish bin.”

Businesses Of Walsall That No Longer Exist – Interactive Picture Quiz

Over the years, many great – and some iconic – shops, restaurants and public houses have closed down in Walsall never to be seen again.

In this interactive picture quiz, we hope to bring back some nostalgia as we show you 10 pictures of buildings around town and ask you to name which businesses traded from those places prior to the current ones.

Test your knowledge of local history and see if you can score full marks! The answers will appear in full at the end of the quiz.

If you enjoyed this quiz, why not have a go at our Walsall Listed Buildings quiz and see if you can name all of these iconic structures.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Is Back For 2021

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is returning this year after it was scrapped in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

The popular market will be back on New Street and Victoria Square with a multitude of stores selling food, drink, toys, ornaments and gifts.

There will be fewer stalls than usual due to works taking place around Victoria Square, but there will still be plenty to enjoy.

The market will start on Thursday 4 November until Thursday 23 December and will run from 10am until 9pm each day.

The ice rink and big wheel will also be making a return to Centenary Square from 4 November until 9 January.

For more information, visit the official Birmingham Frankfurt Market website.

Appeal for Footage After Hit-And-Run In Walsall Town Centre

Walsall police are appealing for the public’s help following a hit-and-run on Bridge Street, Walsall which left a 31-year-old man with a ‘nasty head injury’.

At 4am on 11 September, the victim was walking along the town centre street when a silver VW Golf mounted the pavement and knocked him over.

After paramedics arrived at the scene, the man was taken to hospital to received further treatment.

The car drove off and hit some bollards on George Street, before speeding off towards the Caldmore area of Walsall. It was seen earlier in the night driving recklessly on Goodhall Street and Freer Street.

Anyone with phone or dashcam footage should contact Walsall police.

HomeServe Launches Major Recruitment Drive in Walsall

Emergency repairs and improvements business HomeServe has launched a major recruitment drive at its Walsall branch.

Following customer demand, the company, which is based on Cable Drive, has positions open for 34 customer service representatives.

Kasia Klunduk, head of recruitment at HomeServe, said: “The customer representative roles at our Walsall head office offer the chance to be part of a highly rated team, focusing on customers’ needs to keep their lives moving.”

Almost 70 new engineer roles are also being created, with qualified gas engineers, plumbers and electricians invited to apply for positions covering areas including the West Midlands, East Midlands, North West, South East and Greater London.

Kasia added: “We’re committed to making HomeServe a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a strong culture of mutual support and empowerment to encourage our peoples’ career development.

This follows the recruitment of 85 customer service representatives in April.

For more information, please visit HomeServe jobs. Note: At the time of writing, the new positions were not listed on the website. They should appear shortly.

West Midlands Free Travel Pass Scheme Launches For People With New Jobs

A new free bus pass scheme for newly-employed West Midlands residents and jobseekers due to start employment has been launched by Transport West Midlands (TfWM).

The workwise scheme, which allows new workers to claim 8-weeks’ worth of free travel passes for bus, tram and train, is available across the Black Country, Birmingham and Coventry.

To meet eligibility requirements, residents must have recently taken up a new role, be paying adult fare, and be working more than 16 hours per week.

If the application is successful, those who apply for the travel pass can get two four-week tickets for bus travel and two four-week tickets for tram travel. There are also combined free travel passes available for bus, tram and train.

Further discounts will also be offered with 50% off a third four-week ticket.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “Sadly we know thousands of people have lost their jobs or been put on furlough because of the pandemic, so it’s never been more important to help residents into work.

“There are lots of jobs available now, in sectors such as construction, health and care, and digital, but we know that the cost of travel to work is a major barrier to employment because most people don’t get paid for up to a month after starting their new job.

“That’s why we are offering eight weeks’ worth of free bus, tram and rail travel for people moving into work, plus a half-price ticket for four more weeks – and I would ask all employers to make sure their new staff are aware of this offer.”

Find out more information and how to apply for the Workwise scheme.

Best Places To Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Courtesy of Kelly from the Small House Big Trips blog, a one-stop review site of great days out in the West Midlands, check out these best places to pick your own pumpkins.

It is nearly that time of year again; the nights are darker, the leaves are turning different colours as they begin to shed. It is getting colder, and you may be tempted to turn the fire or heating on. Autumn is finally here. Our personal favourite season of the year.

As they years go by, Halloween is becoming more popular and with that, 2020 saw more people than ever in the UK heading to pick their own pumpkins.

I thought a post detailing the best places to visit in and around the local areas in 2021, to pick your pumpkins was a must! Remember to check the websites for details for booking tickets and opening times.

Essington Farm, Bognop Road, Wolverhampton, WV11 2AZ

This is one of your favourite places to visit to PYO pumpkins. With a large array of pumpkins, you are sure to have an amazing experience when there. This is our annual Pumpkin Picking destination and we would recommend it to everyone.

Get picking

Canalside Farm, Mill Lane, Great Haywood, Staffordshire, ST18 0RQ

Farmer Chris has planted a bumper crop of pumpkins this year with a choice of orange, green, yellow and white pumpkins to pick in all shapes and sizes. With family game alongside the Pumpkin Patch and plenty of fun opportunities for all the family, you are sure to have a great time, use hashtag #canalsidepumpkins in your uploaded pictures on social media for the chance to win a Halloween Themed Hamper.

For those not scared of the dark, they have some late-night pumpkin picking sessions on the 15^th and 22^nd October too, so be sure to book your tickets if you like the sound of that.

Pick your Halloween pumpkin

Lower Drayton Farm, Lower Drayton Lane, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5RE

Our first ever trip to Lower Drayton Farm was last year and it was superb. Not only did we get to pick pumpkins (of all shapes and sizes) but we got to pick potatoes too! With a craft tent, photo opportunities, farm vehicles to look at and a lovely pop-up café, it is a wonderful place to visit. Why no book tickets to enter the farm too with one of the largest indoor soft play centres for children?

PYO Pumpkins

Manor Farm Fruits, Watling Street, Hints, Tamworth, B78 3DF

This year’s Pumpkin Patch promises to be bigger and better than ever before! Shiny orange pumpkins, knobbly gourds and quirky shaped squashes will be a sight to be seen. No need to yank these ones from the ground as they will already be picked, you just need to come along and choose your favourite from the almighty collection of pre-picked pumpkins. While you’re there, why not check out their brand-new fairy trailer and maize maze!

Join the Pumpkin Fest

Pumpkin Picking Tips

Remember to wear your wellies and wrap up warm.
Take some gloves and clippers to pick your own pumpkin – the brambles are prickly.
Make sure you’re 100% certain on your chosen pumpkin before picking it.
Take a camera; you’ll get some lovely photos.

Related News

5 Walsall Residents Honoured With British Empire Medal

Due to their incredible achievements helping the local community, five Walsall residents are due to receive a British Empire Medal at a special award ceremony this week.

Present by West Midlands Lord Lieutenant, John Crabtree, the event will take place at the University of Birmingham on 15 September, where the following people will be recognised for their community spirit and hard work.

Note: One person wishes to remain anonymous.

Karen Eccleston

Karen runs a soup kitchen for homeless people in Darlaston and has been serving the community around the clock since 2012.

Francis Hodgkinson

Founder of the Brownhills Community Association, Francis has spent 40 years helping to make the association a success and has established a community theatre and community activity groups.

Gilbert Preece

As a former scout leader, Gilbert rose through the ranks to became an Assistant Direct Commissioner and Duke of Edingburgh Accessror for the scout association. In recent years, he does volunteer work, while raising money for the Beacon Centre for the Blind.

Balbir Seimar

Balbir has spent more than 30 years volunteering, focusing on regucing homelessness and crime and raising awareness of the environment. She is now partially retired but still spends her time distributing food to the vulnerable, supporting charities and delivering shopping and medicine for those in need.

Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader, Resilient Communities, Walsall Council said,

“It is amazing to hear that our very own local residents will be recognised with this honour and hope that they enjoy the day and celebrations. These people have actively contributed to their community by helping others and making their communities more resilient, especially during some really tough times with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“From helping the homeless and supporting in our community associations to cleaning-up their local area and encouraging our young people with their achievements, these people have gone to extraordinary lengths to become a valued part of their community.

“I applaud their generosity and kindness of spirit and thank them with all my heart for everything that they have done for Walsall.

“There are so many people in the community doing great things so why not take the opportunity to nominate them for an award*.”

To nominate someone who you think deserves an award, head to: https://www.gov.uk/honours/types-of-honours-and-awards

Walsall Schools Prepare To Administer Pfizer Vaccine To 12 To 15 Year-Olds

The roll-out of the Pfizer/BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine to healthy school children aged 12-15 years has now been approved.

Pupils, following consent from their parents or carers, will be offered one dose of the vaccine with the jab administered within the school setting.

The plan was approved on Monday 13 September following advice from four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).

Alternative provisions will be provided for children who are home-schooled or within other settings.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said:

“I have accepted the recommendation from the Chief Medical Officers to expand vaccination to those aged 12 to 15 – protecting young people from catching COVID-19, reducing transmission in schools and keeping pupils in the classroom.

I am very grateful for the expert advice I have received from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and UK Chief Medical Officers.

Our outstanding NHS stands ready to move forward with rolling out the vaccine to this group with the same sense of urgency we’ve had at every point in our vaccination programme.”

The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 year-old children across the country, in Walsall schools and the surrounding areas is expected to begin as soon as next week, but may take longer to implement.