January 2024 - Page 2 of 3 - Pioneer Magazines

Local Artists Exhibit At New Art Gallery

The Walsall Society of Artists will be showcasing their work at the New Art Gallery in Walsall right up until 18 February.

Nataliya Hodson at the New Art Gallery. Photo credit: Phil Buckley

The 73^rd Annual Exhibition from the group can be viewed on the ground floor in the Community Gallery, with some of the artwork available to purchase, including works in acrylic, watercolour and ceramics.

Visit on a Saturday between 10am-4pm and you’ll also get a chance to speak to some of the artists who will be on hand to demonstrate their work.

Barbel Withers (Painting – Frida). Photo credit: Phil Buckley

Local artists include Simon Tew, who specialises in pet portraits, wildlife and equestrian art and Jean Walker who creates some stunning artwork with watercolour and ink. Other artists demonstrating their talent include: Pam Renhard, Ann Hackett and Steve Woodams.

Walsall Teenagers Arrested Following Break In On Bridge Street

Two Walsall teenagers were arrested today on suspicion of breaking into a property in the town.

A 15-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy were arrested following reports of a break-in at a property on Bridge Street on Wednesday morning.

Both have been taken into custody on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal, while the boy was also detained for possessing a knife.

Both teenagers have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any further information is encouraged to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat or calling 101 and quoting investigation number: 20/124431/24.

Win Tickets To the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show – 2024

Returning to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham from Tuesday 13 until Sunday 18 February, the 2024 Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show will see “happy campers” gearing up to hit the roads and head off the beaten track.

Following a hugely successful show in February 2023, the annual Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show will once again pitch up at the NEC for six days of camping, glamping and motor-holiday inspiration. The UK’s one-stop-shop for all things adventure and exploration will span five halls of the National Exhibition Centre, featuring the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.

Alongside many activities, viisitors will be able to enjoy the much-loved Inspiration Theatre, which features a line-up of personalitieis sharing their love for the great outdoors, top tips, funny anecdotes and road trip memories will return.

Presentations from industry-loved organisations and enthusiasts such as Kat Bird and Marcus Leach will leave visitors inspired to try something new and immerse themselves in the lifestyle.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to this popular event, please answer the following question:

Name two presenters who you can see in the Inspiration Theatre.

Email your answers to editor@pioneermagazines.co.uk, or post on our Facebook competition post.

The winner will be drawn at random on 20 January 2024 and notified via email or Facebook.

Walsall Food Summit Aims To Put Together Food Plan For Borough

Taking place at Walsall Football Club on January 17, the Walsall Food Summit will see 40 leaders and multiagency partners in the food industry discuss a borough-wide food plan.

“The Walsall Food Summit promises to be an exciting day for everyone, bringing together people who play a role in our food system,” said Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces, Walsall Council.

“As part of our We are Walsall 2040 Borough Plan, our ambition is for Walsall to be healthy and well. We hope the summit will enable further collaboration among partners to identify opportunities that will enable everyone to eat well, live healthy lives and promote a sustainable food environment for everyone.”

“Food for Life have been working with Walsall Public Health since 2017 to improve food quality and education both within schools and nurseries and beyond the school gates. The Walsall Food Summit is a positive next step towards creating a joined-up food system within Walsall which will help drive innovation and best practice in making healthy and sustainable food accessible to all. This is a great chance to bring together the passionate people across the area to make valuable connections which will further strengthen our local food system.”

The event has been organised by Food for Life, who helped push forward initiatives such as Universal Free School Meals.

Black Country Saddlery To Be Transformed Despite Petitions

Two petitions aimed at preventing planning permission to convert the former Black Country Saddlery building on Wednesbury Road haven’t prevented the renovation from getting the green light.

Following a proposal by Keystone Homes Ltd to turn the property into an assisted living facility for vulnerable people, 220 signatures were gathered by campaigners who were concerned about crime, privacy for nearby residents and other issues if planning was to go ahead.

“Enough is enough. We already have the Glebe Centre, YMCA hostels, a Big Help hostel, a traveller transit site, drug rehabilitation centre, a probation centre and a domestic violence refuge all within a one mile stretch of one another”, said local campaigner Karl Moseley.

The new facility, which will consist of 11 one-bedroom flats, including two rooms for staff, will be run by the charity Aspire Living.

“The facility will cater for people whom require help excluding high risk individuals,” reads the initial application. “None of the tenants are on drug abuse or any other addiction.”

Walsall Job Fair Takes Place In Willenhall This Month

A new job fair will be hosted at Willenhall Chart Community Hub on January 24, 2024.

Featuring employers and training providers from a wide range of industries, the job fair is open to all and takes place between 9am and 1pm.

Opportunities will be available in health and social care, hospitality and construction sectors, alongside warehousing, business administration, rtail and manufacturing.

“The New Year New Career event is a great way to find out information about local opportunities and make connections. There will be a wide range of employers and training providers in attendance and I’d urge anyone that’s considering a career change, looking for training opportunities or searching for a job to come along”.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration
Walsall Council

“Our Walsall Works job fairs are a great opportunity to speak to employers and find out information about available opportunities. I am looking forward to seeing many local employers and training providers at the event, and hope to welcome lots of people looking for their next opportunity.”

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills
Walsall Council

The full address is Willenhall Chart Community Hub, 19 Gomer St, WV13 3NS.

Being A Parent Groups Launch Across Walsall

Walsall Council has launched a number of Being a Parent groups across the town.

Forming part of the Empowering Parents, Empoweing Communities iniative, the groups will led by parents and give them a chance to share information and learn from each other.

The sessions, which also offer childcare facilities, will focus on different stages of your child’s development.

The Being a Parent groups, which include a specific session aimed at fathers, will take place at the following places:

Fullbrook Nursery School – 3 Walstead Road, Walsall, WS5 4NX Tuesday 16 January- Tuesday 20 March 09:15am – 11:15 am

Fathers Group Central & South Locality -Birchill’s Street, Walsall WS2 8NG Tuesday 20 February – Tuesday 30 April 10am – 12pm

Busill Jones Primary School -Ashley Roadd, Bloxwich WS3 2QF Tuesday 20 February – Tuesday 30 April 09:30am – 11:30am

To sign up, head to https://forms.office.com/e/NejSdLpCTf

Walsall Arboretum 150th Anniversary Celebrations

Walsall Council will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the town’s Arboretum later this year.

Officially opened on 4 May 1874, the Arboretum will play host to a series of events over the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2024.

This will include exhibitions detailing the history of the Arboretum with a full schedule of events due to be announced later this year.

The Walsall Arboretum currently attracts over 1 million people per year, spans over 170 acres and is home to over 10,000 different species of trees and shrubs.

“The Arboretum is one of Walsall’s most loved and cherished attractions which holds memories for generations of people,” said Walsall Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces.

“For 150 years it has been a place for exercise, play, relaxation, community activities, as well as providing a home for wildlife and nature to flourish. In this important year, we will be showcasing all the fantastic work, the people that make it what it is, and encouraging residents and community members to connect with their local green spaces.”

Free Stop Smoking Programmes Launch in Walsall

As many residents of Walsall are considering their New Year resolutions, two new services dedicated to helping stop people from smoking have launched.

Closeup view of woman breaking cigarette in hands

Firstly, there’s the My SmokeFree Life App, which delivers a 12-week programmes to help people quit. This includes tips, motivational content and the ability to set up a personalised plan.

There’s also the option to self-refer to Be Well Walsall Services, which is available to anyone who lives in Walsall and is registered with a GP. Help, which can be over the phone or face-to-face, includes access to expert health coaches who can help you plan positive lifestyle changes.

“ We know quitting smoking can be challenging. This is why we are offering a range of free local resources to help you achieve your smoke-free goals in 2024,” said Councillor Gary Flint, portfolio holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces.

“The My SmokeFree App provides a wealth of personalised guidance, weekly content, tips, and support at your fingertips.

We also want you to know you are not alone. Our team at Be Well Walsall are also on hand to help you breathe easy, break free from smoking in 2024 and beyond. “

More information can be found on the Be Well Walsall website. The My SmokeFree Life app is available to download for free via Google Play or the App Store.

State-Of-The-Art Fitness Studio Opens In Walsall

At Oak Park Active Living Centre in Walsall Wood, BOX12 studio is aiming to revolutionise fitness and boxing workouts. Utilising cutting-edge technology, BOX12 offers tailored training experiences that cater to users of all fitness levels, making it an inclusive choice for individuals with varying abilities.

The BOX12 sessions are structured around 12 three-minute rounds, each commencing every three minutes, eliminating the need for book in advance. This means that anyone, regardless of experience, can simply drop in and start their fitness journey immediately. While participants are encouraged to bring their boxing gloves, those without need not worry, as all necessary equipment is provided free of charge.

” This is an exciting new gym room in Walsall with the versatility to be accessible to people who may not be able to attend regularly scheduled classes,” remarked Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces.

“The BOX12 studio looks fantastic and is a top-quality facility that Walsall Council is proud to launch.

The studio is a very welcome addition to the already wide range of activities people can take part in at Oak Park Active Living Centre.

Once again, the investment made in our leisure facilities is a further example of the council’s commitment to supporting our residents to lead active and healthy lives.”

The inclusivity of BOX12 extends to participants of all backgrounds, regardless of prior experience. Juniors aged 11-15 are also welcome when accompanied by a participating adult. For those seeking guidance, friendly and knowledgeable staff are readily available to provide assistance and support.

Access to the BOX12 space is seamlessly integrated into the centre’s all-inclusive membership, requiring no advanced booking. For more information and the opportunity to witness a session in action, please visit the official website.