Line-up and date confirmed for Walsall Arboretum’s anniversary celebration

The line-up of acts and the date of this year’s anniversary celebrations at Walsall Arboretum have been confirmed.

Walsall Arboretum

The live music event which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the public park will take place on Saturday 4 May, 2024 between 12pm and 7pm with free entrance.

As well as traditional games and boat rides across the lake, the miniature railway will be up and running for families to enjoy.

Alongside food stalls and bars, there are two stages with live music to entertain the crowds, including an appearance by all-female Slade tribute band, Slady.

Hosted by DJ Dicky Dodd, the following acts have been confirmed:

Main Stage

  • Slady
  • Midnight Crossing
  • Inareko
  • Noise Candy
  • Voices Entwined Choir
  • The West Midlands Concert Band
  • The City of Birmingham Brass Band

Acoustic Stage

  • Aayushi Jain
  • Jessai Dessai
  • Gavin Medza
  • The Clarkes & Co
  • Christopher Crompton
  • Plus many more!

Numerous community groups will also be in attendance, as well as the Glorishears of Brummagem Morris Dancers and special talks with the likes of the Wildlife Management Forum and guided history tours.

Walsall boxing club to be centre of new faith-based BBC film

The Midland Langa Seva Society (MLSS) Boxing Academy in Bloxwich will be in the spotlight this Spring as a new BBC One faith film explores the community boxing club.

Tentatively titled “Sikh Warriors”, the film will highlight the work of the team at MLSS, which is headed by coach “Pops”.

The Community Hub opened in 2021 and features a gym, boxing gym, a music studio, café and studios for classes.

“The aims of the centre are to help people both physically and mentally,” said MLSS CEO Randhir Singh.

“The charity aims to do more than feed the homeless but also to help service users in the long term. The emphasis is wellbeing and tackling mental health issues, especially in this day and age, and building confidence, especially among younger people who are suffering from bullying. We want this to be a place for everyone and somewhere where they can come and enjoy a coffee or play a game and come together as a community.” 

A firm release date for the film has yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be available on BBC One and iPlayer over Easter.

Islamic charity in Walsall under scrutiny for “serious and ongoing concerns”

The Abu Bakr Trust, with its headquarters based on Wednesbury Road in Walsall, is under investigation by the Charity Commission due to “serious and ongoing concerns”.

One of the schools ran by the Abu Bakr organisation

For approximately 20 years, the charity organisation has provided the Muslim community of Walsall with educational opportunities, currently overseeing four independent schools, a mosque, and other educational facilities.

Alongside failure to adhere to filing deadlines for annual returns, the Charity Commission are looking into whether trustees have fulfilled their legal obligations and duties in accordance with charity law.

Via the UK government website, the inquiry will examine:

  • The trustees’ governance and management of the Abu Bakr Trust, including their failure to ensure annual returns are filed on time.
  • The charity’s financial management, including its level of debt.
  • Whether the trustees have properly exercised their legal duties and responsibilities under charity law.
  • The extent of misconduct and/or mismanagement within the administration of the charity by its current and former trustees.

Walsall Arboretum becomes a recognised Ancient Tree Site

On the year of its 150th anniversary, the Walsall Arboretum and country park has been officially designated as an Ancient Tree Site, the first of its kind in the West Midlands.

Walsall Arboretum

The accolade was issued by the Woodland Trust based on the huge number of ancient and veteran trees. While the area boasts approximately 130 veteran trees, 17 of them are considered ancient, between 150 and 800 years old.

“This designation is timely as the Arboretum celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024,” said Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces at Walsall Council

“It is wonderful news for Walsall and its wildlife. This designation places the Arboretum in the same company as Chatsworth, Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park. We thank the Woodland Trust for recognising the quality and importance of our premier green space, but also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of local resident and Woodland Trust volunteer Mike Glasson, who has tirelessly surveyed the trees in the park over a number of years. “

Walsall Council plans to celebrate the Arboretum’s 150th anniversary in style with events taking place across the May bank holiday weekend.

 

Triathlon England teams up with Walsall Council for new health and wellbeing plan

Triathlon England has teamed up with Walsall Council to deliver a new plan aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of local residents.

The focal point of the collaboration is Birchills, which has been earmarked as one of 17 priority zones under Triathlon England’s initiative, ‘The Big Active’. Plans will now be laid out to help the Birchills community get more active through the likes of walking, swimming and cycling.

“It’s great to work closely with Walsall Council to support local people to get active and improve their health and wellbeing,” said Helen Marney, Director of Development, British Triathlon.

“The council has recently created more active travel routes and we’re looking forward to helping people make the most of them as well as taking advantage of the fantastic green spaces and leisure centres available to them. “

The partnership follows work by Walsall Council with the Canal and River Trust to make travel routes around the borough more accessible. This includes improving tow paths in Bloxwich and Willenhall to create more efficient cycle routes.

 

 

Two Bloxwich teens arrested as Rambo-style knife uncovered

Two teenage boys have been arrested in Bloxwich following an incident in Lister Close just after 7pm last night (Monday).

A 15-year-old and 14-year-old boy were arrested following the incident where threats were made to other teenagers. Subsequent searches uncovered a large Rambo-style knife, two flick knives, and a knuckle duster.

Both culprits are still being detained by West Midlands police with allegations of making threats with a blade in a public space.

Simon Watkins, from the Homicide Reduction Team at Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA), which looks at reducing serious youth violence for the under 25s, said: “Officers reacted quickly to make the arrests and bring two young people into custody.

“A number of weapons have been taken off the streets of Walsall. Under 25 serious youth violence and robbery are two of Walsall LPA local priorities. 

“Witnesses or anyone with any information about this incident can contact us on Live Chat via our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/271222/24.”

Walsall Council Enforces Public Ban on Council Meetings Following Pro-Palestine Protest

Walsall Council has announced a ban on public attendance at its council meetings, following a recent Pro-Palestine protest at a full council meeting last week.

walsall council office
Walsall Council House

The council’s decision came in the wake of a demonstration where Pro-Palestine activists interrupted a council session to demand action with shouts of “ceasefire now” causing significant disruption that led the meeting to being abandoned.

Walsall Council stated that the ban is a temporary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of both council members and the public, citing vulnerabilities in their security protocols and raising concerns over the potential for future incidents that could compromise the council’s ability to conduct its business effectively.

The ban has implications for how Walsall residents engage with their local government. For some, attending council meetings is a direct way to stay informed, express opinions, and hold elected officials accountable. The decision to exclude the public from meetings has left some residents feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In response to the backlash, the council is reportedly considering alternative approaches to address security concerns without completely shutting out the public. This includes stricter security checks for attendees, rather than an outright ban.

Police officer injured in Walsall as man arrested for attempted murder

A man has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder following a hit-and-run incident in Walsall that left an officer with leg injuries. The incident occurred on Reservoir Place in Pleck at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24th.

The incident happened after the officer tried to speak with the driver, who then hit him with his vehicle and pushed him against a police car before driving off.

A hunt for the perpetrator saw officers intercept his vehicle in Oldbury at approximately 5.15am on Tuesday, where the presence of illicit drugs was also uncovered.

A 28-year-old male is now facing charges of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Additionally, a 21-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender and involvement in drug-related activities. Both individuals are currently in custody for interrogation.

While the injured officer’s condition is hoped to not be life-altering, ongoing assessments are being conducted as part of the recovery process. Another officer received medical attention but fortunately sustained no serious injuries.

“An officer has been injured while going about their duties and this is completely unacceptable,” said Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, representing the Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA).

“We’re waiting for further updates on the extent of his injuries and our thoughts are with them and their family. We’ll be offering them all the support we can, alongside colleagues who were there at the time.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to reach out via Live Chat on the department’s website or by calling 101, referencing log number 1403 dated February 24, 2024.

 

Walsall launches free support for arguing parents

Walsall Council has launched a new campaign for parents who argue frequently.

The service aims to work with families and provide one-to-one support by trained professionals to help break the cycle.

Awareness for the campaign will be promoted over the coming months through various organisations, including community groups, librarys and the police service.

“Firstly, it’s important to remind our residents that it is completely normal to have conflict or arguments during our everyday lives,” said Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Walsall Council.

“But, in some cases, due to various reasons, parents may find themselves disagreeing or arguing often, in ways that are affecting not only them, but other family members around them too, such as their children.

“We really want to let families know that if this is something they think they could do with some help with, support is available at Walsall Council.

“There is absolutely zero judgement or shame in needing support, and our highly trained team have worked with so many families to completely change the way they work through conflict together, in a way that doesn’t have detrimental effects upon family members’ emotional and social health.

“Parenthood is hard, and relationships can easily become strained, so don’t be afraid to access the support if you need it. “

The support will be provided via Walsall Council’s family hubs.

Public disorder interrupts Walsall Council Chamber meeting

A meeting held at Walsall Council was interrupted this evening (22 February 2024) following a “public disturbance” from the gallery.

walsall council house

Following prayers by St. Martin’s vicar Jenny Mayo-Lythall, the meeting, hosted by Walsall mayor Chris Towe, was disrupted by multiple members of the public shouting out “ceasefire now” and other inaudible remarks. 

The mayor called for a temporary adjournment to clear the gallery as elected members swiftly left the chamber.

Pioneer Magazines contacted Walsall Council for comment. A spokesperson stated: “The meeting of Full Council on Thursday 22 February 2024 was adjourned shortly after 6pm due to a protest in the public gallery. The meeting will be rescheduled for another date.”