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Walsall Council is showing its support for Organ Donation Week 2023 by illuminating the Lichfield Street Hub in a vibrant pink hue.

The event, running from September 18th to September 24th, 2023, emphasises the “Go Pink” theme with the aim being to urge individuals to take action by registering their organ donation choices and initiating discussions within their families about their intentions.

In collaboration with Walsall Manor Hospital and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Walsall Council is committed to boosting awareness about organ donation. This effort is crucial, given that more than 6,500 individuals across the UK are awaiting life-saving transplants.

Walsall Manor Hospital is joining the campaign by also casting a pink glow of support. Furthermore, both Trusts are encouraging their staff to wear pink attire throughout the week.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure, and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, emphasised the vital importance of organ donation. By illuminating the Lichfield Street Hub in pink, they aim to create a visual reminder of the significance of organ donation and its profound impact on people’s lives. Additionally, they aspire to prompt individuals to engage in conversations with their loved ones regarding their organ donation preferences.

For more information and to register your organ donation decision, please visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. Don’t forget to share your decision with your family to ensure your wishes are known.

Parents of children born between September 1, 2012, and August 31, 2013 can now apply for their preferred secondary school for September 2024. 

During the application process, you can select up to five secondary schools via the Walsall online application portal.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Walsall Residents: Complete your online application by October 31, 2023.
2. Walsall Residents with Children in Non-Walsall Primary or Private Schools: Submit your online application by October 31, 2023.
3. Non-Walsall Residents: Apply through your local authority, listing your preferred schools.

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, emphasised the importance of early action: “The application process for secondary schools opened on September 4th. I urge parents and caregivers to maximize their chances of securing a year 7 place at their preferred school by submitting their applications before the national deadline on October 31, 2023.”

Remember, using all your preferences increases your chances of securing one of your preferred schools. Applications received after the deadline will still be processed, but priority will be given to those submitted on time.

For additional information and how to get in touch with Walsall’s Admissions and Education Sufficiency Team, please visit the Walsall Council school admissions page.

 

 

The UK’s biggest junior snooker academy is celebrating a successful week after 50 children from clubs across the country attended a summer camp designed to engage, train and provide a place for like-minded youngsters to socialise and compete.

Walsall-based Junior Snooker Academy Hosts Popular Summer Camp

The Qbar snooker club junior summer camp saw players from its own academy join up with youngsters from clubs across the UK, including Brighton, Essex and Lincoln, as well as a number of Polish players who flew over especially for the occasion to attend the Walsall Wood academy’s engaging program.

Qbar Summer Camp attendees pose for a photo

The week consisted of top-level coaching from WPBSA coaches and fun snooker-related activities, as well as learning more about the game with a series of on-and-off-the-table lessons.

Organised by Qbar’s resident coaches Andrew Highfield and Dan Buskin, the Qbar summer camp also attracted attention from 16-year-old WSF World Junior Champion, Stan Moody, who visited the club to show his support for the aspiring youngsters.

Coaches Dan Buskin and Andrew Highfield with WSF World Junior Champion, Stan Moody

Qbar Under 18 International Champion Crowned

The week culminated with a thrilling snooker tournament that saw 50 young players compete to become the first-ever Qbar Under 18 International Champion.

Following a number of exciting group-stage matches between various clubs, the action ended with a hard-fought encounter in the final where Toby Smith from Qbar Academy faced Seth Charter from JPS snooker club in Harlow.

15-year-old Toby, who trains at Qbar’s Elite Academy, lifted the title to gain his first award.

Toby from Qbar Elite Academy wins the title

“Well done to everyone involved, it was a great day and all of the juniors gave it their 100%,” said Fay Tapper, who founded the academy with her sister Kerri.

“We are proud of everyone who took part, a special mention to the younger and less experienced players who came to the tournament to gain as much as they could from the day. All juniors have to start somewhere and I’m super pleased that we had over 50 entries!! A great day, playing snooker, making new friends and gaining lots of invaluable tournament experience.”

What’s next for Qbar?

The junior academy continues as usual with training for over 70 kids, while the venue plans to host the EPSB UK Under 18 Junior Championship in April, 2024.

For more information, follow Qbar on Facebook. For details of WPBSA coaching or joining the academy contact Fay on: 07523944093

Following the closure of Bloxwich post office in June 2023, a new space for the service to operate is being proposed.

The alternative location is over the road from Greggs, the former home of Trade World (Home Bargains) Ltd at 137 High Street, Bloxwich.

A public consultation is currently in progress, asking local residents their opinions on the new location, including ease of access.

The post office states that customers will be able to access services in a modern, open-plan envionrment, which includes:

• Access Post Office services in a modern, open-plan environment alongside the operator’s retail.
• A dedicated area of the store with two screened serving positions.
• A low-screened, modern Post Office till at the retail counter offering most Post Office products and services over longer opening hours, so customers can access their Post Office when it’s convenient.
• All staff employed to work in the new branch would be trained to the highest standards with ongoing training on products and services, as well as operational and service-related matters.

Any information received in the public consultation will be carefully considered by the post office before action is taken.

As September kicks off, signifying the return to school and work for many in Walsall, an Amber heat warning has been issued, with West Midlands residents urged to prioritise their well-being during the hot weather conditions.

High temperatures are expected in the West Midlands throughout the week.

The Met Office, in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber heat health alert covering the West Midlands from September 5th to September 10th.

Maintaining your well-being and looking out for others is paramount during hot spells. Keep yourself and those around you hydrated and cool. Keep an eye on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours, ensuring they are informed about staying cool and staying updated with the weather forecast.

This week’s expected heat coincides with the return to education and work post-summer break. Councillor Gary Flint, the Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure, and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, emphasised the importance of taking precautions during this period, stating that it’s crucial to safeguard the health of older individuals, those with underlying health conditions, and young children who may be more susceptible to heat-related issues.

To stay well and safe, follow these guidelines:

1. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
2. Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.
3. Keep your living space cool.
4. Opt for light, loose-fitting clothing.
5. Apply sunscreen when heading outdoors.
6. Carry bottled water with you.

Should you or someone you know experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or intense thirst due to the heat, move to a cooler location, rehydrate, and cool down your body. For urgent advice, please contact NHS 111, or in case of an emergency, dial 999.

Walsall Magistrates Court has issued a closure order for M&T Supermarket Limited on Thursday, August 31, following an inspection conducted by Environmental Health officials.

During their visit to the Caldmore-based supermarket on August 24, Walsall Council officers discovered alarming evidence of an extensive cockroach and mouse infestation, posing an immediate health hazard. Consequently, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was promptly issued.

Councillor Garry Perry, the Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities at Walsall Council, expressed shock and concern over the deplorable conditions found within a store that was once trusted by the community. He emphasized the importance of ensuring businesses prioritise public health and safety.

The Caldmore Road supermarket, renowned as the largest ethnic store in the West Midlands since it opened in 1981, has been forced to cease operations based on the evidence presented at Walsall Magistrates Court. Its closure will remain in effect until Environmental Health authorities are satisfied that all health risks have been effectively addressed.

Councillor Perry underscored the Council’s commitment to helping businesses thrive within the community while ensuring they operate within the boundaries of the law, prioritising the health and safety of customers and residents. The hope is that M&T Supermarket will collaborate with officials to rectify the situation.

Bright, colourful walls, activity tables, new toys and a wet play area are just what the doctor ordered for young patients on Walsall Manor Hospital’s Children’s Ward.

And they gave their new playroom a big thumbs up when its £23,000 transformation was unveiled, watched by many of the fundraisers who had helped its makeover.

Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity funded the work on the tired play space and has been working with its Play Specialists to create the new look feature.

Former patient George Stretton, 16 months, was among those to visit at a special opening event.

Little George had sepsis and was treated at Walsall Manor Hospital. Mum Grace Shepherd said she and her family were so grateful for the care and support they were shown by staff that she wanted to give something back.

“George was four months old when he had sepsis and it was a really frightening time for us. But we are the lucky ones as he recovered and we still have our little boy, not all families have a happy ending,” she said.

“We decided to make a donation to the ward for the new play area on George’s first birthday this year because we wanted to say thank you for everything the staff did for us. Everyone – Doctors, Nurses and cleaners – were just so kind and understanding.”

Craig Timmins, a fitness instructor, helped raise money for new toys by teaming up with pal Michael Gough, e-commerce Manager for Tile Choice. The pair spent 24 hours walking, running and cycling in a charity cardio session which led them to raise £3,250.

After seeing the revamped play area Craig said: “It’s wonderful, really bright and welcoming. You wouldn’t know you were in hospital and I feel proud to think we’ve helped provide something so great for poorly children.”

Raj Phandey and Hollie Mills from HCB Solicitors, which donated £5,000 in dormant funds, said the playroom now looked “lovely and welcoming.”

Patient Amelia Jones, aged seven, liked the kitchen play area best and set to work making snacks for everyone.

Funds raised also transformed a plain wall in the Paediatric Assessment Unit in the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre and lots of extra toys are on their way.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “We were so excited to see everyone’s faces when we showed them the refurbished playroom and their smiles said it all.

“It looks amazing and is a much better environment for our young patients to use now. The charity is also really pleased to see that our mascot Humphrey bear pops up here and there in the wall murals where we have also ensured that four business supporters who raised large amounts are mentioned.  This finished appeal shows how generous our community has been on this project.”

Charlotte Yale, Divisional Director of Nursing; Children, Young People and Neonates, said Walsall Healthcare had been one of the first Trusts to re-establish play following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Play is an important part of the care we provide on our children’s ward and our Play Specialists do a fantastic job of helping take young patients’ minds off their treatment and illness. We are delighted with our new playroom and thank everyone who has supported this important work.”

A Walsall banker who ignored two letters from Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II has eventually collected his MBE after being convinced he really had been nominated.

Narinder Dhandwar, business relationship manager at Barclays, thought a letter he first received from the Cabinet Office in September 2020, to say that he had been nominated for an MBE, was a hoax and threw it away.

Narinder MBE meeting Prince William

Despite taking follow up telephone calls, the now 55-year-old from Chuckery continued to think someone was playing a trick on him – and he received two more letters in May 2021 and November 2021.

It was only when someone senior from Barclays UK chairman’s office contacted him to ask why he had ignored the letters did he realise that it was true: he had been nominated for an MBE for services to the business and financial sectors in the West Midlands.

In January 2022 – the last of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List – he accepted the award. In June this year, Narinder attended the investiture at Windsor Castle, where he was presented with his MBE by Prince William, the Prince of Wales.

“I just didn’t think it was normal for people like me to get MBEs and just assumed it was a scam,” says Narinder, who has worked in banking and financial services for 32 years.

Narinder at Windsor Castle

“I work with SMEs (small and medium enterprises) businesses across the West Midlands and didn’t think I was doing anything extraordinary, but it was Barclays that nominated me after I had helped many with the Covid-19 government grants and loans.

“To say I was over the moon is an understatement, but the day itself was really exciting and I can barely put it into words.”

Narinder chatted with Prince William for about five minutes during the presentation, during which the royal teased him for having “turned down the Queen three times” and the new King once, after he had to delay his investiture in February as he was on holiday.

“He’s very down to earth,” said the father-of-two. “He noticed my West Bromwich Albion tiepin and I said I wanted to invite him to the club and he asked me to get in touch with an invitation. I’m talking to the club now, so I hope that will happen.”

A Walsall man is hoping his experience of a pioneering treatment regime for a rare condition, which saw him going from having three months to live to now living a near-normal life, will unlock the therapy for others.

Michael Jameson, from Willenhall, was 41-years-old when he was diagnosed with AL amyloidosis and myeloma in December 2021 – three months after undergoing a series of tests to establish what his symptoms were.

Michael Jameson with his daughters, Emily and Grace

Despite him having a complete response to DaraCyBorD treatment – which combines daratumumab with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone – the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) rejected it as an option for the NHS, claiming it was not cost-effective. This is despite the fact that all four drugs are available individually on the NHS.

Michael was asked by the charity Myeloma UK to help with its appeal against NICE and the organisation has since said it will review its original decision after an independent panel agreed  NICE’s decision was unfair and its appraisal committee may have incorrectly interpreted key evidence. 

“I would like to see this approved and made available on the NHS,” said Michael. “Not for me, it’s late in the game for me now, but for those diagnosed tomorrow, next week, whenever it might be. If they don’t have private healthcare they are reliant on different drugs that aren’t as effective for this condition and could end up dying.”

At first, the father-of-two was believed to have had a heart attack and was later diagnosed as having myocarditis, but when his heart symptoms began to worsen, he was finally diagnosed with AL amyloidosis – a rare protein condition that affects the heart and other organs – and myeloma, a blood cancer.

Michael Jameson with his wife Katherine and two daughters

“I was given a life expectancy of three months on diagnosis,” said Michael, who is married with daughters Grace and Emily, aged ten and six.

“I was 41, with two young kids. It was quite a devastating prognosis. The consultant advised I needed immediate treatment, but the most effective treatment was only available to private patients.”

Luckily, he has private healthcare through his employer and he was sent to HCA University College Hospital in London, where he was a patient for three weeks.

Afterwards, Michael relied on family to help him get weekly treatment for four months. He said it was only possible because his uncle owns a camper van. He drove from his home in Saltburn, North Yorkshire, to Manchester to pick up his aunt, and together they would collect their nephew so that he could be transported – lying down – to London to get his treatment.

Since his gruelling treatment regime, which has included chemotherapy for the myeloma, he has had a complete response and although AL amyloidosis is not yet curable, he hopes that the next step of a stem cell transplant could help him go to into remission.

In the meantime, Michael is back at work – in quality in the aerospace industry – full time and has enjoyed two holidays with his family. He also got married in September to Kathrine.

“The treatment has given me another chance at life – I would not be alive without it,” he said.

“When I started the treatment, I was in a really bad way. I had dangerously low blood pressure. I was physically drained of all energy and practically bedbound. Due to the vomiting and lack of activity I had lost over four stone in weight since I initially became symptomatic and I was now struggling with everyday tasks. I would become breathless just sitting up.

“Since then, I’m doing all the things that a normal person would do. For those who have had this treatment, it’s a no-brainer. Just look at what it’s doing and you can see how effective this treatment is.”

NICE is reviewing its original decision, but no date has been set for it to make an announcement.

Written by Jayne Howarth