An apprentice social worker at Walsall Council has been recognised for her talents after picking up an award at the BAME Apprenticeship Awards 2020.
Pal Kaur, who is in her second year of a Level 6 social work degree apprenticeship while working full-time at the local authority, picked up the prize in the health, medical and social care category.
She said she was particularly pleased to receive recognition because she began her apprenticeship at the age of 45. She had already clocked up 20 years at the council, where she is now working as an assistant manager in the social care department, supporting practitioners who work with care leavers in the borough.
“I feel really lucky to be getting paid to do a job I love and to be studying for a degree I’ve wanted to do for some years but would never have had the opportunity if I hadn’t gone down the apprenticeship route,” she said.
“To be offered the apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity to progress in my career and then I was shocked to find out I’d be nominated for this award and then a finalist. I was working on the night of the online awards ceremony, so was blown away to find out I’d won the health, medical and social care category.
“I’m so fortunate to work with a really great team, who are all passionate about making the lives of children and young people in Walsall better.”
Pal, who is married with two children, said once she qualifies as a social worker, she will continue to focus on young people leaving care.
“Walsall is the town I was born and bred in and I want to stay working here, helping young people leaving care as they are some of the most vulnerable groups in the community. That’s the work I love doing.”
Councillor Bal Chattha, Portfolio Holder for Personnel and Business Support said, “I am delighted and proud that Pal has won the BAME Apprenticeship Awards 2020 and has been recognised for her hard work and determination.”
“The BAME awards are a golden opportunity to promote Apprenticeships across the wider community and represent the diverse community that we serve.”
“Endless Possibilities won the Employer Award back in 2018 and are delighted with having three of our apprentices as finalists this year, Kiran Bibi from Children’s Services and Zara Khan from the Equalities Team as well as Pal.”
“With over 400 entries to the BAME Awards the competition was extremely tough this year and all those involved should be very proud of their achievements.”
“The Council is delighted to be able to support our existing workforce on higher and degree-level apprenticeships and wish them all every success in fulfilling their goals.”
Tracing family histories is a fun hobby but for some people it becomes a passion. Maybe its because learning about our family helps us understand our place in the world. In the digital age there has never been so much information available to the public. This has resulted in the birth of a new industry devoted to helping us find the old records we need. I’m sure you will have seen the ads on TV. But rather than get lost in data, why not just ask people. Whether that’s family members or local history groups. For example, talk to older relatives. They will know family names and previous addresses. They will also know family stories, which will give you the first clues in your search.
Sam Harvey posted on the Aldridge History Group Facebook page because she needed local information. She lives in South Yorkshire and had found that her family was living in Aldridge in the 1830s. Following a phone call we featured her in our magazines. Hilary Wilkes was also looking for information on her family history. Regarding her grandfather Sgt Thomas Wikes (pictured) who had lived in Walsall. We also featured her story in our January magazines.
How We Help Trace Family Histories
We will be having a regular feature in our printed magazines to help people tracing family histories. So if you would like to tell your story and get some local help, email editor@pioneermagazines.co.uk. Please let us have your phone number and a brief overview of who you are looking to trace. We can also share your Facebook posts.
Top Tips For Tracing Your Family Tree
Ask Family Members
There are online tools, census and registers
Use other people’s research
Use the free online Births, Marriages & Deaths directories
Search parish records and visit churchyards
Ask for information on social media
Get in touch with Pioneer Magazines & Great Barr Gazette
Below we have listed some websites and social media groups to get you started. We would love to hear from you if we can help you trace your family tree.
Correction: This article was updated on 29 March, 2021 to clarify that much of the area of Great Barr Hall is privately-owned and cannot be accessed by the public.
As the New Year kicks in, resolutions for a healthier year begin. How about burning off your Christmas treats and starting 2021 walking around some fabulous local, hidden gems.
We at SmallHouseBigTrips have you covered with some of our personal favourites. But sshhh – remember, it’s a secret!
Great Barr Hall, Sutton’s Drive, B43 7BA
A hidden gem that even we didn’t know about until lockdown in March 2020. Much of the grounds of the Great Barr Hall estate is privately-owned with no public right of way. However, Sutton Drive and the land situated to the East of Sutton Drive are beautiful, public open spaces.
Holly Wood Nature Reserve, Whitecrest, B43 6EA
Enter the nature reserve through a magical gate where you will be greeted with 5 hectares of mixed broadleaf woodland and wet meadow. Trees to climb, a stream to paddle in and the largest blanket of bluebells in spring.
Park Lime Pits Nature Reserve, Rushall, WS4 2HH
A former limestone quarry in the woods, this woodland walk has a rope swing over one of the two clear pools, horses, walking trails and plenty of streams for little ones to paddle in.
For nature lovers, there are over 300 species of plants and it is the home to over 100 species of birds.
Cuckoo’s Nook and The Dingle, Walsall, WS9 0PQ
Cuckoo’s Nook is an ancient woodland over 400 years old full of acidic loving trees like holly, oak, birch and alder, winding picturesque paths and a sea of bluebells during spring. Step into The Dingle part of the walk and you enter an area surrounded by hawthorn, ash, beech and elder trees.
It is the perfect place to learn about geology as you enjoy your walk,through the woodland flowers, by the babbling Longwood Brook running next to the path.
There’s a rope swing and little bridges for children and keep your eyes out for the wishing tree which is decorated beautifully throughout the year. Recently it had Christmas lights, tinsel and other decorations.
Sot’s Hole Nature Reserve, B71 4DE
A fabulous circular route starting at Sot’s Hole Nature Reserve, walking through the ancient woodland, looking at wooden statues and various species of plants, leading through to Sandwell Valley Farm seeing cows and horses, before following the path all the way round back to the car. Fields, woodland and kissing gates. Make for some perfect exploring.
Church services may be subject to change in line with national and local restrictions, so you will need to contact individual churches before attending in order to book your space. Many of our churches were unable to provide details before we went to press.
Aldridge
Aldridge Methodist Church
Anchor Rd, Aldridge WS9 8PT
Christmas Day 10.30am: Christmas Day service
Our carol service will be via Zoom and we are exploring the possibility of a Christingle service.
Please call or check our facebook page for updated details.
Tynings Lane Church
Tynings Lane, Aldridge WS9 0AS
Sat 19th Dec 4-8pm: Church is open to drop in for a carol and prayer experience (no need to book, spend as much or as little time as you like).
Sun 20th Dec 4pm: All Age Christmas experience. Come dressed up and explore Christmas as a family.
Christmas Eve 6pm: Christingle on Zoom. Get in touch for your Christingle in a bag and a zoom invite to join in Christingle wherever you are.
Christmas Eve 9:30pm: Midnight in Bethlehem. A communion service.
Christmas Eve 11:30pm: Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 9:30am: Christmas morning Communion for all ages
Brownhills
The Calvary Pentecostal Church
Brickiln Street, Brownhills, WS8 6AU
Christmas Day, Communion Service 11am-12noon
Sunday 27th December, Communion Service, 10.30am
Clayhanger
Clayhanger Methodist Church
Clayhanger Lane, Clayhanger WS8 7DS
Sunday Services have recommenced fortnightly at 4pm.
1st & 3rd Sundays in the month
Contact for details of Christmas services.
Pelsall
Pelsall Evangelical Church
Old Town Lane, Pelsall WS3 4NJ
Sun 13th Dec 6pm: Carol Services
Sun 20th Dec 6pm: Carol Service
Christmas Day 10am: Christmas Morning Family Service
Please sign up via our website.
Rushall
St Michael the Archangel
Leigh Rd, Rushall WS4 2DS
Sun 13th Dec 4pm: Family Carol Service
Sun 20th Dec 4pm: Carols by Candlelight
Christmas Eve 11.30pm: Midnight Mass
Christmas Day 8am: Holy Communion
10am Christmas Communion
Please look at our website www.rushallparish.org for further details in early December
Shelfield
St Mark’s Parish Church
Green Lane, Shelfield WS4 1RN
9.00am & 10.00am – Spoken Services of Holy Communion; Every Sunday of Advent
(29th November; 6th December; 13th December & 20th December)
24th December – 11.30pm – Midnight Mass (first Communion of Christmas)
25th December – 10.00am – Holy Communion on Christmas Day
27th December – 9.00am & 10.00am – First Sunday of Christmas; Holy Communion
Extra Online Services:
Please note that our Online Services are joint services with St. John’s, Walsall Wood.
To access these, see St. John’s details further down or go to: St John’s Walsall Wood on YouTube or via stjohnswalsallwood.com
St. Michael & All Angels Church
Hall Lane, Pelsall WS3 4JN
Sun 20th Dec 6.30pm: Service of Lessons, Carols and Music
Christmas Eve 4.30pm: Crib Service
Christmas Eve 11.15pm: Midnight Mass
Christmas Day 10am: Christmas Day Communion Service
Sat 26th Dec 10am: St. Stephen’s Day Eucharist
Sun 27th Dec 10am: St. John’s Day Eucharist
Mon 28th Dec 10am: Holy Innocents Day Eucharist
Streetly
Blackwood Methodist Church
Blackwood Road, Streetly B74 3PL
Happy Christmas from Blackwood Methodist Church!
Please see www.SuttonParkCircuit.com for events and services.
St Anne’s Catholic Church
Bridle Lane, Streetly B74 3HB
Thurs 24th Dec Vigil Mass for Christmas 6pm: Blessing of the Crib
Thurs 24th Dec 8pm: Mass of Christmas night
Fri 25th Dec 8.30am: Mass of Christmas dawn
Fri 25th Dec 11am: Mass of Christmas day
Sat 26th Dec St Stephen, Martyr 11am: Servers’ Mass
“Live” services at the church will only take place on Sunday mornings at 10.30am,
including 20th and 27th December.
In addition to Sunday online “virtual” services, extra online services will be arranged for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check our website for latest details.
St Mary’s the Mount RC Church
Glebe St, Walsall WS1 3NX
Thurs 24th Dec
5:30pm: Children’s Carol Service
6pm: Christmas Folk Mass
11:30pm: Parish Carol Service
12 Midnight: Christmas Solemn Mass
Christmas Day
9am: Christmas Solemn Mass
11am: Christmas Solemn Mass
St. Stephen’s Day
Sat 26th Dec
10am: Mass with all altar servers -Renewal of Commitment
5:30pm: Sunday Vigil Mass – Special Blessing for Families
Feast of the Holy Family
Sun 27th Dec
9am: Sunday Mass – Special Blessing for Families
11am: Sunday Mass – Special Blessing for Families
Mary, Mother of God
Fri 1st Jan 2021
10am: New Year Thanksgiving Mass
St Matthew’s Church
St Matthew’s Close, Walsall WS1 3DG
Details of our Christmas services will be available on our church website www.stmatthewswalsall.co.uk and displayed outside church. Also being publicised via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewswalsall; Twitter: @StMattsWalsall and Instagram: @stmattswalsall.
Walsall Wood
St John’s Parish Church
High St, Walsall Wood WS9 9LP
Church Services:
Every Sunday at St John’s 9am & 10am
24th Dec11.30pm: Midnight Communion
Dec 27th 9am & 10am: Feast of St John
Extra Online Services:
Sun 8th Nov 2pm: Walsall Wood Remembrance Service
Tues 1st Dec 6pm: World AIDS Day Service
Sun 13th Dec 5pm: Christingle
Sun 20th Dec 6pm: 9 Lessons & Carols
Dec 24th 5pm: Crib Service
Dec 24th 11.30pm: Midnight Communion
Dec 25th 10am: Christmas Day Communion
Sun 20th Dec: Drive In Carol Service @ The Horse & Jockey Pub, Carpark, WS9 9AJ (details on stjohnswalsallwood.com)
Sun 27th Dec 10am: Sunday Feast of St John
NB: Our Online Services are joint services with St Mark’s, Shelfield & High Heath. To access them just go to: St John’s Walsall Wood on YouTube or via stjohnswalsallwood.com
Sun 20th Dec Carol Service: A pre-recorded version available to view online via our Facebook page
Christmas Eve 6pm: A pre-recorded children’s Christmas bedtime story which will go online via our Facebook page
Christmas Eve 10pm & 11.30pm: Midnight Mass services
Christmas Day 10am: Holy Communion service
Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions on numbers, places will need to be booked at these services by ringing the church office on 0121 357 8941 or emailing church@stpaulshamstead.org.uk and social distancing must be observed, face coverings worn and sanitising guidelines followed.
St Matthew’s Church
Aldridge Road/Birdbrook Road, Perry Beeches, B44 8RA
For these services you will need to ‘book a pew’ by phoning the office on 0121 360 6964
Sun 20th Dec 6pm: Carol Service
Christmas Eve 6pm: Crib Service for all ages
11.30pm: Midnight Mass
You can join in our phone-in worship now and over the Christmas period. All you need is your phone, and it’s a free number from most phones (if in doubt check with your provider.) Every Tue. and Thur. at 8pm, and Sundays at 10.30am. Just phone 0333 011 0616, and then when asked enter the code 1499 488#. For regular updates please visit www.stmatthewsperrybeeches.org.uk
Beacon Evangelical Church
Sandwell Road, Handsworth, B21 8NH
Our Christmas services should be available online on our YouTube channel, Beacon Evangelical Church Handsworth:
Sun 20th Dec 11am: live streaming of our Christmas Family Outreach Service (Those who wish to attend in person should contact the church in advance to access our booking system).
Christmas Day service will premiere at 10.30am on YouTube.
Perry Hall Methodist Church
Rocky Lane, Perry Barr, B42 1QF
At the time of writing we are unsure how we will celebrate Christmas this year, but we will be celebrating! If you would like to join us, please look at the latest information on our website https://www.perryhallmethodist.org.uk/
L-R Natalija Komisarova – All Pack, Joe Fielder – Champlaincy Team Leader Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, George Clarke – MD Allpack, David Powell Matron Lead for Quality.
An Aldridge family firm came up with a novel way to help families working from home and the NHS at the same time – raising £2,000 in the process.
Allpack Packaging, which is celebrating 25 years in business, developed easy to assemble cardboard desks and chairs during lockdown which proved a real hit.
Managing Director George Clarke explained: “Like many businesses we’ve had to adapt during the pandemic and came up with the idea of creating cardboard desks and chairs for children which our Creative Design Executive Steven Cook brought to life.
“We appreciate that many families have been trying to juggle home schooling with working from home themselves and thought our products helped to bring a fun element to this. Children have been much more willing to sit down and do their work when they’ve been able to help put a desk and chair together themselves. They’ve been so popular that we’ve also developed adult versions and are really proud of these products.
“We pledged to donate £1 from every item sold to NHS Charities as we wanted to show our thanks and support to all of those in the NHS who have supported us at this terrible time. We were thrilled to be able to raise £2,000 and come into Walsall Manor Hospital to hand over the cheque.”
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Chaplaincy Team Leader Joe Fielder and Matron Lead for Quality David Powell were only too pleased to receive the cheque – as well as try out Allpack’s desks and chairs for themselves!
The trust has been successful in securing cash from NHS Charities to refurbish its chapel area and multi-faith room which Joe and David described as “a much-needed boost to an area that has been lacking in TLC for a while.”
The photo shows L-R Natalija Komisarova who is responsible for procurement for Allpack, Joe, George Clarke and David. The company also kindly donated cuddly toys and a couple of desks and chairs to the hospital’s Children’s Ward.
Making Connections Walsall is a friendly service for people in Walsall that aims to address loneliness and social isolation and other issues that you may be facing.
How does it work?
There are lots of groups, organisations and clubs in Walsall which can support the health and well-being of local people. However, people often don’t know about them. Referrals are processed by the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) who will connect you to your local hub organisation.
The social connector will contact you and they will discuss with you the types of activities you enjoy and will help you identify not only activities, but projects and services available in your community to support you.
Who is eligible?
– Residents of all ages within Walsall
– Those that are experiencing hardship, loneliness and isolation.
– Families, individuals and older people
– This service is about helping and supporting people to overcome the barriers that are affecting them, providing a listening ear and a helping hand
To discuss or make a referral, please contact: 0121 380 6690
You will be contacted by your local hub within 3 working days. A telephone assessment of your needs will be done, or a face to face assessment if Covid guidelines allow. For more information visit: www.walsall.gov.uk/covid-19_information
Tackling lonliness locally is difficult in a normal year. The onset of winter, dark evenings and Christmas are when many people, especially the elderly, feel loneliness and isolation most acutely. Before the Covid pandemic research was already showing that loneliness and isolation was on the rise. Now as we enter another national lockdown the impact on the health and well-being of the elderly is incalculable.
Two of the main findings were firstly, there will be a predicted 49% increase in the number of over 50s suffering from loneliness by 2025/2026. Mostly because people are living longer. Secondly, the research found the risk of being ‘often lonely’ is much higher among people who are widowed, do not have someone to open up to, or are in poor health.
A couple of years ago Walsall Council held a meeting for local residents. The over-reliance on the internet as a source of information was identified as an issue. At The Pioneer and Great Barr Gazette we agree. If you are not on the internet or IT savvy, this can lead to feeling isolated and cut off from the rest of the world. Yes, we do have our website, but we are passionate about our printed community magazines. We know our magazines provide a life-line of information for many of the elderly residents of Aldridge, Walsall and across our area.
Covid-19 has made 2020 a horrible year. The cancellation of clubs and events. The day care services provided by organisations such as the Stan Ball Centre in Bloxwich, disrupted. Many of which have only just re-opened, has been a grave cause for concern. People, especially the elderly and those caring for others, rely on these activities for companionship and support.
Help Is At Hand
We believe it is our mission to inform and involve everyone of all ages, but especially the elderly, in what is going on in our local community. Throughout the Covid pandemic we have published articles on many local support groups. Such as Linking Lives Aldridge and Making Connections Walsall and how they have adapted to deliver their services either on the phone or in Covid-safe ways. We’ve also promoted community groups such as the Anvil Chorus in Great Barr and The Aldridge Shed to name but two.
The Community Support organisations in our local area have been outstanding in reaching out the vulnerable and elderly. Here are a few organisations you can contact for help. You can always phone us on 01922 660022 and we will signpost you to someone who can help you.
Linking Lives Aldridge – a befriending service offering friendship and support across Aldridge. Email Aldridge@linkinglives.uk or call 07307 865973
Making Connections Walsall – aiming to address loneliness and social isolation and other issues you may be facing. To discuss or make a referral ring 0121 380 6690
The Stan Ball Centre – a community centre for older and vulnerable adults operated by the local charity Bloxwich Community Partnership. Call 01922 403351
The Aldridge Shed – a UK initiative for people from all walks of life to come together to pursue their interests and hobbies. www.aldridgeshed.co.uk or contact Barrie on 07985 188256
If you are feeling lonely please do not suffer in silence, reach out to any of the organisations above and the many others in our area, some are listed on our Communities Directory. And to all local residents look out for each other and especially the elderly at this challenging time.
A dedicated space for creatives is to open in Walsall this autumn, with members of the community having their say on how it should be designed.
The People’s Design Studio is the brainchild of Andre-Donovan Reid, the founding director of KIONDO, a black-led design research studio that connects organisations and local authorities with people.
Based in a listed, 6000 sq ft building – the former Hogs Head pub in Leicester Street – the centre has three aims: to be a community hub and venue; to host KIONDO’s design-research lab, where individuals or groups can experiment with citizen science, design and placemaking; and to provide creative studios, with open access workspace and facilities for creative practitioners, academics and social enterprises.
“What I’ve found is that there is a strong arts and creative sector in the town, but people don’t profile themselves as coming from Walsall; they’ll say they’re from the West Midlands instead,” he said.
“The town is home to visionaries, innovators and creative thinkers and doers who are itching to build Walsall up and I want people to be proud of the town. The aim is to use this space as a place where we can help to transform the town into a place of creativity and innovation.
“I want to help make a place where existing communities and groups continue to work towards a better Walsall, and are resourced to serve the locality in deeper and more connected ways.
“By opening this space to the creative community, we can ensure it is used for social benefit. “The space will be co-designed by those who will use it. It has to be a collaboration.”
Andre, an architectural designer who lives in Walsall, said he had “an epiphany” last year after realising his work on improving the experiences of underserved communities through design was mainly centred on short-term contracts that brought about short-term impact. Instead, he wanted to focus on a large-scale programme that would bring about deep and meaningful long-term change.
“I’ve been living in Walsall for four years and decided I wanted to stay here, but build on the roots I’ve already developed,” he said. “I can see the value of the creative community here and want to harness it, but it has to be right for the town. It’s not a case of bringing a blueprint from elsewhere and expecting it to work – and that was what the creative groups I’ve worked with said, too.
“We’re at an exciting part of what I hope will be a long-term project with local groups, colleges, organisations and local authority. We really want to transform Walsall.”
KIONDO, the leading organisation that is applying for charity status, is to launch The People’s Design Studio at the end of September, with an event, called Blank Canvas, to kick-start the season.
Working in partnership with Walsall for All, Creative Black Country and Walsall Council, Blank Canvas will take place on September 26, starting from The People’s Design Studio, up to Park Street and to The Walsall New Art Gallery.
The launch event will involve the creation of three large murals that will focus on: live, work, and play. Locals will be asked what their dreams and ambitions are for the town and artists will fill in the canvasses to create a “manifesto” that will help to guide KIONDO’s work to support communities in the town.
At the same time there will be an online event, where locals can also contribute to the manifesto, and from the September 25-27, The People’s Design Studio will feature an exhibition by UKBFTOG (UK Black Female Photographers), as its first creative pop-up.
Work has already begun on the creation of a comprehensive online Walsall Arts Map named ‘Abundance’, which will culminate in a detailed digital resource highlighting arts, culture and leisure groups and activities in the borough.
KIONDO is also inviting the public to join the Walsall Placemakers Community, to bring together a diversity of local voices as to help shape Walsall’s future for the better.
Anyone interested in accessing The People’s Design Studio can apply to the trustees, who will review the applications. To support the project please donate to the Transforming Walsall Fund. For more details, email: Walsall@kiondo.co.uk
Our September editions are dropping through letterboxes throughout the local area. If you have not yet received yours don’t miss out. You can read all three of our local editions right here.
Find out what happened to the Streetly Phone Box in our Villages edition. We’ve introduced a new Social Media Diary page. It sums up what’s been going on on our Facebook and Twitter pages over the past few weeks. See if you got a mention!
Each edition is full of local news and community initiatives. This month Dr Ron Daniels an intensive care doctor at Heartlands and Good Hope offers encouraging and balanced advice on the current Coronavirus situation.
Happy reading and thank you for helping us to do our bit to help our local community.
Rob, Isabel & Toby Pearson Get To Grips With A Construction Project
Philosopher George Santayana once remarked that ‘a child only educated in school is an uneducated child.’
With lockdown removing most children from the classrooms, home schooling has been the ‘new normal’ for many.
“Opportunities to learn surround us in everything we do – it doesn’t just happen in school,” explained Head Teacher Helen Wright.
“Give a child your time and attention and they will learn and remember more than they will ever in the classroom.”
Parents across the country have risen to the challenge and we catch up with a couple of local dads in charge of lockdown lessons.
Rob Pearson swapped his day-to-day job as a building maintenance systems engineer for teacher when schools closed down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
His daughter Isabel, who attends Park Hall Infants Academy, enjoyed daily lessons from dad, while his school teacher wife Cassie continued her day job.
As well as the 3 Rs, Rob and Isabel enjoyed regular nature lessons – signing up for a five-week bird-watching survey with the British Ornithological Trust (BTO) and planting flowers and tracking them as they grew.
There was also plenty of play-style learning to help keep Isabel’s three-year-old brother Toby occupied, too.
The pièce de resistance for Rob was the science lessons – making different paper aeroplanes and measuring how far they fly, and building a wind turbine out of tin cans.
“I’ve been wanting to make one for a couple of years and as we had the chance to do it, we made it one of our projects,” said Rob, who was placed on furlough in April.
“Isabel helped where she could, with the gluing, looking at the instructions, and holding the pole in place, but I did the cutting and twisting the blades because the edges were sharp. It’s still in the garden now and looks great. I’ve enjoyed doing it for the past few weeks.”
It was DIY and science that Stuart Webb’s children enjoyed when he supervised their lockdown lessons.
The Aldridge dad of two, who works as a service manager for Walsall Council’s leisure services department, worked throughout the lockdown period, but was able to do the lessons when he took annual leave.
Martha, aged eight and in year four at Cooper & Jordan School, and her brother Henry, who is 11 and in year six at the school, have spent most of their time being supervised by their mother Kelly, who works at Bloxwich Leisure Centre as swimming instructor and receptionist.
But Stuart, who admitted he felt guilty about not being able to dedicate the same time to doing lessons with his children because of working, he ensured he did his bit on his days off.
His favourite project? A challenge from the school to create something from marbles – with his children, they collected old timber from the garage and other bits and bobs to make a pinball machine, which worked brilliantly, he said.
“We came up with the idea and they both did the sawing, drilling and hammering to make it – the kids absolutely loved it,” he said.
In fact, Martha enjoyed woodwork so much she enlisted Stuart to help her make a birdhouse from offcuts of wood.
Stuart also enjoyed a wind power science experiment that the children were asked to do at home, with cardboard, string and a hairdryer.
“We’ve also been on plenty of walks and bike rides, while Henry has been able to practise some cricket as the nets opened at Aldridge Cricket Club,” he added.
Would you like someone to talk to?
Tackling lonliness locally is difficult in a normal year. The onset of winter, dark evenings and Christmas are when many people, especially the elderly, feel loneliness and isolation most acutely. Before the Covid pandemic research was already showing that loneliness and isolation was on the rise. Now as we enter another national lockdown the impact on the health and well-being of the elderly is incalculable.
Our September editions are dropping through letterboxes throughout the local area. If you have not yet received yours don’t miss out. You can read all three of our local editions 