the herald

Autumn 2012 The Sandwell www.sandwell.gov.uk

In this issue...

Page Four Exams joy for young people

Page Four Boost for children’s services Baggies

Page Twelve Summer events picture legends special They changed the face of

Page Thirteen football Help in troubled times

Get social with Sandwell Government changes to benefits Will you be affected? See Page Three 2 from the editor... www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil From the ‘The Celebration’ Editor... A tribute statue to three Summer 2012 has been a time of celebration – from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to the players who changed football Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sandwell has played its part – with Jubilee events, Plans to immortalise iconic Albion events during the next two years including ‘The 1979 Club’ tens of thousands of us welcoming the Olympic stars Laurie Cunningham, Brendon Batson MBE – an exclusive club for 500 Baggies and other football torch and local people carrying the Olympic Flame and Cyrille Regis MBE have been announced by supporters to join and be involved with the project. and taking part in the London 2012 Games. Sandwell Council. Other planned activities include the publication of a What a summer it has been! In this edition of A 10ft bronze statue is to be erected in West Bromwich tribute magazine detailing the achievements of the three the Herald, we have tried to capture some of the town centre to celebrate the achievements of the trio who players which will be published in October to coincide fantastic events where Sandwell people have pioneered the way for black footballers in this country. with Black History Month. joined together. And our usual What’s On page The statue, called ‘The Celebration’, will be unveiled Other events will be announced in the coming weeks gives a taste of exciting events to come. on July 14 2014, the 25th anniversary of Laurie and months. To find out more, please call Jim Cadman There is much, too, in this edition about other Cunningham’s death in a car crash in Spain. on 07971 624627. achievements – including record school results, The initiative is being led by Black improvements to children’s services, booming Country businessman recycling rates, national awards for green spaces, Jim Cadman with the help improved homes and crime reductions. And of the council. our front page unveils plans for a statue – ‘The Renowned sculptor Graham Celebration’ – to recognise three Albion legends Ibbeson, who has created who changed the face of football. world famous statues But we know it’s not an easy time for many – including those of Eric that’s why we’ve included a detailed overview of Morecambe, William Government ‘welfare reform’ changes to benefits, Webb-Ellis and Don to help you understand what’s happening and Revie, will make the what help is available if you are affected. statue, which will We also feature our Help4U information events – show the three just one example of how the council is responding players celebrating to help residents through difficult times. after a winning Don’t forget – the Herald and latest council news goal has been is online at www.sandwell.gov.uk and you can scored. follow us on Twitter @sandwellcouncil and Money for the www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil statue will be raised via a number of projects and

Brendon Batson, Laurie Don’t lose Cunningham’s cousin Claudette Samuel and your vote Cyrille Regis, with Jim Cadman, Ron Atkinson Voters in Sandwell have a chance to go to the and council leader polls on 15 November to help elect the West Councillor Darren Cooper Midlands’ first police and crime commissioner. They will get polling cards telling them where they can vote just as they do for council and other elections. But they have to be on the electoral register to be Recycling rates rise again! able to cast their ballot.

A new register is due to be published on 16 Great news – we are now The dramatic increase in October, but there is still time for people to check DON’T FORGET! recycling more than half of all recycling rates follows Sandwell’s whether they are on it. Council elections staff are We now collect your green waste collected from homes appointment of Serco as its waste garden waste bin all year urging people to check by: partner in November 2010. phoning 0121 569 3220 in Sandwell! round. So make sure you • The partnership has overseen or emailing [email protected] Between April and June this year, keep using it this autumn and • a wide range of improvements The last day to register to vote is 31 October. nearly 53% of domestic waste from during the winter. the borough was sent for re-use, to waste and recycling services. This is also the deadline for applying for a postal vote. recycling or composting. All homes in the borough with kerbside collections now have During the same period last year, DID YOU KNOW? weekly domestic, recycling and food just 39% of rubbish from homes We collect up to 390,000 bins Published by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House, waste collections, while fortnightly Oldbury, B69 3DE was recycled. every week - that’s more than garden waste collections now run For general council enquiries please telephone 0845 358 2200 or 20 million each year! And the latest statistics are set throughout the year. email: [email protected] to send Sandwell shooting up the So a big thank you to everyone council recycling league table. The The new figures would lift it to 40th for recycling – keep up the When you have finished most recent league table, published in that list, making it the highest with the Sandwell Herald good work! for 2010/11, saw Sandwell ranked performing metropolitan or London please recycle it. www.sandwell.gov.uk/recycling 283rd out of 358 councils. borough council. Great people, Great place, Great prospects, Great performance 3 Welfare Reform

Councillor Steve Eling, Sandwell’s Changes could mean things like: what’s happening – and support you as This Herald looks at deputy leader and Cabinet member for • getting all your benefits in a single monthly changes take effect. Inevitably, there are limits two of the biggest payment on what we can do. As a council we are going changes in the strategic resources, writes: • getting less than you used to through multi-million pounds’ cuts in the cash pipeline – a switch to • running your household finances online we get from the Government. There’s no way something called Universal Credit and a The Government is making far-reaching • making rent payments yourself rather than we can shield our residents from the full impact big shake-up of housing benefit for social changes to the country’s benefits system. having them made for you of the changes. But there are things we can do housing tenants – and highlights where you Its ‘welfare reform’ changes will affect millions • having to contribute towards your rent. to help, and we are determined to do so. can go for help. Look out in future Heralds “of people, including many in Sandwell. The council wants to help you understand for more on ‘welfare reform’.

Universal Credit – benefit cap Housing benefit” The Department of Work and Pensions is because the system will be mainly computer- changes on the way introducing Universal Credit from April 2013. based, although help will be available for you. It brings together all existing benefits and sets At the moment some tenants have rent Social housing tenants – are you ‘under- (according to a limit on the amount of some benefits that payments made for them. Under Universal occupying’ your property? the Government’s working-age households can get. Credit tenants will be responsible for doing this From April next year a major change to housing rules) and 25% This limit (or cap) will mainly affect larger themselves. benefits will affect you if you are: for two or more families and people in high-rent areas – a People who won’t be affected • a council (Sandwell Homes) or housing extra bedrooms. This maximum of £350 a week for a single person means you will have to pay towards your rent. The cap won’t apply to you if at least one association tenant or £500 for a single parent or couple. person in your household (parent or disabled • of working age How will I make up any shortfall in rent? Benefits that count towards the cap include: dependent child) gets one of: • and are ‘under-occupying’ your home Options you can consider: • child benefit • Disability Living Allowance/Attendance (that is, live somewhere the Government • move to a smaller council or housing • working tax credit and child tax credit Allowance (or the new replacement for DLA, thinks is larger than your household needs). association home • housing benefit personal independence payment) How will these changes affect me? • move to a smaller, privately-rented home • income-based Jobseekers Allowance • Employment Support Allowance (in the If your home is thought to be larger than you • apply for a home swop (mutual exchange) • income-related Employment Support support group) need for your household size, your housing • stay where you are and pay the shortfall Allowance • war widow or widower’s pension benefit will be cut and you will have to pay yourself. • income support • working tax credit. towards your rent. • carers allowance. You may be able to rent out a room to help pay If you’ve been in work for 12 months and lose What does working age mean? the shortfall, and you may qualify for special help In effect, this means that some people will lose your job through no fault of your own, the cap Basically, working age is defined as below the (called Discretionary Housing Payment) but this benefit they’re currently getting over and above won’t apply to you for the first nine months of qualifying age for Pension Credit (in April 2013 is not guaranteed. the cap. your claim. If you’re likely to be affected by the this will be 61 years 6 months, but will increase You can get more guidance on the new Universal Credit will also mean getting all your cap, you should have had a letter about it from in line with the rise in pension age). ‘under-occupation’ measures and potential benefits in a single monthly payment. You will the Government. housing benefit cuts by contacting your need to know how to make your claim online The situation will be more complicated, though, for some couples, and if you are unsure whether local housing service centre or visiting you are of working age, you should ask for www.sandwellhomes.org.uk if you are a further advice. council (Sandwell Homes) tenant. Manage your money better How will they decide if my home is larger If you rent your home from a housing than my household needs? association, contact the association. Scheme to improve financial skills launched * There are several steps you People who won’t be affected in Sandwell can take to help deal with The Government’s rules will allow one bedroom for each of: • people over working age (see above) Government changes to the benefits system changes in your financial • a couple • pensioners (anyone getting a State will mean many people have to manage their circumstances: • over-16s Retirement Pension or Pension Credit) own financial affairs for the first time. • the council’s Welfare • two children of the same sex • disabled people in supported accommodation Rights Service can A new initiative to help tenants deal with day-to- • two children under 10 • homeless people in temporary help you get all the day money management – and get independent • any other child (other than a foster child or accommodation benefits you are advice on financial products and services – is child whose main home is elsewhere) entitled to People ‘under-occupying’ because of a death in set to launch in November. • a carer (or group of carers) providing overnight • a bank account so the family will be protected for up to 12 months. ‘Sandwell Financial Services Hub’ will support: care. you can pay bills by People who could previously afford to pay their • people renting social housing (from the direct debit is a good What will happen if I am ‘under-occupying’? rent and have not claimed housing benefit in the council or a housing association) for the way to manage your Your housing benefit will be cut by 14% if previous 52 weeks will be exempt for the first first time money & can reduce costs you are thought to have one extra bedroom 13 weeks of their claim. • tenants aged from 16 to 24 • an account with the local credit union • and people moving in and out of work. (www.sixtowns.co.uk) or a High Street The hub aims to help people become more building society can help you save and borrow financially aware and take control of safely and fairly Places to go for help domestic bills. • changing energy suppliers or tariffs can save The project is led by Housing you money, as well as give you energy saving We want to keep you up to date with the Bureau can advise on managing your Group together with Sandwell Council and tips: www.energyextra.co.uk/about_us.html Government changes and give you all the finances if you are worried about managing support we can. We are working with local your household budget once you start to get partners including Accord, Midlands Heart, Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to seek partners (including housing providers, Citizens your benefits monthly. Sandwell Community Information & short-term, high-interest loans. It is unlikely Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus and voluntary Partnership Service LTD, Sandwell Consortium they will help solve your financial problems. groups) to provide advice and guidance and CIC, Sandwell Homes and 6 Towns Credit Union. They are more likely to make them worse. to help people into work. Remember: To find out more email [email protected] • contact the council by visiting www.sandwell.gov.uk/welfarereform • your local Jobcentre Plus will be providing Useful Contacts National Debt Line extra back-to-work support to households which might be affected by the proposed Tax Credit Help Line 0808 808 4000 cap on household benefits. You will get early 0845 300 3900 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk access to the Work Programme if this is Credit Counselling Service Sandwell Citizens Advice Bureau appropriate. 0800 138 1111 0121 500 2700 • organisations such as the Citizens Advice 4 Mark our Scorecard Today! www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil

Exams joy for young people Fostering boost Pupils in Sandwell chalked up record GCSE results this year. A drive to improve children’s services in Sandwell has received a boost after a Government Many schools smashed through the “It should be remembered that 10 • Q3 Academy, – up 10 watchdog judged fostering for hundreds of young national average level for five or more years ago we had schools that were points to 76%. people in the borough is getting better. A* to C passes, including English and only getting single figures for the • , Council chiefs have welcomed Ofsted’s verdict - Maths, as the borough continued its number of pupils achieving five or Wednesbury – 70%, up from and pledged further progress to give young people year-on-year upward trend. more passes at A to C grades. No 59% last year, when the national the best start in life. Cabinet member for children and school in the borough was achieving average was 58% In their report, Ofsted said children and young families, Councillor Bob Badham, anything near the national average • Perryfields High, Oldbury – 65% people who have been fostered feel safe, secure said: “These are really pleasing and, figure. But now we have schools that • , Cradley and experience positive care. in some cases, excellent results, and for the last few years have regularly Heath – 57%, up nine points. clearly reflect the hard work being been breaking through it.” It added the council has a clear plan to recruit and put in by our schools, pupils and School successes for the proportion GCSE successes follow a bumper increase the number and expertise of foster carers. education staff at the council. of pupils scoring five or more crop of A-level passes this year – And it quoted a professional who works with the passes, including English and, according to provisional figures, fostering service, who said: “Overall, it is an improving Students at and Maths, at A* to C Sandwell’s best ever results in Key picture compared to about 18 months ago.” Perryfields High, Stage 2 tests for 11-year-olds. Oldbury, celebrate include: The verdict comes shortly after the council’s their GCSE results This in turn follows Sandwell’s children’s safeguarding service also scored an rating as the fourth most improved improved Ofsted rating. authority at KS2 last year. Cabinet member for children and families Councillor Provisional figures show more Bob Badham said: “We took action after a poor report Sandwell children than ever reaching on fostering 18 months ago and the service is now expected levels in English and rated adequate. There has been progress but our Maths, more than five points up on goal is to offer excellent children’s services so clearly last year and the biggest year-on- there is much more to do. We will remain focused on year improvement ever recorded by improvements and have already made a number of Sandwell primary schools. changes to build on the momentum we have.” Education chiefs expect results The council is on track to appoint an external published by the Government in partner to supply an interim director of children’s September will show Sandwell is services and a full package of support. The more than four points above last partnership is expected to last up to 30 months year’s national average. and will largely be paid for by savings in top management costs at the council. Sandwell Advert Final_Layout 1 26/01/2011 12:31 Page 2

Does your child attend a school in Sandwell and do you receive either: • Income Support? • Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)? • Guaranteed Pension Credit (including Child Tax Credit)? • Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance? • Support from National Asylum Support Service? • Child Tax Credit, with an annual income less than £16,190 and not in receipt of Working Tax Credit? If you have answered Yes, your child may be entitled to free school meals. For more information or to find out if you are eligible call 0121 569 8186/8189 or 8364 quoting ‘FREE HERALD’. Great people, Great place, Great prospects, Great performance 5

Snow Champions Refurb for wanted Apply for a free kit crematorium Rowley Regis Crematorium in Powke Lane will Could you help someone you know by clearing pavements in your street. undergo a £1.36million refurbishment next year. a pavement or footpath when it snows? In February this year, we Work is expected to start later this year and should be completed in late 2013. If so, why not become a Snow Champion? gave 2,500 Snow Champions The refurbishment will create a larger chapel with We’re giving away 5,000 shovels, salt tubs and a snow shovel, 3kg of rock more space for mourners, a new waiting room, better high-visibility vests to new Snow Champions salt and a high-visibility vest. parking facilities and a covered area for families to this winter. And when we had heavy snow in February, the Snow view floral tributes. All we ask is that you use the equipment to help Champions leaped into Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member others in your community if it snows. action and cleared for service improvement Councillor Mahboob Hussain That might mean clearing snow from the drive of pavements, paths and said: “The staff do a great job and look after bereaved a neighbour who would otherwise struggle to get drives around the borough. families and loved ones in a sensitive way in their time out, or maybe you would use your kit to clear the of need. “We want to provide the families who use Rowley HOW TO BECOME A SNOW CHAMPION: Regis Crematorium with a facility that is just as good as the new Sandwell Valley Crematorium.” You can apply for a Snow Champion kit between • If you don’t have access to the internet, please text Sandwell Valley Crematorium, previously called West or call us: Monday 29 October and Friday 9 November, 2012. Bromwich Crematorium, was completely rebuilt in Please do not apply before 29 October. Only one If you live in Smethwick, Oldbury or Rowley Regis text 2010. It now includes plenty of parking spaces and Snow Champion kit per Sandwell household. or call 07824 409020 with your name, full address an area for coaches, a café and a large, bright chapel. and phone number. Visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/rowleyregiscrem for It’s quick and easy to apply on our website or by email: If you live in Tipton, Wednesbury or West Bromwich more details. • Go to the council website and fill in an online form at text or call 07891 559152 with your name, full www.sandwell.gov.uk/snowchampion, or email address and phone number. [email protected] with your name, address and phone number

Applications to become a Snow Champion will CLOSE at 5pm on Friday 9 November 2012

DELIVERY: We will deliver Snow Champion kits during November.

TOP TIPS! • Once you get your Snow Champion kit delivered, put it away in the shed! We know you’ll be itching to use it, but please save the salt to use only if it snows. Open longer • Please clear the snow as best you can with your shovel before The opening hours of Sandwell’s cemeteries and putting down the salt. Don’t put salt straight on top of heavy snow. crematoria have been extended – meaning burials • You only need to put down a small amount of salt, around one and cremations can now be held on any day of tablespoon per square metre will do. the week. • We will try to deliver an extra tub of salt to all Snow Champions The seven-day opening of Sandwell Valley later in the winter if weather conditions and stocks allow. Crematorium and Rowley Regis Crematorium is • If you run out of salt – please use the salt from the yellow grit bins aimed at making it easier for people to make funeral you will find on Sandwell streets if you are clearing a pavement or arrangements. public footpath. You can also buy rock salt from garden centres and Services can be organised for any day except DIY stores. Table salt will also work. Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Couples can also book a wedding or civil partnership at Sandwell Register Office in West Bromwich on any day of the week. IMPORTANT NOTE TO PEOPLE WHO APPLIED LAST YEAR: For those who were Snow Champions last winter – thank you for everything you did. We’ll be delivering an Councillors’ extra tub of salt for you to use this winter - you should still have your vest and shovel. allowances The demand for kits was incredible last winter and we know that some people who applied were disappointed Find out how much Sandwell councillors got in allowances when we ran out of stock. in the financial year ending 31 March 2012 by going to: So this year we will be delivering Snow Champion kits www.sandwell.gov.uk/councillorsallowances to the 1,000 people who were too late last year. Please The payments are in line with a Members’ Allowances don’t apply again – we have kept your details. scheme adopted by the council in May 2011. For a paper copy contact Members’ Services on 0121 569 3044. 6 Mark our Scorecard Today! www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil6 www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil

Green Flag success 21s t Sandwell has notched up a record Community-run Warley Woods, which was voted top Green Flag park century number of Green Flag parks and in England in a public poll last year, has retained its Green Flag. green spaces this year – including Council-run Tipton Cemetery keeps its status and Sandwell Valley the first crematorium in the Crematorium, West Bromwich, has gained a Green Flag for the libraries Midlands to receive the status. first time after a major £3.25 million refurbishment. This is the Sandwell libraries have transformed There is now a council-run park in first crematorium to achieve the award in the Midlands. Moorlands services to their customers with: each of the six towns that boasts the Allotments, West Bromwich, and Barnford Park & Farm Road • ‘24/7’ access to reserve and prestigious award – the first time this Allotments, Oldbury, have kept their status, with Dingley Road renew items online at has happened. They are: Allotments, Wednesbury, earning its first Green Flag. www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries • Barnford Park, Oldbury The Green Flag is the national standard for parks and green • Wi-Fi in Oldbury and Blackheath • Brunswick Park, Wednesbury spaces that are welcoming, safe and well-maintained with libraries, with others set to follow • Park, strong community involvement. • Self-service kiosks in all libraries • Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Ian • A new Sandwell Libraries • Victoria Park, Smethwick Staff at Sandwell Valley Jones said: “I am tremendously proud to have a Green Flag ‘app’ for smartphones - download Crematorium celebrate the • Victoria Park, Tipton Green Flag Award in each of the six towns, with 12 flags in total now across free of charge from ‘app’ stores Sandwell. I thank all the council and Serco staff, Friends groups • A new renewals hotline – and volunteers who have helped make this happen.” 0845 352 4949 – and email Meanwhile, Sandwell’s Mayor Councillor Keith Davies has renewal reminders planted an oak tree in a park in each of the six towns to • New online resources including commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. ‘Go Citizen’ for those studying The trees have been planted at Dartmouth Park, West Citizenship and ‘Theory Test Pro’ Bromwich; Brunswick Park, Wednesbury; Victoria Park, Tipton; for learner drivers Haden Hill Park, Cradley Heath; Barnford Park, Oldbury; For further information telephone and Victoria Park, Smethwick. 0121 569 4911 or visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries Left: Mayor Councillor Keith Davies plants an oak tree at Green Flag-awarded Victoria Park, Tipton, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with Friends and councillors. Sandwell Valley Country Park

A hidden oasis in the West Midlands JUST 5 MINS FROM Visit the award-winning Sandwell Valley Country Park J1, M5 Sandwell Park Farm | Forge Mill Farm | Nature Reserves Enjoy the Adventure Playground, High Ropes, Tennis, Fishing, Cycle Hire, Nature Trails and much more. FREE entry and parking (entrance charges apply to Sandwell Park Farm)

Sandwell Park Farm, Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG T: 0121 553 0220 W: www.sandwell.gov.uk/sandwellvalley 7 Portway Stepping up social work progress Former primary school teacher Kate Edmonds is part way through an intensive course Work is on track on an £18m leisure, health in social work in Sandwell. and social care centre in Sandwell despite the downpours over the summer. She and four others What’s the best thing about the course? At the moment I am working in Tipton, Portway Lifestyle Centre is taking shape at beat thousands of The best thing for me is being out in the and I can see Sandwell Council is making the site of the old Oldbury Leisure Centre. other candidates to community with people. I feel I have learnt how positive changes to move together in the win a place on Step to engage with families and listen to people right direction as a borough. Contractor Thomas Vale has started work on Up To Social Work, which helps me support them properly. I am the building’s steel frame and was expected Any advice for people thinking of which mixes frontline a ‘people person’ and being a social work to start the brickwork at the time the Herald applying for the next course? work and academic student means I get to meet lots of new went to press. The firm expects to hand over Do it! No, honestly, if you think or know study and takes 18 people, both at work and in the community. the completed building by late summer 2013. that you want to be a social worker, I would months instead of the And the hardest? highly recommend applying for Step Up The lifestyle centre is a joint scheme between usual two years. The Herald caught up The hardest part so far was actually the to Social Work course. Sandwell has been Sandwell Council, Sandwell Leisure Trust, with her to ask her how she’s found the application and interview stages. It was a a fantastic borough to work in and the Sandwell Primary Care Trust and Sandwell last six months. Liftco. Sport England has provided £1.5m gruelling process but I think it prepared university has supported me along the way, for the centre, which will serve disabled and What have you done since starting the me well for the course. Going from full- allowing me to embark upon my social abled-bodied people equally. course? time work as a teacher back into lectures work career positively and successfully. at university is still strange for me. Councillor Steve Eling, deputy leader, said: My life has completely changed over the Factfile “Thomas Vale has faced some difficult past six months! It has felt like six weeks What’s next? Step Up To Social Work is run by weather conditions since work began but it’s as time really has flown! University has We finish our first placement in November Sandwell and four other local authorities. on schedule to deliver what will be one of the been very busy with four assignments and start the second placement in the Recruits have at least a 2.1 degree in most modern leisure centres in the country.” completed so far and we are coming to the local authority children’s services offices a subject other than social work, A*- C www.slt-leisure.co.uk end of our first placement which has been in February. I am really looking forward to grades in English and maths and 12 in family support teams in a Children’s the fast pace of frontline social work and months’ experience working with children Centre. There have been lots of things to developing myself professionally. I see and families. Currently recruits receive a learn, lots of people to get to know, and social work as my vocation, not my job. £22,000 bursary. lots of policies and procedures to abide by, but my mentor Anna Kudryl has taught me Your home town is Coventry. What do A new course is due to start next a lot and encouraged me to step out of my you think of the Black Country? September, depending on Government comfort zone to develop professionally and Sandwell is a large borough but there is a funding. For further information email enhance my skills to use in social work. great sense of community and pride here. [email protected] Are you flu safe?

Get the jab! “Flu can be a serious “ illness... are you at risk? Getting a flu jab can protect you all winter. It’s free if you are pregnant, over 65, or have a health condition such as severe asthma, diabetes, a chest, heart, liver or kidney The flu jab complaint, or lowered immunity. can’t give you flu It’s quick, safe and free. To book your jab, speak

www.nhs.uk/ u to your GP practice today. 8 Mark our Scorecard Today! Do you know Safer 6 who is taking you is back! home tonight? Safer 6 is back – six weeks of intensive action across Sandwell’s six towns to help keep the borough safe and clean. The campaign will run from October 15 day out throughout the year to tackle crime until November 25. It follows the success and anti-social behaviour. of Safer 6 campaigns in 2010 and 2011. Safer 6 is all about organisations targeting Joining forces are the council, police, fire their efforts and providing extra reassurance service, probation, health, housing and during the darker nights, fireworks and transport services, schools and many more. bonfire season, a time when crime and anti- They will work with the community to tackle social behaviour can often rise. crime and anti-social behaviour, clean up For the latest on the Safer Sandwell ‘grot spots’ and promote crime prevention. Partnership’s Safer 6 campaign, visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/safer6 and The campaign ties in with Alcohol www.sandwellpolice.org.uk. Follow Awareness Week (19 to 25 November). updates on Twitter @sandwellcouncil and Organisations work closely together day in, @sandwellpolice with the #Safer6 hashtag. CCTV success Sandwell Council’s network of CCTV cameras across the borough, monitored at Sandwell Homes’ state- of-the-art control room, is continuing to help police and other partners cut crime and anti-social behaviour. In 2011/12, footage helped police make at least 50 arrests. CCTV control room Gold theft ALWAYS, ALWAYS warning With the high price of gold, police are urging use a taxi or pre-booked people to keep their jewellery safe. They recommend that if people choose to wear a valuable gold chain while out and about, to

Licensed Private Hire Vehicle wear it underneath clothing to help Police patrols prevent thieves trying to steal it. on the Metro

Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Beware of scams! Sandwell Council’s trading standards He advised anyone who has given team is warning residents to be wary personal bank details to contact their Tel: 0845 359 7545 after an increase in scams involving bank immediately to stop or check any phone calls or emails from people unauthorised transactions. www.sandwell.gov.uk/taxi falsely claiming to be from legitimate He said: “Do not transfer money unless organisations. you are absolutely confident the company is legitimate.” Scammers trick members of the public by suggesting they could be owed money Cabinet member for neighbourhood – often for repayment of bank charges, services Councillor Ian Jones said: “I would payment protection insurance (PPI) or a urge anyone receiving cold calls purporting court settlement. Then they ask for an ‘up to come from legitimate organisations to front’ payment from the consumer so they think very carefully before handing over can get the money. money or sharing personal details.” Mark Beesley, area trading standards Anyone who believes they have been a officer, said: “Genuine organisations would scam victim should report the matter to never contact consumers asking them for Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, who personal bank details, or request an ‘up will pass on reports to the National Fraud front’ payment by money transfer.” Intelligence Bureau. 9 Safety success Report it Keeping people safe and the borough clean and tidy are key For crime and priorities. general anti-social

The Safer Sandwell Partnership includes behaviour concerns Sandwell Council, Sandwell Police, West Call 101 Midlands Fire Service, health, probation Operation Unite 24 hour non-emergency police number and housing services and other local Targeting known offenders, Unite helped Always call 999 in an emergency organisations. The Herald reviews some cut burglary by 26% (555 fewer victims) key Sandwell successes of the past year. and robbery by 27% (286 fewer victims). Crime down The police, council and partners set up a For fly tipping, litter, metal theft team to tackle offenders and There were 3,500 fewer victims of crime work with scrap metal dealers, cutting graffiti, abandoned vehicles, during the past year, a 15% fall. metal thefts by more than half. dog fouling and noise Most serious violence has fallen 18%, A new ‘trusted trader’ scheme involves representing 62 fewer victims. businesses looking out for offenders Report online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/reportit Recorded crime levels here are half what selling on stolen goods. they were 10 years ago. Partners are Email [email protected] working hard to build on these results. Reoffending rates Sandwell is the eighth best performing Call 0845 359 7501 Big Spring Clean area in England and Wales at reducing More than 2,500 volunteers, including 46 reoffending. The reoffending rate is 17% schools, took part in this year’s campaign. lower than the government prediction. They cleared 12 tonnes of litter and green Six hundred offenders sentenced to waste and planted 60 trees and 500 plants Community Payback did 55,000 hours of unpaid work in Sandwell over the past year, including cleaning up ‘grot spots’ and community buildings. This equates to The council provides 24 youth clubs, 18 Domestic violence £334,000 worth of free labour. detached teams, five young people’s multi- Over 1,200 domestic abuse victims activity centres and six town youth councils. were supported between April 2011 and Young people have worked with police June 2012 by independent domestic and partners to build improved relations violence advocates (IDVAs) from Sandwell and a 10-point youth engagement plan. Women’s Aid, Sandwell Council and Sandwell Primary Care Trust. Preventing One client, who was helped into a safe The AA clean up in Oldbury offending house, said: “Without his help I don’t know The number of first-time young offenders what would have happened to me.” Tackling problems in Sandwell has fallen by 52% over the Sandwell Women’s Aid supported 282 Around 2,000 people attended forum past three years. adult victims and 59 child victims of meetings and ‘face the people’ sessions And offences committed by young sexual violence during the same period. in 2011/12 with councillors, council offenders who have been supported by Reoffending by offenders who successfully neighbourhood managers, police and others. completed Staffordshire and West Midlands The council and Community Payback clean a ‘grot services have dropped by 35% over the More than 2,000 community issues – spot’ in Wednesbury past three years. Probation’s Integrated Domestic Abuse ranging from fly tipping and litter hotspots Sandwell’s targeted youth support team Programme was half the rate predicted. to groups hanging around – were tackled. Clean Sweep is helping to keep young offenders in Visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/safer for more The council’s anti-social behaviour team The council and waste partner Serco ran education, training or employment. information, and www.sandwellpolice.org.uk have secured 43 court injunctions and 41 an intensive spring campaign to target anti-social behaviour orders over the past grime hot spots and clear away litter, fly Drugs and alcohol Follow us on Twitter @sandwellpolice and 18 months to curb people’s bad behaviour. tipped rubbish, graffiti and dog mess. More people are recovering from drugs @sandwellcouncil and on Facebook at The council has also stepped up its and alcohol thanks to the pilot Freedom www.facebook.com/sandwellpolice and dog fouling crackdown, with wardens Project launched in Sandwell last year. www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil issuing more fines to the small minority The scheme offers recovery support, of irresponsible owners and raising training to become peer mentors and awareness through posters, letters and access to work experience. Did you know? giving out dog mess bags. The project, part of Recovery in Neighbourhood forums are held four Youth activities Sandwell, provides a drug and alcohol times a year in all 24 wards. Hear free supported accommodation unit updates from the police and council Over 5,800 young people got involved in Smethwick and an active recovery and raise any concerns. Check your in targeted youth activities in 2011/12, community hub in West Bromwich, with area’s next meeting date at ranging from sports to music activities. community-based satellite services to www.sandwell.gov.uk/getinvolved And 2,000 took part in the summer 2012 follow in Smethwick and Tipton. or call 0121 569 4641. Council wardens on patrol in Smethwick youth activities programme. 10 www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil New Square latest Surgeries for More shops and restaurants have been announced for the New council tenants Square development in West Bromwich town centre. Special drop-in surgeries have been Deichmann, Harvester and Phones 4u are the three The development will have a leisure quarter introduced in libraries and community latest names to sign up for the development. with an Odeon cinema, restaurants and bars, centres in Sandwell to improve links with They are to join those already announced for when including Nandos and Prezzo, and will create New Square opens in summer 2013: around 2,000 jobs. tenants across the borough. You can view the New Square development as it’s built • Tesco Extra • Primark • Next Norman Fletcher, Sandwell Homes’ general manager for housing at www.sandwell.gov.uk/westbromwebcam • JD Sports • Bank • Arcadia services, said: “This is an excellent scheme where people can seek advice and information when they pop in to the local library or attend activities or meetings at community centres.”

Oldbury Community Room, Lancaster Wednesdays 2pm – 3pm House, Oldbury Road, B65 0QE Rounds Green Library, Wednesdays 9.30am – 1pm Martley Road, Oldbury

Rowley Oakham Library, Poplar Rise, Mondays 9.30am – 1pm Tividale, B69 1RD Holy Cross Church, Ashleigh Wednesdays 9.00am – 12 noon Road, Tividale, B69 1LL Cradley Heath Library, Fridays 9.30am – 11.30am Upper High Street Addenbrooke Court, Tuesdays 9am – 11am Health funding call Community Room, Southbank Road, , B64 6LJ Sandwell Council is calling on the factors rather than deprivation levels. Government to rethink proposed funding Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for health Smethwick rules for public health services which could and commissioning Councillor Paul Moore see it lose around £2.4m a year. said: “We are happy to take over public health Flat 5, Elmcroft, Windmill Tuesdays 10am – 12.30pm Lane, B66 3JN The local authority will next year take over because we can take a broad view of what is Thursdays 3pm – 5pm improving, protecting and promoting public best for Sandwell but there has to be a level Thimblemill Library, Wednesdays 3.30pm – 5pm health from Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT). playing field. Thimblemill Road, B67 5RJ (Community “The amount we will receive for public health This includes services such as drug and alcohol Room 1) treatment and cancer prevention. in 2014/15 is set to fall, which will have an impact on what we can do. Fridays 10am – 12.30pm But under proposed rules it will have to provide (main library) these services with less money from 2014/15. “We have written to the Government urging it to ensure areas with high deprivation like Sandwell Peartree House Communal Mondays 2pm – 4pm This is because the amount local authorities do not lose out.” Room, Vicarage Road, receive will mainly depend on age-related B68 8JD

Tipton Great Bridge Library, Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm Pool plans making a Sheepwash Lane, DY4 7JF Thursdays 10am – 11am Tibbington Office, Mondays 3.30pm – 5.30pm Laburnum Road splash! Wednesdays 3pm – 5.30pm Fridays 11am – 1pm Sandwell is making a splash with plans for West Bromwich Leisure Centre Wednesbury several new swimming pools over the next Plans for a new swimming pool and leisure few years. centre in West Bromwich took a major step forward Priory Sure Start Centre, Wednesdays 9.30am – 10.30am Here the Herald catches up with the pool projects in the summer after Sandwell Council appointed Dorsett Road, Friar Park, for Tipton and West Bromwich. DC Leisure to deliver the scheme. WS10 0JG

Tipton Swimming Centre The award-winning company has been chosen to West Bromwich design, build, run and maintain the £11m town centre Work on the new 25-metre, six-lane Tipton complex which is due to open in summer 2014. Stone Cross Library, Beverley Tuesdays 10am – 12 noon Swimming Centre is now well under way. The centre, Road, Stone Cross, West The centre, being built on the corner of Moor Street which is being built on land between Alexandra Road Bromwich, B71 2LH and Barton Street, will feature a 25-metre pool, and Thursfield Road, is set to open in spring 2013. learner pool, sauna and steam room, four-court Community Room, Kenrick Mondays 1pm – 3pm It will also feature a learner pool, dance studio and Park, Green Street, sports hall and fitness suite. There will also be two Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon 50 gym fitness stations. The centre will be run by dance studios and activity rooms, an indoor children’s West Bromwich

Sandwell Leisure Trust. adventure play centre and a café. www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil 11

Bright future for Don’t miss out on free council tenants insulation A bright new future for housing in Sandwell has which two thirds of the 1,500 tenants who The race is on for Sandwell households looking to been revealed to the borough’s 29,000 tenants – responded either supported or were neutral about the get their home insulated for free during 2012. a 10-year investment plan with new council homes council’s proposals. Until the end of this year, households in the borough being built and more than 7,000 properties being Councillor Hackett said: “Sandwell Homes has done can take advantage of free loft and cavity wall insulation improved. some great work to improve housing over the years regardless of their income. Sandwell Council has drawn up a far-reaching plan to for thousands of tenants – and we thank the board, The unbeatable deal is being promoted by West plough almost £500 million into improving the living chair, employees, tenants and everyone involved. Midlands Warm Zone, the only insulation scheme standards for people in council-owned homes across “Now the time has come for us to find a new way to endorsed by Sandwell Council. the six towns. keep improving homes and services. The offer features free loft insulation for any private The council is taking over direct control of housing “With the Government having cut Decent Homes household – owned or rented – subject to existing loft services from Sandwell Homes on 1 January 2013 money, we need to make savings by avoiding thickness, as well as free cavity wall insulation. and has exciting plans for improvements to homes. duplication of services and management structures Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, This follows Government cuts to the Decent Homes between Sandwell Homes and Sandwell Council. This said: “By having loft and cavity wall insulation installed programme of improvements, which were mainly money can then be ploughed back into improvements for free, households will also save money on energy bills carried out on behalf of the council by Sandwell and frontline services. for years to come. Homes and its contractors. “The consultation shows there is no significant “An insulated home will be easier to heat – and people Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for opposition – and I can assure tenants we will be could save up to £175 a year by installing loft insulation.” involving them throughout and listening to their views housing, said the council believed that money saved Free insulation is currently possible because of on options for the future. by returning the organisation to council control Government subsidies, which are due to end in would provide more cash for improving homes and “Our 10-year investment programme is very exciting December. frontline services. news for tenants - and will see us working to provide Offers of the free insulation are subject to a survey. And the savings will form part of a new £490 million the next generation of good quality, warm and energy housing investment plan for Sandwell over the next 10 efficient homes for the future. If you are interested in the office, please call years, which will see significant improvements to homes “For the first time in a generation the council will build West Midlands Warm Zone before Christmas and estates as well as new council houses built. new council houses year on year starting this current 2012 on 0800 033 7967. The move follows an independently-led consultation in financial year.” Tenants hail improved homes Tenants across the borough have highly praised the Councillor Hackett said: “This was another big improvements in living standards they now enjoy excellent scheme and it was wonderful to hear the after huge investments in modernisation schemes on tenants’ comments.” many of the council estates. It was the same story at the Manor Road estate in Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, Smethwick where upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and said he had been delighted with the response from heating were warmly welcomed by tenants. tenants on estates he had visited in recent weeks. One delighted tenant Elsie Statten said she was really He said: “Wherever I have been the tenants have delighted with the new kitchens and bathroom. “It is lovely to been praising the improvements to their homes and have all these new things and I have thanked the councillors the work of Sandwell Council, Sandwell Homes and for the work on our estate,” she said. Russell House, Wednesbury the contractors.” Councillor Hackett got a warm welcome on the Cotterills where people were proud to live after getting a range of Councillor Hackett said the £19 million improvements Farm estate in Tipton where homes are being surveyed upgrades. at Kenrick Park in West Bromwich for a range of major improvements. Most tenants have had made a once run-down “There is no doubt the estate is a good advertisement for been surveyed for improvements to kitchens, bathrooms, estate a place Sandwell with its brightly-coloured blocks being seen by heating and external works. many thousands of people from the M5 motorway every Councillor Hackett said: “This is great news for the day,” he said. And tenant Lyn Colley said she was now people at Cotterills “very proud to live on the estate”. She said: “It was Farm and during our a wonderful scheme and we now live on a very discussions with them attractive estate.” it was clear that they Tenants at Russell House were delighted too are delighted. with improvements to their Wednesbury block “We have worked where a £2.8 million scheme improved lifts, hard to achieve this communal areas, windows and balconies, and result and it is further provided new, glazed front and rear entrances evidence that despite as well as colourful external works. the Government Tenant John Grosvenor said he had nothing scrapping Decent but praise for the work that has been done Homes funding we and said the contractors Wates Living Space will continue to do and Sandwell Homes employees had done a our best for tenants Councillor Simon Hackett with tenants on the Cotterills Farm estate, Tipton “brilliant job” for them. across the borough.” Kenrick Park, West Bromwich 12 www.sandwell.gov.uk/mycouncil Sandwell’s summer snapshot...

More than 7,800 children and parents enjoyed CBeebies’ Mr Bloom performing at Sandwell Valley.

The Sandwell‘Olympic Leisure heroes’Trust team to the brought Sandwell along Community some life-size Show.

A new world record for bhangra dancing was set in Wednesbury as part of Sant Nirankari Mission’s Oneness celebrations.

Gymnast Kristian Thomas, who won bronze at London 2012, passes the Olympic torch onto Benjamin Lee in Smethwick High Street. Crowds gathered with civic leaders and servicemen and women past and present for Armed Forces Day in Oldbury Civic Square.

Olympic torchbearers from Sandwell met the Mayor Councillor Keith Davies on the opening The Olympic torch arrives in Oldbury, carried by day of the Olympic Games. John Ovis and Kate Lawler. Over 40,000 people lined Sandwell’s streets to welcome the Olympic F lame.

Thousands enjoyed the fun of the annual Sandwell Community Show at Sandwell Valley. Sandwell’s Mayor and Mayoress joined bell-ringers at the Salvation Army, Cradley Heath, as part of a nationwide event on the opening day of the Olympic Games.

Sandwell joined international celebrations to mark 50 years of Shakespeare and the Sandwell Giant (aka Walter Parsons) Tens of thousands of people enjoyed the & Sandwell featured in a community procession in West Bromwich town Mela at Victoria Park, Smethwick. Jamaican independence. centre during the finale of the Sandwell Arts Festival. Great people, Great place, Great prospects, Great performance 13 Council pledges help in troubled times

Problems facing families in information, advice and tips. recession-hit Britain make it The events brought together a range of council and other Council staff are to take part in fund raising events – even more important for the services from voluntary sector agencies and private sector including cake sales and raffles – on 28 September council to do all it can to help, companies. for Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest says a senior councillor. Councillor Hussain, said: “Our Help4U events aim to give Coffee Morning. Councillor Mahboob Hussain, pictured centre, said: “We’re happy to be taking part And he is pledging to step up people practical information and tips on how to save to help raise money for an important cause.” efforts to listen – and respond – to money, and details of benefits they may be entitled to. what residents say. “They also give general advice on matters such as The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning will be held at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury. The Macmillan Deputy leader and cabinet member for service housing and employment. Mobile Information Unit will also be at the council on improvement Councillor Mahboob Hussain said: “Things “It’s about helping people to save money or get benefits the day, which will be open to any other passers-by are hard for many people at the moment as the country that they were not aware were available to them. In who would like more information about Macmillan goes through difficult times. difficult financial times, this can make a major difference and cancer-related issues. “The council is affected, too, because we have lost many to people.” millions of pounds in cash from the Government. • Meanwhile, summer roadshows “But we are all the more determined to make sure the in Sandwell have given residents money we have goes as far as it can to help families. And a chance to say what they think it is even more important to listen to what residents tell us of council services. Over 2,000 and respond to their views and needs. residents have filled in surveys at a “That’s why, for example, we are looking into following series of My Council roadshows at up a public consultation earlier this year and opening the venues across Sandwell’s six towns council house at Oldbury on Saturday mornings – and and the Sandwell Community Show. Now the roadshows late on Wednesday evenings – so people have more time will be going out and about to community groups who to get advice and pay bills.” would like to provide feedback on council services. Councillor Hussain’s pledge follows a series of Help4U If you’re a member of a local group and would like to host events in each of Sandwell’s six towns this year which or attend an event, email marketing_publicity@sandwell. gave over 1,000 residents a chance to pick up practical gov.uk or speak to the marketing team on 0121 569 2367.

Sudoku Fill the grid Prize Puzzles 2 3 4 6 8 so that every 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 column, row Crossword and 3 X 3 8 3 4 2 5 7 Across Down box has the 9 10 1. One of the seasons (6) 1. Cease (4) 9 1 3 7 8 numbers

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5. Floods (7) 13 11. Not there (4) 2 8 5 12. A country (7) 6. South Asian country (5) 14 15 16 17 9 6 2 7 14. Sibling (6) 7. Teams losing one nil 18 are this (4,4) 16. Avoid (6) 1 9 6 4 2 3 8. On top of (5) 19 20 21 19.  Robin Hood was good at this (7) 13. Killer (8) Name...... Telephone ...... 22 21. Little person (4) 15. Lift up (7)

23 24 23. ___ bifida (5) 17. Tolkien’s little people (7) Find the following words 18. Greek monster (5) 24. On top of a house (7) Wordsearch concealed in the grid: 20. Wept (5) 25. Prods gently (6) Three 25 26 D N U O R A N R U T 26. American inventor (6) 21. Fair haired (5) Degrees

22. Short for against (4) D E G R E E S X W S Welfare Name...... Across TelephoneDown ...... O J T R E T S O F U Reform 1. One of the seasons (6) 1. Cease (4) S N O I T C E L E C School 4. Bordering (6) 2. Miss Piggy was one of them (7) Successes K V Z F D M C B R C 9. AgainstWin (7) £25 in Sainsbury’s3. Follow (5) vouchers Foster 10. Girl’s name (5) 5. Floods (7) X Q U B R N Y P A E Turnaround 11. NotSend there your (4) answers to The Editor,6. Sandwell South Asian Herald, country (5) Lucky voucher winners from puzzles Y L O O H C S D F S Police 12. ACommunications country (7) Unit, Sandwell Council7. Teams House, losing oneFreeth nil areStreet, this (4,4) in the last Herald are: Z Q F J I V J I L S Elections 14. SiblingOldbury (6) B69 3DE by 3 November8. 2012.On top of (5) • Crossword, Mrs Page, West Bromwich First correct entry for each puzzle out of the hat wins the prize. G E W P Y T H R E E 16. Avoid (6) 13. Killer (8) • Sudoku, Mrs Warren, Great Barr 19. RobinThe editor’sHood was decision good at is this final (7) and 15.no Liftcorrespondence up (7) will be R E C I L O P L W S entered into. • Wordsearch, Mrs Purslow, West Bromwich 21. Little person (4) 17. Tolkien’s little people 7) 23. ___ bifida (5) 18. Greek monster (5) Name...... Telephone ...... 24. On top of a house (7) 20. Wept (5) 25. Prods gently (6) 21. Fair haired (5) 26. American inventor (6) 22. Short for against (4)

14 your councillors

Sandwell’s 72 councillors are here to represent you. Contact your They hold regular ‘surgeries’ where you can go to discuss council-related issues. Ring 0121 569 3129 or 0121 569 3044 to get details of exactly when and where. You can also ring these numbers if you are unsure who your councillors are. councillor You can also contact councillors through their website: www.councillor.info/sandwell

Abbey Ward Great Barr with Yew Tree Ward Oldbury Ward St Paul’s Ward

Steve Dr. Ann Bob Shirley Steve Christopher Susan Elaine Mahboob Zahoor Babu Singh Preet Kaur Eling Jaron Piper Hosell Melia Worsey Downing Giles Hussain Ahmed Bawa OBE Gill 0121 569 3045 0121 429 9216 0121 429 4276 07891 699992 0121 502 5751 07772 895004 07976 042372 07779 624102 07796 337799 07896 850928 07815 567280 07891 169501

Blackheath Ward Great Bridge Ward Old Warley Ward Tipton Green Ward

Malcolm Kerrie Bob Pete Joanne Derek Dr. Trevor Susan Steve Ahmadul Ian Syeda Bridges Carmichael Price Allen Hadley Rowley Crumpton Crumpton Trow Haque MBE Jones Khatun MBE 07815 567268 07905 274227 0121 559 6412 07976 958843 07815 567413 0121 569 4134 07714 116434 07854 374855 07768 610460 07786 277367 07876 131414 07766 421436

Bristnall Ward Greets Green & Lyng Ward Princes End Ward Tividale Ward

Lucy Steven Ann Bob John Gurcharan Suzanne Stephen Bill Lorraine Maria Jayne Cashmore Frear Jarvis Badham MBE Edwards Singh Sidhu Hartwell Jones Cherrington Ashman Crompton Wilkinson 07854 487962 07814 212572 07891 162762 0121 569 3114 0121 531 5060 0121 553 3090 07791 546690 07833 682585 07786 265 056 07875 504918 01384 258609 07815 567562

Charlemont with Grove Vale Ward Hateley Heath Ward Rowley Ward Wednesbury North Ward

Anne Liam Tony Pat Paul Paul Susan Barbara Chris Elaine Peter Mavis Hughes Preece Ward Davies Moore Sandars Eaves Price Tranter Costigan Hughes Hughes 0121 532 6288 07794 088243 07810 850959 07771 955605 07969 138038 07711 625074 07794 088247 0121 559 6412 07853 969 171 0121 526 2757 07896 914849 07970 131138

Cradley Heath & Old Hill Ward Langley Ward Smethwick Ward Wednesbury South Ward

John Ann Julie Mick Yvonne Sharon Keith Linda Vic Elizabeth Olwen Pam Tipper Shackleton Webb Davies Davies Davies Davies Horton Silvester Giles Jones Hughes 07501 066202 0121 550 1245 01384 638588 07976 916263 07772 405686 07735 619794 07836 512941 0121 569 5551 0121 423 3369 07814 212575 07814 708869 0121 556 5005

Friar Park Ward Newton Ward Soho & Victoria Ward West Bromwich Central Ward

Joy Simon Geoff David Joyce Tony Darren Roger Mohammed Bawa Singh Kim Mohinder Edis Hackett Lewis Hosell Underhill Underhill Cooper Horton Rouf Dhallu Frazer Singh Tagger 0121 601 8196 07813 989422 0121 556 4253 07896 690512 0121 358 5742 0121 358 5742 07887 567744 0121 558 8719 07766 421423 07891 297574 07976 056515 0121 553 1052 Great people, Great place, Great prospects, Great performance 15 Great autumn at The Public Alexei Sayle returns to the stand-up stage after 16 years as The Public hosts a mix of nationally and internationally known artists in coming months.

Audiences at the West Bromwich venue will be treated to a The best of Birmingham’s ‘Be Festival’ (31 October) choice of music, comedy, dance and theatre. Highlights of a will showcase daring and delightful theatre from across star-studded comedy programme include: Europe, and there will be a fun-packed week of half- • the charismatic Patrick Monahan, who returns on 28 term activities from 22 – 26 October including a drama September (after a sell-out show in 2011) to compere workshop, Diwali art workshop, family arts and crafts day The Public Comedy Showcase, headlined by the and the captivating children’s theatre production ‘The unmissable Ray Peacock with support from Kabir Singh Frog Who Wouldn’t Hop.’ and Lovdev Barpaga; The exciting ‘Light Up Digital’ exhibition (a celebration of • Liverpudlian Sayle on 17 October; light and dark by cutting-edge digital artists) launches on 7 November. • intelligent, straight-talking social commentary from inimitable Australian and ex-heavy metal drummer Steve Don’t miss The Public’s celebration of Black History Hughes (3 November); Month and Diwali including SALUTE – A Black History Month Cultural Extravaganza on 6 October and Diwali • the beautifully insane Bridget Christie (26 October) celebrations on 10 November. and her brand of baffling stand-up with a brilliant political bite; Managing director Linda Saunders said: “We have a great programme of entertainment, community and family • and Piff the Magic Dragon (16 November), dubbed ‘a activities this autumn. stunningly good magician’ on ITV’s ‘Penn and Teller: Fool Us’. “Some of the finest upcoming and established comics will grace the stage along with a whole host of talented artists Music-wise, Fred Zeppelin pay tribute to Led Zeppelin on 2 For more information visit and performers, guaranteed to keep you entertained.” November. www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161

Spectate_Sandwell Show A4:Spectate_Sandwell Show A4 13/08/2012 13:47 Page 1 Young Are you people’s inspired to play more focus sport in Sandwell’s Youth Cabinet at their Alternative Olympics event 2012? Sandwell Shadow Youth Cabinet Chair We have also been working closely with Wasim Ali reflects on summer 2012. transport organisations and will be visiting the It’s been a very busy summer for the bus depot in West Bromwich with Councillor Shadow Youth Cabinet, with lots of events Roger Horton. Another forthcoming and meetings to make sure the voice of engagement is a West Midlands Police young people in the borough is clearly consultation event in September. heard. Two of our United Kingdom Youth One of the most enjoyable was the Parliament representatives, Abu Syddek and Jugan Sahota, attended the weekend Don't just Alternative Olympics at Coneygre Arts Centre in Tipton. UKYP annual residential at Nottingham University, where they met people including Some 250 plus young people aged Jon Bercow MP, the House of Commons 11-19 joined in the Games, which was a Speaker. Members of the Youth Parliament spectate! fantastic turnout. (MYPs) also took part in fringe meetings, The sun shone and there were lots of workshops, question time, and a vote on sports and other things to do – from issues of concern to young people. Affordable, Award Winning Centres in Sandwell electronic games to riding a rodeo bull (it Our MYPs will be consulting with young should definitely be an Olympic sport if people to find out the top five issues Swimming • Athletics • Tennis fun is the deciding factor). There were lots they would like the area’s UKYP member of gold medal performances! Football • Badminton • Table Tennis to debate in the House of Commons in Our members have also tackled a busy November. More about this in the next Gyms • Fitness Classes • and more… media schedule, beginning with an edition. interview on West Brom-based community Finally, we have kickstarted our campaign SANDWELL LEISURE TRUST station Raaj FM to promote youth activities. on youth unemployment. In the coming www.slt-leisure.co.uk This was followed by a debate on BBC weeks we will be meeting with people to WM and an interview on BBC Midlands find out about the services and support Today on the anniversary of the summer available then consulting with young Award winning services supporting Sandwell's scorecard riots last year. people to find out their views. 16 what’s on... What’s On in Sandwell The Public FREE EXHIBITIONS activities. Price: FREE From Airclips to Anchors – Halloween party Open Wednesday – Sunday and Tipton’s Workshop to Time: 11am – 3pm For info: 0845 352 7854 for a Wednesday 31 October the World Price: FREE registration form Central Library, West Bromwich everyday during half-term. Saturday 29 September For info: 0121 588 2985 Games, spooky stories and 20 October - 4 November Tipton Library Junior Ghostbusters refreshments. Celebrate a local history day of Spooky family fun day Friday 26 October Time: 4pm – 5pm Two exhibitions celebrating Black all the manufacturers that made Tuesday 23 October Manor House Museum, West Price: FREE History Month: Tipton great. Bring a photo to Oak House Museum, Bromwich For info: 0121 569 4904 Out of Africa share a memory. Open to all ages. West Bromwich Are you brave enough to help Refreshments available. Spooky music, ghoulish magic with the investigation? Booking is Remembering the past, Jamaican Olympic and Anniversary essential. This event may be too celebrating the future Time: 10.30am – 3pm and creepy crafts. Admission free, Legacy Project Price: FREE with a small charge for some scary for small children. Saturday 10 November For info: 0121 557 1796 activities. Refreshments available. Time: 4pm Tipton Library Price: adults £1.50; children £4 Remembrance event – Tipton at No pushchairs. LIGHT UP DIGITAL History tour at Sandwell Valley Time: 11am - 3pm For info: 0121 588 2985 war. A special event to remember Sunday 30 September Price: FREE our Armed Forces and the role 7 November 2012 – 3 February 2013 Sandwell Park Farm, Sandwell For info: 0121 553 0759 Don’t Go into the Cellar Tipton played in the wars. Come Valley presents Warnings to the and meet local veterans. A special Come along for a guided Autumn crafts Curious unveiling of new memorial will SALUTE - A Black History Wednesday 24 October Saturday 27 October tour looking at the history of take place at 1pm. Refreshments Month Cultural Extravaganza the Sandwell Valley. Booking Central Library, West Bromwich Manor House Museum, West will be available. essential. Decorating plant pots and Bromwich Time: 10.30am – 2pm Saturday 6 October Time: 2pm – 3.30pm growing seeds. Suitable for For more than 100 years, M.R. Price: FREE Free event from 10am Price: adults £3; over 60s £2.50 children age five and above. James’ ghost stories have For info: 0121 557 1796 For info: 0121 553 0220 Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm chilled the spines of readers Price: FREE across the world. So draw the Concert 2012-13 Season ALEXEI SAYLE A Dickens’s of an afternoon For info: 0121 569 4904 curtains, pull your chair a little Wednesday 14 November Wednesday 17 October Sunday 7 October closer to the fire, and delight in Wednesbury Museum and Haden Hill House Museum, Halloween creepy kids crafts the ghost stories that gave your Art Gallery Starts 8pm (bar open with food Cradley Heath Wednesday 24 October Edwardian ancestors nightmares. Live monthly music event with at 6pm) £12 advance, £14 door Come and join us for an afternoon Oak House Museum, BBQ supper included. Booking Andrew Crabtree with ‘The History of music and readings and other West Bromwich essential. For over 12s only. of the Piano’ talk and demonstration. activities to commemorate the Just drop in. Time: 5pm or 8pm Exhibitions in the gallery can be BEST OF BE FESTIVAL 200th anniversary of the birth of Time: 1pm – 3pm Price: adults £12 enjoyed before the concerts or Wednesday 31 October Charles Dickens. Price: £1 per item made Concessionary price £10 during refreshment intervals. Time: 2pm – 4.30pm For info: 0121 553 0759 For info: 0121 588 2985 Time: 7.45pm – 9.45pm Starts 7.45pm, £10 (£8 concession) Price: FREE Price: £5; For info: 01384 569444 Children’s Halloween disco Don’t Go Into The Cellar – concessionary price: £25 Thursday 25 October Theatre Company For info: 0121 502 5751 FRED ZEPPELIN (LED Manor House Museum, Tuesday 30 October World War II afternoon ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE) Sunday 14 October West Bromwich Haden Hill House Museum, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime by Haden Hill House Museum, Come dressed as your favourite Cradley Heath Oscar Wilde Friday 2 November Cradley Heath spooky character. Maximum Lurking in the shadow of Dracula Tuesday 20 November to Friday Starts 9pm, £6 advance, £8 door A nostalgic look back at life of two adults per child. lies some of the Edwardian era’s 23 November during World War II. Join with Refreshments available. Booking most blood curdling horror – take All Saints Church, All Saints Way, activities and sample afternoon essential, please call Vera. Under a bite out of the past and sink West Bromwich DIWALI CELEBRATIONS 12s only. Organised by the your teeth into Bram Stoker’s A black comedy thriller set in the tea 1940s style. Saturday 10 November Time: 2pm – 4.30pm Friends group. classic gothic novel. 1890s. Suitable for ages 12 and Price: FREE but there may be a Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Time: first show at 6pm; second above. Refreshments available. 1pm – 4.30pm, free entry small charge for some activities. Price: FREE show at 8pm Booking essential. For info: 01384 569444 For info: 0121 588 2985 Price: £6 Time: 7.30pm For info: 01384 569444 Price: £4.50; concessionary £4 KABADDI KABADDI KABADDI Warley Woods forest play Manor House ‘Ghoul School’ For info: 0121 588 4786 – BY SATINDER CHOHAN family fun day Thursday 25 October Monday 22 October The Pavilion, Warley Woods, Wednesday 21 November Manor House Museum, 101 Lightwoods Hill, Smethwick Visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/whatson for more Starts 7.45pm, £10 (£8 concession) West Bromwich Come and join the Out to Play information about events, activities and venues. Take part in dancing, sports, team building dens, cooking over www.sandwell.gov.uk/museums nature and much more. Come a campfire, climbing trees and www.facebook.com/sandwellmuseums dressed up for the Monster much more. Booking essential. For more information on the For young people’s activities, visit www.justyouth.org.uk Parade at 1pm. Admission free Suitable for children aged 8 to 13. latest events, exhibitions and with a small charge for some Time: 10am – 2.30pm or call 0845 352 8432. activities, visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161

Bonfire night The Public, New Street, West Sandwell Council’s annual bonfire Bromwich, B70 7PG and firework display will be held on Saturday 3 November at Dartmouth Park, West Bromwich. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook Spectators will be treated to two and Twitter fireworks displays set to music with www.facebook.com/the a contemporary theme to include a publicwestbromwich firework show for children at 7pm with the main display at 7.45pm. www.twitter.com/_the_public Gates open at 5.30pm. The bonfire will be lit by Mayor Councillor Keith Davies at 6.30pm. Admission: £6 adults; £3 children/over 60s; £15 family ticket to include one adult and three children, or, two Details correct at time of going to print adults and two children; under-fives free. Parking is free after 6pm.