England take on Hungary in the opening match Hundreds of fans turned out to celebrate start of the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in Wolverhampton. WV Active Aldersley staged the opening ceremony and first games of the tournament today (Monday 17 March, 2025). The opening ceremony featured live music by students from Wolverhampton Music Service, local dance acts and a parade of athlete from across the world who are taking part. The host nation England men’s team then got the live action underway with the first group stage game against Hungary. A number of other men’s and women’s games then took…
Read More
Dale Wyatt, who takes early retirement from Suzuki GB PLC this month is celebrating a third major Automotive industry accolade, this time the highly coveted President‘s Award – Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry was presented to Dale at the Institute of The Motor Industry (IMI) Annual Dinner held in London on 12th March. The Award was presented by IMI President Professor Jim Saker whose speech included: This recognition is a reflection on your outstanding contribution to the automotive industry and the impact you have made in advancing innovation, leadership and inclusion across the sector. ‘‘Your success reflects the spirit…
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a range of new support options and resources focused on neurodiversity, to meet growing demand and raise awareness about this important topic across the sector. Neurodivergence is when a person’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is ‘typical’ and neurotypical describes how the average person’s brain works. From Ben’s latest insights, those in the automotive industry who have reported having neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are more likely to experience mental, physical, financial, and social issues. In 2024, 73% of neurodivergent individuals in the industry…
Thousands of pounds worth of illegal vapes, cigarettes and tobacco have been seized from a shop in Castle Bromwich, in the biggest haul of its kind. Police Officers from the Smith’s Wood and Castle Bromwich neighbourhood team joined up with colleagues from Solihull Trading Standards for a visit to the shop on 7 March. Inside, they found more than 25,000 illegal cigarettes and 1,200 vapes in addition to 80 bags of tobacco, making this the largest seizure of goods ever recovered in the borough. The visit is part of our ongoing work against illegal and counterfeit vapes and tobacco, which…
West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, meeting officers on the streets of Smethwick The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, is pleased to announce Smethwick police base has been saved from closure after new plans to retain the site are agreed. The adjoining buildings were due to be put up for sale. However, it has now been confirmed that the site – a former courthouse between Piddock Road and Crocketts Lane – will be retained as a police base for up to 80 local police officers. Earlier last year, Chief Constable Craig Guildford – who is responsible for…
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, writes a message for the memory tree at Willenhall CHART Centre’s COVID-19 memorial event. Nine events were held to enable residents honour loved ones lost to COVID-19, share memories and thank key workers and volunteers. The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, joined Willenhall CHART Centre to light a candle and write a message on a leaf for the memory tree. Rev. Rosanne Wilshire from St Stephen’s Church gave a blessing. At Moxley Peoples Centre, a group that formed about a year into the pandemic to help people navigate grief, social isolation…
Held at St Michael and All Angels Church and attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr Derrick Anderson CBE and the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, the service offered time and space for remembrance, reflection and gratitude. Reverend Alison Morris, Vicar at St Michael’s, led the service which featured readings by Nasar Iqbal (Black Country Innovate) and Pastor Monica Anderson (Walsall Faith Forum), performances from Trudia Ward, Huntley Mitchel and Pelsall Ladies Choir, as well as reflections from several faith and community leaders and representatives, creating an inclusive environment of reflection for all. Dr A Kuravi, Clinical…
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing (centre) with, left to right, Emma Thornberry, Principal Educational Psychologist Amanda Evans, PSHE advisory Coordinator, Elaine Perry, Senior Educational Psychologist, Louise Sharrod, Principal Public Health Specialist, Omowonuola Alunko, Health Improvement Officer, and Sunita Pallan-Jhalli, Specialist Public Health Officer, at the launch of the new toolkit Two new initiatives have been launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council to help support the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people. A new Emotional Health and Wellbeing Toolkit will provide valuable resources for teachers and education…
To celebrate the milestone of reaching 1.5 million active Kia Connect users, Kia Europe reflects on the recent evolution of its connected vehicle ecosystem. “Since its launch in 2019, Kia Connect has been demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovative, customer-centric solutions,” said Pablo Martínez Masip, Vice President Product & Marketing at Kia Europe and COO at Kia Connect. “By offering seamless connectivity, high-tech features, and personalised services, it has transformed the driving experience for millions of customers across Europe.” A closer look at Kia Connect users The Kia Connect user base reflects a broad spectrum of drivers who are…
Whoever decided February should have only 28 days clearly underestimated just how much can be crammed into such a short month! It was a whirlwind of events, community spirit, and—of course—some rather unexpected adventures. At the start of the month, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful ladies of the Olton Crochet Group—a delightful, talented bunch! Among them was a very young participant who might just be the next big thing in crochet (watch this space!). Then came the Apprenticeship Show, where I met future industry leaders and attempted to build a straw bridge with Balfour Beatty VINCI. If…