Sandwell Council’s archives service is celebrating receiving £49,055 of funding as part of The National Archives ‘Archives Revealed’ grant programme to catalogue the Chance Brothers Ltd. collection. The collection represents a historic point in time when the production of glass from the Spon Lane factory in Smethwick had a significant local and international impact. One of the glassworks’ most famous projects involved supplying the 84,000 square metres of sheet glass for the 1851 Great Exhibition and the Crystal Palace built in Hyde Park, London. Sandwell Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell said: “Sandwell…

This recognition highlights the team’s dedication to supporting local residents in accessing employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities while working closely with businesses to stimulate economic growth across the borough. Originally launched to encourage employers to hire young apprentices, Walsall Works has evolved into a comprehensive programme providing employability support to residents of all ages. “ I’m delighted to see that Walsall Works has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It’s a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication in supporting local people to overcome barriers to employment and training. The recognition highlights the importance of innovative and community-focused strategies…

Artist Yasmin Agilah and Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England with other dignitaries Approximately 2000 visited the New Art Gallery Walsall over the weekend to celebrate 25 years since the Gallery opened. The celebrations started on Thursday evening with around 550 people enjoying a preview of new exhibition, ‘The Joy Project’ in the Community Gallery, exploring the building after normal opening hours and enjoying a special performance by The Blue Lights Choir, a group created to empower young women in Walsall. The evening event also featured speeches from the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris; Walsall…

Over the last 18 months, the council has been a key part of the Department for Education’s Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP) programme, designed to test ways to reform the children’s social care system, help children to stay with their families in safe and loving homes while protecting vulnerable children where needed and ensuring that families will receive the right support at the right time and be supported by the right professional. Wolverhampton, one of 3 local authorities chosen to take part in the first phase of the Pathfinder, has worked to deliver support to families based on 3…

The school’s eco-committee outside their polytunnel, with Let’s Go Zero’s Kumari Kher (left) and school sustainability lead Jane Newman (right Schools across Solihull are rolling out new climate action plans which could help them save carbon, money and contribute towards a more sustainable borough. The Climate Action Plan will outline how each school or college aims to work towards tackling the climate emergency, in a way that is unique and manageable for them. Solihull Council is hosting free online webinars with national campaign group Let’s Go Zero and the Climate Ambassadors scheme to help shape their plans. This builds on…

Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated with the opening of a brand-new exhibition – ‘Surreal Solihull’ – in Solihull town centre on Thursday 6 March. And to get everyone in a sur-really good mood, there’s a packed programme of free performances, tours and workshops for the opening night and weekend on Thursday 6 March and Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 March. ‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s. As well as featuring…

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) has announced funding plans which sees 29 museums across the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings. The Fund is part of the UK Government’s long term plan to support local economies, allowing them to grow. It will support capital projects at museums, fund important repairs and improve the visitor experience, with funding awarded ranging from £50,000 to £5 million, to ensure local history has a home for years to come. In the Midlands, more than £5 million has been awarded across 4 museums. Wolverhampton Art Gallery has…

As part of regeneration plans for Tipton town centre, a wide range of improvements are being proposed to public areas. These include creating greener spaces and new public spaces and walkways, as well as safety improvements. You can have your say on plans set to benefit the whole town centre, including Owen Street, the precinct, Union Street and the former Tipton Green Branch Canal walkway. We’re after people’s thoughts, so come along to one of our drop-in sessions to find out more and have your say: Wednesday 26 February, 5pm-7pm St Paul’s Community Centre, Brick Kiln Street, Tipton. Thursday 27…

Subaru UK & Ireland recently celebrated the achievements of its Retailer network at its Annual Conference & Awards, held near Reading. Aird Motors Ltd, a long-standing Subaru dealership based in Beauly, Scottish Highlands, was named the overall Retailer of the Year for 2024, cementing its reputation as a key pillar of the Subaru dealer network. With over 35 years of dedicated service, Aird Motors exemplifies the brand’s commitment to local, personalised automotive excellence. The event recognised outstanding performance across multiple categories, with Proven Motor Company securing the Fleet Dealer of the Year Award, D. M. Keith claiming the Finance Retailer…

Adult Education Wolverhampton provides its students with ‘good quality education and training across the service’ according to Ofsted, which has confirmed that it continues to be a Good provider. Inspectors visited the City of Wolverhampton Council run service last month and, in their report published this week, praised consistently high attendance across all courses. Students ‘enjoy their studies’, ‘learn in a calm and purposeful environment’, ‘develop their confidence and feel well supported by staff’. Students who are looking for employment or higher skilled jobs receive ‘specialist high quality careers advice and guidance’, with a high proportion of students achieving their…