Walsall
West Midlands
Staffordshire

Wolverhampton University
Walsall Campus
Gorway Road
Walsall
Delves
West Midlands
WS1 3BD

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Free graffiti removal service from all Walsall area private properties by walsall council. A new initiative to remove graffiti without charge from privately owned residential properties has been launched by Walsall Council's Street Pride team subject to the owners signing disclaimers. Graffiti is one of the issues being targeted by the council as part of the Wipe It Out section of its ongoing Cracking Environmental Crime campaign. Between January and December 2009 180 reports were received of graffiti and 198 removals took place. Previously the Street Pride team was only able to remove graffiti for free from publicly owned land, street furniture and buildings. It is hoped the new approach will help improve the overall appearance of Walsall borough and encourage more people to report graffiti. The scheme will initially run on a six month trial basis upto approx December 2010 and if successful could be made permanent. Andy Ody, Street Pride Grounds Manager, said: "Traditionally people tend not to report graffiti and instead just accept it as part of the street scene. "Probably the one area which causes real concern to people is graffiti appearing on private properties. In the past we have been able to remove this but only at a charge. Service standards set by the council relating to publicly owned land, street furniture and buildings outline racist and offensive graffiti will be removed within 24 hours and the remainder as quickly as possible. Graffiti in parks will often by removed by park rangers with the more difficult cases referred on to Street Pride. On the spot fines of £80 can be handed out to anyone caught spraying graffiti. If a prosecution is pursued through the courts, the maximum punishment available is a 10 year prison sentence if the case is sent to crown court. Graffiti can be reported to Walsall Council on 01922 653344 or by e-mailing streetprideemail@walsall.gov.uk

Toys on display at Walsall Museum in Lichfield Street, from Thursday 10 June to Saturday 17 July 2010, include the original Sindy dolls, cuddly mice, trolls and plastic dollies from the 1960s and 70s, and many others representing a trip down memory lane. The display of toys from Susanna Frances who lives in North Walsall represent those she had as a child in the 1960s, which she has loaned for the museum's Your Corner display area. The display includes Susanna's collection of 'pocket-sized' Pippa dolls, produced by British toy manufacturer Palitoy, doll furniture made by her mother and other cuddly toys and animals. Tiny Tears, a doll manufactured in the US during the 1950s can also be seen which had the ability to shed tears from two tiny holes on either side of its nose. "The 'Your Corner' area is an opportunity for residents to put on display hobbies and interests that appeal to many museum visitors. "In recent months, a collection of James Bond memorabilia, NASA and Space Exploration, and a section devoted to Paralympic gold medallist Eleanor Simmonds has gone on display." Coming soon will be a showcase selection of art work from a local mental health group during the summer. In the autumn, a local resident will put on display her collection of Cliff Richard memorabilia which will tie in with Sir Cliff's 70th Birthday in October." If you have a hobby or interest you would like to put on display or would like to find out more please contact Walsall Museum on 01922 653116

Walsall Big Tidy Up event, linked to the Keep Britain Tidy national campaign, part of a series of Sunday clean up efforts across Walsall parks and open spaces takes place on Sunday 11 July Walsall Arboretum Extension. Meet in the car park, Broadway North. from 11am to 1pm, and is an opportunity for residents to make a difference to their community. Equipment including litter pickers and bags will be provided and there will be a full briefing on the day. Anyone interested in taking part should meet just before 11am for a briefing by the park rangers. recently Walsall Council's Street Pride team and Community Payback have also been out and about taking part in litter picking and general tidy up work in the community. Areas being covered include litter picking and removal of flytipping at Pelsall Nest Common, general tidy up at Barnes Lane Pool in Rushall and litter removal from several alleyways in the Area Partnership covering Pelsall, Rushall, Shelfield and Brownhills. Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure, culture and environment, said: "It is important we all take responsibility for keeping our communities clean and tidy and these Sunday tidy ups are a great way for people to get involved. "We know from listening to residents one of the things they often highlight as an issue is rubbish on our streets and parks. Walsall council is working hard to keep our environment clean and tidy and for the next few weeks we are asking residents to join and support us in this ongoing work." Among those lending their support to the Big Tidy Up is Walsall Housing Group (whg)who will be holding a series of estate tours for their customers throughout June and July when residents can raise any concerns about their area.

Diabetes help is available to the 13,000 Walsall people who suffer from the condition from Walsall Centre for Independent Living in Bridge Street, Walsall where a diabetes awareness day is being held on Friday June 18 from 10am to 1pm. The common life-long condition is where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high as the body cannot use it properly. There are things that people can do and advice that can be sought via the diabetes open day where people can find out more, but also make a connection that could stand them in good stead in the future. The event will include information stands where people with diabetes as well as friends and carers will be able to receive advice about the illness, healthy eating, eye specialists, welfare benefits and other services. Lloyds Chemists will also be there offering diabetes tests and information on support available from chemists. Tea, coffee, reduced sugar biscuits and cakes will be available along with a prize draw for a Pamper Hamper to raise funds for Diabetes UK. If you require any more information on the event please phone Roy, Cathy or Georgie on 01922 650790

Green-fingered Garden Day Event for everyone in Walsall at Walsall Arboretum on the 1st May 2010. Walsall Arboretum Garden Volunteers Jackie Cocken and Jo Lester are staging an event 'Traditional Country Crafts - How we used to live' in the Arboretum extension alongside the Woodland Wildlife Learning Garden on Saturday 1 May 2010 between 2pm and 4pm. Jackie and Jo are both retired teachers who taught at Blackwood School in Streetly and now encourage young people and school groups to visit their garden at their Arboretum. A wide variety of skills will be demonstrated at the event including basket weaving, spoon making, hurdle making, woodcarving, blacksmithing and spinning and weaving. In addition to this there will be a 'get planting' stall where gardening advice will be available as well as plants for sale. The "Museum on the Move" bus will be on site, and staff from Walsall Leather Museum will contribute to the activities. Not only is this event FREE OF CHARGE, but children will be given a free Lucky Dip for a PRIZE. It should be an afternoon experience not to be missed of interest to all age groups. FREE PARKING will be available at the Grange Car Park Broadway North which is approximately 150 metres from the event. Meanwhile the Woodland Wildlife Learning Garden is looking particularly attractive at this time. It is usually open at weekend afternoons. For further information ring Jackie Cocken on 01922 627354.

Walsall Borough residents aged 18 or more with a physical or sensory impairment or a mental health issue can find support through Age Concern Walsall's unique Advocacy Service. An advocate can listen to their views and represent their interests in a number of areas which they may otherwise find difficult without support. The Advocacy Service holds a surgery at the Walsall Centre for Independent Living in Bridge Street on the first Wednesday of each month. An advocate may be used to help a disabled person gain access to information and services, write letters, or attend meetings plus a range of other assistance. The Advocacy Service acts as a voice for disabled people to promote social inclusion, equality and justice. To get more information or to talk in confidence to a trained advocate, call Kerry on 01922 638835 or Roy on 01922 650790.

Book tickets for a concert with Shelfield Male Voice Choir and "The Bachelors" Live at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday 15th May 2010 at 7pm. Tickets can be obtained from Walsall Central Library or phone 0845 1112900

Martial arts clubs will be showcasing their skills during an open day in Walsall on Sunday 11th April from 11am to 3pmaimed at encouraging more people to take up the sport.
The open day at the Walsall Campus of Wolverhampton University, Gorway Road, Delves, has been organised by Walsall Council's Sport and Leisure Development Services team. The Martial arts open day festival is intended to give people the chance to see martial arts demonstrations and access information about the classes which are available throughout Walsall.
Open day visitors will be able to join a two week taster session at a club of their choice.

Walsall Jazz fans are in for a musical treat when The Martinique Jazz Band that has played all over the world for more than 20 years, makes its debut at Walsall Town Hall on Thursday 8 April.
Their musical style ranges from traditional to mainstream and from blues to swing, a foot-tapping afternoon of entertainment is guaranteed.
Book tickets to see The Martinique Jazz Band for the 1.30pm show, cost £ 4 and are available from the box office on 0845 111 2900 or on the door.

Beer Festival at Walsall Town Hall
Over 100 beers, 30 traditional perries and ciders to tempt the tastebuds and a host of live entertainment, this year’s Walsall Beer Festival promises to be an event to remember.
Organised by Walsall CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the 29th Real Ale and Cider Festival is being held at Walsall Town Hall from Thursday 25 March until Saturday 27 March. Last year's festival attracted 3,500 visitors and organisers are looking forward to another successful year.
Visitors can also try a selection of international bottled beers and enjoy entertainment during the event.
The festival kicks off on Thursday at 5pm and runs until 11pm and is being officially opened by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor John O’Hare at 6.30pm. Thursday evening will be a quiet session for those who just want to savour the beer.
On Friday 26 March lunchtime visitors will be able to enjoy Tony Lister playing the piano with The Edwards Brothers’ blend of blues, folk, skiffle and jazz lined up for Friday night.
Friday’s festival runs from 11am until 3pm and from 5.30pm until 11pm.
Borough organist Peter Morris will be striking a chord with Saturday lunchtime visitors while Wishbone Frenzy will entertain on Saturday night with traditional and modern jazz, swing, blues, Latin, funk and well known standards.
Saturday’s festival will run from 11am until 3pm and from 5.30pm until 11pm.
Graham Billington, the festival organiser of Walsall CAMRA, said: "There has been a marked interest in cider and perry in recent years, so the festival will be ideal for all those who have developed a taste for these. There is also a wide range of beers on offer from low strength milds to old ales and barley wines."
Admission is £1 for lunchtimes and £4 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, plus a £2 refundable glass deposit.
Card carrying CAMRA members and serving members of HM Forces will be given free admission.

Walsall Gala baths leisure centre in Lichfield Street is having a rewire as part of a £300,000 revamp scheme which will also include a new suspended ceiling for changing rooms and redecoration in the Brine pool.
Much of the work will be done at night when the centre is closed in order to minimise disruption with further details displayed on posters at the Gala Baths.
Work is due to start on March 15 and last for around three months, but the baths will only be closed from March 22 nd for two weeks.
The entire centre will be closed for seven days from April 5 with the Brine pool only closed for three weeks from May 3.

Kids Easter holiday fun at Walsall Museum
Discover something different to do with the kids over the Easter break at Walsall Museum with fun craft workshops guaranteed to keep them occupied.
On Thursday 8 April artist Kirsty E. Smith will run a workshop making Easter glove puppets. Children will be able to learn felting techniques to make and decorate a glove puppet to take home with them. The workshop is suitable for children aged 8 and upwards and takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
On Thursday 15 April there will be a workshop making funky bunny baskets for children to take home with them, perfect for holding your Easter eggs! The workshop is suitable for children aged 7-12 years old, and there are two sessions, from 10am to 11am and 1pm to 2pm.
Places are limited for both workshops so advance booking is essential.
All workshops cost 75p per child, and parents & carers must remain with children throughout.
Walsall Museum is based within the Central Library & Museum building on Lichfield Street, Walsall.
For further information and bookings please call the Museum on 01922 653116

Reunion for former employees of Walsall Lithographic Company held at Walsall Museum.
The reunion runs along side with a current exhibition at the Walsall museum looking back at the history Walsall Lithographic Company which operated in Walsall from the 1890s until the 1990s. They printed a wide range of advertising and packaging material for local and national known brands including HP Sauce, Cadbury's, Blue Bird toffees, Palethorpe's Sausages, Kunzle Cakes, Glenfiddich whisky and Servis.
The reunion takes place on Tuesday 30 March at 11am. Refreshments will be provided and people can turn up on the day. For more information call 01922 653116. the exhibition called "Fantastic Lithographic" remains on display at the museum in Lichfield Street until 8 May 2010.

Get fit by joining Walsall's Walk On programme in 2010
A series of walks around Walsall's parks and countryside encouraging people to become more active take place in Walsall borough every week.
Walsall Walk On organisers are urging more people to sign up to the walks which vary in length to ensure there is something for everyone from beginners to more experienced walkers.
One of the walks is held in Reedswood Park every Monday afternoon. Walkers need to meet in the car park,of Bentley Lane, Birchills, at 2.15pm for a 2.30pm start. The walk is moderate,with slight gradients, and lasts around an hour covering a distance of approximately three miles.
Richard Upton, Walsall Council's Active Lifestyles Officer (Walking and Specialised Conditions) said: "Regular walking is one of the best forms of physical activity and has numerous health benefits including weight control, keeping your heart healthy and reducing stress.
"Our walks are led by experienced leaders designed to help you achieve these benefits assisted by a qualified back marker which means the walks are suitable for everyone regardless of their speed."
Further walks are held throughout the week at different times in Walsall Arboretum, Willenhall Memorial Park,Rough Wood Nature Reserve, Aldridge, Pheasey, Park Lime Pits in Rushall and Pelsall North Common.
For more information call Sport and Leisure Development Services on 01902 605500

Walsall Council Transport Management Team have given the green light to an extra £100,000 to invest in road repairs to help cope with the cold snap bringing the total to £5.7 million.
Scores of potholes have opened up on roads across Walsall in the wake of the icy weather that saw parts of Britain grind to a halt.
Teams from partners Tarmac have been working flat out on inspecting and repairing the backlog holes as they are reported.
The move means that almost £6 million is being spent on highways maintenance across Walsall in the current financial year.
On top of this, an extra £200,000 has been earmarked for vital highways maintenance work in the next financial year – making an extra £300,000 in total across two financial years.
Councillor Tom Ansell, Walsall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “It’s a major priority to keep the traffic moving across Walsall. Roads are our lifeblood and a great deal of time and resources are put into this.
“Like other areas across the country we have been inundated with potholes which are caused by sub-zero conditions.
“It is still a little early to assess the full extent of the damage to the road network. But we all recognise that there has been damage to the roads due to the severe weather this year and for that reason we have allocated a further £100,000 this financial year to enable a rapid response for potholes and other pressing problems.
“On top of this we are putting in an extra £200,000 in the next financial year for highways maintenance.”
Work is carried out by partners Tarmac who are based at a depot in Cable Drive.
Walsall Council looks after more than 500 miles of roads across the borough and is at a key strategic location in the national road network close to the M5 and M6 motorways.