22 January 2016
Welcome to the Weekly Bulletin. To feature items in future bulletins please include how many issues you
would like the item to feature in and email your requests to [email protected]
Contents
Council News
Try something new at Walsall Libraries
Staff Discounts
New Midcounties Co-op launch food store
Junction 10 – Public Consultation
New Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Offers
Non-essential spending
New Job Advert Request Form
MOT Bay
Training News
New Protecting Information – Level 1 v.3 –
Mandatory training for Walsall staff
New Latest course news from Learning and
Development
Workforce Development Adult Services
Learning and Development Opportunities
Staff News
New Walsall Walk On
New Register for a pension session
New Impersonation Scams
New Aldridge Men’s Shed’s open meeting
New Time To Talk Day
New Sugar Smart
New Social Worker Recruitment – 28 January
New Lisa Harris – Social Work Hero
New Raising money for Walsall Hospice
New Walsave Credit Union office relocation
New Big Brother
New My Kitchen Rules
New Coach to Burton Albion game
New Keep on Jogging
New Homework Zone
Groovy Grandmas Wanted
The Great British Bake Off
Disclaimer: The council does not endorse,
guarantee or assume responsibility for any product
or service advertised or offered. Staff should check
with the supplier that the discount stated here is
still available before they agree to purchase the
product or service. The council is not a party to
any transaction.
Events
New National Library Day - 6 February
New Harry Potter Day at Beechdale Library
New Pelsall Musical Society - Aladdin
New Winter Jazz at the Arboretum Cafe
New Water colour painting workshop
Chatter Books at Blakenall Library
Blakenall Library - Knit and Natter
Walsall Local History Centre events
New The New Art Gallery Walsall
New Forest Arts
Walsall Leather Museum
Council News
Doors Open at New Food Store in Walsall Town Centre
The first phase of the Old Square Shopping Centre’s regeneration scheme has been completed
with the launch of a new food store, creating 30 new jobs in the town.
The Midcounties Co-operative Food store in Walsall town centre forms part of a multi-million
pound project funded and developed by Walsall Council to help revamp the St Matthews Quarter
area of the town centre and attract further investment.
The Walsall store will host the Society’s first Coffee Republic franchise, which has created its first
fair-trade coffee specifically for the partnership, and will offer town centre users a convenient place
to do their weekly shopping as well as everyday essentials.
Walsall Council Leader Mike Bird and Mrs Shaw, Ex-President and lifelong member of
Midcounties Co-operative cut the ribbon to the new 7,000 sq. ft. store to mark its grand opening
and children from Charles Cody School joined in the celebrations and were given a tour of the
store ahead of the official launch on Friday 8th January.
Colleagues also took the opportunity to present a £5,000 cheque to St. Giles Walsall Hospice,
which provides specialist care and support to people with life threatening illnesses. The funds were
raised collaboratively across The Midcounties Co-operative sites in Walsall last year.
Council News
As a part of The Midcounties Co-operative’s commitment to providing a positive impact to the local
community, the store will launch Free Fruit Friday to encourage healthy eating among young
people. The campaign will see any child that visits the store in a school uniform receive a free
apple or banana for the month after opening.
Oliver Holden, Store Manager at The Midcounties Co-operative Food in Walsall, said: “We’re
committed to investing in Walsall and have identified a demand for a convenience store in the town
centre. We’re proud to be the first store to partner with Coffee Republic and be involved with such
an exciting project to refresh the customer offerings in the area.
“We’re pleased to say that the store has created 30 new jobs, and it was great to welcome along
Walsall councillors and children from local schools to help us celebrate the occasion.”
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird, said: “I’m delighted to welcome The Midcounties Co-operative’s
investment in Walsall once again. The food store will give shoppers an alternative to the offer
already available in the town centre.
“The redevelopment of this part of the Old Square Shopping Centre has been a huge investment
by the Council and a great boost to the town. Primark is a real success – footfall in the area has
risen significantly - and I’m delighted to see The Midcounties Co-operative adding another piece of
the jigsaw to the regeneration of our town.”
Deputy Leader, Councillor Adrian Andrew added: “It’s excellent news. We have delivered millions
of pounds of investment in Walsall town centre and scores of jobs created with many more
projects in the pipeline. This shows that Walsall town centre is a place to invest in and do business
and I’d like to thank both The Midcounties Co-operative and Primark for showing faith in our town
and contributing to its success.”
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Junction 10 – Public Consultation
Walsall Council is working with Highways England to widen the roundabout and carry out
improvements to the local road network at M6 Junction 10.
The junction is being revamped as part of a £65m scheme which gets underway in 2018 and is
expected to take two years to complete. Junction 10 is on one of the busiest sections of motorway
in Europe, with long queues forming on the A454 Black Country Route, Wolverhampton Road and
motorway slip roads. Up to 150,000 vehicles pass through the junction every day.
A consultation for the public to comment on the design options for the junction began Friday 4
December and will last until 24 January 2016. You can view the proposals and complete the
consultation online.
Council News
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Non-essential spending
Employees are reminded to take time when considering any expenditure.
All employees should look for alternative ways to offset any spending and should consider whether
an activity can be avoided.
Equipment and resources that the council provides should be reallocated for internal use to avoid
unnecessary additional external purchases.
Examples of Non-Essential Expenditure
Employee Costs
 All non contractual terms and conditions including avoidable overtime
 Training, including courses / external seminars / conferences - unless contractually
committed (i.e professional study fees)
 All non-essential spend on travel costs and subsistence
 Recruitment to non-essential vacant posts - a weekly list of posts to be recruited to is
provided to all portfolio holders and agreed with the Leader of the Council
 Use of temporary or agency staff: review existing arrangements for renewed authorisation;
cease taking on new temporary or agency staff.
Council News
Supplies and Services
 All furniture, materials and equipment (unless for Disability Discrimination Act compliance or
health and safety)
 Stationery
 Newspapers
 Hire of external venues
 Computers (hardware and software)/Printers/Photocopier/Mobile/Blackberry replacement or
new purchases and use of such equipment, including office consumables
 Publicity and advertising: reviewing where these are placed, if essential, to reduce cost
 Not renewing subscriptions
 Stop placing orders for publications
 Catering – provision of refreshments sandwiches, etc.
 Avoid postage or use cheapest possible means of distribution; reduce frequency of
circulation.
 Use of courier services unless unavoidable
 Consultants and Interims - review all existing arrangements for renewed authorisation
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New Job Advert Request Form
A new version of the Job Advert Request form A1 is now available for use on the intranet.
Job Advert Request Form A1
This form simplifies the previous versions and aligns to the recruitment review process which is
currently in operation across the Council.
Recruiting managers should complete this form and send it along with the Job Description,
Employee Specification and advertisement text to [email protected]
Contact the Recruitment & Retention Team for further information.
Telephone: 01922 655673
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Training News
Protecting Information – Level 1 v.3 – Mandatory training for Walsall staff
Since 2012 the Council has required its staff to complete training relating to Information Governance to
ensure that they are equipped and supported to make the right decisions when handling personal data
or other confidential information.
This requirement applies to anyone employed by, or working on behalf of, Walsall Council. The
Council currently uses an online training tool, to host a range of training courses including ‘Protecting
Information Levels 1 and 2’.
Protecting Information Level 1 provides staff with the key things they need to know about what
information should be protected and how they can should do this in their day to day working
environments. It also includes a short assessment to test and record understanding.
Protecting Information Level 2 is aimed at those handling more sensitive information and/ or those with
increased levels of responsibility, and covers how to make decisions about sharing information and the
corporate Information Governance structure. This will be launched early in 2016.
Since launching the training in 2012, the content has been updated based on user feedback and
developments in the world of Information Governance. Version 3 of the Protecting Information Level 1
training is now available on eCentral.
Whilst most staff will have successfully completed the training once before, if it is 2 years or more
since you last completed level 1 of the training, you must now go online and complete the revised
Protecting Information Level 1 V.3. This will ensure that your learning is up to date and you are better
able to protect and use the information you need to do your job.
You can check your learning record and when you completed training by accessing People
Gateway. Details of how to do this are contained in this link
When you login to the eCentral, you will find the revised Protecting Information courses listed under
‘My Course Progress’.
Agency Staff
Please note all agency staff also need to complete this training. Agency staff will not have a Walsall
Council employee number, and thus will not be registered / enrolled on the system. Therefore if you
have agency staff who are working for the Council, you will need to provide the following details: name,
email address and area of work where these staff work within the council, for them to be added to the
system to enable them to complete the training.
Please send the details of agency staff to:
[email protected] or call 01922 655678.
Training News
On 31st December 2015, the current version of the Protecting Information Level 1 (V.2) is going to
be withdrawn. Therefore if you have already started, but not completed, this version you will need
to refer to the instructions below:
What you need to do now?

If you are part way through level 1 then you should complete this training, including the
assessment, before the 31st December 2015. If you do not complete Version 2 of the
course before the new version of the training is released then your progress to date will
be lost and you will have to start the training again using Version 3 when launched.

If you have completed Level 1 of your training ( version 1 or 2 ), but you are still
required to do Level 2, then you are advised to complete level 2 as soon as possible.
Your pass for Level 1 will still stand.
Access to the learning and development environment
From the internet - Type in the address bar https://walsall.learningpool.com
From the intranet ‘Inside Walsall’ – Click on the View our eCourses ‘Learning and Development @
eCentral’ button then follow 3 simple steps;
1.
2.
3.
4.
Username: your employee number
Password: welcome
Follow instructions on screen to change password to something memorable and secure
Ensure you ‘show all content’ for the webpage to display correctly
The Protecting Information Training is located under the ‘Induction category’.
If you have any difficulty accessing the site due to forgotten password, please use the forgotten
your username / password button on the login page or contact the support desk by calling 0845
074 4114 or emailing [email protected]
If you have any other queries regarding the content of the training and how this applies to you,
please contact the Information Management team at [email protected]
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Latest course news from Learning and Development
We have availability on the following training courses (please click on the links for further information):
Please complete a booking form and return it to
The corporate induction programme
The art of self management
Training News
Microsoft Excel (2007) Introduction
Situational Leadership
Customer care training
Microsoft Excel (2007) Advanced
Minute and note taking
Resilience through change
To view our full course list please click on the link:- http://inside.walsall.gov.uk/course_list.htm
For more information visit: Learning and Development on Inside Walsall
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Workforce Development Adult Services Learning and Development
Opportunities
Please visit the adult services workforce development website to see details of updated learning
opportunities and the Latest News.
http://www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk/training-list/
The website will be continuously updated as new opportunities become available via the workforce
development team. For any further information please contact a member of the adult services
workforce development team on 01922 655541, email [email protected] or
view the range of information on www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk
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eLearning @eCentral
Before you get started...
1. Ensure you run this website through Firefox for your best learning experience. Please contact
your IT department if you do not have Firefox.
2. Please ensure your pop-up blockers are disabled. You will need to ensure your pop-up
blockers are disabled in order to launch the elearning modules.
To turn off pop-up blockers:
o
o
Click on Pop-up Blocker
Select Turn off Pop-up Blocker (Always allow to this site)
Training News
3. All activities need to be completed within a course to gain - course completion status
4. If you have forgotten your password, use the lost password button on the login block or
contact the eCentral dedicated helpdesk number 0845 543 6033 or e mail support@learningpool
5. If you experience any problems with Adobe Flash please contact your IT department
Courses available here can be accessed from any computer, either at work or at home, and have
been designed to meet your needs as well as address the Council's priorities.
For further information on how to navigate this site please click on 'Navigation Help'.
Please select the link to view all Available courses on eCentral
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Staff News
Walking for Health
Walsall Walk On provides a range of weekly health walks throughout the borough for all abilities.
Walking is an ideal introduction to becoming more active whether you want to increase your fitness
levels, lose weight, meet new friends or visit a new area of the borough. Walk On weekly health
walks are delivered across the borough in parks and countryside areas by qualified volunteers and
cater for a variety of abilities.
Walks are currently available in Willenhall Memorial park, Walsall Arboretum, Aldridge,
Roughwood, Pelsall, Bloxwich, Reedswood, Pleck, Pheasey and Rushall
All walks in the programme are free. When attending a walk, please dress according to the
weather and wear suitable footwear. Please also bring a drink of water if you think you will need
one.
Stuart Terry, Community activity Co-ordinator, said: “Walking is one of the best forms of physical
activity you can do. Regular walking has many benefits, these include weight control, keeping your
heart healthy and reducing stress. It has added benefits in that you don’t need to join a gym or
buy expensive clothing or equipment. You can do it on your own or with others anywhere, anytime
and it’s always enjoyable to meet new people and be led by qualified instructors.”
There is no need to book onto the walks, simply turn up at the meeting time. For further
information about these or other walks, contact Stuart Terry at Sport and Leisure Services on
01922 658080.
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Register for a pension session, and get the information that you need
The world of pensions can sometimes seem confusing, so it’s great to know that experts are
available to provide the information that you need.
WHO WE ARE
As the scheme administrators of the West Midlands Pension Fund the Prudential would like to
invite staff to one of the information sessions which will be held in several locations across the
West Midlands to help staff understand the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and the
options available to improve your benefits in retirement.
Andrew Booth, one of Prudential’s Regional Workplace Consultants, will also be joining Fund
officers to give staff in depth information about the topping up facility they provide – the additional
voluntary contributions (AVC) scheme.
WHAT STAFF GAIN
By attending one of the information sessions employees will:
• have a better understanding of how benefits are calculated;
• know when staff can take their benefits;
Staff News
• get information on the tax-efficient ways to improve benefits now for a better retirement;
• know how to access the pension record online; and
• have an opportunity to ask questions direct to our representatives.
The information sessions last for around an hour and are open to anyone with an interest in their
LGPS pension.
CHOOSE A DATE
Details of the presentation and start times will be provided when staff register
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Tuesday 2 February 2016: Room 312, 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BG
Wednesday 3 February 2016: Conference Room 1, Regent House, 87-88 Kings St, Dudley, DY2 8PR
Thursday 4 February 2016: Meeting Room 1, Floor 4, Mander House, Wolverhampton, WV1 3NB
Tuesday 23 February 2016: Room 313, 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham, B7 4BG
Wednesday 24 February 2016: Committee Room 1, Council House, Walsall, WS1 1TW
Friday 26 February 2016: Annex 2 Council Chamber, Sandwell Council House, Oldbury, B69 3DE
HOW TO REGISTER
To book a place visit www.pru.co.uk/register. The employer ID is: BKW9
Please ensure you complete the “Additional Information” section and click “Proceed” to
book your place.
Also note, when staff enter your Employer ID online, your employer will show as West Midlands
Pension Fund.
For more information about your pension benefits, visit www.wmpfonline.com or to find out more
about additional voluntary contributions, visit www.pru.co.uk/localgov
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Impersonation Scams
Organisations including councils are currently being targeted by fraudsters using bogus e-mails in
an attempt to obtain payments. The fraudsters usually impersonate a senior officer of the council
who it appears instructs an officer from the finance department to urgently transfer funds or to
make a payment which bypasses normal procedures. In reality, the fraudster has spoofed or
hacked into the email address of the officer. If the request is not independently verified, there is a
risk that funds will be paid directly in to the criminal’s bank account.
Please treat with caution any unexpected emails that request urgent bank transfers or
payments, even if the message appears to have originated from within the council.
If an unexpected urgent payment request is received, the following actions are
recommended:

Contact the sender directly to confirm that they did send the instruction. For example, reply to
the sender in a fresh email – do not simply click reply to the original message, as that would be
returned only to the fraudster.
Staff News
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
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Similarly, do not use any telephone numbers or other contact details quoted on the email itself
– refer instead to alternative sources such as the council’s internal telephone directory.
Hovering your cursor over the ‘from’ field in the email will tell you the real address that the
message has originated from. This might reveal, for example, a Hotmail or Gmail account, as
opposed to one of the councils email addresses.
To help combat this type of fraud, use strong passwords for access to e-mail accounts which
should include a mixture of uppercase letters, numbers and specific characters.
If you receive any emails that impersonate council officers and which ask for electronic payments
to be initiated, please inform Ian Tuft Lead Financial Admin & Support; [email protected]
extension 2378.
Please think twice about authorising transfers and payments out and please look at the
beneficiary when considering if a payment is genuine.
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Aldridge Men’s Shed’s open meeting
Staff News
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Time To Talk Day
Staff News
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Get Smart with Sugar Smart
Staff News
This January, a new Change4Life campaign is encouraging families to get ‘Sugar Smart’ and take
control of the amount of sugar they consume. It follows revelations that four-to-10 year olds
consume the average weight of a five-year-old in sugar, that’s 22kg1 or more than 5,500 sugar
cubes.
The Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign aims to
warn both children and parents about the health
harms from eating and drinking too much sugar. A
fifth of four-to five-year-olds and a third of 10-to 11year-olds are overweight or obese. This means they
are more likely to become obese adults who are
prone to a range of life-threatening health problems,
such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2
diabetes. There are now 2.5 million people suffering
from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of whom are overweight
or obese.
On Thursday 21 January Councillor Rose Martin visited the Sugar Smart Roadshow taking place at
the Old Square Shopping Centre over two days to find out about the new smart way to discover the
sugar in the products we consume.
The Sugar Smart Roadshow will be touring the country (there will be a separate press notice) and
will visit six shopping centres in the West Midlands region:
DATE
SHOPPING CENTRE
ADDRESS
Thurs 21 & Fri 22 Jan
Old Square Shopping Centre
Walsall, WS1 1QF
Sat 23 & Sun 24 Jan
Telford Shopping Centre
Telford, TF3 4BX
Mon 25 & Tues 26 Jan
Rope Walk Shopping Centre
Nuneaton, CV11 5TZ
Tues 26 & Wed 27 Jan
Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre
Solihull, B37 5TS
Wed 27 & Thurs 28 Jan
Wulfrun Shopping Centre
Wolverhampton, WV1 3BA
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Feb
Octagon Shopping Centre
Burton-upon-Trent, DE14 3TN
If you would like the chance to get vouchers, recipes, guidance on sugar alternatives and to
download the Sugar Smart app visit the Sugar Smart home page.
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Children’s Social Worker Recruitment Drop-In Session - Thursday 28 January
Staff News
Walsall Council is hosting a recruitment ‘Meet and Greet’ drop-in session on Thursday 28 January
from 10am - 1pm at Walsall Council House on Lichfield Street, Walsall.
This is an opportunity for experienced and newly qualified social workers to find out more about
joining Walsall Council and to speak to recruiting managers and existing social workers from
Walsall Children’s Services.
On hand during the session will be representatives from the Safeguarding and Family Support
Team, Corporate Parenting Team and Initial Response Service.
Walsall Council is hiring Team Managers, Practice Managers and Social Workers.
For information contact the Recruitment Team on 01922 655673 or email:
[email protected]
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Lisa Harris – Social Work Hero
Walsall's Principal Social Worker Lisa Harris has been nominated as a #SWHero
One of our Principal Social Workers, Lisa Harris has been nominated as this week's 'Social Work
Hero' for Community Care magazine's Stand Up for Social Work.
The campaign invites Social Workers to nominate their colleagues - explaining who they are and
why they're their hero. A winner is picked each week and given a box of chocolates as a 'thank
you' for their hard work.
You can read Lisa's nomination in Community Care here: http://bit.ly/1UTPOnk
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Raising money for Walsall Hospice
Councilllor Kath Phillips will be walking five miles to raise money for the Walsall Hosipce in her
capacity as a member of the Freinds of Walsall Hospice fundraising group. If you would like to
sponsor Councilor Phillips for the event you can leave your donation in an envelope with your
name and address in her post box at the Council House. Cheques should be made out to WS3
Freinds of Walsall Hospice and posted to 4 Tapton Close, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 3RU.
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Staff News
Walsave Credit Union office relocation
Walsave Credit Union will be relocating to its new office in the Banking Hall in the Civic Centre on
Thursday 7 January 2016. It is currently based on the ground floor opposite the Curators' desk in
the Council House. They are open 9am until 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.45pm
Fridays. Bloxwich branch is open 9am to 1pm Saturdays.
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Big Brother
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Staff News
My Kitchen Rules
Staff News
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Coach to Burton Albion game
On Saturday 27 February 2016, Walsall Football Club is playing at Burton Albion and a coach to
the game is being organized. The pickup point will be at the rear of the Civic Centre by Enoch
Evans Solicitors at 11.00am on the day.
Cost is £10 per person for travel to and from the match and organisers are hoping to have a stop
in a pub/club on the way to the ground.
If you are interested in using the coach to get to the game, could you please contact Mick Jenkins
or Dave Nash on extension 3270.
The seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
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Keep on jogging
Walsall residents are being encouraged to take up jogging
to stay fit and healthy.
Organised by Walsall Council's Sport and Leisure
Services team, ‘Jog Walsall’ is aimed at beginners and
people who want to get back into exercise or improve their
fitness levels and are ideal for anyone in training for any
5k or 10k runs.
There are currently two sessions that take place on a
weekly basis at Walsall Arboretum on Mondays at
12:30pm and the University of Wolverhampton on
Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm.
All jogs are free and will be led by qualified running and
fitness instructors.
Stuart Terry, Walsall Council's Community activity Coordinator (specialised sessions), said: "Jogging is one of the best forms of exercise you can do
and is something people can easily get involved in.
"Some people may see jogging as a lonely pastime but by taking part in these organised events
you will not only be able to improve your health and fitness but also meet new people at the same
time."
Staff News
For full details of the programme, including how to participate, call Sport and Leisure Development
Services on 01922 658080.
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Homework Zone
Staff News
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Groovy Grandmas Wanted
Staff News
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The Great British Bake Off
Staff News
The Great British Bake Off is back and we’re looking for home bakers to take part in the seventh series…
Can you bake a technically perfect tart, an exceptional celebration cake or a beautifully plaited bread?
Do you fancy putting your skills to the test?
Or do you know someone who might?
To find out more contact us: [email protected]
or download an application at
www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk
Deadline for applications is midnight Sunday10th January 2016
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
To apply you must be over 16 on 1ST February 2016. As an ‘amateur baker’ your main source of income cannot come
from commercial baking in a professional environment and you cannot have ever worked full-time as a baker or chef.
You cannot have acquired any formal NVQ or other professional catering qualifications in the past 10 years.
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Try something new at Walsall Libraries
Walsall Libraries have just launched their new programme of computer taster courses for the
whole academic year starting from September 2015 – July 2016.
There are now an extensive range of courses available from lots of individual teaching slots where
you can seek help on specific things e.g. if you are unsure of how to create an email, how to buy
and sell online, to more structured sessions on Ebay, Family History, CV help and Work Clubs.
In partnership with Walsall College, some of our libraries will be running 3 week basic taster
courses and also a brand new 3 week course covering social media, and using comparison
websites.
Staff News
Helena Denham Information and Learning Co-ordinator said “Walsall Libraries love to offer new
learning opportunities for our customers. Libraries are a great place to learn in an informal,
relaxing and friendly environment.”
To book your place please visit or telephone your local library, or check out our Adult Zone, then
click ‘Learning’ on the website at www.lovelibrarieswalsall.co.uk.
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Staff Discounts
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Offers
PETER PAN
Saturday 12 December 2015 – Sunday 24 January 2016
£12.50 tickets – quote WALSALL1250 when booking
01902 42 92 12
www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Please note, offer is only valid for Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday performances in January.
Join comedy legends Paul and Barry, the Chuckle Brothers on a swashbuckling adventure to
Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they fight against a team of pirates and
the dastardly Captain Hook, played by Eastenders bad boy - Nasty Nick, John Altman!
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Staff Discounts
MOT bay – Pelsall Road, Brownhills - £35 and available to anyone
This independent service does not provide a repair function.
Instead the centre carry out an MOT check that can either
lead to an MOT certificate or a report that details any work
needed.
This report can then be used to flag up the work needed at a
garage of your choice. Upon completion of the work the MOT
bay will recheck your vehicle within 10 days at no extra cost.
To book in your car ring 01922 653753.
Appointments available from 7.00am until 6.00pm
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Events
National Library Day – 6 February
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Events
Harry Potter Day at Beechdale Library
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Events
Pelsall Musical Society – Aladdin
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Events
Winter Jazz at the Arboretum
FREE WINTER JAZZ AT THE ARBORETUM CAFE
WITH
RYTHM & SWING
SUNDAY 24TH JANUARY 2016 12-2PM
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Water colour painting workshop
You are invited to a painting in water colour workshop on
Saturday 23 January,
1-3pm at Walsall Arboretum Visitor Centre.
£5.00 per session
To register your place please call Lynne Tandy 07985645885
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Events
Chatter Books at Blakenall Library
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Events
Blakenall Library Knit and Natter
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Events
Walsall Local History Centre
What can you do at Walsall Local History Centre?
At Walsall Local History Centre you can:
 Use a computer to find out about your family and local history
 Look up in the local newspaper what was happening on the day you were born
 Look at maps to see what your local area looked like
 Look at photographs to find out what people used to wear
Family History Basics
Family History Buddy
Want to talk about your family history? Want to find out where to look next? Book a free one hour
session with our family history buddy to get started or inspire new ideas. Diana Wilkes is at the
Local History Centre 9.30am-1pm and 1.45pm-5pm every Wednesday.
FREE Booking essential.
Beyond the Census
Third Wednesday of every month 6pm-7pm. Find out where your ancestors lived, where they
were buried, what they did in the First World War, where they were baptised and more. A one
hour session introducing sources for family and local history.
FREE Booking essential.
Ancestry Online at the Local History Centre
Last Thursday of every month 2pm - 3pm.
A one hour induction session, explaining how to get the most out of Ancestry online. The Ancestry
database is the most widely used family history database, containing a wealth of information from
civil registration to First World War medal holders.
FREE Booking essential.
Please contact us for further information:
Walsall Local History Centre
Essex Street, Walsall, WS2 7AS
Tel: 01922 652212
Web: www.walsall.gov.uk/localhistorycentre
Facebook: Walsall Local History Centre
Twitter: @WalsallLHCentre
Opening hours:
•Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm
•Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm
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•Wednesday 9.30am - 7pm
•Saturday 9.30am - 1pm
Events
Exhibitions and Events at The New Art Gallery Walsall
Preview
Thursday 28 January 2016
Join us for the opening of our new exhibitions.
Jan Vanriet,
The Music Boy
Laura Lancaster
Friends, family and colleagues welcome.
Both exhibitions will be on display from the 29 January – 8 May 2016.
Exhibitions
Jan Vanriet
The Music Boy
29 January – 8 May 2016
Events
Image credit: Jan Vanriet, The Music Boy, Black, 2013, Courtesy of the artist and Roberto Polo Gallery, Brussels
Jan Vanriet is a hugely influential painter and poet from Belgium. He has exhibited widely across
the world, representing his country in the biennials of Sao Paolo, Venice and Seoul yet this is his
first exhibition in the UK.
Much of his work is rooted in his family history. His parents met in the Mauthausen concentration
camp and their stories and memories of the Second World War and its aftermath continues to
influence his paintings. Themes of love, loss, identity, destiny and disappearance pervade his
work. Yet there is also an inherent playfulness and lightness of touch and an evident mastery of
the medium of paint.
The exhibition brings 30 paintings. The title refers to The Music Boy, a polyptych of four paintings
depicting his grandmother and uncle - his mother's twin brother - playing accordion as a boy
before the war.
Jan Vanriet was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1948. He lives and works in Antwerp.
Laura Lancaster
29 January – 8 May 2016
Events
Image credit: Laura Lancaster, Threshold, 2015, oil on linen, 240x480cm, Courtesy of the artist and Workplace Gallery.
Laura Lancaster is a painter who draws inspiration from forgotten and discarded photographs and
home movies, found in flea markets, charity shops and through ebay. Once precious and
significant to someone, they are now detached from their original contexts and instead, they
become animated through Laura's luscious, gestural and expressive application of paint. These
lost and dislocated souls, caught in the ambiguous space between figuration and abstraction,
compel us to reflect on time, memory and loss.
This exhibition will bring together a range of works by the artist including a new series of diptychs
which are drawn from the very first and last frames of found super 8mm home movies. With the
inclusion of sprocket holes and marks on the film, the paintings are portraits of the medium of film
as much as their subject matter. The juxtaposition of the first and last frames implies the passing of
time through the lost narrative that bind these moments together.
In Conversation
Saturday 12 March, 2pm
Join the artist for a tour of the exhibition.
Free, all welcome.
Collection Exhibitions
Epstein’s Rock Drill
Transformed by War
Until 24 January 2016
Floors 1 and 2
Events
Image credit: Jacob Epstein with Torso in Metal from Rock Drill, unknown photographer, c. 1952, Epstein Archive, The New Art Gallery Walsall
Rock Drill (c.1913-15) is Epstein’s most radical and celebrated sculpture, often described as ‘the
best thing he has ever done’. The totemic sculpture represents ‘a dramatic, revolutionary moment
when sculpture in Britain first became uncompromisingly modern.’ However between the end of
1915 and the beginning of 1916 Epstein destroyed the original Rock Drill, discarding the drill and
mutilating the figure, to form the truncated Torso in Metal from Rock Drill (c.1915-16).
Almost sixty years after its destruction, Kathleen Garman agreed to a reconstruction of her late
husband’s iconic sculpture following proposals that ‘if someone were to reconstruct the original
version of Rock Drill it could substantially alter the history of the modern movement.’ Marking the
centenary of Epstein’s dismantling of Rock Drill, and bringing together works from the collections
of Tate, The British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Birmingham Museums Trust, this
exhibition reveals how the sculpture’s un-making is as significant as its making.
The Clive Beardsmore Gift
Interventions in the Garman Ryan Galleries
Until 24 January 2016
Floors 1 and 2
Events
Image credit: Albert Houthuesen, Dancer, 1974, lithograph, copyright the estate of the artist.
These Interventions are some of the highlights of a donation of 200 artworks received by the
Gallery in 2014 from Birmingham-based private collector Clive Beardsmore. Clive has a
longstanding association with our collections, having worked at the former Walsall Art Gallery in
the early 1970s, coinciding with the time Walsall received Kathleen Garman's gift. This body of
work is the largest individual donation to our collections since The Garman Ryan Collection.
Works from The Clive Beardsmore Gift are exhibited throughout Floors 1 and 2 in the 10 themed
Garman Ryan galleries. This exhibition features works on paper by leading Modern British Artists
such as Edward Bawden, John Bratby, Graham Sutherland and Keith Vaughan.
Artists’ Studio
Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary
Caglar Kimyoncu
Events
Image credit: Caglar Kimyoncu, Still from COnscription, 2013. Courtesy of the artist.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is delighted to be hosting the 2015-16 Adam Reynolds Memorial
Bursary, an annual residency established by disability-led arts organisation, Shape, to support
mid-career disabled artists to develop their practice and profile.
This year's recipient, digital and video artist Caglar Kimyoncu, will use the bursary to extend his
research into the issue of the militarisation of youth and provide a space for those voices he
identifies to be excluded or marginalised in society. His residency is informed by his perspective as
a disabled person and background as the son of a professional soldier.
Artist introduction and film screening
Saturday 6 Februrary, 2-3pm
Join Caglar as he opens out his residency ideas for consultation with a screening of his film
COnscription (2013).
Open studio sharing event
Saturday 5 March, 2-4pm, drop-in
Caglar will share audio bites and film clips gathered from his research in Walsall.
Regular Family Events
Baby Palace
Now on Tuesdays
Tuesday: 26 January, 23 February, 22 March, 19 April, 17 May, 21 June, 19 July
Events
These are sessions for new carers to relax in a multi-sensory environment and explore smells,
sights and senses with your baby at your pace. This is a great chance to meet other new parents
and share your experiences. Sessions are £1.50 per baby. Please book in advance on 01922
654400, and collect your session ticket from reception when you’ve paid. Three sessions each
day: 10.30-11.30am; 12-1pm, 2-3pm.
Opening times
Costa opening times
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sundays 12noon – 4pm
Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays
Monday – Saturday 8.30 – 5pm
Sunday
10am – 4pm
Sign up to our free e-bulletin and receive regular Preview invitations, monthly newsletters and
event information.
Telephone: 01922 654400
Website: www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Twitter: @newartgallery
thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Free WiFi available throughout the building
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FOREST ARTS CENTRE EVENTS
Box Office number 0300 555 2898
Credit card bookings can now be taken in person and over the telephone.
www.forestartscentre.co.uk
Thursday 4 February at 2pm
Senior Citizens Orchestra Concert
Events
The Orchestra perform monthly concerts at Forest Arts Centre. Their programmes offer fabulous
music and feature a whole range of classical favourites.
Many concerts also include invited guests and performers
Tickets: £1
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes before the start of the concert.
Friday 5 February at 7.30pm
Evening Cinema “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (12A)
Henry Cavill stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy
Ritchie’s action adventure The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s
television series.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, The Man from
U.N.C.L.E. centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding
hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal
organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of
nuclear weapons and technology.
The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating
the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide
catastrophe.
Tickets: £3 / £2 (concessions)
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes before the start of the film.
Events
Wednesday 10 February at 1.30pm
Romance at the Movies
Get in the mood for Valentine’s Day with our very own Forest Arts Theatre Company as they
perform some of the most romantic songs from the world of movies.
With a collection of classics from yesteryear along with an assortment of more recent popular
romantic film tunes this promises to be an afternoon full of romance.
Tickets: £6
Thursday 11 February at 2pm
WW1 Centenary Film “Testament of Youth” (12)
Testament of Youth is a searing story of love, war and remembrance, based on the First World
War memoir by Vera Brittain which became the classic testimony of war from a woman’s point of
view.
Supported by Forest Community Association & Walsall Council.
Tickets: FREE ADMISSION
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes before the start of the film.
Events
Friday 19 – Saturday 20 February
7.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday matinee
Walsall Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents “Princess Ida”
Walsall Gilbert & Sullivan Society present Princess Ida, a powerful story about the early struggle
for universal suffrage. The story centres around the daughter of Old 'King' Gama, the leader of an
Irish Patriotic Group, who in her infancy was promised in marriage to Hilarion, the son of the bad
tempered King of Edwardian Britain, Hildebrand.
Ida, in the time of suffragettes and women's fight for equality, has founded a 'Women Only'
University, which Hilarion and his friends plan to infiltrate so he can claim his bride.
Coinciding with the 100th Anniversary of WW1, this exciting comedy brings you a production
combining the beautiful music of Sullivan and the sharp satire of Gilbert with the early struggle for
universal suffrage.
This is one show you will definitely not want to miss!
Tickets: £12 / £10 Concession & Saturday Matinee
Thursday 25 February at 2pm
Events
Afternoon Cinema “Woman in Gold” (12)
Ryan Reynolds and Helen Mirren star in this drama based on the real-life story of Maria Altmann
and her legal campaign against the Austrian government. Mirren plays Altmann, who, since fleeing
Europe during the Second World War, now lives in Los Angeles. When the death of her sister
leads to Altmann finding out that a portrait of her aunt painted by Gustav Klimt was stolen by the
Nazis from her family home during the war and now hangs in the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, she
enlists the help of young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Reynolds) and embarks on a legal campaign
to reclaim her family's losses.
Tickets: £3 / £2 (concessions)
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes before the start of the film.
Friday 26 February at 7.30pm
Knoxville Highway
Featuring music from some of the great names of country music such as Hank Williams, Randy
Travis, Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell along with a little taste of Bluegrass and Tex Mex.
A jourmey through the heart and soul of country music.....and don’t forget your western hat!
Tickets: £6
Events
CHILDREN’S FEBRUARY HALF-TERM FILMS AT FOREST ARTS CENTRE
Wednesday 17 February at 2pm
Children’s Cinema “Annie” (PG)
Academy award nominee Quvenzhane Wallis stars as Annie, a young happy foster kid who's also
tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014.
Left by her parents as a baby it's been a hard knock life with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan.
Events
Thursday 18 February at 11am
Children’s Cinema “Minions” (U)
Starting as single-celled yellow organisms. Minions eveolve through the ages, perpetually serving
the most despicable of masters. Contunuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters, the Minions
find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.
Friday 19 February at 11am
Children’s Cinema “Inside Out” (U)
After young Riley is uprooted from her midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and
school.
Ticket prices for all children’s film;
£3 & £2 concession
£7 group saver (admits 4, with a maximum of 1 full price ticket)
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes before the start of the film.
Events
ORGAN RECITAL AT WALSALL TOWN HALL
Thursday 18 February at 1pm
Thursday 17 March at 1pm
Lunchtime Organ Recitals
Borough Organist, Peter Morris will entertain with a varied programme of organ favourites and
classic pieces and to help you enjoy the concerts and see the organist playing close up, we will be
using a giant screen.
Tickets: £2
Tickets can only be purchased 30 minutes prior to the concert starting.
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Events
World-renowned goods made throughout Walsall Borough are now on display
at Walsall Leather Museum
Locks, lorinery, brightly coloured plastics, and stainless steel teapots are amongst the highlights in 'The
Changing Face of Walsall', an exhibition exploring and celebrating the development and history of the
Borough.
Visitors can get close to five of the mysterious Bayard’s Colts, whilst costume and haberdashery from
Willenhall’s Hodson Shop add a dash of colour and style. A special section commemorates some local
heroes and heroines including Sister Dora, Seaman Carless VC and Walsall-born author Jerome K Jerome.
The exhibition had previously been part of the history gallery at Walsall Museum.
‘The Changing Face of Walsall’ will be on display until 16 January 2016.
Admission to the Museum is free.
Walsall Leather Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm.
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