June 2024 - Pioneer Magazines

‘The Red Room’ to haunt Stonnall Village Hall this July

Performed by Aldridge-born Ellie Ball from touring theatre company, Mint Theatre Society, “The Red Room” is a spine-tingling one-woman storytelling show that is taking a spooky pit-stop in Stonnall for one-night-only before heading to the internationally-acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

“The Red Room” is an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ spooky gothic short story, where the sceptical main character chooses to spend a night in an allegedly haunted room in the confines of Lorraine Castle in an attempt to disprove the haunting legends.

Adapted by her sister Charlotte, Ellie says that choosing “The Red Room” as a focus for her show was born out of her fascination for horror.

“The Red Room’ captured our imagination because it’s such a simple yet frightening premise – one person attempting to spend the night in a haunted room” she told Pioneer Magazines.

“It invites the audience to consider whether they believe that ghosts are real, or whether what really haunts us is our fear itself.”

This preview night on Saturday 27 July at Stonnall Village Hall promises an entertaining 45-minute show that brings the gripping and often darkly funny words of the original story to life.

Tickets are free of charge, with the option to donate at the end of the performance, which Ellie plans to use towards costs for her Edinburgh performance.

Grab your free ticket here, if you dare > https://tinyurl.com/mv4u6ut3

4,000 illegal vapes used for art installation at Walsall College

A new art installation aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of vaping has been unveiled at Walsall College.

The installation, which comprises of 4,000 empty boxes of illicit vapes, was put together with the help of students and Walsall Council’s Public Health and Trading Standards team and designed in the shape of a pair of lungs with a heart.

“The installation is the work of our graphic design students who were excited to produce something that prompts people to think seriously about the health, environmental and financial implications of vaping,” said Paulette Osei-Tutu, Lecturer at Walsall College.

“They used a variety of 3D design and print techniques, creating the lungs from predominantly repurposed materials.

“Reaction from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, just as we hoped. It has raised awareness of a lifestyle habit with consequences that can affect us all.”

The empty boxes were seized by Trading Standards due to containing more than fifteen times the puffs than the legal limit of 600.

Walsall school scoops prestigious award

Beacon Primary School in Willenhall has scooped a silver award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2024.

The award for “Marking a Difference – Primary School of the Year” was presented to staff following the development of numerous iniativies, including themed corridors, reading corners and a fully functioning bank to help children with life skills.

Mr. Drew, Executive Head Teacher stated that the building has been designed to ensure children receive ‘awe and wonder’ moments at every turn. They continue to make changes so that the children can access the best possible education.

Beacon Primary ensure that reading is prioritised in every corner of the building so that children are absorbed in books and stories.

Mrs. Chandler, Headteacher at Beacon Primary School said, “At Beacon we have many initiatives to support our children, but to help raise aspirations so that children see the value of working and saving. We introduced our own fully functioning bank, complete with trained bank clerks. We have our own currency with minted coins called ‘Beacons’.”

Mrs. Chandler added that the bank promotes financial responsibility and encourages children look after their coins (they earn coins each day) and when it is their weekly visit to the bank, they pay the coins in and can get a statement or balance enquiry.

Not only does the school have its own bank and have corridors that have been described as being in a film studio, but they also have a fully functioning radio station that broadcasts three times a week for the ‘Lunchtime Show.’ The show is written by the children for the children and then presented by the school’s very own radio presenters.

Earlier this year, the school, which is part of The Lighthouse Federation, the largest federation in England was rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ following an inspection in February.

Pupils and staff at Beacon Primary School celebrating their silver award for ‘Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year’ 2024

“I would like to congratulate everyone at Beacon Primary School on this remarkable achievement. This award follows the school’s Ofsted inspection earlier this year and being rated as ‘outstanding’, this is a testament to the work that Beacon Primary is undertaking to make a difference throughout the school community,” said Colleen Male, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Walsall Council.

“The school has been on a transformational journey over the last few years and the learning environment is like no other, helping to raise aspirations of children and inspire them to explore new opportunities, developing life skills along the way.

“Everyone at Beacon should be proud of this award and I look forward to seeing more from them in the months and years ahead.”

Walsall to boost Early Years sector staff with £1,000 cash incentive

Walsall Council is one of twenty local authorities that is taking part in a new initiative to recruit more staff into the early years sector.

The recruitment drive will give approved childcare providers a cash incentive of £1,580. While £580 can be set aside for tax and national insurance payments, the remaining £1,000 will be given to the new starter.

To be eligible for the funding, providers must be registered to offer Early Education Funding, be located in Walsall and request permission from the Council to use the incentive in job adverts.

Providers can apply for the funding here.

The £1,000 incentive will be for new starters, or those returning to early years work if they haven’t worked for a childcare provider over the last six months. The new position must also be permanent and they must be working with children for 70% of the time.

Youth radio station in Walsall looking to recruit for relaunch

The airwaves of Walsall are set to buzz with the energy of youth as the town welcomes its newest radio station, KIC. Formerly known as kicfm, the youth radio platform is rebranding and aiming to become the heartbeat of Walsall’s youth culture, providing a fresh and exciting platform for music, entertainment, and community engagement.

KIC’s launch is not just about hitting the airwaves; it’s also a call to action for the young people of Walsall. The station is on a dynamic recruitment drive, seeking passionate and talented individuals to join their team. This initiative is designed to empower local youth, offering them opportunities to gain valuable skills and experience in the media industry.

Empowering the Next Generation

At the heart of KIC’s mission is a commitment to youth empowerment. The station is looking for enthusiastic presenters, producers, social media managers, and content creators. This inclusive recruitment drive is open to all young people in Walsall aged 15-24, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and contribute to a community-focused media outlet.

James Levett, former volunteer and station coordinator, said, “Bringing KIC back as a radio platform will play a huge part in voicing how young people feel in an ever-changing climate. We’re super excited to be working with the guys at Shelfield Academy in Walsall, which shall be the new home to our famous yellow trailer.”

A Platform for Youth Voices

KIC aims to cover a diverse range of topics that resonate with young listeners, including music, sports, local news, and social issues. The station is committed to reflecting the interests and concerns of Walsall’s youth, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are told.

Due to launch this summer, KIC Radio is looking for young people to get involved. A recruitment event being held at Ormiston Shelfield Academy in Pelsall on Monday, 10th June, at 5pm.

For further information, contact: james@kicfm.com

Anti-Violence Bee Monument to tour Walsall schools

A bee monument made out of thousands of weapons will be touring Walsall schools next week to raise awareness about violent crime.

The Manchester Anti-Violence Monument Bee is made from knives, guns and other weapons that police seized on the streets of the city.

Numerous schools in Walsall have signed up for a visit from the bee between 17 June and 22 July with the aim of educating and sparking discussion on the dangers of violent crime.

“Our young people deserve to feel safe on the streets of Walsall, and we hope the bee will act as a great talking point in schools, where pupils can speak with peers openly and honestly, in a safe environment,” said the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris.

“Schools have been able to book the bee for a day, and can host assemblies, talks, or even creative activities such as drawing, centred around the monument and its symbolism.

“Too many lives are lost to knife crime, and the council is fully committed to working with partners, communities and our young people to help reduce it.”

Walsall welcomes new Mayor

Anthony Harris has been elected as the new Mayor of Walsall. The election, held on May 22, 2024, saw Harris, a long-time community advocate and local councillor, secure a decisive victory.

Harris, who has been a dedicated member of the Walsall Council for over a decade, is well-known for his commitment to social issues and community development. His campaign focused on improving local infrastructure, increasing support for small businesses, and enhancing social services, particularly for the elderly and youth.

**Councillor Anthony Harris with Mayoress Christina Harris**

“It’s a huge honour to have been selected to serve as Mayor of Walsall and I’m looking forward to serving the borough over the next 12 months,” Harris stated in his inaugural speech.

A lifelong resident of Walsall, Harris has a background in education and social work, which has shaped his compassionate approach to leadership. He has previously chaired several key committees, including the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee. His work in these roles has earned him widespread respect and admiration.

One of Harris’s primary goals as mayor is to address the economic challenges facing Walsall. He plans to implement a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising the local economy, including attracting new businesses to the area and supporting existing enterprises. His vision includes creating more job opportunities and fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and growth.

In addition to economic development, Harris is also passionate about enhancing the town’s educational facilities and services. He has pledged to work closely with local schools, colleges, and universities to ensure that Walsall’s youth have access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional development.

As he begins his term, Harris has called for unity and collaboration among the residents of Walsall. He emphasises the importance of community involvement and has invited all citizens to participate actively in the town’s development. “Together, we can achieve great things,” he remarked. “Let’s work hand in hand to make Walsall a better place for everyone.”

The new mayor has already started to outline his plans for the coming months, promising transparency and regular updates on his progress.

A burger revolution comes to Aldridge

When most people think of hamburgers they think of ‘fast food’ – mass produced snacks, created in a kitchen more like a production line.

But when Dean Haynes decided to create his own range of burgers, speed was the furthest thing from his mind – as he took weeks and weeks to get his recipes just right.

For 24 years, Dean worked at McDonalds, tirelessly producing burgers to the company’s guidelines. Now, as the proprietor of Aldridge food joint the New Orleans Burger Company, he took time to perfect his range of high-quality burgers.

Launched in November, New Orleans Burger Co. offers hot, fresh, expertly-crafted burgers at an affordable price.

Their menus boasts a wide variety of beef and chicken burgers named along an American theme, as well as delicious wraps, sides and milkshakes.

Dean spoke about the effort he and his teammates put into finding the perfect recipe.

He said: “I spent 24 years working for McDonalds, and it was all about being automated and consistent. So, when I started my own burger restaurant, I wanted to do something different.

“We came up with the idea for New Orleans back in August, but didn’t officially launch until November. The gap was because we took our time to get the product right, trying our recipes and combinations and getting the ingredients just how I wanted them”.

Quality burgers

At the heart of the New Orleans Burger Co. is one thing – quality.

Dean explained: “For me, what makes a good burger is quality, fresh ingredients. Everything has to be just right. We never mass-produce burgers either – everything must be made hot and fresh, when it is ordered.”

During his research, Dean scoured the market to find the best quality ingredients for his products, something he says sets them apart.

He said: “Because we’re not a chain, we can hone in on quality ingredients. We’re not governed by a head office telling us what to use.

“We search the whole market to find the best ingredients, no matter the cost – we have high standards.

“If suppliers can’t keep up with the standards we expect, we have no problem holding them accountable and changing suppliers.”

Today, New Orleans Burger Co. has received rave reviews from regular customers and online patrons alike, but the quest to find the perfect burger is always ongoing.

Dean said: “Building reputation and trust among our customers is key. We always seek honest feedback from people, so we can keep improving.

“We want our innovation and high standards to shine through”.

Dean says there may be more branches of New Orleans Burger Co. opening in the future, as he considers the opportunities to expand, but for now he’s focused on providing quality food for his Aldridge customers as a proudly independent shop.

He said: “There’s been a craze for mainstream burger chains, like Five Guys and McDonalds, but we’re missing local independents. You get a different taste when you go independent; it’s a revolution”.

New Orleans Burger Co. is located inside The Parade Fish & Chip Shop at 8 Croft Paradise, Aldridge, WS9 8LY.

NHS Heroes: Sue Edwards Making a Difference in End-of-Life Care

Bereavement Lead Nurse Sue Edwards is the friendly face who delivers compassionate support to people at one of the most difficult and emotional times in their lives.

Based at Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust, Sue works closely with the palliative care team, mortuary services, the chaplaincy and many more to ensure she aids those who are grieving following the death of a loved one.

She explained: “It’s a very emotional job, but one that is truly rewarding. I feel privileged to be able to support people at such a sensitive time. As a student nurse I knew that I wanted to work within palliative care and have worked within the speciality since 2008 as a clinical nurse specialist.

“I felt drawn to making a difference, especially as a patient approached the end of their life – whether that was helping to manage their symptoms or helping to ensure they were discharged to their chosen place of care or death.

“I was also there to help personalise their care whilst they were on staying on a ward.”

Sue, from Stourbridge, qualified as a nurse 30 years ago at City Hospital when it was known as Dudley Road.

“I’ve been really lucky to have so many good experiences at the Trust, but some standout moments include helping to support bereaved families during the pandemic and working alongside a team of gifted befriending volunteers,” she recalled.

“Seeing the ‘Tree of Hope’ memorials installed across our hospital sites and ceremonies held in remembrance of our patients and our staff has been really emotional and memorable. And of course, attending an NHS Birthday service at Westminster Abbey really was an amazing experience. I was also nominated for a Star Award, the organisation’s recognition event, which was a real honour.”

Sue added: “I’ve grown both personally and professionally – every day is different, and I love how varied my role is within the Trust. I deliver compassionate care by speaking with kindness, listening carefully without judgement and willingness to help others and to accept people for who they are.”

Stages Through The Ages Review – Prince of Wales Theatre

The junior and adult cast of the Aldridge Musical Comedy Society (AMCS) put on a great show for their latest theatre production, Stages Through the Ages. High-energy performances, toe-tapping tunes, and nostalgic numbers took the audience at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock right back to the Broadway production of Show Boat from the 1920s before journeying right through to songs from modern-day musical theatre shows, including Hamilton and Back to the Future.

**Adult cast with a performance from Hair.**

Backed by a live band that kicked things off with an impressive musical composition consisting of a selection of classic musical tunes, the stage was set for a night to remember. The cast of Stages Through the Ages performed 29 songs from stage shows throughout the years, combining scintillating solo performances, dreamy duets, and harmonious ensembles from the whole cast.

Highlights included a powerful presence from Richard Beckett, whose commanding vocals shone in “Do You Hear The People Sing?” from Les Miserables, “Beggin’” from Jersey Boys, and “Luck Be A Lady” from Guys & Dolls. Hats off to Mark Newman for a perfectly-timed rap of the very tricky “Alexander Hamilton” from Hamilton, which he executed with style and rhythm; Rebecca Oatley for a beautiful performance of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from My Fair Lady; and Chloe Robinson, who delivered captivating solo performances from stage shows including Rent and Cabaret.

**Richard Beckett and the cast delivering a rousing version of “Do You Hear The People Sing?”**

Chloe returned to the stage for a dazzling duet with Mark Bayliss, who left the pit as the conductor to join her on stage for an emotional performance of “All I Ask Of You” from Phantom of the Opera that wouldn’t have been out of place on the West End stage.

Numerous other members of the cast also took their chance to shine with a rousing and energetic version of “Ex-Wives” from Six, featuring Gaynor White, Chante Williamson, Sarah Beckett, Rebecca Oatley, Chloe Robinson, and Lucy Pountain, which received one of the biggest cheers of the night, and a pitch-perfect rendition of “Popular” from Wicked by Charlotte Mannion. Encapsulating the old showbiz phrase “the show must go on,” Emma Bosworth took to the stage in various numbers, including “Super Trooper” from Mamma Mia and in the role of Miss Honey from Matilda with crutches, having injured herself severely back-stage during the opening night. Now, that’s dedication!

The junior cast melted hearts when they first took to the stage for “Yellow Brick Road” from the Wizard of Oz, but proved themselves to be just as show-stopping as the adults with some fantastic performances, especially in “When I Grow Up” and “Naughty” from Matilda, with the likes of Amelie Williamson, Amelia Critchley, and Heidi Gottschall delivering their lines with maturity beyond their years. Indeed Amelia, aged just 13, also put on a sterling show as Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray with an impressive interpretation of the song “Good Morning Baltimore”.

**The junior cast singing “Yellow Brick Road”**

A special mention must go to choreographer Sarah Beckett who has been behind the choreography at AMCS for 36 shows and is now taking a break. She can now enjoy her rest proud of her achievements and be pleased that she has gone out on a high with some magnificent moves from the cast ranging from 1930’s tap-dancing to modern dance styles.

Overall, Stages Through the Ages was a theatrical triumph, showcasing the talent and dedication of the AMCS cast and leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their next performance – So This Is Christmas, coming to the Prince of Wales Theatre between November 28-30, 2024.