Month: January 2026

The New Art Gallery Walsall, in partnership with Coventry University, has been awarded £71,226 to support the creation of a new large-scale sculptural installation by British artist Charmaine Watkiss.

The funding has been provided through the Jerwood Art Fund Commissions programme and will support the development of a new piece as part of Watkiss’s upcoming solo exhibition, The Things We Hold Sacred. The exhibition is scheduled to run from 2 October 2026 to 11 April 2027 and will feature both new and existing works by the artist.

The newly commissioned installation will form a central part of the exhibition and will later become part of the gallery’s permanent collection. It will be the first sculptural installation by Watkiss to enter a UK collection, creating a lasting legacy for the borough.

As part of the project, Watkiss will take up a residency at Coventry University’s Delia Derbyshire building, where she will work closely with students and staff from the School of Arts and Creative Industries. The collaboration will make use of the university’s specialist facilities, including ceramics, metalworking, woodworking, 3D printing, photography and printmaking.

The Jerwood Art Fund Commissions programme supports partnerships between artists and galleries, enabling the creation of ambitious new works by early- and mid-career artists. The initiative is delivered through a collaboration between Art Fund and Jerwood Foundation and is designed to both support artists at key stages in their careers and expand public collections.

Stephen Snoddy, Director of The New Art Gallery Walsall, said:

“ We are so grateful to Jerwood Foundation and Art Fund for facilitating this opportunity for Charmaine to create an ambitious new sculptural work for her major solo exhibition at the Gallery and for making it possible for this undoubtedly significant work to enter our Collections. “

Dr Sam Vale, Curriculum Lead: Creative Practice at Coventry University, added:

“This is an exceptional opportunity for our staff and students to work closely with The New Art Gallery and with such an innovative and exciting artist as Charmaine. Being actively involved in the commissioning process, from early development through to production and exhibition, our students gain valuable insight into contemporary approaches to making work, helping to prepare them future careers in the creative industries.”

Charmaine Watkiss said:

“I am super excited and thankful for this opportunity to create ambitious works that would not be possible otherwise. I look forward to experimenting with new materials and utilizing the University’s expertise to realise my ideas.”

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, said:

“Jerwood Art Fund Commissions offer a rare opportunity for museums to offer fully funded commissions to exciting artists for ambitious projects. With access to the facilities and expertise of Coventry University, Charmaine Watkiss will be able to develop her artistic practice at a key moment in her career. We look forward to audiences experiencing the work for themselves at The New Art Gallery Walsall later this year. We are delighted to help bring the first sculptural installation by the artist into a UK collection thanks to our partnership with Jerwood Foundation.”

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee of Jerwood Foundation, said:

“I am delighted that Charmaine Watkiss has been awarded a Jerwood Art Fund Commission, which will enable her to realise an epic new sculptural installation. This unique partnership with Art Fund, now in its second year, continues to benefit our national collections and their visitors and underlines Jerwood Foundation’s long-standing commitment to excellence and emerging talent in the arts in the UK.”

The project will also provide students with hands-on experience of the commissioning process, with opportunities to contribute to the production and installation of the work, including some paid roles supporting its final delivery.

Walsall Council’s Public Health team is encouraging residents to be aware of potential cancer symptoms and seek help early, as part of World Cancer Day on 4 February 2026.

The campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis, particularly when symptoms may be subtle or unclear. It follows the Government’s announcement of a new National Cancer Plan, which aims to improve prevention, reduce inequalities and strengthen public health approaches across the country.

Cancer remains a common condition, with around one in two people expected to develop some form of the disease during their lifetime. Health professionals continue to emphasise that early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

Residents are advised to contact their GP if they experience symptoms lasting more than three weeks. These may include ongoing stomach problems, persistent diarrhoea, blood in urine, unexplained bleeding or pain, new or unusual lumps, a lasting cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or changes in digestion or bowel habits.

While most people who are tested will not have cancer, getting checked is seen as an important step in ruling out serious conditions or identifying issues at an early stage.

Screening programmes also play a key role in early detection. Eligible residents are invited for cervical screening (for women and people with a cervix aged 25–64), breast screening (for women aged 50–71 registered as female with a GP), and bowel screening (for adults aged 50–74). Invitations are typically sent via the NHS App, text message or post.

Alongside screening, residents are encouraged to take steps to reduce their risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes staying active, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, using sunscreen and taking up the HPV vaccine when offered.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said:

“ World Cancer Day is an important reminder that early action saves lives. Many cancer symptoms can be vague, and people often dismiss them or hope they will go away. We want everyone in Walsall to feel confident seeking help early. Most people tested won’t have cancer, but getting checked gives peace of mind, and when needed, opens the door to treatment at the earliest possible stage.

If you have been invited for cancer screening or if you are due for one, please come forward as soon as possible, as early detection can save lives. “

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Cancer Information and Outreach Service is continuing its work in the community, providing information and support to raise awareness and encourage early diagnosis. During the week, the team is visiting GP practices and local venues to speak with residents about cancer and wider health issues.

Support and information are available through a range of national organisations. Residents can find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/

Further support is available via Macmillan Cancer Support at https://www.macmillan.org.uk or by calling 0808 808 00 00. Information is also available through Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org

Details of the Government’s National Cancer Plan can be found on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government

Residents can also take part in a local awareness quiz to test their knowledge and learn more about cancer prevention and support services.

Plans to redevelop and modernise Blakenall Community Centre have been confirmed following the successful securing of funding from the Towns Deal, New Horizons and local reserves.

The investment will support a major upgrade of the centre, which has been a long-standing part of the local community since it was first built in the 1980s. The redevelopment aims to transform the site into a modern, accessible and flexible space that better meets the needs of residents.

Blakenall Community Centre is operated by Bloxwich Community Partnership, a local charity with more than 45 years of experience supporting communities across Walsall. Originally established in 1977 as the T P Riley Community Association, the organisation now delivers a range of services across multiple sites, including youth provision, holiday activities, alternative education and affordable play opportunities for children.

While the centre remains well used, its current layout and facilities are no longer suited to modern expectations. The redevelopment will address this by creating improved spaces designed to support community engagement, wellbeing services and a broader range of activities.

Planned improvements include a new, more welcoming entrance area, upgraded interiors and modernised rooms that can be used for community programmes and services. Dedicated areas will also be created for children’s play, youth activities and a charity shop, alongside enhanced accessibility features to ensure the building can be used by as many people as possible.

The project is intended to strengthen the role of the centre within the community, providing a space that supports health and wellbeing, digital inclusion and skills development. Training opportunities and volunteering initiatives are also expected to form part of the offer once the redevelopment is complete.

Eleanor Boycott, Chief Executive Officer of Bloxwich Community Partnership and New Horizons Community Enterprise, said:

“ We are delighted to have secured funding from the Towns Deal, New Horizons, and our own reserves to redevelop the Blakenall Centre. This investment sends a powerful message to our community—especially our children and young people—that they deserve high quality, vibrant spaces.

“After many years of hard work, all the pieces have finally come together, and we are excited to create a safe, modern centre with dedicated youth areas and a new children’s soft play facility. We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors of a place designed for our community to thrive. “

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, added:

“ This investment in Blakenall Community Centre is about much more than improving a building – it’s about investing in people and place. Community centres like this sit at the heart of our neighbourhoods, providing vital support for families, children and young people, and helping people stay connected, healthy and supported.

“By modernising and future-proofing the centre, we’re making sure local residents have access to high-quality, welcoming facilities that meet today’s needs and continue to serve the community for many years to come. It sends a clear message that Blakenall matters and that we are committed to supporting our communities to thrive. “

The redevelopment marks a significant step in strengthening community infrastructure in the area, with the aim of ensuring the centre remains a key local resource for years to come.

Families across Walsall are set to benefit from a wider range of free activities, as two council services join forces to bring sessions closer to where people live.

Walsall Leisure and the Best Start in Life Family Hubs are working together to expand their offer, creating new opportunities for parents and young children to take part in activities focused on health, wellbeing and early development.

The programme includes sessions such as baby massage, postnatal Pilates and swimming activities designed specifically for dads, alongside wider events throughout the year. The aim is to make it easier for families to access support and social opportunities within their local communities.

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Education at Walsall Council, said:

“ The new sessions will give families more opportunities to enjoy free activities where they can bond with little ones, plus benefit from sessions designed to improve their health and wellbeing too.

“This collaboration extends our Family Hubs offer across the borough, one that is welcome to all families, to help give them the best possible start in life.

“The Family Hubs website is the go-to place for the full schedule of what’s on, and where, as there really is plenty to get involved with. “

As part of the initial rollout, a number of regular sessions have been introduced. These include postnatal Pilates and baby sensory classes held on Thursdays at Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre, aimed at parents with children aged 0–2. The sessions focus on supporting physical recovery after birth while also providing opportunities for babies to engage in sensory play.

For fathers and male carers, the “Just 4 Dads Wednesday Waves” sessions at Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre offer a weekly opportunity to spend time with young children in a relaxed environment. The sessions are designed to encourage connection between parents and children, while also providing a space for dads to meet and talk with others.

The collaboration will also include themed activities throughout the year, such as seasonal celebrations and targeted events linked to national awareness campaigns, including Mental Health Week and Breastfeeding Week.

By combining resources and expertise, the two services aim to strengthen support for families and ensure more residents can access activities that promote wellbeing and early development.

Families can find out more about sessions and locations via the Family Hubs website: https://www.walsallfamilyhubs.co.uk

Further details about leisure services are available at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure

Walsall Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday 27 January 2026, joining communities across the UK in remembering the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The day commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, and serves as a moment for reflection, education and remembrance.

Holocaust Memorial Day is supported nationally by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a charity established by the UK government to promote awareness and understanding. Each year, the event is centred around a specific theme, with 2026 focusing on Bridging Generations.

The theme highlights the importance of passing on the stories and lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. As the number of survivors decreases over time, the responsibility for remembrance increasingly falls to wider society, ensuring that the experiences of those affected are not forgotten.

Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, said:

“ Holocaust Memorial Day is a vital opportunity to remember the millions of lives lost and to honour the survivors who continue to share their experiences. By commemorating the Holocaust, we reaffirm our commitment to stand against hatred, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms, and to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. “

Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, as well as other groups targeted by the Nazi regime, including people who were gay, disabled, Roma, Sinti or from other persecuted communities.

The day also provides an opportunity to reflect on more recent genocides and atrocities in countries such as Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda, recognising the continued relevance of its message.

The Bridging Generations theme emphasises the need to keep these histories alive through education and shared understanding. As time passes, there is a growing risk that the reality of these events may become more distant or misunderstood, making remembrance and awareness work increasingly important.

Residents can find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day and this year’s theme by visiting: https://www.hmd.org.uk

Residents and community leaders in Walsall came together on Sunday 18 January 2026 to honour the life and legacy of Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison, better known as Sister Dora, at the town’s annual service of thanksgiving.

The service took place at St Paul’s at the Crossing and was led by Reverend Canon Rob Hall, Vicar of St Paul’s and St Luke’s, alongside Reader Anita Edwards. The event offered an opportunity for reflection on Sister Dora’s enduring impact and her dedication to caring for the people of Walsall.

Following the service, floral tributes were laid at the base of Sister Dora’s statue by the Mayor of Walsall. The ceremony was attended by a number of guests, including retirees from Walsall NHS Trust and representatives from Hauxwell Parish Church, where Sister Dora’s father once served as Vicar.

Sister Dora is remembered for her pioneering work in nursing during the 19th century, where her compassion and commitment to patient care earned her a lasting place in the town’s history.

Councillor Louise Harrison, Mayor of Walsall, said:

“ It was a profound honour to lead the town in remembering Sister Dora. Her selflessness indeed laid the foundations for the care and compassion we see in our town’s health services today. Through this annual service, we ensure that her devotion to the people of Walsall is never forgotten and continues to inspire future generations of caregivers. “

The event was also attended by several local dignitaries, including Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands David Frost CBE DL and Walsall Council Chief Executive Emma Bennett.

The annual service continues to play an important role in preserving the memory of Sister Dora and recognising the values of care, compassion and community that remain central to Walsall today.