Bilston feb march online

February / March 2016

FREE Please take a copy home!

Promoting Bilston and surrounding areas in a positive light

BILSTON TOWN FC

Book Launch

8-PAGE

Spring Wedding Feature

STAFFORDSHIRE

Hoard Exhibition

FOCUS ON Green Park School

Keep this magazine until the next one arrives in April!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter FREE digital version @ www.bilstonmagazine.co.uk

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Contents 8

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Letters & Poems

10 Pat McFadden

52 Bilston Town FC

12 News in Brief

58 WM Police

14 Crossword

60 What’s On

16 Cineworld Comp

61 Library & Tip Opening Times

18 Bilston Flag Finalists 24 Spring Weddings 32 Green Park School 36 Win a Meal for 4

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44 Homes & Gardens

63 Crossword Answers 63 5 mins with Zee Russell

38 Male Anorexic

Est Since 1982

Restaurant & Takeaway Serving Bilston For Over 30 Years The ONLY restaurant in the West Midlands recommended by the Houses of Parliament.

Former MEP Neena Gill, with Pat McFadden MP and Owner/Chef Abdul Jalil

Food prepared by Wolverhampton Curry Capital 2013 Chef - Abdul FREE HOME DELIVERY (within 3 mile radius, minimum order £8)

You are welcome to bring your own drinks

01902 493922

34 High Street, Bilston, WV14 0EP

Open 7 days (incl Bank Holidays) Sun - Thurs 5.30pm - 11.00pm Fri & Sat 5.30pm - 1am

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Pat McFadden MP

A few words from your Member of Parliament

parents from the school twice since the beginning of the year and with Dudley Council to ask why they reached this decision and not an alternative turnaround plan.

I believe it is part of my job to speak up for the best possible educational opportunities for young people in this area. I understand the concerns this announcement from Dudley Council has caused and I will keep working with parents at the school and the local authority to try to get the best education for young people in Coseley.

Community Spirit in East Park

The Coseley School Dudley Council has announced plans to close The Coseley School and to reopen a new school on the site in several years.

Different faith groups and the local community marked the New Year with a Community Spirit event at Eastfield Community Centre.

There were representatives from the local Methodist Church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, the local Mosque and various local groups all there to talk about what they do and what they can offer local people. It was a very good event and I was happy to be there – and what better way to start the year than with a bit of Community Spirit!

The school has been struggling with results for several years and last year just 31% of pupils got 5 Good GCSEs, making it the worst performing school in Dudley Borough.

It is also struggling to attract pupils and has just 54 applicants for 195 available places next year.

Despite these problems, parents with children at the school are very upset at the prospect of the school closing and want more time to show that the school can turn round its performance. I have met with

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Paycare confirmed as Founder Patron of Wolverhampton Youth Zone Wolverhampton-based health cover provider, Paycare, has been confirmed as the latest Founder Patron of the city’s new £6 million Youth Zone.

Alice added: “There is no let-up in the number of community investment enquiries we are receiving from business leaders and local companies who want to be associated with our project. We are benefiting enormously from the lead taken by our principal funder, Wolverhampton City Council plus major employers like Marstons plc, and philanthropists such as Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.”

The School Street facility – named The Way – opened its doors in January with a host of sporting and cultural activities for young people aged 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities.

Paycare is investing £75,000 in The Way over the next three years.

General Manager of The Way, Alice Davey said: “It’s great to see an established and respected not-for-profit institution such as Paycare investing in the future of Wolverhampton and its young people. Paycare has been around since 1874 but as an organisation, it has the vision and foresight to invest in the Midland’s first ‘next generation’ youth zone.”

Kevin Rogers, Chief Executive of Paycare, said: “We are hugely proud of our Wolverhampton roots and are absolutely delighted to be supporting such a wonderful local initiative as The Way. As an organisation we are passionate about protecting and promoting the wellbeing of those across the region, and the launch of this fantastic facility will ensure that the city’s young people have a safe, nurturing, and inspiring place to meet, socialise and enjoy.”

News in Brief Bilston Black Country Day Bilston & Willenhall Lions are organising a ‘Bilston Town Black Country Day’ on Saturday 16th July.

Wolverhampton. Claire had known Tracy for years as Sam been going there. As soon as they heard about Claire’s plight, they volunteered to do it in own time. See photos. Well done both!

The first meeting took place recently, at Cafe Metro with over 20 people in attendance. Various ideas are being discussed, such as various types of street entertainment planned throughout the day. There is also talk of a charity market and a parade through the town by local dance groups, cheerleaders, motor cycle clubs and many more.

To help promote the event and to raise funds for the day, the group have produced some car stickers, which are available from Ian Edwards on 07967194092 or Cafe Metro in Church Street, Laura's cards on the Indoor Market, Route 66 Hair Salon in Hall Street, Lloyds Bank and Fidgets Play Centre in the High Street, priced at just £1 – see pic.

The next meeting is at 7.30pm on 24th February at Cafe Metro.

Anyone interested in being involved or wanting to know more can contact Stuart Richmond on 07973 963069 or by email at stuartbilston-willenhalllions@fsmail.net New Play Equipment For Sam You may remember a piece in the August 2015 issue on Sam Coley, who is living with Autism.

Sam’s mom Claire Dainty applied for a grant for some much-needed new play equipment for Sam, from Family fund which is a charity that provides grants to disabled children for holidays or equipment.

Springvale Sports & Social Club The Bilston Magazine has learnt that the Mid-counties Cooperative who run Springvale Sports & Social Club, have made a few changes to the way the club is run.

An ex-worker, who did not wish to be named, claimed that all bar staff and stewards have been relieved of their duties and bars will now only be open for functions and events that are booked by clubs and members of the public. Catering and bar staff will be brought in to serve visitors at events that have been booked from now on.

Apparently, all functions that have been booked for 2016 will be honoured.

It is believed that there are no plans to close the club at the moment. The magazine asked for an official statement from the club, but this was refused.

Although Claire was successful with her application, she had nobody to install the equipment for her until Tracy Ford and Clive Gordon stepped up to the plate. They are play workers, who work for the council at Old Fallings Playground, in

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Macey’s School Of Motoring Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor jamesmacey11@hotmail.com @MaceyMSM www.facebook.com/MSM500051

L

James Macey

07596 044166 01922 400816

D E SS

PA

GREAT HEALTH STARTS WITH A GREAT HOMEOPATH Homeopathy can help with skin problems, allergies, anxiety, sleep or energy issues and when recovering from injury or illness.

It is safe for all ages and also during pregnancy and can be used alongside conventional medicines.

Call your local qualified Homeopath, EDITH BAYLEY RSHom, now for a confidential, no obligation chat on

01902 496566 or 07717 471407

edith.bayley@natureschoiceclinic.co.uk

Nature’s Choice!

Please see answers on page 63 Across 1 Herbaceous perennial with edible stalks (7) 8 Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot ______ (6) 9 The Moor of Venice, Shakespeare play (7) 10 Type of biscuit (6) 11 About-face (7) 12 Picked, selected (6) 16 Composer of Fantaisie-Impromptu (6) 20 Sang A Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side (3, 4) 21 Tropical lizard (6) 22 Andalucian town (7) 23 Pollen-producing part of a flower (6) 24 Aerial, signal receiver (7) Down 2 Enmity, contempt (6) 3 Infused, fermented (6) 4 Appreciate, enjoy (6) 5 _______ West, Dalton and Spall (7) 6 Bystander, spectator (7) 7 Explanation of how the universe began (7) 13 Astronomical event, can be solar or lunar (7) 14 Beloved, favoured (7) 15 Innovator (7) 17 Anne ______, second wife of Henry VIII (6) 18 Contusion, blemish caused by injury (6) 19 UK's smallest bird of prey (6)

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- COMPETITION -

WIN TICKETS TO SEE

KUNG FU PANDA 3

Cineworld Bentley Bridge have given The Bilston Magazine 5 pairs of tickets for the new Kung Fu Panda 3 movie, which is out on 11th March.

Continuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home.

Brought to life by a cast of well-known actors, such as; Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Bryan Cranston and Kate Hudson, this will be one not to miss.

Call 0871 200 2000 for more information or visit their website @ www.cineworld.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply answer the following question;

What country is the Giant Panda native to?

Answer........................................................

Name ..........................................................

Address ......................................................

Post code .................................................. tel no (H) ....................................................

(M) ..............................................................

Answers must be received by 6pm on Friday 26th February. Winners will be notified by Monday 29th February.

Please email your answers to competitionsbilston@yahoo.co.uk or post the entry form above to; Kung Fu Panda 3 Competition, Bilston Magazine, 16 Holberg Grove, Wednesfield, WV11 3LE. Normal Bilston Magazine competition rules apply – see website for details

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Bentley Court Care Home A home where people want to live………….

Bentley Court is a 77-bedded home that has been purposely designed with older people who require general or specialist dementia care.

Located in the centre of Wednesfield, it offers residents:

• Spacious en-suite rooms • Large communal gardens • 24-hour support from a passionate team of nurses and carers • In-house ‘Pub Evening’ once a month • Open/All day access for family & friends • Carefully prepared food • Extensive range of activities • Resident of the Day ‘treats’ award • Brighton University accredited training scheme for staff • Hair and Pamper Salon

For more information or to arrange to view the rooms and facilities, contact our Manager, Debbie Pugh on 01902 722100 www.visioncaredirect.co.uk Visit our website: www.amorecare.co.uk To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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WIN The New Bilston Flag

Vote For Your Favourite Now! argue about (I mean discuss) which ones they thought should make the top 20.

The judges were mindful of the fact that not everyone can draw to the standard of Leonardo Da Vinci, so the winning flag may have to be improved with the consent of the artist, so that it can be made into a flag.Please bear that in mind when you make your decision.

Bilston Flag Judges The Flag For Bilston competition has generated dozens of entries, with some clever, thoughtful, funny and colourful designs.

The judges, made up of Estelle Hill from Café Metro, Ann Ramsbottom from Bilston in Bloom and Simon Archer, Publisher of the Bilston Magazine, worked through the many entries, firstly to sift out those that hadn’t kept to the brief.

The rules were that; only three colours could be used, the entry had to be A4 and of landscape orientation, not contain any letters or numbers and be simple enough for a child to draw from memory.

Once that had been done, they then started to

Have a look at the designs over the next two and a half pages and decide which one you would like to represent the town.

You can pop your vote into the entry box in Café Metro or if you prefer, email us at competitionsbilston@ayhoo.co.uk Put Flag Final in the subject box, put which flag you are voting for and let us have your name, address and telephone number.

One email entry per person.

Those who vote for the winner will be entered into a prize draw to win the first flag made after the result has been declared. Entries must be in by 1st March.

The designs will also be on display in the foyer of Bilston Town Hall from 15th Feb for two weeks.

✁ Flag For Bilston Competition Voting Form I vote for Flag (insert one letter only: A or B or C etc ..............................................................................

Your Name................................................................................................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................

Post Code ................................................................................................................................................

Telephone number (H) ........................................................ (M)................................................................

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A

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H

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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I

J

K

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YOUNG'S SHOE REPAIRS LTD Units 69-70, Bilston Indoor Market Top quality materials used sourced worldwide ● Large range of laces, insoles & polishes ● Quality workmanship at fair prices ● Established over 40 years ●

Tel: 01902 493061

Open Monday,Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9:00am - 4:30pm To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Spring Wedding Special Feature

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We sell ribbons, wedding favour boxes, cake decorations and confectionery.

To see more of our range of products, go to www.perfecttables.co.uk (new products being added all the time) or visit our ebay shop www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Perfect-Tables-Ribbons-and-Crafts

Come and see our showroom at Mon-Fri 9am – 2pm; Unit 9 Merryhills Ent Park, Park Lane, Wolverhampton WV10 9TJ If this isn’t convenient, ring Mandy on 01902 546448 or 07912 024239

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Lovebirds Bridal Boutique

Making Dreams Come True Every girl dreams of planning her big day and finding the perfect wedding dress is always the most important part.

And so, opening Lovebirds was the perfect way to find happiness again, whilst making other people happy in the process too.

That’s why the team at Lovebirds Bridal Boutique, Willenhall, have made it their aim to help every bride-to-be find their dream dress, no matter what their requirements or budget.

There are plenty of dresses to see at the boutique, as well as a unique selection of accessories. “Our dresses can usually be ordered in 4 weeks and are available in virtually any colour and size. We’ve got gorgeous styles for bridesmaids, as well as tiaras and veils that are priced from just £25.”

Owner, Amy Whitehouse explains: “Shopping for a wedding dress should be a really special and exciting experience and we’ve tried hard to create the perfect environment for our customers at the boutique.”

Everyone who walks through the doors at Lovebirds is made to feel special. “We always greet our customers, sit them down and offer them a glass of wine.”

With help from her Mom, Karen Cockayne, Amy has already delighted plenty of brides-to-be since opening the store in Cross Street, Willenhall in October 2015.

“Our dresses are all priced under £800 and we’ve got ranges starting from £99. We want our customers to be happy and we think that every bride should be able to have her dream dress.”

The mother and daughter team have brought their years of customer service experience to the boutique, as Karen explains: “I worked at New Cross Hospital as a health records clerk for 30 years and Amy worked at Lloyds Bank for 16 years, as a senior personal account manager.”

Both roles required excellent customer service - which the ladies excel at - and opening the boutique offered a muchneeded change of direction.

“Amy was really unhappy - and unappreciated - in her job and my husband, Paul, had recently passed away, so we both decided we needed to do something different.”

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The team are really flexible when it comes to opening the boutique for appointments, but customers are always welcome to just call in. And, alterations are easily taken care of thanks to Lovebird’s dressmakers. It’s not just weddings that are catered for though, as Amy and Karen have also got a fabulous selection of affordable eveningwear and prom dresses at the boutique.

“Whatever the occasion or event we can help, just call in and ask us, we’ll be more than happy to help,” adds Amy. To make your dreams come true, visit Lovebirds today.

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Specialist Bridal & Prom Wear Suppliers Family run business Opening Hours 10.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday - Saturday We can accommodate out-of-hours appointments upon request Tel: 07949 386033

4a Cross Street Market Place, Willenhall WV13 1PG lovebirdswillenhall@yahoo.co.uk

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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AJ Young

Engraving & Key Cutting Services Ltd ● ● ●

● ●

Wedding Gifts & Engraving Trophies (catalogue available) Tankards, Trinkets, Mirrors and Much More Pet ID Tags Large Range Of Household, Vehicle & Security Keys In Stock

A. J. Young Engraving & Key Cutting Ltd, Bilston Unit 68, Bilston Indoor Market

For that special cake for your special day, we’re here to help.

With over 25 years of cake making experience, we have a vast array of cake designs to suit all needs.

Ring us on 01902 491347 or email clairecakes@hotmail.co.uk Or pop in for a chat at 18 Church St, Bilston WV14 0AG. Or visit our website www.gordons-cakes.co.uk P28

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Run Your own Business

Est 85 years

A. R. White & Son

Come and see our Quality Menswear Range Large wedding suit range ● Formal suit hire ● Dry cleaning service ● Gift Vouchers ●

40 Church Street, Bilston, West Midlands, WV14 0AH

Enjoy the freedom of:

What do you want from life?

✓ Flexible Hours ✓ Being your own boss ✓ Lots of family time ✓ No Child Care ✓ Job Satisfaction ✓ More ‘me time’

Extra Income ● Holidays ● New car ● Pension ● Better Lifestyle ● Meet new people

I am an independent distributor of forever living products.

Members of the Direct Selling Association.

Ring Kerry Walters on 07949 227957 Or email Kerry.walters@btinternet.com

Telephone: 01902 492084 www.whitesmenswear.co.uk

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Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick, CV34 6RB

Flowers & Balloons For all occasions

Make-up & Nail Artist Services ◆ Acrylic Nails ◆ Gel Nails ◆ NAIL art ◆ GEL polish ◆ Spray tanning ◆ Lashes & brows ◆ Make ups for all occasions

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Open Tuesdays to saturdays Based in salon la beau Find me on Facebook: Katie Dale Nail Artist

07895 784594

3, High Street, Wednesfield, WV11 1SP 20% off services over £15 with this advert

● ●

Wedding Flowers Bouquets Baskets Hand Ties Funeral Tributes Helium Balloons Teddy Bears Silk Arrangements Plants Workshops

Tel: 01902 609292 or 01902 421 800

We Now Sell Yankee Candles

29 Silverton Way, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, WV11 3LL see more of our work on the picture gallery at

www.flowerpoweruk.com

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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School in Focus Green Park School

Green Park School is one of Bilston’s hidden gems. This was my first visit to the school and I had been told by a friend that it was a lovely school, but that description doesn’t come close. This school is truly amazing!

The current Head Teacher, Lorraine Dawney is on her second stint at Green Park having first worked there in 1992 as a newly qualified teacher before coming back as Deputy in 1996, then moving up in 2004. Due to the nature of their work, the staff have to be very dedicated and none more so than the longest-serving member of staff who is Louise Horton who arrived back in 1984 and has enjoyed her work so much, that she remains after 32 years. Speaking to a few of the staff on our tour, it’s clear they get a lot of satisfaction from their work. For many it was their first post and quite a few said they couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.

Many readers will know that the school is not mainstream. Green Park caters for children and young people from ages 3-19 with complex and severe learning difficulties.

The school is on the Willows Campus, which is also home to Stowlawn Primary School, in fact the buildings are joined and children from both schools share some of the same facilities.

They currently help around 120 pupils, looked after by 130 members of staff. These include, not only teachers, but School Nurses, Physios, Speech and Language Therapists and the Connexions service (to help make choices about learning, jobs and careers).

The school was first built in the 1970’s on the site next to the existing building and came under the control of the education authority.

In 2010, the campus which includes the two schools and the community facilities was re-built at a cost of around £15 million. The new build has given the school some amazing resources and equipment, such as; a sensory gym, food technology rooms, PE hall, including rebound therapy trampoline, a heated pool, a creative arts room, a forest school area and adapted school mini-buses and MPVs. Green Park follows the National Curriculum, underpinned by a system of reviews and Individual Education Plans to suit the child’s specific needs.

The classrooms are grouped into ‘clusters’ which are colour coded, to make it easier for pupils to be signposted to their daily routines.

Jo Nosko (right) and Lorraine Dawney

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A group of staff run an After School Club on Tuesdays from 3.15-5pm. Pupils can choose an activity such as swimming, cooking, art and craft and using the Sensory Drama Studio.

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Barry Bond (left) and Cheryl Hobbis New Parent Governor The school’s governors are led by Barry Bond, who was in school on the day I visited. He was showing the ropes to a new Parent Governor, Cheryl Hobbis. Each governor has a role with each cluster and is a member of either the schools resources or standards committees.

Cheryl is looking forward to supporting the pupils in Orange Cluster.

As with most schools, the relationship with parents is important, but at Green Park it is key and all parents really get involved with activities as well as having a strong input into their child’s progression plan, something that the Head is very grateful for.

The school team are currently working on a plan to raise funds for new playground equipment. Due to the complex needs of the children, they are looking to invest £30,000 in specially designed swings, exercise equipment and sensory and musical items. Bilston Rotary are helping by organising a comedy night at Springvale Sports & Social. More on this in the next issue of the magazine.

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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The Head is very keen to see more local community groups use their wonderful facilities and welcomes enquiries from anyone who wants to start a club or would like to hold regular meetings. They also have badminton courts and football pitches with excellent changing rooms and would love to see a local football team based there.

On top of this they can have two halls which could be in a theatre style and can accommodate parties, business conventions or simply a local keep fit or Zumba group as it has a sprung floor.

If you would like to know more about the school or what facilities they have to offer, please ring them on 01902 556429 or email greenparkschool@wolverhampton.co.uk

Green Park School

Green Park Avenue Bilston WV14 6EH www.greenparkschool.co.uk

BILSTON CONTAINER STORAGE rt s sta r e c i e Pr 25 pVAT £ m o s fr k plu wee

20ft x 8ft x 8ft Storage Container Rental ● 24 Hr / 7 Day Access ●

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WITHY ROAD, BILSTON

Dixons Butchers

FINEST QUALITY MEATS

ls a e D l a i c e p S

6 Pork Chops - £5.00 6 slices Belly Pork - £5.00 4 Chicken Fillets - £5.00 600g Diced Beef - £5.00 5 Chicken Legs - £5.00 3 Gammon Steaks - £5.00 5 Lamb Chops - £5.00 2lb Back Bacon - £5.00 3 Top Rump Steaks - £5.00 1kg Pork Stir Fry - £5.00 2lb Chicken Tikka Stir Fry - £5.00

Take any 6 for just £25.00*

*Max 2 of each item

01902 494989 Tel: 01902 495168 P34

106 High Street, Bilston, WV14 0BJ

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NEW!!

Darlaston & Wednesbury Life magazine First issue out in April.

10,000 copies distributed every two months.

Book your space now by ringing Lisa on

07853 335245 To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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- COMPETITION -

TREAT MOMMA AND WIN A MEAL FOR 4 AT BELLA ITALIA, BENTLEY BRIDGE, WEDNESFIELD. To celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 6th March, Bella Italia is offering The Bilston Magazine readers a chance to Win a Meal for 4 at their Bentley Bridge restaurant between Monday and Thursday during March or April.

Bella Italia customers young, old, new and long-standing all enjoy authentic Italian pasta dishes, innovative calzones, new grills, delicious burgers and classic pizza favourites.

Bella Italia have over 90 restaurants nationwide and an army of Bella fans who make the relaxed, friendly restaurants a fun place for everyone to enjoy. They pride themselves on offering great tasting food which is amazing value for money, making sure that everyone who is welcomed to the restaurants leaves with a full belly and a big smile on their face.

Treat your Mom this Mother’s Day! Book a table by ringing 01902 866299 or go on-line @ www.bellaitalia.co.uk/book-a-table

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To be in with a chance of winning a meal for 4, simply answer the following question correctly;

What is the date of Mother’s Day in 2016?

Answer........................................................

Name ..........................................................

Address ......................................................

Post code .................................................. tel no ..........................................................

Please e-mail your answers to; competitionbilston@yahoo.co.uk or post the entry form above to; Bella Italia Competition, Willenhall Life, 16 Holberg Grove, Wednesfield, WV11 3LE. Answers must be received by 6pm on Friday 4th March. Winners will be announced on the Bilston Magazine facebook page on Sunday 6th March and notified in writing by Monday 7th March.

Normal Bilston Magazine competition rules apply – see website for details

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01902 550733

The Rainbow Children’s Centre at Stow Heath Primary School has places available from April for 3-4 year old boys and girls.

Ring us on 01902 550733 Children's centre 01902 558820 School Office. Or call in for a chat Hill Road, Portobello, Willenhall WV13 3TT To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Male Anorexia

Male anorexic sufferer from Bilston, battled with disease for 24 years – because he was criticised for gaining TWO pounds

A male anorexic battled with the disease for 24 years – because he was punished by his gymnastics coach for gaining two pounds.

Stephen Lee Guy, 42, was made to run laps to shed the weight when he was a teenager.

He said the humiliating incident started his two-decade long struggle with eating disorders and depression.

At his lightest, aged 17, he weighed just six stone and was forced to shop at the children’s section of discount chain store Peacocks.

Recalling the start of his eating disorder, Mr Guy said: “We had a weigh-in one Sunday at gym class and I’d put on two pounds.

“I got shouted at in front of everybody and made to run around to try and lose the weight.

It was mortifying.”

Mr Guy turned to his classmates for tips on keeping his weight down. One friend admitted she was bulimic and suggested he tried it too.

From then on, he began a struggle with eating disorders which spanned more than two decades.

“I was muscular from gymnastics, which hid how skinny I really was,” Mr Guy, of Wolverhampton, said. “I’d also layer up, wearing two pairs of shorts under my trousers and several tee-shirts to try and make myself bulkier. The only place it was really obvious was my face.

on so when he came home to find I hadn’t eaten and had chucked all the food away, he was very shocked,” he said. “I broke down and told him everything. I told him I wanted to put weight on but I didn’t know how.”

His partner came up with a reward system, treating him as he reached different weight milestones. “I really wanted these Armani jeans but the smallest size they had was a 29 inch waist and at the time, my waist was 25 inches,” he said. “David said if I put on enough weight to fit into them, he’d buy them. “Then, he promised to buy me a boxer puppy if I could get to eight-and-a-half stone.

“Having these set goals really spurred me on.”

Slowly, Mr Guy began to put on weight by quitting smoking on his doctor’s advice and no longer denying himself the foods he craved, such as Subway sandwiches and cake.

Mr Guy said he uses photographs of his former self to fight the craving to diet and purge once again. “Looking back, I can’t believe nobody ever told me how ill I looked. I just want to grab myself and scream: ‘eat a cake, for God’s sake.’

“I’m so much happier now and I would urge anybody else going through the same thing to seek help – it is out there.”

Care worker Mr Guy avoided restaurants and would lie to friends that he had already eaten to hide the fact he was starving himself.

His wake-up call came when his partner David, 54, returned home unexpectedly early from a business trip to discover Mr Guy had thrown away all the food in the house.

“My partner had no idea what had been going

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BILSTON D.I.Y R/C Cars now in stock

• Hardware • Houseware • Paint & DIY • Car products

We now sell Vapes and Oils.

• Tools & much more

27-39 Broad Street, Bilston, WV14 0BU

Tel: 01902 404019 Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

BILSTON G.I.Y Our fully trained and friendly staff will give you all the advice you need on the following; CYCO products now available

• Grow tents • Ventilation • Lighting • Nutrients

27-39 Broad Street, Bilston, WV14 0BU

Tel: 01902 404019 Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Bilston Rotary Christmas Cheers for Rotary in Bilston local charities including Age Concern, Believe to Achieve, The Haven and the Mayor’s Charities including Bilston Remembered. A special donation has been made this year to help ease the suffering in the North of England following the horrendous flooding over Christmas. The Tree of Light donations have been given to the local branch of Cruse Bereavement Care.

The Rotary Club of Bilston and Wolverhampton West made it a very special Christmas for children and adults alike in Bilston with their Santa Sleigh and Tree of Light.

Santa and his sleigh made their first appearance of the season to help the Mayor of Wolverhampton Ian Brookfield turn on the Bilston town centre lights. As well as touring the streets the Club are grateful to Morrison’s in Bilston who let us park the sleigh, complete with reindeer and Christmas music, outside the store for the weekend before Christmas. The store were also kind enough to allow us to have a ‘Tree of Light’ inside the shop to give local people the chance to remember those no longer with us during the festive season.

Santa’s tour of the streets proved particularly popular with both the young and the young at heart. The Rotary Club are particularly grateful for the help of The Bilston and Willenhall Lions and local Scouts who helped make sure everyone knew that Santa was around.

Santa was especially pleased this year to be helped by Miss Teen Wolverhampton Galaxy, Bilston’s very own Chelsea Rist who helped add that little bit of magic to the events.

President of the Rotary Club Ken Dolman said ‘We are really pleased that Rotary could help make Christmas special for our local community. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went and it’s thanks to the generosity of the people in Bilston we have been able to support so many good causes’

Contact Rotary Club B&WW: j.crockett@blueyonder.co.uk

Altogether the Rotary Club raised £2,235 all of which will go to charity.

The vast bulk of the proceeds will go to support

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MAKING A WILL WON’T KILL YOU! Everyone should make a Will. The state can direct who inherits your estate if you die without leaving a valid Will.

If you are married and do not leave a Will your husband or wife may not inherit the whole of your estate when you die.

It is particularly important to make a Will if you are not married to your partner. Even if you have lived together for many years, the Law does not automatically recognise partners and they may be left with nothing.

leave them unable to manage their own affairs.

In addition, family members may not be able to deal with your financial matters to enable you to live comfortably.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney whilst you are fit and well you can make decisions in advance in consultation with your family and doctor, if appropriate.

This year, make it a priority to put your affairs in order and talk to your parents or adult children to make decisions as a family.

If you have children from a previous relationship you may want to be sure that they inherit all that you wish them to have whilst perhaps excluding your former spouse or partner.

Whilst making a Will leaves instructions as to what is to happen to your estate when you die, a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to authorise and appoint one or more persons of your choice to make decisions on your behalf about managing your property and affairs and dealing with your personal welfare whilst you are alive.

It is a sad fact that many older people fall victim to dementia or other serious illnesses which

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Oiled and fuelled ready to go £150 upon production of this advert.

Simply cut out the advert and bring it in to us to purchase at this price.

Other models available also Bilston Lawnmower Services 36 High Street Bilston WV14 0EP Tel 01902 493669

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Building a brighter future at the West Midlands Construction UTC open day such as programming NAO Robots and using mind control cars, both of which will be available for demonstration to visitors at the open day.

Prospective students are invited to find out more about opportunities at this ground breaking new secondary school.

On Saturday 19th March students from across the west midlands, particularly those in years 9 and 11, are asked to attend the West Midlands Construction UTC’s open day to find out more about how to get ahead in the construction industry. Principal Tom Macdonald invites interested students and their parents to drop in to the UTC’s Northwood Park campus between 11am and 3pm to learn more about the success story so far and how the UTC intends to grow into the future.

Tom reflects on the WMCUTC’s success story so far: “it’s been fantastic! Our amazing group of students – with interests ranging from architecture to civil engineering; computer programming to hardware development – have rapidly turned from school children to young professionals. They’ve been working with employer mentors from the industry and preparing their specialist work experience placements. Our rich and academically challenging curriculum has led to some of our students getting job offers for when they leave, having already been talent spotted by major companies in their field.”

“This is what the construction industry is in need of, the WMCUTC, a ‘vocademic’ approach to a specialist education.” George Clarke (Channel 4’s Restoration man)

A key part of this development will be the exciting new Springfield Brewery regeneration project, which has already garnered the prestigious ‘Education or Healthcare Structures Award’ at the Midlands Regional Awards, run by the Institute of Structural Engineers. The inaugural year’s students are capitalising on the UTC’s cutting-edge facilities with unique learning experiences,

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parents; to discuss the progressive curriculum on offer; and also to advise on application deadline dates, which are fast approaching.

Some of the UTC’s employer partners (including construction firms such as Carillion, Lovell, Willmott Dixon, Redrow and Barratt Developments) will be there to discuss career opportunities in construction along with current students who are available to give an overview of what life on campus and in the industry is really like.

Tom and his staff will be available at the event to talk to interested students and their

More information about the open day can be found at www.wmcutc.co.uk Telephone: 01902 394100 Email: info@wmcutc.co.uk

OPEN DAY 19TH MARCH JOIN US.

Open: 11am – 3pm Northwood Park Campus Northwood Park Road Wolverhampton WV10 8ER WMCUTC, Northwood Park Campus Northwood Park Road, Wolverhampton WV10 8ER Tel: 01902 394100 Email: info@wmcutc.co.uk

Create a whole new blueprint for your future.

A new way forward for ages 14-19.

West Midlands Construction UTC specialises in Construction and the application of IT in the Built Environment.

The UTC offers a combination of technical qualifications alongside traditional GCSE’s and A Levels for students aged 14-19. It is sponsored by CITB and the University of Wolverhampton and supported by a wealth of local and national employers including Wolverhampton based firm Carillion.

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Loft Conversions

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We make our own gravel boards, posts and panels to keep our prices low!

We supply and fit all types of fencing panels, posts and gravel boards.

We also sell sheds

Ring us now for a great price!

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Splashing Out on a

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SHOWROOMS OPEN 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday * For qualifying cases To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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History Of Bilston Town FC Club Historian Jay Hearst signs a copy of the new book at the launch in December

Bilston Town Football Club has represented the Town for over 120 years, and occupied their current Queen Street ground for almost a century, creating history and memories for thousands of people along the way, yet not until now, has an official record of their achievements been immortalised in print.

On December 12th last year, the official History of Bilston Town 1894-1915, was launched. A book lovingly and painstakingly compiled by local author and supporter, Jay Hearst, was published, at a special pre match launch, prior to the team playing Cradley Town, to a much receptive audience, with pre-sale orders exceeding 120 copies, and that number having already grown to over 200 copies in its first month.

Over two years in the making, Jay has put together a book cataloguing every season played since the Club's formation in 1894, with photographs dating back well over a century, including specific chapters on the

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Clubs FA Cup exploits, the all-conquering sides of the 60s and 70s, right up to the current day and their 'victory' at Wembley when the League attempted to deny them promotion in 2013, it really is a comprehensive record of a 'real' old football club.

Via the Club's Former Players Association, Jay met countless ex-players, interviewed them all, and their thoughts and memories are all contained with the 300 pages, and our thanks go to them for their invaluable contribution.

Since its launch, the book has been despatched to all corners of the U.K., with orders as far afield as Newcastle, Bolton, London and Wiltshire - not to mention copies that have been sent to Illinois, Chicago and Colorado in the U.S.!

Not surprisingly, Jay is delighted by the reception it's received, with all the research and long hours devoted to making it as

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comprehensive as possible, justified and worthwhile.

Equally, the Club is delighted, not just at the volume of interest in the book, but the fact that there is now, at last, an official record of one of the oldest non-league clubs around, and that it's been written by a local author, and a genuine football fan.

Club Chairman, Graham Hodson, felt Jay was the perfect fit from the moment they first met to discuss the possibilities of him writing it, stating; "It was May, 2013, at our final game of the season, when Jay first spoke of writing the book, and we encouraged and supported him right from the start, giving him access to the club and any information we had that might be of help to him. He's a local lad, with an honest integrity about him, and right from that first meeting, I knew he'd do a good job for us, and he hasn't disappointed at all, it's a tremendous achievement, and for anyone with an interest in the club, or an interest in non-league football in general, will find it a fascinating read - as the sales already

indicate. To move over 200 copies within a month of publication is testament to the job he's done, we're delighted with it."

The book costs just £10, and is only available direct from the Club, and can be ordered via the Club website www.bilstontownfc.weebly.com or call in on match days, or contact the Club Chairman, on graham_hodson@Hotmail.co.uk All images ŠThreeFiveThree Photography

Happy supporters have been snapping up the new book and orders continue to come in from far and wide!

Bilston Town Forthcoming Fixtures Date

Opponent

13/02/16 20/02/16 24/02/16 27/02/16 02/03/16 05/03/16 08/03/16 12/03/16 16/03/16 19/03/16 22/03/16 26/03/16

WELLINGTON Smethwick Rangers WOLVERHAMPTON CASUALS BLACK COUNTRY RANGERS Shawbury United Dudley Sports Bewdley Town DUDLEY TOWN TIPTON TOWN Wellington Wolverhampton SC Pegasus Juniors

Home/Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Away

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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FOOTBALL ROUND UP

Match action from Garry Griffiths of ThreeFiveThree Photography

Kyle Wainwright celebrated his goal to open the scoring in the Bilston Town Youth teams 4-0 win over Coton Green Youth in the Staffordshire FA Midweek Youth Cup Quarter Final earlier this month

Bilston Town fans at Turners End in good spirits despite a home defeat to Alvechurch in the JW Hunt Cup

Liam Rogers collects a cross in the Bilston Town Youth teams 4-0 win over Coton Green Youth in the Staffordshire FA Midweek Youth Cup Quarter Final earlier this month

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FOOTBALL ROUND UP Paul Griffiths heads the 2nd goal in the Bilston Town Youth teams 4-0 win over Coton Green Youth in the Staffordshire FA Midweek Youth Cup Quarter Final earlier this month

Youth team manager Scott Hamilton is hoping the youngsters can continue their recent good form that has seen them move atop their division

There is a confident mood in the Youth team camp as they chase a league and County Cup double

To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Slimmers Raise Pounds burden on the families with children in hospital over Christmas.

Dawn then set about asking her team of consultants and their members to donate any staple or tinned foods, boxes of chocolates and biscuits to their charity throughout November. The members were asked to bring their donations into their Slimming World group and in early December consultants from the Wolverhampton West Slimming World team took over 30 carrier bags and a number of hampers to the house. Not only did they take the donations they also took a cheque for the sum of ÂŁ1149.00 which the team had managed to raise at the annual awards ball.

After visiting a friends little girl at Birmingham children's hospital local area manager for Slimming World, Dawn Rayson was taken to Ronald Macdonald House to be shown the facilities that this amazing charity offers families that have children receiving treatment at the hospital.

Dawn added, “As a team we were overwhelmed by the response we had from our members. The staff of Ronald Macdonald were flabbergasted by the amount of things we took to help the families�.

The house allows parents and other siblings to stay over and use its facilities so they are close to their child whilst they are in hospital, which for many can be a worrying time.

After seeing the support that had been given to the parents and family of local girl, Freya Powers, Dawn felt she wanted to do something to help relieve some of the

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come & join Free Food February

at Slimming World Join a group near you and discover the secret of hunger-free slimming...

MONDAY SHORT HEATH 9am & 11am 5pm & 7pm Short Heath Methodist Church Wesley Road Elaine 07939 818513 OXLEY 5pm & 7pm Church of Epiphany C of E Lymer Road Jade 07545 558125 PORTOBELLO 5pm & 7pm Portobello Church New Street Debbie 07900 190270 WEDNESFIELD St Patricks Church Wolverhampton Road David 07903 418911 TUESDAY BENTLEY 3pm, 5pm & 7pm St Andrew Church Wolverhampton road west Liz 01902 351280 BUSHBURY 5pm & 7pm London Midlands Railway Club Bushbury Lane, Bentley Elaine 07939 818513

FREE COOKBOOK worth £4.95 with every 12-week Countdown course 1st – 27th February

WEDNESFIELD 3pm, 5pm & 7pm Pickering Road Community Centre Pickering Road Dawn 07756 234690 WILLENHALL 930am, 5pm & 7pm Willenhall chart centre Gomer street Liz 01902 351280 THURSDAY ASHMORE PARK 5pm & 7pm St Albans Church Griffiths Drive Tina 07891 733039 BILSTON 7pm Baptist Church Prouds Lane Audrey 07500 057769 BLOXWICH 7pm Sneyd Community Association Vernon Way Kim 07900 982494 FALLINGS PARK 3pm, 5pm & 7pm Fallings park Methodist church Wimbourne Road Rachel 07794 065666

EAST PARK 5pm & 7pm St Mathews Church East Park Way Dawn 07848 412313

FORDHOUSES 5pm & 7pm Fordhouses Methodist Church Winchester Road Jade 07545 558125

ESSINGTON 5pm & 7pm St Johns Church Hall Hill Street Gill 07923 946145

WEDNESFIELD 9.30am & 11.30am Pickering Road Community Centre Pickering Road Dawn 07756 234690

WEDNESFIELD 7pm Wednesfield Methodist church Wood End Road Helen 07495 647916

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY FALLINGS PARK 7pm Old fallings park reform church Old Fallings lane Debbie 07400 992662 NEW INVENTION 3pm, 5pm & 7pm The Victory Club Lichfield Road Gill 07929 346145

FALLINGS PARK 915am Fallings park Methodist church Wimbourne Road Rachel 07794 065666 SATURDAY WEDNESFIELD 8.30am Wednesfield Methodist Church Wood End Road Fiona 07894 264989

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 To advertise in the Bilston Magazine please call 07534 603662 or email magazinebilston@yahoo.co.uk

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Welcome to the Craft Café at Bilston Craft Gallery We’re very excited to have launched our new pop-up Craft Café at Bilston Craft Gallery on the 5th December which provides a family-friendly environment to enjoy delicious home-made treats and try a wide range of creative activities at your table. The café enjoys views of our large peaceful garden and a showcase of the famous 18th century Bilston enamels take pride of place in the centre of the room for added inspiration!

Choose from a selection of teas and coffees or hot chocolate, the coffee is provided by local firm Shropshire Coffee. The fresh cakes and teacakes are home-made and we have child and toddler-friendly snacks and drinks on offer.

The craft activities to choose from include clay play, painting and collage – a great opportunity to keep the little ones busy while you relax or catch-up with a friend … and we clean up! We also offer ceramic painting – choose your shape and decorate it with a range to colours to make it absolutely unique. We glaze and fire it for you to collect later. You can create a very special memento or gift with toddler and baby hand or footprints on a piece. Prices for craft activities vary but start at £3.00, the items for ceramic painting start at £5.99 plus a studio fee of £3.00 per painter to cover process costs.

For older children and adults there are a range of imaginative Craftpack projects to choose from – these have been created using recycled materials with SCARF, Wolverhampton’s Schools’ and Communities’ Arts Resource Facility. You can get stuck in on the spot and we’ll provide any extras needed like glue or needle and thread or you can take it home to do later or give as a gift.

Any craft activity purchased to do at the Craft Café for a child comes with a cup of squash or milk and a biscuit and if you just want to pop in for a quick drink or snack and you have a little one with you, paper and coloured pencils are provided to keep them occupied.

We have plenty of space for pushchairs, and highchairs and baby-change facilities are available. The Craft Café is open during our normal opening hours: Tuesday 10am – 4pm, Wednesday 10am – 7pm, Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday 10am – 1pm, Saturday 11am – 4pm. All the activities are drop-in, no booking required.

During your visit you can also see and contribute to our collaborative Community Makers’ exhibition Phoenix on show until the end of March 2016. With SCARF we have invited every school student in Wolverhampton to decorate a feather to become part of the Phoenix’s glorious tail … which will continue to grow during the exhibition!

From 15 December to 16 March 2016 enjoy Treasure!

Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard, an exciting exhibition that tells the fascinating story of how the Staffordshire Hoard was found and saved for the nation. Perfect for adults and children alike, it includes interactive activities and displays.

Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Bilston WV14 7LU Tel: 01902 552507 Email: bilstoncraftgallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk Web: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bilston

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Bilston Police The Bilston Neighbourhood Team along with Councillor Leach and “Action For Bilston� recently completed a joint visit to British Ironworks, who kindly donated and installed the Bilston Knife Bin. We had a fantastic day and helped create a video to raise knife crime awareness based around how communities can work together to have a positive impact.

Above is a picture of the team engraving a seized knife from Bilston, which will be put on permanent display on the 40-foot angel being built by British Ironworks, made completely out of knives which will be on display around the country This picture is the knives recovered from the Bilston Knife Bin. Save a life, bin the knife!

The team have been completing crime prevention days with our mobile police office in Bilston High Street.

We have been giving away lots of freebies, raising awareness around pickpockets and giving advice around improving home security.

The team have been registering bikes for free at the Bert Williams Leisure Centre. In the unfortunate event that a bike is stolen, the unique reference allows us to quickly trace the owner that the bike is registered to. The unique code is stored on a national database.

PCSO Jackson has been completing numerous Community Speedwatch in and around our Bilston Streets. The last session was completed on Prouds Lane, whereby 50 cars were checked, 8 of which were speeding, the highest speed was 39 mph. All of these drivers have been suitable advised.

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Library Opening Times* Bilston Library, Mount Pleasant, Bilston, WV14 7LU . Tel. 01902 556253 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed

Afternoon Closed

10.00am – 5.00pm 10.00am – 7.00pm 10.00am – 5.00pm 10.00am – 5.00pm 10.00am – 3.00pm

Closed

Closed

East Park, Hurstbourne Crescent, Wolverhampton, WV1 2EE. Tel. 01902 556257 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning 9.00am – 1.00pm 9.00am – 1.00pm Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 1.00pm Closed

Afternoon Closed Closed Closed 2.00pm - 5.00pm Closed Closed Closed

Spring Vale, Bevan Avenue, Lanesfield, Wolverhampton, WV4 6SG. Tel. 01902 556284 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed 10.00am - 1.00pm Closed Closed 10.00am - 1.00pm 9.00am - 2.00pm Closed

Afternoon Closed Closed 2.00pm - 6.00pm Closed Closed Closed Closed

Wolverhampton Central, Snow Hill, City Centre, Wolverhampton, WV1 3AX. Tel. 01902 552025 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning

Closed

9.00am - 7.00pm 9.00am - 7.00pm 9.00am - 7.00pm 9.00am - 7.00pm 9.00am - 5.00pm 9.00am - 5.00pm

Afternoon

Closed

*All information taken from Wolverhmpton City Council website and correct at time of going to print.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (Rubbish Tips) Anchor Lane, Lanesfield WV14 9NE Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

10am to 4pm Closed Closed 10am to 4pm 10am to 4pm 8am to 4pm 8am to 4pm

Shaw Road, Bushbury WV10 9LA Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

10am to 4pm 10am to 4pm 10am to 4pm Closed Closed 8am to 4pm 8am to 4pm

Get your message into 11,000 magazines!

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Useful Telephone Numbers Community Centres Lunt .............................................. 01902 552324 Bilston .......................................... 01902 552267 Lower Bradley .............................. 01902 552212 Portobello .................................... 01902 654650 Emergency Services Police/Fire/Ambulance ..................................999 Police (non emergency) ................................101 Anti Social Behaviour Unit............ 01902 551188 (Out of hours emergency) ..............01902552999 Crime Stoppers (anonymous) ........ 0800 555111 Gas emergency ............................ 0800 3281111 Electrical emergency .................... 0800 404090 Water emergency ........................ 0800 7834444 Flood line ...................................... 0845 9881188 Health Organisations New Cross Hospital (switchbrd) .. 01902 307999 NHS Direct..........................................0845 46 47 Bilston Heath Centre .................. 01902 444003 Wolverhampton City NHS Trust.... 01902 553909 Woodcross Clinic.......................... 01902 444028 Bilston Sports Injury Clinic .......... 07445 119139 Local Councillors Bert Turner.................................... 07771 836628 Val Gibson ....................................07771836453 Stephen Simkins .......................... 07775 007989 Bishan Dass ................................ 07825 530384 Sandra Samuels .......................... 07775 007991 Andrew Johnson .......................... 07771 836755 Linda Leach .................................. 07771 836016 Phil Page ...................................... 07469 024600 Welcome Koussoukama .............. 07469 410482 Help Lines/Others Citizens Advice Bureau ................ 01902 572006 Samaritans .................................. 0845 7909090 RSPCA ........................................ 0300 1234555 RSPB ............................................ 0845 1200501 Jobseekers Direct .......................... 0800 100900 Childline.............................................. 0800 1111 Nation Domestic Violence ..........0808 2000 247 Bilston Resource Centre .............. 01902 353705 Places of Worship St Leonard’s Church .................... 01902 491560 Christ Church, Coseley .............. 01902 353551 St Martins Church Bradley .......... 01902 650101

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Guru Nanak Gurdwara.................. 01902 496135 Church of God of Prophecy ........ 01902 497370 Bilston Pentecostal Church .......... 01902 498781 The Asian Evangelical Church ...... 01902 353705 Holy Trinity Oxford St .................. 01902 493459 New Testament church of God .... 01902 498861 Bilston Baptist Church ................ 01902 401430 Shri Durga Wbhawn Hindu .......... 01902 354081 St Chads, Bilston.......................... 01902 494776 Bilston Methodist Church ............ 01902 402137 Bilston Congregational Church .... 07909 330145 St Michaels Neighbourhood Church .................................................... 01902 353705 Schools Holy Trinity Catholic Primary ........ 01902 240901 Parkfield High School .................. 01902 558380 Villiers Primary School.................. 01902 558993 Loxdale Primary............................ 01902 558570 Field View Primary........................ 01902 558275 Bilston C of E Primary .................. 01902 558690 Green Park School ...................... 01902 556429 Wilkinson Primary ........................ 01902 558971 Ettingshall Primary & Nursery ...... 01902 558740 Moseley Park College .................. 01902 353901 South W’ton & Bilston Acad ........ 01902 493797 Stowlawn Primary ........................ 01902 556463 St Martin’s C of E Primary .......... 01902 558966 Moorcroft Wood Primary School .. 01902 495943 Christ Church C of E Primary ...... 01384 818375 Manor Primary.............................. 01902 556460 Wallbrook Primary ........................ 01384 818985 Coseley Sports College................ 01384 816565 Hurst Hill Primary.......................... 01384 818845 The Rosewood School ................ 01384 816800 Bramford Primary ........................ 01384 818915 Libraries Bilston ..........................................

East Park ....................................

Spring Vale ..................................

Wolverhampton Central................

01902 556253 01902 556257 01902 556284 01902 556025

Are you rough sleeping or homeless?

Ring P3 on 0800 107 6753 - Free phone number Or pop into the Navigator on Princess Street in Wolverhampton or ring on 01902 427017.

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5 minutes with...

Name:

Mrs Zarreena Russell.

Normally known as Zee. Occupation: Royal Mail Driver... from December 2015.

• • • • • • •

• • • •

•

Age – well I’m coming 21 again in July.

Can hope! (48) Born and Bred – Born in the Beeches Tettenhall and bred in Wolverhampton all my life.

Family – hubby, 3 sons and 2 daughters. P.s can’t forget the pets 3 cats 2 dogs and a parrot (Freddie) Hobbies – Criminology, football and community work.

Favourite book – Hannibal.

Favourite film – Tied with 2, Silence of the Lambs and The Heat Favourite food – This one’s easy anything spicy, miss my colleague James Noott as we both had a palate for spicy food and were, always looking even hotter foods.

Favourite holiday – Barmouth, Wales with all the family.

Proudest moment – Having my children, I am immensely proud of them all.

Most embarrassing moment – Turning up on the wrong day for an appointment, surprised everyone….

Including myself!

Biggest inspiration – my dad and brother in law. lost them both last year, my brother-law showed strength and character in his battle against cancer, if I can measure up to that I will feel I have done him and my dad proud.

Hopes for the future – Hoping to be elected in May for the Ettingshall ward on behalf of the Labour party.

•

•

• • • •

• •

Whilst also, hoping of good health and happiness for all those I care for.

Biggest achievement – There’s 2 that have happened at the same time, being bestowed with the honour of representing Ettingshall in the May elections and Being accepted for university, both are something I never dreamed of doing. So well chuffed….

If you ruled the world – Never thought about it, but would like to see the world rid of wars and famine as, both have catastrophic implications for us all, in one way or another and cannot be ignored.

Pet hate – Rude people, it costs nothing for manners.

Greatest love – sad I know, but Wolverhampton Wanderers. (even have a wolfs head on my drive).

Most treasured possession – My wedding ring, my dad brought the rings before he passed away, so I feel I have his blessing and he is watching over me.

Celebrity moments – I had the honour to meet princess Diana when she visited Wolverhampton and chatted to her, I have also given a presentation to Princess Anne, when she came to open the police station in low hill. Funniest would have to be Rusty Lee she’s very funny.

Perfect night out – A nice meal with family and friends.

How would you like to be remembered – The person that always tried to help everyone, no matter what.

Crossword Answers From page 12

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