Willenhall online June July 2016

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Willenhall Life

June/July 2016

Promoting Willenhall and surrounding areas in a positive light

WIN Tickets to Air Space

FOCUS ON Shepwell School

Sam’s Charity EP

8-page Willenhall Transport Show Programme Inside

Keep this magazine until the Aug/Sept issue arrives!

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Contents 6.

Editor’s Welcome

8.

Letters & Poems

10. News in Brief

P44

12. Crossword 14. Empowering U 16. Ian Shires 21. Willenhall Transport Show

P46

P4

34. WIN Air Space Tickets 36. School In Focus 40. Sam Lambeth 44. St Giles Youth Club 46. Willenhall Town FC 48. Homes & Gardens 55. Puzzle answers

32. Let Us Play

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To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P5

Dear Reader, While I’d prefer this column was about Willenhall and the Willenhall Life magazine, recent events have meant that all of a sudden, I’m the centre of attention.

If you didn’t read the piece in the last issue, I had an operation for bowel cancer in January and had been advised to have a course of chemotherapy.

As so many people have been in touch to wish me well as I embark on the treatment, I thought I should update you on my progress so far.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Simon Archer Tel. 07534 603662 EMAIL willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk COMPETITIONS E-MAIL competitionswillenhall@yahoo.co.uk WEBSITE www.willenhalllife.co.uk LETTERS/NOSTALGIA Send to; Willenhall Life 16 Holberg Grove Wednesfield, WV11 3LE Magazine Designed and Produced by Pulse Freelance 41 Leighs Road, Pelsall WS4 1BZ pete@pulsefreelance.co.uk School Photography by Liza Lutton-Matthews Babytree Photography 07532 237688 www.babytreephotography.com Printed by Buxton Press Limited Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AE The Publisher cannot accept loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or editorial.

Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Willenhall Life does not endorse any advertising material included in the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of the Publisher.

P6

The day Willenhall Life goes to print, I have my fourth dose of chemo and so far, I haven’t had too many problems. I’ve been a bit tired and had a little discomfort, but if that’s as bad as it gets, I’ll not complain.

I’m now a third of the way through, so a bit further to go yet, but with the support from readers, friends, clients and family, I’m sure I’ll be fine.

Thank you all!!

In other news…..June is a very busy month for Willenhall. As well as the many events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, we have Willenhall Carnival on Saturday 11th June and Willenhall Transport Show the next day on Sunday 12th June.

Please pray for good weather for both of these events!

As with every magazine publisher, I find myself constantly struggling to try and fit in all the words and pictures I am given. Of course, unlike years ago, I have the benefit of a website to accommodate some of the items that don’t make it into print.

My website – www.willenhalllife.co.uk – also houses the digital version of the magazine, so anyone with internet access can see the magazine if they are unable to pick one up at your local newsagent, library or supermarket. Try it out!

A few new local businesses have joined us this time, so please check out their advert and if you can use their products or services, give them a call.

If you do purchase anything from them, TELL THEM YOU SAW THE ADVERT IN THE WILLENHALL LIFE MAGAZINE!!!

The next issue will cover August/September and will be out on 22nd July, so if you want to be involved, please contact us by 1st July. Enjoy your read!

Simon April’s John Parrott Competition winner was; Lee Davies, Hogarth Close, Willenhall

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To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P7

Letters & Poems

P8

David L. Jones

Fish ‘n’ Chips

Does anyone know or remember a man called David L. Jones, born 1948, Short Heath area of Willenhall? I understand at one time he was a member and regular visitor of the Royal British Legion Club, Shortheath, Willenhall, West Midlands, before possibly moving away, possibly to another area, getting married, etc. I would think David would be about 67/68 now. His father's name John Jack Jones, mother Lily (nee Lunt), and he had a brother called Brian born about 1941 who died. They may have lived at one time in Ravenscroft Road at number 97 near Pool Hayes School and I believe had cousins named Williams in Short Heath and Fryer in Bilston.

Ar wuz ’avin’ forty winks, Just the other day, When the wife shouted out: “What we ’avin’ fer we tae?”

I am working on a possible TV programme which I will be the presenter on, relating back to the First World War. It is a fascinating story and we would really like to speak to David L. Jones. His grandfather and my great uncle was Private Aaron Jones of the Worcestershire Regiment, a regular soldier for 9 years, recalled as a reservist and was one of the first soldiers killed in the First World War from Wolverhampton, as part of the British Expeditionary Force, 4th Battalion, Worcester Regiment, in 1914. I would really like to speak to David or any children he may have had to bring special link to the present time. There is quite an amazing story about our ancestor that I would like to talk to them about.

’Er cums back with the tae, Fish ’n’ chips, pipin’ hot! ’Er said “Them fish ’n’ chips, day arf cost a lot!

Ar gid it a bit uv thought – Un started to lick me lips, “Ar’v’ med me mind up – Mushy paes un’ fish ’n’ chips!”

“Ar’ll goo un’ fetch um,” I heard the wife mutter, So I put me perper down – Un’ ar dun some bread ’n’ butter.

“Now, yo’ gerrum down yer Enjoy ’um, mek the most, We cor afford this luxury Tomorra, it’s beans on toast!”

Friday 3rd June is National Fish & Chip Day

By Trevor Johnson New Footballers Wanted

I have added a picture of the grave of David's parents in Bentley Lawn Cemetery, Willenhall might jog someone's memory. Please help us to find David L Jones if you can.

A.F.C Wiilenhall are a locally formed family club which will have teams in the following age groups for next season - Under 9's, Under 10's and Under 13's. All coaches are CRB checked and trained to Level 1 FA coaching.

I can be contacted by email p.solomon@blueyonder.co.uk or people can leave a message on 07753 211506.

Philip Solomon

If you are looking to join a new team for a new challenge for next season then please contact Lee on 07973 151760 Mark on 07772 132329 or message our Facebook page.

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To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P9

News in Brief The local council elections were held in May with the following results; Short Heath Candidate Daniel Barker Ron Carpenter Dan Castle Jennie Westley

Party Liberal Democrats Conservative UKIP Labour

Votes 775 439 524 549

Party Liberal Democrats Labour Conservative UKIP

Votes 1191 466 504 438

Lovebirds Sell Quality Wedding, Prom & Evening Dresses At Affordable Prices. Contact Amy @ Lovebirds Bridal Boutique, Cross Street, Willenhall, Wv13 1pg On 07949 386033.

Turnout: 26.17% Willenhall North Candidate Ian Shires Hajran Bashir Glyn Marston David Wycherley Turnout: 27.74%

Willenhall Pub Crawl

Willenhall South

Willenhall Ay We have announced plans for their 3rd annual pub crawl, visiting some of Willenhall’s finest ale houses. The event will start from the Malthouse (Wetherspoons) at 4pm on Saturday 16th July and will finish at the Royal George.

They then usually go for food at Zaraah’s at around 10pm. There is no charge for the event and no obligation to visit every pub or the meal afterwards. Checkout their facebook page for more details.

Candidate Reiss Carr Sean Coughlan Ryan O’Brien

Party Conservative Labour UKIP

Votes 330 1551 520

Turnout:22.18% For a full list of councillors in your ward, see page 54.

Bridal Boutique Gets Into Carnival Spirit!

Pictured Are Amy Whitehouse (Far Right) & Anne Taylor (Far Left) With Willenhall Carnival Queen & Royalty. Amy & Anne Have Provided The Dresses For This Year’s Carnival To Help Support Local Girls Become Disney Princesses For This Year’s Carnival Theme. The Girls Will Debut The Disney Themed Dresses On June 11th At The Memorial Park In Willenhall. Lovebirds Owned By Amy And Karen, Opened In October 2015 Are Happy To Support Local Activities Along With Their Dress-Making Team Anne And Jess And Are Proud To Supply This Year’s Carnival Royalty With Their Outfits.

P10

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P11

Please see answers on page 55 Across 1 persecute (6) 4 leader (5) 8 afterward (5) 9 clap (7) 10 remove hair (7) 11 glade (4) 12 allow (3) 14 monster (4) 15 bee house (4) 18 blob (3) 21 mature (4) 23 flight personnel (7) 25 degree (7) 26 world-class (5) 27 claw (5) 28 nap (6) Down 1 protective head gear (6) 2 decomposing (7) 3 shrieked (8) 4 immitate (4) 5 angry (5) 6 violin (6) 7 bread ring (5) 13 baker's dozen (8) 16 dizziness (7) 17 deferred payment (6) 19 trivial (5) 20 pluck (6) 22 student (5) 24 robe (4)

P12

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P13

EMPOWERING U The tree of life represents the heart and soul of all that Empowering U stand for. Working in co-partnership with all who choose to access our service Empowering U was created with the sole aim of ‘transforming choices’, empowering individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives. We provide specialist holistic care, that is focused on the needs of the individual.

The month of May has seen our not only our staff and services users hard at work but also our incredible volunteers. Empowering U are so proud of all the wonderful staff, service users and members of the public who go that extra mile to volunteer their time and resources all in aid of supporting others and this month the contributions have been outstanding.

Anyone who has been diagnosed, works with or has a loved one diagnosed with Dementia will fully understand the innumerable difficulties and hardships faced by those who encounter this devastating illness, so anything that make life a little easier for the sufferer is a blessing.

Have you heard of a Twiddlemuff?

flexibility and brain stimulation and they have also been found to offer comfort and reassurance to some Dementia patients.

Designs vary as does price with some Twiddlemuffs costing as much as 40.00, so we were absolutely delighted to receive an enormous contribution from one very busy knitter of the most beautiful variety of Twiddlemuffs. Pam Cattell donated over 30 Twiddlemuffs to Empowering U, each one hand muff was lovingly knitted by Pam herself taking a period of several months to complete.

When asked what had inspired Pam to not only make these beautiful hand muffs but then to give them away she said “Empowering U do so much to help so many people that I also felt I wanted to get involved. I have been knitting since I was a child and if the twiddle muffs can help someone with sensory problems then I am more than happy to help.”

Empowering U say a big thank you to Pam for all her hard work reaching more than just Dementia patients. Some of Pam’s Twiddle muffs were donated to Sarah Hancox and Dawn Sukivic of the Walsall NHS Learning Disabilities team and also Mary Elliots school where they are greatly appreciated by many people with Learning Disabilities who have sensory difficulties.

Charity Auction

A Twiddle muff is a knitted hand muff, which provides simple sensory stimulation by the variety of textures and objects knitted onto the hand muff such as buttons and zips.

Twiddlemuffs help to promote increased

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As many of you will know by now we run a charity auction every Monday night from Gilberts in Willenhall. Week by week so many lovely people turn up to support this event and donate to Charity. This month we help a very special auction for the ‘Promises Dreams’ Foundation.

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Promise Dreams is a national charity that supports children who are sick or terminally ill.

They believe that every child has a dream that should come true whether it’s the holiday of a lifetime, the chance to meet their hero or to provide essential resources and equipment that may be needed at home.

Zoe & Tiegan Brownhill no stranger to the difficulties faced by a family with a child who has a terminal illness asked Empowering U if we could hold an auction for the ‘Promise Dreams’ charity and it was a privilege to do so.

Tiegan Brownhill (as pictured) who has suffered personally her whole life was extra excited to help out. Tiegan’s Prom Charity night was an auction event hosted by Empowering U to help Tiegan’s dream of a prom night which she sadly missed due to having one of multiple surgical operations done at the time. Tiegan was extra keen to support Empowering U after her auction raised around £780 towards the cost of ‘Tiegan’s prom.’ Seeing the benefits of the charity auction and the amazing atmosphere it was something she like so many were happy to support like our service users many who could relate to the difficulties faced by young people who are ill worked extra hard to help with the auction preparation as did all the volunteers who were involved.

One of the auction organisers had this to say on the evening “Wow, what an amazing night at the charity auction hosted by Empowering.

We have raised just over £800. Thankyou everyone who has been involved helping either by donating having ago in the raffle the cards supporting tonight it means the world. This money will help so much with granting wishes for the seriously and terminally I'll children for both of these charities. Two very very proud mommies, daddies and families we are tonight.

For more information about Empowering U please visit www.empoweringuco.uk Or ring the office: 01902 603770

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P15

Cllr Ian Shires Willenhall and proud of it!

Area Panels

Severn Trent

I am convinced that much of the chaos and confusion due to the road closures across Short Heath which in turn affected much of Willenhall and beyond could have been avoided had Walsall Council consulted through Willenhall’s Area Panel.

Severn Trent has been having some fun and games at the expense of both residents and motorists since the March edition. Frustrations boiled over as traffic became gridlocked in the Lane Head area following Severn Trent’s insistence on a full road closure on safety grounds along Lucknow Road.

Instead the outgoing administration was actually planning to do away with Area Panels all together concentrating decision making in the hands of a few at the centre in Walsall’s Council House. At the time of going to press no decision has been made about who will run Walsall Council. That won’t be certain till after the Annual Council Meeting on the 25th May. If we have any say in how the council conducts its business after the 25th then we will be pressing for decisions affecting the Willenhall Area to be made locally right here in Willenhall not in some remote room somewhere in the corridors of power in Walsall.

Local Elections

P16

I just want to say a huge thank you for re – electing me on Thursday 5th May to serve another four-year term ensuring that you get a voice on Walsall Council. The amount of support I got on the day from residents in Willenhall North coupled with the many phone calls. emails and people just coming up to me in the street to congratulate me has been a very humbling experience. I’m almost lost for words to describe how I feel and anyone who knows me would understand how difficult this would be.

The result was;

So what is their plan? Well unlike National Grid when they replaced their gas main in the same area within the last couple of years, Severn Trent are replacing two mains one on either side of the road. As well as this they need to make a number of connections across the road. It is this last point which they say requires the road to be closed.

Phase 1 of the work is in the Knightsbridge area requiring a full closure from Mill Lane over Knightsbridge to Howe Crescent. The work is scheduled to take 5 weeks.

Bashir Hajran - Labour Party - 466 Martston Glyn - The Conservative Party - 504 Shires Ian - Liberal Democrats - 1191 Wycherley David – UKIP – 438

Phase 2 begins in June and will see the work shift to the area between Spring lane and Mill Lane requiring traffic to be diverted away from the affected area along Ashmore Lake Way.

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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 Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P17

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P18

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Do Try This At Home…….

To make the best use of the lovely produce on offer at Corbelli’s, try the following simple menu to impress friends and family.

Antipasti On a large dish or platter, lay out a selection of the following; Salami, mozzarella, olives, peppers stuffed with cheese, parma ham, gorgonzola cheese.

mins. Add salt and pepper and a pinch of sage and parsley. Add to the beef stew and serve with 12oz of Pappardelle cooked using the instructions on the packet.

Serves 4

Sprinkle with a little Olive Oil and serve, making sure all items are at room temperature to ensure the best flavours.

Zabaglione For each person you will need two egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and one shot glass of Marsala Wine.

Beef and Mushrooms in Red Wine with Pappardelle 675g (1 ½ lbs) Beef Braising Steak 450ml (3/4 pint) Bardolino D.O.C Rocca wine 300ml (½ pint) Passata – tomato sauce Few sprigs fresh sage and parsley (or half a teaspoon of dried.)

3 cloves garlic 50g (2oz) fat cut from Parma Ham, sliced into cubes 350g (12oz) Chestnut Mushrooms

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar two minutes. Boil a pan of water and put the bowl on top. Whisk for 10-15 mins using an electric whisk (or do it by hand if you are feeling fit) until the mixture is thick, smooth and frothy.

Pour into large glasses and serve immediately with Italian biscuits from the range at Corbelli’s.

Sage and parsley for garnish Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and add the beef, sealing and browning on a high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a casserole dish, with a little more olive oil. Pour in the wine and passata. Pop in the sage and parsley and whole garlic cloves. Cover and cook in a pre-heated oven, 1800C/3500F (gas mark 4, for 1 ½ hours.

Towards the end of cooking time, fry the fat from the Parma Ham to render it down. Add the mushrooms to the fat and saute them for 4-5 To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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P20

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E M M A R G O R P L A I C I F F O

WILLENHALL TRANSPORT SHOW Willenhall Memorial Park Pinson Road, Willenhall, WV13 2PW Sunday 12th June 2016 Gates open 10.30am, close 4.30pm www.willenhalltransportshow.co.uk Willenhall Transport Show

Welcome to Willenhall Transport Show…….

The organisers would like to offer you a warm welcome to, what we hope will be, the first of many similar events.

The idea for the show came from Harry Constable’s love of cars, buses, lorries, in fact, pretty much anything with a wheel or set of wheels.

There’s nothing clever about the event. It’s just an opportunity for motor enthusiasts to show off their vehicles and for those who appreciate such things, to enjoy looking at some old classics and take a trip down memory lane.

It also provides us with a chance to help a local cause or charity. Proceeds from the event will be going to local charities and groups such as Let Us Play. This is a locally based charity who take children and young adults for activity days. This could be in the form of sport, craft, art, technology or a range of other fun things. Find out more about them on pages 32 & 33 in this magazine.

There will be some attractions for the kiddies in us all! Bouncy castles and also all the way from AMERICA....."THE TOWER" So will you be brave enough to try climbing it?, Whether you are 5 or 95 you can all have a go! Alfonso Urso will be there with his Vintage Ice cream van, selling his extra special Ice Creams for you to try!

Signal FM’s Niel Jackson will be entertaining the crowds – find out more about Niel on page 24 – so please make sure you say hello.

If you have any questions about the event and can’t find the answer on the website, please leave a message on our Facebook page.

Failing that, you can email us at enquiries@willenhalltransportshow.co.uk or ring us on 07494 622141.

While you’re here, why not explore this beautiful park and enjoy all the lovely things it has to offer.

How to attend If you are reading this before the event, and would like to know how to get involved, just visit our website www.willenhalltransport show.co.uk There, you will find out how to register your vehicle for the show.

Admission prices for the general public; Adults - £3 Under 12s FREE

There will be an area for car-booters, which you can also book through the website and a space for traders, all requiring a small fee.

All monies raised going to local causes.

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Some of the vehicles on display at the show……

Delorean DMC-12

1973 Bond Bug

The bright orange “wedge of cheese” is a 1973 Bond Bug three wheeler. Originally made by Bond, but later taken over by Reliant and built in Tamworth. Approximately 2300 were built so after 43 years there are very few now on the road. The previous owner did a full ground up restoration on it prior to me purchasing it.

The mini Bond Bug is actually a towable trailer built to look similar to the larger car.

This Delorean DMC-12 will be showing at this year’s event by Darren Biggs.

Facts about the Car; It’s a 1981 model made in June of that year.

They were only made for 2 years in Belfast and then shipped to the US. Only 9000 were made of which 6000 are said to be still on the road. The British government lost 100 million on this investment / gamble with John Delorean.

It was shipped to the US in 81 and spent most of its life there until ending up in Canada 8 years ago. This is where Darren shipped it from last year. It’s now registered as a uk car. It has only 8000 miles from new with all original parts.

It’s a stainless steel bodied, 2 seater sports car with a 2.85 V6 litre PRV engine. PRV means Peugeot Renault Volvo. This one is a 3 speed auto. The car gained its fame from being the star of the Back to the Future movies.

The Beauford

Built from the parts from five cars and one lorry, the shape of this vehicle is copied from the American “Deusenburg ” cars of the 1920s, having a Fabric roof which can be rolled back for when the sun shines in Willenhall.

This vehicle was “On Show” at this years Willenhall “Heritage Day”, where the picture was taken. The vehicle was used as a “Backdrop” for Willenhall Thespians production of “Bugsy Malone” a few years ago and is used for Wedding events and numerous charitable occasions including “Photoshoots at school Proms etc, This year the vehicle has undergone a refurbishment including new fabric roof and total respray to “Diamond White “

Interesting fact!…….Parts for this car were made at The Willenhall Radiator Company.

P25

Prams, Trikes and Penny Farthings of the club had a race back on their vintage mahcines.

Were you there? Do you have any photos of the event? Send them in. Willenhall Life, 16 Holberg Grove, Wednesfield, WV11 3LE.

Willenhall Life reader, Doug Clark got in touch after seeing the advert for the Transport Show in the last issue, to tell us about a similar event that took place in 1955, called ‘Vehicles Through The Ages’ The event was dreamt up by the local Road Safety Officer for Willenhall and Darlaston, who acquired the mainly old-fashioned bikes and trikes, like penny-farthings for friends to ride.

Unlike Willenhall Transport Show, which is being held in Willenhall’s Memorial Park, this one was a procession that began in the park and finished at the Bull Stake in Darlaston.

It was headed by parents pushing prams, both modern and old, then came the bikes in various shapes and sizes and finally the cars. The last car in the gathering was a BRM, owned by Alfred Owen on the back of a Rubery Owen lorry.

Members of Willenhall Olympic Roads Club

The procession in Wolverhampton St, Darlaston – left to right; Bill Mason, Doug Clark, Bob Parker, Bryn Lloyd, Geoff Barnett, Jim Parker, Colin Hopkins, Ray Clarke.

Doug was himself a keen cyclist and a member of the Willenhall Olympic Roads Club, usually riding round the countryside on a Viking racer, but on this occasion he joined in the fun on a penny farthing along with several others. The club which used to meet above the Plough Inn, in Stafford Street also had Doug’s cousin, Ray as it’s secretary.

On the way back from Darlaston, members

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The cyclists in Walsall Street, Willenhall.

5 minutes with...

Name:

Niel Jackson

Occupation: DJ/Presenter/ MC Host • • • • • • •

Where were you born and bred – Willenhall Immediate family - Frances/ Romea Favourite film – All Marvel/ Dc comic movies Favourite food – Any fish dish.

Favourite holiday destination - Florida/ Salou Proudest moment – Becoming a Dad Most embarrassing moment – Interviewing the Spice Girls when they were just getting famous and saying: The name SPICE GIRLS is a rubbish name and will never catch on.

• What is top of your bucket list - Winning the lottery • Which four people would you invite to your dream dinner party –Russell Brand/ Howard Stern / Barrack Obama/ Tom Stade

• What’s the closest you’ve come to death - Induced coma due to an allergic reaction on my tongue.

• Pet hate – People who don't indicate when turning when driving a car or van.

• Which word or phrase do you most overuse Thank you.

• Most treasured possession – Family.

• What is your screensaver - On my phone it's a picture of my son & myself.

• Perfect night out – Going to see a Movie in Gold class.

• What song would you like played at your funeral By the band Sleep with one eye open (I’m watching you)

Speedway Customs Tyres and Mechanical Repairs

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New and Partworn Tyres Lazar Tracking Wheel Alignment Exhausts Servicing We also do Diagnostics PC & Laptop Repairs, Welding Over 15 years experience

Virus Removal, Speed-up /Clean-up

Straight Road, Short Heath WV12 5GY

Tel: 07592 272183

10% OFF

with this voucher P27

Intricut Crafts Mark and Wendy Perry opened Intricut Crafts in High Road, Lane Head, in October last year.

Not only do they sell craft products, tools and wool, but also run classes, give advice and hold demonstration classes for anyone who wants to get involved or improve their skills.

The shop is open 6 days a week and has a genuine community feel, with various classes held Monday to Thursday and demonstrations taking place over the weekend.

Business Profile

By Simon Archer

They are members of the Craft & Hobby Association, which enables them to keep moving forward in an ever-changing industry. It also gives them access to new suppliers and new techniques and to draw on the help and experience of other members within the association.

There’s always someone in the shop to offer free help and advice on most aspects of crafting, such as; card making, bookfolding, mixed media, furniture upcycling and much more.

So, whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, there’s something at Intricut for you. Pop in and say hello. I can recommend the coffee!

Intricut Crafts 63 High Road, Lane Head, Willenhall, WV12 4JN

Come in and have a look round! ●

Free Crafting Advice ● Regular Demonstrations ● Classes Available ● Large Range of Wool ● Card-Making ● Home Decor ● Crafting Tools

Tel: 01902 630415 or 07879047219 www.visioncaredirect.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm P28

Award-winning Linden Homes opens the doors Flowers & Balloons For all occasions to affordable new homes to Willenhall Linden Homes As one of the fifth largest residential housebuilding developers in the UK, Linden Homes has been building high quality, distinctive new homes on sustainable developments for many years.

Owned by Galliford Try - one of the top ten housing and construction organisations within the UK - the company has both the backing and credentials of this nationwide organisation and has been recognised for excellence with the following awards:

If a new home is on your wish list for 2016 then Linden Homes West Midlands can help you move sooner than you think, and even more affordably than you could ever imagine, thanks to the Help to Buy† scheme at its brand-new Willennhall development, Cherry Orchard Having recently opened this new development on Harry Perks Street, it boasts a fine selection of 23 two- and three-bedroom private homes for sale, which start from a reasonable £129,995.

Visitors will be able to gain a real feel for the development by viewing the high specification Clothier three-bedroom show home which is now open.

Having a distinctively modern feel, a spacious and carefully-planned layout, cool and contemporary design throughout and a great sized garden, buyers are sure to fall in love with it at first sight.

Help to Buy And for those considering a new move, but unsure whether they can afford to raise enough of a deposit, Help to Buy† is a great choice and offers immediate peace of mind to first time buyers and those looking for that next step up the housing ladder.

• Linden Homes - Sustainable Developer of the Year

by What House in 2013, 2014 and 2015 • Linden Homes - Housebuilder of the Year by the Ideal Home Show Blue Ribbon Awards in 2013 and 2014 • Linden Homes - Considerate Constructors Award • Linden Homes – New Energy and Cleantech Award 2014 • Linden Homes – NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Awards 2015 Kate concludes: “Having never had a presence in Willenhall before, we are really pleased to be offering our new homes for sale here which we are confident will no doubt exceed the expectations of local house hunters. We look forward to welcoming them through our front doors very soon.”

To find out more about the homes available at Cherry Orchard, please contact the sales office, open 10am–5pm, Thursday-Monday: 01902 507188 | www.linden.co.uk †Help to Buy is available on all homes, with a purchase price up to £600,000, subject to status and affordability criteria, terms and conditions apply. The Help to Buy scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. * Please see the Linden Homes web site for full terms and conditions www. lindenhomes.co.uk/developments/west-midlands/cherry-orchardwillenhall/l/htb-cherry-orchard

The scheme is open to all house-hunters and works with just a five-per-cent deposit, which is needed by the purchaser. The government then provides a 20-per-cent equity loan, which is interest free for the first five years. After this period, a modest 1.75-percent annual fee is added. .

Kate Huntington, marketing and connections manager for Linden Homes West Midlands, comments: “We are delighted to be able to offer all would-be purchasers the opportunity of using Help to Buy at Cherry Orchard, we understand that affordability is paramount when it comes to purchasing a new home and that is why Help to Buy is such a great option in order to keep mortgage repayments manageable. And with repayments in the region of £396* for a two-bedroom home at Cherry Orchard, it is cheaper to buy with us than rent.”

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

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Let Us Play

By Simon Archer Marketing. DJR continue to be great supporters of the charity and their Managing Director is now a charity trustee.

Let Us Play are a local charity whose aim is to help children with special needs and disabilities and their siblings.

The group was set up in 2003, by parents whose children needed somewhere to play, learn and explore, but who were not suited to mainstream activities and sometimes found it difficult to interact with other children.

The group were very successful in setting up activities for their children, but needed help in order to grow. In 2007 they sought help from Kim Hatton, who had previously worked with Action For Children. Kim brought an array of skills and knowledge to the group and helped them become better known and established as a charity to allow them to access funding opportunities.

In 2015, the ladies and their many volunteers, put on over 400 sessions for the children, whose ages range from 5 up to 19. They aim to split the activities into three sections; Craft, Sport and Play.

Let Us Play were strengthened further when Claire McKen joined the team in 2010. Together, Kim and Claire now run the operation from an office in Shaw Park Business Village in Shaw Road, by the refuse site, which has been made available to them by their friends at DJR

What sets them apart from other similar charities is that, not only do they run sessions for the children with the special needs, but they go out of their way to involve siblings. As Claire says, “These issues affect the whole household, so we want all of the children in the family to enjoy the days out, and fun experiences that we provide, so that they can go home and chat and laugh about what they have done together�.

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Homes, Nuffield Health Club and the British Legion in Vicarage Road who allowed them to hold their Christmas Party there, and many more……………...

Speaking to one of the parents, it’s clear how much of a difference Let Us Play make to their lives. One father became quite emotional when trying to tell me of how he benefitted from some ‘me time’ while his daughter, who has a autism diagnosis, was away with the group.

Claire was keen to add that the group is not just about the individual. They are very big on team building and will arrange ball games that don’t end until every member has touched the ball, which encourages the children to think about others and to work together to achieve the objective.

Anyone wishing to help this great cause can donate online @ www.mydonate.bt.com and type in Let Us Play in the search box or by sending a cheque to Let Us Play, Shaw Park Business Village Shaw Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9LE. If you would like to know more about this charity, including contact details, or would like to be a volunteer, visit their website www.lupwolverhampton.org.uk

Let Us Play currently have 22 members of sessional staff, with a small army of volunteers supporting. Each volunteer brings their own unique talent to the group, some with music expertise, some with a sports background. They have speech therapists and several who are Makaton trained.

As with every charity, they rely heavily on donations and the generosity of their benefactors. They have been very fortunate to have been Sainsbury’s Wednesfield’s chosen charity for the last two years and are very grateful for the money raised by the staff, especially Lynn Ryan and their customers. They have also been helped by Wolves Community Trust, Wednesfield Rotary Club, The Freemasons, Persimmon To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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- COMPETITION -

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR AIR SPACE, BENTLEY BRIDGE

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket, simply answer the following question correctly;

THE MIDLANDS’ LARGEST TRAMPOLINE CENTRE If you like to boogie, Air Space is over 100 interconnected trampolines; a huge spring-loaded urban playground for ages 5 and up. Solo or social – how you jump is up to you. You can improvise your own moves in the main arena, freestyle jump from one trampoline to the next. Join in with team sports as you’ve never experienced them before: dodgeball, basketball and football – all on super-sprung pitches. So what’s your reason for visiting Air Space? We have the session for you: • Fancy a crazy jump around with access to all of our facilities? – Try a General Access jump, fun for all ages – 5 – 85!

• Want to beat the bulge and get fit?

– Freestyle Fitness is calling your name.

• Want to improve your trampoline skills?

Space Academy is the one for you.

• Fancy a boogie while you bounce?

Club Space is here!

We strongly recommend booking online in advance as we cannot guarantee how busy are sessions are going to be.

Please note that whatever session you choose, Jumpsters are required to wear a pair of our Air Space grip socks. These are available to purchase for £2 at reception. Once purchased, they are yours to keep – you can reuse them as many times as you like.

Happy Jumping!

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which session would be the one to choose?

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

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

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

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

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

Answers must be received by 6 pm on Thursday 30th June. Winners will be notified by Monday 4th July.

Please e-mail your answers to; competitionswillenhall@yahoo.co.uk or post the entry form above to; Air Space Competition, Willenhall Life, 16 Holberg Grove, Wolverhampton, WV11 3LE. Please tell us if you will require any disabled seating in the theatre.

Normal Willenhall Life competition rules apply – see website for details

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Proud to be a

‘good’ school

St Thomas More Catholic School

‘The school’s curriculum is broad and balanced, and the development of pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural understanding is strongly underpinned by the school’s strong Christian ethos.’ - Ofsted, February 2016 ‘Teachers have good subject knowledge, know their pupils, motivate pupils.’ - Ofsted, February 2016

‘Pupils learn well because teachers plan lessons that stimulate and engage them.’ - Ofsted, February 2016

Darlaston Lane, Willlenhall, West Midlands WV14 7BL | 01902 368798 www.st-thomasmore.walsall.sch.uk

@STMWalsall

School in Focus Shepwell Short Stay School and Home & Hospital Tuition Services, Bilston Lane, Willenhall WV13 2QJ

By Simon Archer

Many readers will pass Shepwell School, next to Shepwell Green Social Club on their travels through Willenhall, but few will know what kind of service the school provides to children throughout Walsall.

The school is a Short Stay School and Learning Centre, providing education on site, in the home and at The Manor Hospital for young people of secondary school age in the Borough of Walsall who are unable to attend the mainstream school because of medical, social and emotional needs, autism or teenage pregnancy.

They support students to accelerate their learning, get back on track, improve attendance, and improve personal wellbeing. They also support mainstream schools by taking pupils out of an environment that they are struggling in and often causing disruption in the classroom affecting other students. become disengaged and can often result in pupils developing school phobia

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According to OFSTED; ‘In this happy school, all students whether educated on site, or in the home, or in the hospital make good progress and achieve well. Teaching is good. Teachers plan carefully to make sure that individual students’ work is at the right level of difficulty.

Teachers’ good subject knowledge and effectively used resources motivate students.

Students’ behaviour is outstanding. Students are unfailingly courteous and thoughtful towards staff and each other. Feeling very safe and secure, they can confidently explain how to keep safe in different situations.’

Shepwell is a very small school, with normally 30 students attending the on-site provision plus 12 pupils in the Learning Centre on a daily basis plus pupils taught in the home and at the hospital. However, as Head Teacher, Stephen Pritchard-Jones is keen to point out “Although we are often at full capacity, we won’t turn pupils away who need our help. If things get to breaking point, we will have to go to the

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council and apply for extra funding, however, its very unlikely extra will be granted”.

and doors. A similar sum has also recently been spent on a Special Autism Resource Base, which allows the school to offer first class facilities for children and young adults who live with this condition.

Stephen has many more plans for future, including a provision for Year 6 children – as mentioned earlier, they only currently take children from the age of 11-16. He is also trying to raise funds for a sensory garden and to generally improve the area at the back of the school to allow the children to make better use of it. They hope to receive support from local building firm Tarmac, who have pledged 40 hours of work by their staff as part of their commitment to the local community.

Stephen Pritchard Jones Stephen is also keen to mention the help and support the school has received from the council, Walsall Children’s Services adding, “Although it took a while for us to get our message across, the councillors and council officers now fully appreciate how important the service we provide to schools has become and how our work has a massive impact on outcomes for young people in Walsall.

The school has been on its current site for 10 years, previously being known as the Limehouse Home and Hospital Service based in Walsall town centre for a similar period.

Stephen has been at the school since January 2010, having been in mainstream education previously. Along with support from the team of Governors and Chair Diane Osbourne, he oversees 21 23 staff, who not only work from the school, but also teach patients in a dedicated classroom in Manor Hospital and even visit children in their own home, if circumstances require.

Longest serving member of staff is Kam Tiwana, who like Stephen, has seen many changes during her time at Shepwell. One of the most noticeable and significant, was the investment of £20,000 by the council of a new fence around the school, with electric gates, ensuring the safety of the pupils who attend.

Also, during the past 3 years the school had a new roof, a complete rewire and new windows

Although those attending have different issues to children in mainstream schools, there educational needs are the same and the school works to educate them in the same way as others, albeit with a different structure to the day more flexible and nurturing approach. They provide a broad and balanced curriculum with strong links to the arts, technology, culture and sport.

The overall objective is to improve their confidence and learn with the flexibility for a personalised reintegration plan into a mainstream school or complete their compulsory education at Shepwell.

As with most schools, they encourage the children to have fun while they learn, with Monthly Coffee Mornings, participation in Red Nose and Sports Relief Day and many more.

Pop in and have a cuppa with them to find out more about what they are up to. The next coffee morning is on will be advertised on the website www.shepwell.co.uk. Stephen is more than happy to show people around the school if you would like to visit please get in touch.

Daniel Dalton MEP Visit Feb 16

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Shepwell School

Bilston Lane, Willenhall West Midlands WV13 2QJ Tel: 01902 632719 Fax: 01902 608081 Email: admin@shepwell.walsall.sch.uk

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To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Charity EP From Willenhall Rocker experimental artrock (the Sonic Youth-style poetry of ‘They Said You Were Dead On Buzzfeed’) and ethereal dreampop (‘All the Lazy Hipsters’). Beneath the songs, though, is the uneasy feelings of adulthood, growing up and losing time. Juxtapose this with fizzy alt rock and you have a record that may seem fine on the surface, but has multiple undercurrents bubbling beneath.

Assembling a band (Samm Jones on drums and Meg Vedder on bass), Quinn represents the wistful, lo-fi side of rock (think Galaxie 500, early Teenage Fanclub) while keeping things fresh and contemporary.

When Willenhall’s Sam Lambeth’s former band, The MonoBloggers, split up after three EPs, tours with established bands (The Lemonheads, The Bluetones) and radio coverage, he felt he was done with music. But as time progressed, that itch just wouldn’t go away.

One night, he attended Birmingham-based club night L’Amour, that played his favourite bands (DIIV, MBV, The Drums) and introduced him to likeminded individuals. Quickly, he was inspired to re-enter the studio, alone, and make a record like those from bands he’d always admired.

All proceeds from the record are being donated to Teenage Cancer Trust, a scheme Sam was keen to introduce. “I realise I am very lucky, in terms of health, so I felt it was my duty to give something back,” he said. “I feel this record is an undiluted attempt at making an EP like my musical heroes, without having to compromise.”

Quinn will be releasing ‘Seems Fine’ on Friday 10 June through Freaked Out & Small Records.

‘Seems Fine’ is the result of those sessions, a six-track EP that straddles upbeat, summery grunge (‘Sixteen Vandals’, which has already gained airplay through BBC WM and XFM),

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All proceeds from the record are being donated to Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the band’s earnings from gigs and merchandise.

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Spot the difference

By Jenny Faulkner

We thought we’d try something new.

As Summer is almost upon us, here’s a nice picture of a garden full of plants and flowers.

However, some things are different in the bottom picture.

There are 15 in total – answers on page 55 – Try not to cheat!

Willenhall Library

Toddler Time Rhymes

Thursdays 10am-11am 2-5yrs

Crafts

Term time only

£1 per family For further information please contact Willenhall Library T: 01922 650771 E: willenhalllibrary@walsall.gov.uk

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Boxing Club Celebrates

Wolverhampton Boxing Club Turns 80

After what can only be described as a rollercoaster few months, Wolverhampton Boxing Club is now looking forward to a bright future.

The club were rocked by the death of former President, Secretary and Treasurer, John B. Thomas – known to everyone as Thommo – last year and at one point it looked as though the club may close.

Wednesday and Friday. It’s £3 per session and there’s no need to book, just turn up in suitable sportswear and start work.

If you do wish to speak to George first, he can be contacted on 07495 913794.

However, members and trainers have rallied and the club is now run by five trustees, Treasurer Gary Bate, secretary George Langford, Head Coad, Dennis Stephenson and Trainers Nick Griffiths and George Murrin.

The club, which is in Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, celebrated its 80th Birthday with an open day in May. Boxing demonstrations, bouts and training routines were all on show to the many visitors and refreshments were provided to all who attended.

The club is open to newcomers – under 16s from 5-7pm and over 16s from 7 – 9pm – Monday,

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www.mitrophy.co.uk

Top Quality Sporting Trophies and Business Awards For All Your Events at Very Competitive Prices!

: 56 Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall. WV13 2NF : www.mitrophy.co.uk

: 01902 901311

: info@mitrophy.co.uk

: 07413 972334 : MI-Trophy

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Willenhall St. Giles Youth Club Memories

by Geoff Pearson

from me in Portobello. He used to call for me and we would walk into Willenhall together.

We began to get quite good players until, you guessed it, girls started to get in the way, and not only by leaning on the snooker table as you were about to take your shot.

It's the year 1960....I have just turned 14 years of age, when my best mate at Willenhall Comprehensive, Roger Shepherd, informs me that St. Giles Youth Club, affectionately known as Sammies (don't ask me why), is accepting new members. This is the news I have been waiting for and I am at the club the same evening to enrol. And so begins the best teenage years anyone could ask for in terms of friendships and character building.

Thursday nights were, for me, the best club nights because it was live band night. A couple that stick in the memory were 'Johnny Travell and the Vendors' who later became 'The 'NBetweens' and then 'Slade'. Another band I liked was 'Listen' who were fronted by none other than Robert Plant. Many's the time I helped 'The 'NBetweens' drummer Don Powell carry his drum kit up the steps at the rear of the building and into the main hall, he was always very grateful.

The club was run by a full time Youth Leader Mr John Squire, also called 'Squish', a fair disciplinarian who could, with one look, stop anyone stepping out of line. He was a person anyone could approach for advice on any subject and was a brilliant listener. He always gave of his best to steer you in the right direction.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays were general club nights with activities such as table tennis and darts and a coffee bar for soft drinks and crisps. Down in the cellar was a full size snooker table and a juke box with small side rooms for playing cards and chatting. I spent countless hours on that snooker table usually playing my good friend Roy Beardsmore who lived around the corner

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Friday nights were cleaning nights. Each member was on a rota and when your name came round you had to attend for cleaning duties. As there were many members your name did not come round too often.

Saturday nights the club was closed so I usually went to Union Locks Social Club for a game of snooker or darts. I was an engineering apprentice at the company for 5 years.

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Sunday night was feature film night. Squish would stand at the front of the main hall and read the clubs events for the week coming and also the football and netball results. Then it was over to Graham Tarbuck (Jim, for obvious reasons). He would be up in the projection room spooling up that nights film. Graham had a dry sense of humour and used to have us all in stitches with his jokes.

Other activities included initiative tests where members taking part were transported by coach to a spot out in the country. Upon leaving the coach we were given A4 sheets of questions to answer and objects to collect.

This activity always took place on a Sunday and was an all day event but everyone was back at the club for the film show that evening.

We had a couple of trips to the Cavern Club in Liverpool which I attended as I was into the sixties sound, in fact I still am.

Then there was the Blackpool weekends. We would leave the club on Friday evening and travel north by coach. Upon arriving we soon discovered that John had once again booked two B&Bs, one for the lads and the other for the girls. I remember having breakfast in the dining room on the Sunday morning and someone lit up after eating, stretched upwards and set fire to the net curtains. The landlady, along with John went mental, and he organised a whip round to pay for the damage.

Perhaps the biggest event of the year was the organisation of the Willenhall Carnival which took months to plan. Squish divided the members into several groups. Each group was then presided over by three or four assistant leaders/committee members and given the task of designing and building displays to adorn the back of the lorries which were donated by local companies. Everything was put together on the Saturday morning of Carnival day on the Wakes Ground. Around 1pm. the procession set off around the streets of the town and ended up at Willenhall Park where the "floats" where judged by a local dignitary to determine a winner and the Carnival Queen was crowned. The fun went on all afternoon and into the night with a funfair and a live band.

Then one night the inevitable happened. I was by this time in my late teens. It was a Thursday night, a group was playing, and as I turned away from the coffee bar, I saw a new girl member on the other side of the dance floor.

I made my way over to her and asked her to dance (can anyone hear violins). The rest is history. Pat and I have just celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Another popular event were the 50 mile walks.

John and his staff set the route and acted as marshalls. We set off at midnight on a Saturday and had 20 hours to complete the walk. I attempted three of these walks but sadly never completed one of them. I thought I was fit as a teenager.

I was eventually elected onto the members’ committee around the age of sixteen and then became chairman a little later (oh the power).

John gave this committee a big say in the running of the club and along with his part time leaders the club went from strength to strength.

All in all my teenage years were spent in a place I regarded as my second home. There were some great people, with big characters, I've no need to name any, you know who you are.

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Willenhall Town FC Saved From Closure

By Simon Hall (Chairperson) During the last 12 months we lost a big sponsor in the form of a large logistics company and this left us with a shortfall on our ground rent that despite best efforts we were not able to plug.

As a result and somewhat in desperation of having to accept the unpalatable thought of closing the Club we decided to have a last ditch attempt at raising awareness of the Clubs plight, raising funds and literally trying to save it from the seemingly inevitable.

On 1st April we set up the Go Fund Me on line initiative where people can donate as much or as little as they can on line and through a really simple link on their computer or mobile. Slow and steady progress has been made meaning that to date we have succeeded in meeting the two thousand pound shortfall in ground rent and have started to be able to believe in the possibility of surviving another season.

Willenhall Town FC has recently faced the harsh reality of closure after a colourful and historic 63 years. In the year in which we celebrated our 63rd “birthday” and the 35th Anniversary of playing in the Final of the FA Vase in 1981 at Wembley, we had to face the unsavoury prospect that sponsorship and funding was not supporting the Club and that it may have to fold before the start of next season. Adding insult to injury was the shortfall in this season’s sponsorship meaning that the Club was £2000 short of being able to pay its ground rent.

Each season we have to pay the basics of ground rent, league fees and competition entry, insurance and training. Clubs like us, with no ground of their own do not often qualify for help through the FA and as such it is literally sponsorship and donation and of course people passing through the turnstile that are the lifeblood of the Club.

This is the harsh reality that many non-league football clubs face, literally living hand to mouth.

Over the course of the last 5 years since the sale of Noose Lane, the Club has restructured, replaced all Board members and lowered running costs by a massive 65%. The main part of this was forfeiting our home of 38 years (Noose Lane) and moving to Long Lane Park in Essington for a couple of seasons, and moving again last season to ground share with Bilston Town CFC - an arrangement we hope to continue in the absence of our own ground.

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We are now daring to believe that we will play next season, we are appointing a new manager and we are also starting to believe in a future.

But, we are not out of the woods yet! We need to secure further sponsorship and donation to ensure we do not have a repeat this coming season which would be the end of the Club for

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ever. We aspire to develop as a Club, we want to be back in the heart of the community and we want to continue to represent the town whose name we are proud to wear on our shirt. We have a formidable past and we want to have an equally exciting future.

made coming from the USA and Switzerland and people also sharing the social media message from as far away as the Philippines. Everyone who has donated has literally had a hand in helping the Club reach the end of the season and saving it to look positively at playing for another season. We thank them all unreservedly. We are also grateful to the local press and media for spreading the word through the newspapers, radio and even TV. If you would like to donate, please visit gofund.me/5dvnequ4 Or you can send a cheque payable to WillenhallTown FC c/o 7 Orwell Close, Wolverhampton, WV11 3LX

We have had donations made ranging from a fiver to ÂŁ500 as a result of the campaign. We have also to add to this had sponsorship coming from local businesses including Ye Olde Toll House, Holly Bush Garden & Aquatic Centre and Brett Quinton Funeral Directors. We have been humbled by the support of those giving and even had donations

WE DELIVER LEAFLETS! Get you menus, flyers, leaflets distributed with the

Get your message out to approx 30,000 people The next issue is distributed 22 July Ring Simon on 07534 603662 for more information To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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

All types of gardening work undertaken. No job too small.

Ring us now for a great price!

01384 74165 / 07770 625942 Or email apfencing@hotmail.com P48

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Domestic Trade Services PLASTERING

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Decorating Services City & Guilds Free Quotation No Job Too Big or Small For a fast reliable service, call

Mob 07946 375347 Home 01902 683821

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01902 590479 07411 184436

Tel: 01922 405625 Mob: 07989 118130

Call Gary on 01902 519247

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Please mention Willenhall Life when contacting advertisers

1st year anniversary OPEN DAY 28TH MAY 10% OFF ALL PRICES 1700 bath,side waste 4 piece set, basin pedestal, toilet & cistern ALL FOR

£299.00 WITH TAPS

£399.00 All trades under one roof, we offer all services • Bathroom Renovations • Plumbing • Tiling • Electrics • Plastering VISIT OUR NEWLY LOCATED SHOWROOM!!......

Wide range of bathroom products, styles & colours, Tiles, showers, shower enclosures, taps, all styles & sizes of baths, vanity sets, towel rails, mirrors, plumbing fix, bathroom furniture, cabinets & much more!!

Unit 1 Clothier Street, Willehall WV13 1BE 01902-637836 aquabaths@outlook.com vist our website www.aquabaths.co.uk for more deals & offers

NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL !!

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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STORYTELLING CAFE Thursday 16th June at 7pm

Black Country Radio’s

Billy Spake Mon Presents

“Two Blokes Two Chairs, an’ a Mon Called John” (A Broth of Black Country Stuff)

Storytelling for an adult audience

Spaces limited, please book, tickets £2 including refreshments

WILLENHALL LIBRARY

Walsall Street, Willenhall WV13 2EX Tel: 01922 650771 Email:willenhalllibrary@walsall.gov.uk

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Library Opening Times* Willenhall Library, Walsall Street, Willenhall, WV13 2EX. Tel 01922 65 0771 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed

Afternoon Closed

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 4pm

Closed

Closed

New Invention Library, 28 The Square, Lichfield Road, New Invention, WV12 5EA. Tel 01922 655570 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed 9am - 1pm Closed 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm Closed

Afternoon Closed 2pm - 6pm Closed 2pm - 6pm 2pm - 6pm 2pm - 4pm Closed

Darlaston Library, 1 King Street, Darlaston, WS10 8DE. Tel 01922 654777 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed

Afternoon Closed

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 4pm

Closed

Closed

Beechdale Library, Stephenson Square, Walsall, WS2 7DX. Tel 01922 655890 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Morning Closed Closed 9am - 1pm Closed 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm Closed

Afternoon Closed Closed 2pm - 5.30pm Closed 2pm - 5.30pm 2pm - 4pm Closed

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

Tip Opening Times Fryers Road, Bloxwich, WS2 7LZ Merchants Way, Aldridge, WS9 8SW Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Fryer's Road 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00 CLOSED CLOSED 09:00 - 17:00

Merchant's Way 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00 CLOSED CLOSED 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00 09:00 - 17:00

Sites closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

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Useful Telephone Numbers Community Centres

Help Lines/Others

Old Hall People's Partnership ................ 01922 474684 Bentley Leisure Pavilion ........................ 01922 616165 Pool Hayes Community Assoc .............. 01902 368613 Sneyd Community Association .............. 01922 710133 Willenhall CHART Comm Ctre................ 01902 368199 Willenhall E-ACT .................................... 01902 633070

Citizens Advice Bureau .......................... 01922 700600 Samaritans ............................................ 0845 7909090 RSPCA .................................................. 0300 1234555 RSPB ...................................................... 0845 1200501 Jobseekers Direct .................................... 0800 100900 Childline........................................................ 0800 1111 National Domestic Violence ................ 0808 2000 247

Emergency Services Police/Fire/Ambulance .......................................... 999 Police (non emergency) ........................................ 101 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 Manor Hospital ...................................... 01922 721172 NHS Direct.................................................. 0845 46 47

Places of Worship St Annes, Willenhall................................ 01902 605722 St Stephen The Martyr .......................... 01902 605239 Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.................... 01902 605286 Emmanuel, Bentley ................................ 01902 633070 Portobello Methodist .............................. 01902 606174 Holy Trinity, Short Heath ........................ 01922 409460 Short Heath Methodist .......................... 01922 497748 St Mary’s, RC Presbytery ...................... 01902 605043 Furzebank Worship Centre .................... 01922 409460 St Giles, Willenhall .................................. 01902 605722 New Testament Church .......................... 01902 603885 Salvation Army ...................................... 01902 632567

Local Councillors Short Heath Sarah Jane Cooper .............................. 07908 457391 Darren Hazell .......................................... 07932 228508 Daniel Barker.......................................... 07565 550117 Willenhall South Diane Coughlan ...................................... 07503 001280 Carl Usher Creaney ................................ 07583 410063 Sean Coughlan ...................................... 07866 261528 Willenhall North Ian Shires................................................ 07778 962220 Adam Hicken .......................................... 07908 457406 Liz Hazell ................................................ 07943 080230

Chemists/Pharmacy Croft Medical Centre .............................. 01902 602999 8pm Chemists ........................................ 01902 633310 Vantage Pharmacy ................................ 01902 607070 Boots .................................................... 01902 605255 Portobello Pharmacy.............................. 01902 630081 Tesco Owen Rd ...................................... 01902 489747 Acorn Pharmacy .................................... 01902 632129 J Docter Bentley .................................... 01902 605470 Harding Pharmacy.................................. 01902 602755 Lloyds The Square – N/Inv .................... 01922 475098 Lloyds Coppice Farm ............................ 01922 712076

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Schools Old Hall School ...................................... 01902 368045 Jane Lane School .................................. 01922 721161 Lane Head Nursery ................................ 01902 368940 Barcroft Primary .................................... 01902 368132 Beacon Primary...................................... 01922 710874 Bentley West Primary ............................ 01922 720792 County Bridge Primary .......................... 01922 720718 Fibbersley Park Primary ........................ 01902 366220 King Charles Primary.............................. 01922 721368 Lodge Farm JMI .................................... 01902 368587 New Invention Infants ............................ 01922 710871 New Invention Juniors ............................ 01922 710376 Pool Hayes Primary................................ 01902 368144 Rosedale CE Infants .............................. 01902 368910 Short Heath Juniors................................ 01902 368499 St Giles CE Primary................................ 01902 368308 Woodlands Acad. of Learning ................ 01922 710613 Pool Hayes Arts & Community .............. 01902 368147 St Thomas More RC School .................. 01902 368798 Willenhall E-ACT Academy .................... 01902 368221 Shepwell School .................................... 01902 632719 Stowheath Primary ................................ 01902 558820

Libraries Willenhall ................................................ 01922 650771 New Invention ........................................ 01922 655570

Please mention Willenhall Life when contacting advertisers

Spot the difference answers

Crossword Answers From page 12

The next issue of the

is out on

22nd July 2016 Booking deadline 1st July.

www.visioncaredirect.co.uk

If you want to get your message out to approx.

30,000 local people, email willenhalllife@yahoo. co.uk or ring Simon on 07534 603662

To advertise in Willenhall Life please call 07534 603662 or email willenhalllife@yahoo.co.uk

P55

Ashmore Glass & Mirrors Ltd

NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED TRADING SINCE 1996 DEAL DIRECT WITH THE OWNERS! We also do all window repairs hinges locks leaks ●

●

●

Condensation in your double glazing?

We have the answer...

Upgrade your existing windows to A rated double glazed glass units this summer

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Please visit our new website

www.ashmoreglass.co.uk Change your conservatory roof this summer to an all year round ‘Guardian Warm Roof’

Tel: 01902 488334 Freephone: 0800 980 9620 Unit 27-28 Essington Industrial Estate, Bognop Road, Essington WV11 2BA