Monday, 21 December 2020
The A B Charitable Trust was set up in 1990, and supports unpopular causes that champion human dignity, and to focus on small to medium-sized charities working close to the ground.
Monday, 21 December 2020
The charity provides grants of up to £250 to charitable bodies that provide musical entertainment and related activities for the elderly, and is particularly keen to support smaller organisations which might otherwise find it difficult to gain funding.
Monday, 21 December 2020
Smethwick’s St Paul’s ward today reported Sandwell's highest number of new cases - for a single ward - in the seven-day period from 8-14 December - with 54 new cases.
Read more on 'St Paul's in Smethwick once again hardest hit by COVID-19'
Friday, 18 December 2020
On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in Sandwell will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them.
Sandwell Council is already making plans to help people stay safe while casting their vote.
There are a number of ways to have your say in the May, when there will be local council elections as well as elections for the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner on the same day.
Voters can cast their vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone they trust to vote on their behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
David Stevens, Sandwell Council’s Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said: “The elections next year are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Sandwell. “We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. "We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.” Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy. “If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now.
This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you in the first issue of postal votes in mid-April. "It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website. “You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote". To find out more about the elections in Sandwell in May, and to register to vote or request a postal or proxy vote,
go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/elections2021 Residents can also visit the FAQ page on the website at www.sandwell.gov.uk/electionfaqs to find out more about the elections on 6 May 2021.
The website will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 0121 569 3244.
Friday, 18 December 2020
There’s a lively programme of virtual Christmas fun from Sandwell’s Library Service, starting this Saturday,
19 December and continuing until Christmas Eve, 24 December.
• Saturday 19 December, 12noon: Santa is coming to town – with a very special Christmas message for everyone.
• Monday 21 December,11am: Christmas story time with Sproutzilla, the meanest, greenest Christmas-ruining vegetable ever.
• Monday 21 December,12noon: Ho, ho, ho, it’s a Cracker! Get ready for the best (or worst) Christmas jokes.
• Tuesday 22 December, 12noon: DJ Donna’s Christmas Party. Join Donna and friends for a Christmas Party full of magic, music and fun.
• Tuesday 22 December, 3pm: Christmas Hunt. What Christmas things can you find around your house and how quickly can you find them?
• Wednesday 23 December, 11am: Get ready for Christmas and make your own reindeer hat
. • Wednesday 23 December, 12noon: Join the ever-popular Ron Popple for a fun, fab, festive family show.
• Thursday 24 December, 11am: When the Tooth Fairy is lost on Christmas Eve, who will rescue her? Why, Father Christmas of course.
Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “With more families spending time at home together and not going out as much as they normally would, it’s great that we’re bringing a piece of Christmas to people, to enjoy in the comfort and safety of their own homes.” Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell’s deputy leader, added: “Hat’s off – that’s Christmas party hats, of course – to our creative and hardworking library staff who have worked hard to devise these events and help you and your family get in to the Christmas mood.”
The events will be shared at the advertised times on the Sandwell Libraries Facebook page. Follow ‘Sandwell Libraries’ on Facebook, follow @sandwelllibs on Twitter and ‘SandwellLibraryService’ on Instagram There are more festive fun activities on the Facebook page – including the Winter Mini Challenge
