Staffordshire news and blogs Wednesday 20 September 2017
Mark Blackstock – memorial
24 AugThe funeral for Mark Blackstock, editor and founder of the YamYam who died on August 3, will be held at Sandwell Valley Crematorium, Newton Road, West Bromwich B71 3SX on Wednesday 20 September 2017 at 1.45pm.
This will be followed by a reception at The Irish Centre, 14-20 High Street Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LN from 3pm – 11pm.
No flowers please. Everyone welcome.
If you have any photos or memories of Mark you would like to share, please email them to markmemorial2017@gmail.com
News
Penkridge community leaders get ready to put formal objections in to major rail hub plans 
The Sentinel 20 SepThey fear the development at Gailey could wreck the area...
Female funeral director achieves life-long ambition by setting up…
Lichfield Mercury 19 SepA FORMER Friary School pupil has become Lichfield's latest funeral director and has pledged to support the We Love Lichfield Fund with fundraising activities.
Walsall to Burntwood bus crashes in High Street, Brownhills…
Lichfield Mercury 19 SepThere was travel chaos in Walsall this morning (Tuesday) after a bus crashed in Brownhills.
Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire 2018 entries open
Tamworth Informed 19 SepINDIVIDUAL entries to Staffordshire’s IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon in 2018 are now officially open.
Work on new £1m library for Lichfield to started this week
Tamworth Informed 19 SepWork on a major £1.2m project to create a brand new library in Lichfield started this week.
Touring theatre continues at a community venue near you!
Tamworth Informed 19 SepTHEATRE is continuing on tour in Tamworth, bringing a variety of professional productions to community venues across the borough.
Tamworth in Bloom strikes gold for the eighth year!
Tamworth Informed 19 SepTAMWORTH has gold fever following another successful year in the Heart of England in Bloom competition – striking GOLD for the eighth year in a row.
Fingers crossed for a great grape crop
Express & Star 19 SepThe harvest is well underway at Halfpenny Green Vineyards in Bobbington, – with the wine soon set to be on its way...
Firefighters take part in multi-agency terrorism exercise
Tamworth Informed 19 SepFIREFIGHTERS and staff have been involved in a multi-agency exercise to test emergency response and resilience plans for terrorism related incidents within Staffordshire.
Stay & Play morning to kick off Ankerside’s Macmillan fundraising
Tamworth Informed 19 SepTHE town’s shopping centre will be showing support for Macmillan next week as Stay Play returns for free mug decorating.
Armed police spotted at Tamworth Railway Station
Tamworth Herald 19 SepCommuters and visitors to Tamworth Railway Station were left concerned after armed police officers were spotted in the area.
Campaign urging people in Lichfield and Burntwood to help keep streets clear of used chewing gum
Lichfield Live 19 SepPeople in Lichfield and Burntwood are being urged to play their part in keeping local streets clear of chewing gum.
Lichfield MP asks residents to resend emails after online messages from constituents are lost
Lichfield Live 19 SepPeople in Lichfield and Burntwood are being asked to resend emails to the area’s MP after a number of communications with constituents were lost.
Car bursts into flames on driveway
Express & Star 18 SepStaffordshire Fire Service was called to Heath Farm Road, in Bilbrook, South Staffordshire, at 2...
West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic assaulted by patient…
Lichfield Mercury 18 SepA paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service was assaulted by a patient near Lichfield early on Saturday morning (September 16).
Woman taken to hospital after crash by McDonald’s at Bassetts…
Lichfield Mercury 18 SepA woman was taken to hospital after a crash outside a fast food restaurant near Sutton Coldfield.
Cannock | Lichfield | South Staffs | Tamworth
Blogs
People get their first glimpse of plans for new Staffordshire History Centre
Staffordshire CC: Leader's blog - Cllr Philip Atkins 19 SepThis month we are giving people a sneak preview of our plans for the exciting new Staffordshire History Centre at a series of open days.
Crowdfunding, and thanks
Staffordshire CC: Chief Exec's blog - Nick Bell 18 SepThere’s a hugely important milestone in our People Helping People work this week, with the launch of the Crowdfund Staffordshire platform.
Big Air wakeboard festival this Saturday at Chasewater
BrownhillsBob 15 SepThere's a great event taking place at the Chase Watersports Centre at Chasewater - The Big Air 2017 Wakeboard Competition is a whole festival of Wakeboarding fun for all the family, taking place this Saturday 16th September.
Less than two weeks to go until Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge canal Heritage Gathering!
BrownhillsBob 13 SepLichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 23-24th September 2017, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
Praise from Ofsted for our children’s services
Staffordshire CC: Chief Exec's blog - Nick Bell 12 SepThis week, we have received confirmation of the result of the recent OFSTED inspection of the Children’s Service.
Pills ‘n’ Chills and Deli Bakes
Lichfield Lore 10 SepYesterday I was in Tamworth for the summer food festival, talking to people about Living in Tamworth (the new monthly magazine I’m deputy editor of) in-between mouthfuls of locally produced pork pies, sausage rolls, blue cheese and spring rolls.
Strolling again!
BrownhillsBob 10 SepI've always supported the wonderful parent and toddler walking and social group that took place weekly at Chasewater - Chasewater Strollers, which grew via the human dynamo of Esther Allen and others into the wonderful Spark movement in Burntwood...
A remedy to the shortage of water
BrownhillsBob 10 SepSeveral times over the previous eight years of this blog the question of the function and decommissioning of the steam pump that once stood at Chasewater has cropped up, and always provokes interesting debate - well, reader Ian James has been in ...
Cannock | Lichfield | South Staffs | Tamworth
Blogs
Getting out and about this Autumn
Fashionmommy's Blog 19 SepFor many people, Autumn is the best season.
How to take your baby out on a windy day and avoid all problems
Fashionmommy's Blog 19 SepAutumn is here and we have already seen a drop in the temperature, this suggests that we are likely to witness some windy days outside.
Review: The West Coast Eagles at the Lichfield Guildhall
Lichfield Live 19 SepLocal five piece band The West Coast Eagles performed a concert of some of the best known country-rock songs when they played to an appreciative audience at Lichfield Guildhall.
Reviewed – Izza Pizza In Selfridges Birmingham
Fashionmommy's Blog 19 SepThe best pizza I ever had was in Sardinia.
Lichfield Garrick adds another week of performances as 2017 pantomime Aladdin is launched
Lichfield Live 19 SepOh yes it has! The Lichfield Garrick has officially launched its 2017 pantomime – and has already added an extra week of performances.
September 17th – By the time I arrived at Shenstone 30 minutes…
365 days of biking 18 SepSeptember 17th - By the time I arrived at Shenstone 30 minutes later, the rain and skies had cleared and there was a beautiful violet sunset, which lit my muse of Shenstone Station beautifully in the dusk.
September 17th – I left at lunchtime and headed to…
365 days of biking 18 SepSeptember 17th - I left at lunchtime and headed to Wolverhampton, hopping on to the canal at Wednesfield, then heading to Tipton at Horseley Junction.
Fashion Icons Who Support Sustainable Style
Fashionmommy's Blog 18 SepWith London Fashion Week in full flow, it is sometimes hard to believe that an industry that is perceived to be shallow and vanity based can also be doing something good for the planet.
Lichfield Library to showcase historic items discovered in Beacon Park
Lichfield Live 18 SepHistoric finds from Beacon Park will go on display at Lichfield Library later this month.
Lichfield MP to open 2017 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering event
Lichfield Live 18 SepLichfield’s MP will get the honour of opening a family event this weekend.
Review: Ricky Cool and the In Crowd at the Lichfield Guildhall
Lichfield Live 18 SepWith a repertoire of classic soul and blues songs, musical talent, charisma and Jamaican grooves, Ricky Cool and the In-Crowd turned Lichfield Guildhall into a heaving sixties club.
Cannock | Lichfield | South Staffs | Tamworth
Sport
Chasetown FC come from three goals down to secure dramatic win over Sheffield
Lichfield Live 20 SepChasetown FC earned three points in dramatic style after a rollercoaster encounter against Sheffield.
Hednesford Town 1-0 Nantwich Town
Hednesford Town FC 20 SepThe Pitmen looked to get back to winning ways at Keys Park following two defeats on the road.
European Track Champs
Lichfield City Cycling Club 19 SepKen Roesner represented the club at the European Champs, held at Roubaix, this year and succeeded in winning a bronze medal in the Mens 55-59 Scratch.
THE FA AND FOOTBALL FOUNDATION LAUNCH £300,000 FUTSAL FUND
Staffordshire FA 19 SepThe Football Association and Football Foundation have today (Monday 18 September) launched a £300,000 fund aimed at developing the sport of Futsal in Staffordshire.
Lichfield CCC rider claims victory in round three of West Midlands Cyclo-Cross league
Lichfield Live 19 SepLichfield CCC’s Toby Barnes dominated the men’s race in round three of the Ridley Lazer West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League.
Players wanted!
Wyrley Juniors FC 19 SepTo complete squads, we have the following teams looking for players for this season: – U8s Girls – school years 2 and 3 U13s Girls – schools years 7 and 8 U18s Girls – girls aged 15/16/17 U16s and Open Age Disability...
Nantwich Town (H)
Hednesford Town FC 19 SepHednesford Town return home this evening as we host Nantwich Town at Keys Park.
Cannock | Lichfield | South Staffs | Tamworth
Business
Boost to campaign to bring Channel 4 to Birmingham as Culture Secretary hints it will be forced to move out of London
Birmingham Post 14 SepBringing Channel 4 to Birmingham could boost the economy by 5 billion according to local leaders...
National retailer completes relocation of headquarters to Lichfield
Lichfield Live 7 SepA retailer has moved its head office to Lichfield.
Lichfield District Council could seek compensation for business rates lost due to construction of HS2
Lichfield Live 31 AugLichfield District Council says it could ask for compensation for business rates lost due to the closure of companies in the path of the new HS2 rail line.
Plan unveiled for new commercial development on the Birmingham Road in Lichfield
Lichfield Live 31 AugA new commercial development could be created in Lichfield.
Shenstone workers put their best foot forward for Meningitis Now charity
Lichfield Live 29 AugStaff from a Lichfield training company have taken part in a fundraising event in aid of the Meningitis Now charity.
High-tech architects battle for HS2 top billing
Birmingham Post 24 AugRegular Birmingham Post columnist Joe Holyoak welcomes the return of an elder statesmen architect who vowed never to work with Birmingham again...
New 30,000 sq ft industrial unit could be built in Burntwood
Lichfield Live 22 AugThe land where an industrial unit could be built in Burntwood Plans for a 30,000 sq ft industrial unit in Burntwood have been unveiled.
Cannock | Lichfield | South Staffs | Tamworth
Staffordshire at Westminster »
Enterprise Zones | Oral Answers to Questions – Treasury | Commons debates
TWFY: Mchael Fabricant MP (Conservative) Lichfield 21 JulMy right hon.
Compulsory Purchase: Capital Gains Tax | HM Treasury | Written Answers
TWFY: Mchael Fabricant MP (Conservative) Lichfield 21 JulTo ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on reform of capital gains tax in relation to compulsory purchase.
NHS Reform | Business of the House | Commons debates
TWFY: Christopher Pincher MP (Conservative) Tamworth 16 JulWe in Staffordshire know better than most what the denial machine that the Secretary of State referred to meant to local people, so I congratulate him on his commitment to transparency and consistency.
Ways and Means – Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation – Amendment of the Law | Bill Presented – National Insurance Contributions (Rate Ceilings) Bill | Commons debates
TWFY: Christopher Pincher MP (Conservative) Tamworth 14 JulThe hon.
Ways and Means – Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation – Amendment of the Law | Bill Presented – National Insurance Contributions (Rate Ceilings) Bill | Commons debates
TWFY: Christopher Pincher MP (Conservative) Tamworth 14 JulThe hon.
Petition – Closure of Fire Stations in South Staffordshire | Commons debates
TWFY: Gavin Williamson MP (Conservative) South Staffordshire 8 JulI rise to present a petition signed by 2,824 of my constituents who are backing my campaign to keep open the fire stations in Kinver, Brewood, Codsall and Bilbrook.
Engagements | Oral Answers to Questions – International Development | Commons debates
TWFY: Christopher Pincher MP (Conservative) Tamworth 8 JulMay I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks about the families of the victims of Tunisia, particularly the family of my constituent, Sue Davey? In the past three years, unemployment in Tamworth has fallen faster than anywhere...
More Staffordshire at Westminster
- IMG_8999-1
on flickr 9 Sep 17
UK news
- Can of Stella Artois spotted next to pilot on flight to Birmingham
- Groom asks guests to help pay for 'all-inclusive' wedding
- Not enough new antibiotics are being developed to combat lethal drug resistance, warns WHO
- Britain First leaders charged with religious harassment
- UK drone pilots to get medals for killing from 2,000 miles outside the combat zone
- Samim Bigzad: Amber Rudd could be jailed for contempt of court after Home Office defies judges, barrister says
- Slaves on our Streets: Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to lead fight against modern slavery
- Liverpool Street evacuated: Part of City of London cordoned off by armed police investigating suspicious package
- Water companies receive more than two million complaints as progress stalls
- Parsons Green attack: Two more men arrested in Newport over bombing on London Tube train
International news
- Mosque ransacked and copies of Quran burnt in Corsica
- Air strike kills prominent Syrian rebel commander
- Earthquake shakes Afghanistan, Pakistan and India
- Ethiopian opposition urges scrutiny of industrial plan
- Soviet-era cable cars keep Georgian town going
- Burundi urged to accept African Union peacekeepers
- Qatar and Russia agree on Syria peace plans
- Afghan and Taliban forces trade blows in Sangin battle
- Two drown as hundreds swim to Spanish enclave
- Russian raids kill prominent Syrian rebel commander
- India PM Modi makes surprise Pakistan visit
- Is Modi's India flirting with fascism?
- The Middle East in 2015
- Arab League demands Turkish forces leave Iraq
- Samir Kantar's killing highlights Syria's many battles
Submit your blog or suggest another local website for inclusion in TheStaffie
New Government Rules Could See Councillors and Mayors Removed from Office 
Cllr Andrew James: Conservative - Mercian Ward 19 SepNew rules being laid out by the Government could see Councillors and Mayors found guilty of serious crimes removed from office and barred from restanding for election in England.