Birmingham Mail

Pirates Turn an Eye Towards Charity

SIXTH form students took a break from their studies and sailed the seven seas to raise pounds 172 for a cancer charity. Students from Plantsbrook Sixth Form in Sutton Coldfield donned their eye-patches and other fancy dress for their annual pirate's day.

Get Steamed Up with a Train Ride

John Meets Life-Savers ; Health: Golfer's Thanks After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

A MIDLAND golfer who suffered a cardiac arrest at the 12th hole of a Birmingham course told paramedics and fellow players: "Thanks for saving my life." Accountant John Wright, aged 65 and from Halesowen, collapsed at Handsworth Golf Club in August last year.

Pm Festive Card Prize

ONE talented young artist will be able to send the Prime Minister a festive message as part of a Christmas card designing competition. The annual contest, sponsored by Cadbury, is being championed by Steve McCabe MP (Lab, Hall Green) and is open to schoolchildren aged six to eight.

Dancers Have All the Right Moves ; Trip: It's the Experience of a Lifetime for Young African Visitors to a City School

A TRADITIONAL Zulu dance took over the curriculum at a Birmingham school as part of an exchange visit from South African youngsters. Students, parents and staff at Kings Norton Girls' School worked hard over the last two years to raise the pounds 10,000 needed to bring eight students and three teachers over from Harrismith Secondary, in the rural township of Intabazwe.

Brum Tops the Forklift Injury List

FORKLIFT workers in Birmingham suffer more injuries than anyone else in the country, according to research. There have been 342 forklift accident within the city since 2001.

Free Internet Use Help for Jobseekers

KINGSTANDING'S Bandywood Families Project will launch weekend internet cafe sessions this Saturday. The group, which is based at Saint Mark's Church Centre, in Bandywood Crescent, will hold the sessions on the first Saturday of every month between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Wallace and Gromit Ready for Christmas

A POPULAR TV duo look set to herald a cracking Christmas when they kick off a town's celebrations. Wallace and Gromit will be arriving in Stafford on November 21 and appearing through a fun-packed day before joining the main stage for the big switch-on at 5pm, followed by a firework display. The day will see a Cinderella-themed Santa Parade through the town from 11am.

Book Puts Soldier's Heroics in Spotlight ; Marine: City George Cross Hero's Autobiography Recalls Brushes with Death

THE death-defying story of Birmingham Marine Matt Croucher is being told in full with the publication of his autobiography. In February 2008, Lance Corporal Croucher, a Royal Marine with 40 Commando, accidentally activated a grenade while on patrol behind enemy lines. His actions in the following five seconds saved the lives of three of his comrades and won him the George Cross.

Provoking View of Growing Up

A MIDLAND dance group is spreading the anti-bullying message with a show aiming to highlight the difficulties of growing up. Fusion Dance Company first created Provoke & Evoke three years ago but is to perform it again this autumn. Their move followed research to discover the issues faced by young people today - and bullying came out as a top worry.

Hospice Support

A CHARITY that has raised more than pounds 2 million for Erdington's John Taylor Hospice will celebrate its 35th anniversary this year. The League of Friends of the hospice has a full diary of events to mark the milestone of supporting the Grange Road centre.

You Can Beat the Bullies Just by Being Yourself

DANCER Becky Walmsley, aged 14, was keen to join Fusion and is looking forward to working on Provoke & Evoke. "It is looking at issues that really affect young people - things like child abuse and bullying," she says. "What we want to say is that you shouldn't be intimidated if you are not what people think of as 'normal' and that it is important to be yourself.

A First for Cancer Team

Every Dog has Its Day

DOG lovers mourning the loss of Crufts can join in the Fun Dog Show at Hall Green Greyhound Stadium this weekend. The York Road stadium will open its doors to pooches - including many retired, re-homed greyhounds - and their owners on Sunday between 11am-4pm.

Family Trio Tread Boards Together ; Theatre: West Midlands Debut for Musical Brings Generations Together

A BIRMINGHAM theatre production is a real family affair. Because three generations of the same family are appearing on stage together in the Tudor Musical Comedy Society's performance of The Likes of Us.

School Closure Talks

RESIDENTS are being given an extra chance to have their say on the future of a Midland school. Dudley Council is inviting residents, parents, community leaders and groups and other interested parties to air their views on Pensnett High School, at the school in Tiled House Lane on October 19, from 6.30pm.

Store Giant Frustrated by Hold-Up ; Legal Wrangle: Outcome of Inquiry Awaited

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has admitted its frustration over a legal wrangle which has delayed plans for a showpiece Birmingham store for almost two years. The retailer has been bogged down in negotiations with a private landowner since May 2008 when plans for the store at the former Swan Centre, in Yardley, were approved.

Salty Sarnies

SALTY bacon baguettes and fatty salad sandwiches have prompted a healthy eating plea from a Midland council. Trading Standards officers from Walsall discovered high levels of salt and fat in sandwiches made and sold by shops across the borough.

Win Pounds 250 to Spend On Toys!

WE HAVE teamed up with Smyths Toys Superstore to offer today's winner pounds 250 to spend in store. The UK's newest and most exciting toy superstore chain, Smyths Toys Superstore, has just launched it's new winter catalogue and is offering shoppers who want to save money towards this year's Christmas gifts a fantastic pounds 250 money off voucher.

Lifesaving Swim Course