Birmingham Mail

Parade Set for a Repeat

ORGANISERS of a colourful Sikh parade are already planning next year's event. Thousands took to the streets of Sandwell to celebrate the 540th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion on Sunday.

A Little Bit of Love in a Box ; Charity: Thousands Send Festive Treats to Deprived Children

THOUSANDS of the world's most deprived children are set for a happy Christmas, thanks to generous people across the West Midlands. Gift-filled shoeboxes are making their way from homes, businesses and community centres ready to be sent to needy children as part of the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

Call to Give Food for Cats

Santas On Two Wheels

A FESTIVE bike ride to raise money for a Birmingham charity for the blind will be held on December 12. Focus Birmingham is hoping cyclists will get into the spirit and dress up as Santas, elves or reindeers.

Council Sorry for Frightening Oap ; Threats: Bailiffs Warned Peter, 75, They'd Take Action Over Tax Bill He Had Paid

COUNCIL bosses today apologised for causing anxiety to a retired engineer after he received threatening letters from bailiffs over a pounds 71 council tax bill. Peter Keeling, aged 75, was warned by debt collection firm Equita that they would take his possessions and sell them at auction unless he settled the bill plus a pounds 100 fee.

Mp Visits City Learning Centre

BIRMINGHAM MP Sion Simon took time out from politics to lead a citizenship session for people with learning difficulties. The MP for Erdington, who is also minister for creative industries, visited a Birmingham Rathbone centre in Moseley.

Man Charged with Murder

A MAN has appeared before magistrates accused of murder. Paul Timmins, 27, of no fixed address, is charged with murdering Lee Chipchase, from West Bromwich.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

THE most tear-jerking story of the week is the Australian government's acknowledgement that thousands of post-war British youngsters transported Down Under were grievously mistreated. Many of these kids were shipped out to life of sexual abuse or slave labour.

Tenants Set to Vote

BALLOT papers are being distributed among more than 11,000 tenants and leaseholders of Solihull Community Housing (SCH) this week to elect three new members to sit on the organisation's board. Short profiles of all candidates will be included for people to choose their preferred representatives and vote by December 14.

Being Your Own Boss

BUDDING entrepreneurs will be offered free advice on being their own boss next month. A free business awareness workshop will be held at the Jigsaw Shop, Dimbles Lane, Lichfield, on December 3 from 10am to 12.30pm.

Chief's a Bully Victim ; Campaign: Boss Speaks Out

BIRMINGHAM'S education chief has revealed he was bullied at school. Tony Howell, the city council's strategic director for children, young people and families, said he was subjected to "unpleasant" name calling and also pushed about on occasions while at secondary school in the north of England.

Net Chance for Silver Surfers

INTERNET savvy over-55s can get involved with a new silver surfers computer course in Kings Heath starting from the new year. It will take place on Monday afternoons at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Vicarage Road.

Best Seat in the House!

PUPILS are hunting for a throne prop as they put the finishing touches to their latest production. Youngsters at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic Technology College in Victoria Road, Acocks Green, are rehearsing for the school's version of Disney's High School Musical, but they desperately need a throne for the pompous character, Ms Darbus - an eccentric British drama teacher who teaches at the American high school.

Suits Ready to Rock

BANKERS, lawyers and accountants will swap their suits for rocking gear as they raise the roof for a children's charity. Demons of Tune, a 13-strong band of musical professionals, will play a special Christmas charity concert at the Jam House for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Troubled Public's Designer has Say ; Arts: Award-Winning Architect of Plagued Centre Launches Lecture Series

THE architect of controversial Midland arts centre The Public is set to return to the pounds 79 million venue. Stirling Prize winner Will Alsop, who designed the building in West Bromwich, which opened more than a year late and pounds 49 million over budget, will deliver the first in The Public's 'open talk and lecture series' next Friday.

Malfoy Visit Is Simply Wizard

HARRY Potter star Tom Felton is bringing the magic to Birmingham. The 22-year-old actor, who plays Draco Malfoy in the wizard movie franchise will be appearing at the Memorabilia show this weekend.

Crackdown On Doorstep Cons ; Crime: Police Step Up War On Tricksters and Urge People to Be Alert

POLICE are to step up the winter war on doorstep tricksters who prey on the elderly by posing as utility company officials to con their way in. A recent increase in the number of distraction-type burglaries has led to a new campaign by the force's crime prevention experts.

Vicar's Fundraising Target to Help City's Homeless

A VICAR is appealing for help to beat last year's fundraising target to help the homeless. Father Ronald Crane SSC, The Vicar of Emmanuel, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, will be outside Emmanuel church between December 17 until Christmas Eve collecting money.

Youngsters Build On Project

PUPILS from a Birmingham school joined building workers on a community project to help transform a family centre run by an inner- city charity. The Centre for the Aston Family, which provides health, education, training and family support services in one of the most deprived areas of the country, was treated to a makeover.

Tyre Firm's China Deal ; Aircraft: Dunlop Opens Retreading Facility

BIRMINGHAM-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is spreading its wings worldwide - with a new hi-tech retread and distribution facility in China. The group's new Far East complex will increase its competitiveness in global aviation and give aircraft operators in Asia Pacific a wider choice of tyres. The facility, operating as Dunlop Taikoo (Jinjiang) Aircraft Tyres Company Ltd, is a joint venture with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd (HAECO) and Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Company L...