Contents - Walsall Council

2 October 2015
Contents
Council news new and updated
New Post room – Business Response
Envelopes
New Macmillan Coffee Morning Success
New St Giles Hospice
New Smoking in Vehicles – New Rules
New Council Purpose and Priorities
New Oracle Upgrade from 01 October
New Mosaic –training for PARIS users
New Post Room Update/Reminders
Memorial Garden Donations Needed
Blackberry Server Upgrade
Are you ready for the Stoptober challenge?
New Have Your Say
Civic Cafe – New products
Home-Start Walsall looking for Trustees
Non-essential spending
Walk On
Try something new at Walsall Libraries
New Job Advert Request Form
Proposed changes to staff terms and
conditions
New Purchase Card Provider
Employee Performance Review (EPR)
The Children and Young People’s Workforce
Training Programme for 2015-2016
Support information for redeployees
Training
New Mosaic Training
Health & Safety Training
New Latest course news from Learning and
Development
Prevent
Situational Leadership course
Workforce Development Adult Services
Learning and Development Opportunities
Walsall Domestic Violence Forum Training
eLearning x@ eCentral x
Before you get started...
Available courses on eCentral
Events
New Comic Con on Saturday 31 October
New Black Country Boxing 3 October
New Marking World Mental Health Day Friday
9 October
New Black History Month Celebration Tuesday
20 October
New Blakenall Library Celebrates 10 Years
New Women’s Health Event
New Creative writing
New Mindfulness Walks
New Urgent care Walsall
Beginner Jogging Lessons
Walsall Leather Museum
Jog, walk or run arboretum club
Walsall Gala Baths summer spinning offer
Events at Walsall Libraries
Goscote Greenacres – Fishing competitions
Events at Forest Arts Centre
Events at Darlaston Town Hall
Walsall Local History Centre events
Exhibitions and events at the New Art Gallery
For more information about events in Walsall
view the What’s On Walsall website
Staff discounts
MOT Bay
New Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Offers
Disclaimer: The council does not endorse,
guarantee or assume responsibility for any product
or service advertised or offered. Staff should check
with the supplier that the discount stated here is still
available before they agree to purchase the product
or service. The council is not a party to any
transaction.
Latest offers:
To view all the latest staff discounts, use this
ink: Staff discounts
Council News
Post room – Business Response Envelopes
Can all the teams utilising the Post Room’s Business Response Licence Number RTGL-ESEEETTK please not make any changes to the details pre-printed on the envelope stocks that they
have.
The envelope address details are printed in accordance with Royal Mail’s Design Specifications
for the use of Business Response Services and any altered ones incur an additional surcharge
from Royal Mail on top of the postage cost as they are deemed as “non compliant” under their
terms and conditions.
With a standard Business Response Licence, we have the flexibility to add or change a team
name and can add up to a maximum of 2 additional address/team name lines above the core
address details, which is why so many teams can utilise the same Licence number thereby
reducing the costs to the Council.
The Core Address details linked to this Licence, which can not be changed, are:Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
WALSALL
WS1 1DA
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you want any further advice on the use of business response
envelopes.
Many thanks.
Kerri Crutchley
Team Leader
Postal and Courier Services
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: 01922 650315
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Macmillan Coffee Morning Success
HR hosted a Macmillan Coffee morning on Friday 25 September and has raised money for
Macmillan Cancer Support.
Inspired by the fact that cancer touches the majority of people we saw the advert for Macmillan on
TV and sent off for a fund-raising pack. HR bakers were recruited, eggs and flour purchased and
whisks oiled and ready!
The mountain of cakes and biscuits resulted in £470.00 being raised, we would like to thank
everyone for their support, donations and cake eating.
If anyone would still like to donate then please just email Anne-Marie on [email protected]
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St. Giles Hospice
Lisa Poppitt (IFM) and Stephanie Poppitt (Occupational Therapy) are fundraisers for St Giles
Hospice and are asking for your support to raise money for this charity.
Lisa stated, “St Giles Hospice holds a very special place in our hearts following the excellent care
they provided in my brother Stephen’s (Stephanie’s husband) final days before he passed of a
cancerous brain tumour in 2008 aged 44. Not only did they care for him but they also provided
support to the family and aftercare counselling for his children”.
Over the last 6 years from either assisting with selling merchandise for St Giles Hospice or
marshalling at registered events and being the top sellers for Light up a Life last year, Lisa and
Stephanie hold an annual charity evening and have raised over £15,000 for the Hospice.
This year Lisa and Stephanie are holding a Halloween Charity Night on Friday 30 October and
request if anyone would like to make a donation or give any unwanted gifts for raffle or auction
prizes for their event to please contact either [email protected] or
[email protected]
Raffle tickets will be on sale this week. All contributions are greatly appreciated.
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Smoking in vehicles: new rules from 1 October 2015
From 1 October 2015 it will be illegal to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under 18 present. The
new law will apply in England and Wales.
Both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50. The law applies to every driver, including those
aged 17 and those with a provisional driving licence.
The law does not apply if the driver is 17 years old and is on their own in the car.
The law is changing to protect children and young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Find out more at www.gov.uk/smokefreecars or contact [email protected]
Council Purpose and Priorities
At the recent full council meeting on Monday 21 September a new Council Purpose and Priorities
was agreed. All staff can read the agreed item on CMIS.
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Oracle R12 Upgrade Reminder
All Oracle systems including General Ledger and QlikView are now unavailable until Friday 9
October 2015 when the Oracle R12 upgrade has been completed.
For Accounts Payable users please note that the next full BAC’s payment run is scheduled for
Tuesday 13th October 2015.
If you require an urgent emergency payment during the interim period please contact Sharon
Noble - Payments Team Manager on 01922 650493 / [email protected] or in
Sharon’s absence any member of the Payments Team on 01922 655809
Thank you again for your continued cooperation.
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If you use PARIS - you now need Mosaic training
Training is now well underway in preparation for Mosaic going live.
So if you are a PARIS user and you haven’t completed the training, it’s now critical that you
register for your Mosaic training. The courses on offer are essential and specific to you and your
daily work. Depending on the nature of your work there may be additional courses that now need
to be completed. Please check all the training schedules by clicking here or email
[email protected] for further assistance.
Mosaic training is mandatory and is fully supported by senior leadership across both Children and
Adult Services.
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Post Room Update/Reminders
I would like to remind everyone that postage is “non essential spend” and therefore the cheapest
postal option should always be used, namely 2nd class.
All mail is posted 2nd Class by default unless clearly marked 1st Class in the top left hand corner
of the envelope. Please do not write anything on the right hand side as this must be clear for the
franking impression.
Can I also take this opportunity to clarify the differences between Special Delivery (formerly known
as Registered Post) and Recorded Signed For.

“Recorded Signed For” (RSF) gets you a signature only upon delivery and the items can be
posted either 1st or 2nd Class. The maximum compensation available in the event the item
is lost or undelivered is £50.

Special Delivery is a Guaranteed Next Working Day Service and can be tracked from when
it goes out from the Local Delivery Office, to the Point of Delivery and signature. The
compensation available is a maximum of £2,500 and some of the Special Delivery options
are VAT chargeable. This is a Secure Delivery Service, therefore it comes at a premium
price as its the most expensive posting option available with prices starting from £6.20,
therefore, as a general rule/common sense approach, this option should only be used if:a) The value of what you’re posting is higher than £50.00, e.g returning small items of
broken equipment;
b) There is a specific business/operational time critical need for a fully trackable
guaranteed next day delivery.
If you’re not sure which is the most appropriate service for your item of mail, please don’t hesitate
to contact the Post Room we’re always happy to help and advise.
Kerri Crutchley
Team Leader – Postal & Courier Services
Tel : 01922 650315/654530
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Memorial Garden Donations Needed
Work to renovate a memorial garden flower bed in the Civic Building roof top garden is to begin in
the coming weeks. Coordinated by Vikki Williams from the Procurement Team, the project will
involve purchasing new plants and a selection of garden ornaments for staff to enjoy. As part of
the renovation, room in the garden will be left for other contributions to be made over the different
seasons so that it can be a colourful display all year round.. If you would like to make a donation to
help with the project then contact Vikki on 4883.
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Blackberry Server Upgrade
The Blackberry Server will be upgraded at the end of September; prior to the upgrade Blackberry
devices that have not been used to send or receive email for the past 56 days will be disconnected
from the Blackberry Server on 21st September 2015. If you need to reactivate your device after
this date please contact the Service Desk on 01922 652862
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Are you ready for the Stoptober challenge?
Stoptober- the 28 day challenge which supports the nation’s eight million smokers to stop smoking
– is back.
The challenge starts on the 1st October. Over three quarters of a million people have already
taken part in the nation’s biggest quit attempt since it began and research shows that stopping
smoking for 28 days means you’re five times more likely to stop for good.
By signing up to Stoptober, you will receive a variety of free and proven support including packs,
apps and emails to help you quit for 28 days and beyond.
Face-to-face advice and support can also be obtained from the local Stop Smoking Service in
Walsall which are on hand to provide you with tailored advice and hints and tips on how to quit.
You can contact the service on 01922 444 044 and find out where your nearest clinic is at the
following link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zvl2RCum1ts.k6oT28RC_Vzw&usp=sharing.
Walsall Council Smokefree Procedure which can be accessed at the following link:
http://inside.walsall.gov.uk/smoke_free_procedure__2_bf.pdf provides detail of how Walsall
Council will support employees to give up smoking.
The start of Stoptober this year coincides with the introduction of new legislation in England and
Wales making it illegal to smoke in vehicles with someone under the age of 18 present. Both the
driver and the smoker can be fined if anyone smokes in the vehicle.
The law is changing to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke and will come into
effect on 1st October. Every time a child breathes in secondhand smoke, they breathe in
thousands of chemicals, which put them at risk of serious conditions including meningitis, cancer,
and respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
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Have Your Say
We will have a display up outside the Civic Cafe on the 2nd floor of the
Civic Centre from 5th to 9th October so that staff can come and see the
proposals and allocations which are being put forward to shape the future
of Walsall for the ‘Preferred Options’ consultation of the Local Plan.
Planning Policy staff will be available over the lunchtime of Monday and
Tuesday to answer any questions, and will add further days if there is the
demand for it.
A public consultation commenced Monday 7th September to Monday 2nd November on draft
plans that will shape the future of the Borough:

Site Allocation Document – allocation of sites for homes and jobs across Walsall and
protection of environment;

Walsall Town Centre Area Action Plan – provide sites for retail, office and leisure
investment and environmental & transport improvements; and

Community Infrastructure Levy – introduction of charges on some forms of new
development to fund infrastructure such as roads and open space (largely replaces the use
of Section 106).
We want to reach as many people in our community as possible so please let us know if you are
aware of any community events or meetings that we could promote this consultation at by
contacting the Planning Policy Team on 01922 658020 or [email protected].
We would welcome all staff to make individual responses and we’d be happy to meet with service
areas to explain the plans and to discuss how your service area can be involved.
ATTEND OUR CONSULTATION EVENT
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Event – Friday 9th October 10am – 12pm, at
Council House, Walsall Council, Lichfield Street. Please register to attend.
Site Allocation Document SAD & Area Action Plan (AAP) Event – Friday 9th October
2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm at Council House, Walsall Council, Lichfield Street. No
need to register, just pop in to one of the drop in sessions.
To find out more about the plans for the Borough, go to:
Website - www.walsall.gov.uk/planning_2026
Blog – www.walsallplanning2026.co.uk
Facebook – Walsall Planning 2026
Twitter – Walsall Planning
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Civic Cafe – New products
A new range of products are now available from the Civic building cafe on the 2nd floor and are
available from 8am – 4pm Mon – Thurs and 8am – 3pm Fri.
Ham & Cheese Croissant
Calzones
£1.45
Wraps
Chilkken Tikka
£1.75
Cheese & Tomato
Cheese & Ham
£1.55
£1.65
Pepperoni
£1.65
Peri Peri Chicken
BBQ Chicken & Bacon
Chicken & Bacon
£1.75
£1.65
£1.65
Meatballs & Pizza Sauce
All Day Breakfast
£1.55
£1.75
Toasties
Savoury Pastries
Cheese & Bean
Cheese & Pizza Sauce
Cheese & Ham
Chicken & Bacon
£1.45
£1.45
£1.55
£1.65
Paninis
Cheese & Beans
Cheese & Ham
Meatballs & Pizza Sauce
Chicken Tikka
Chicken & Cheese
Bacon, Mozzarella & BBQ
Sauce
Tuna Melt
BBQ Chicken & Bacon
Cheddar Cheese & Pepperoni
Sausage Roll
Steak Slice
Vegetarian Pasty
Chicken Balti Pasty
Chip Shop Chicken Curry
Pasty
.65p
£1.15
£1.15
£1.15
£1.55
£1.65
£1.65
£1.95
£1.85
Pasta/Rice & Sauce
BBQ Pulled Pork
BBB Quorn
Chicken Tikka Masala
£2.00
£2.00
£2.00
£1.95
£1.95
£1.95
£1.75
Chilli Beef
Sweet Chilli Chicken
Tomato & Mascarpone
Veg Bolognaise
£2.00
£2.00
£2.00
£2.00
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Home-Start Walsall looking for Trustees including Acting
Chair and Treasurer
Do you care passionately about giving every child the best possible start
in life?
Do you want to help to narrow the opportunity gaps confronting local
families?
Do you have skills you could bring to our unique local charity?
YES – then please get in touch with us on 01922 647018 or 01922 746358
Our Board of Trustees sets the vision, the strategic direction and management of the charity.
It is responsible for overall governance which includes Leadership, Funding, Finance, Public
Relations, Marketing, Recruitment, Training, Policy, Networking and Human Resources.
All trustees are unpaid. The Board meets every two months. Most Board members also sit on sub
committees which meet as required.
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Non-essential spending
Employees are reminded to take time when considering any expenditure.
All employees should look for alternative ways to offset any spending and should consider whether
an activity can be avoided.
Equipment and resources that the council provides should be reallocated for internal use to avoid
unnecessary additional external purchases.
Examples of Non-Essential Expenditure
Employee Costs
 All non contractual terms and conditions including avoidable overtime
 Training, including courses / external seminars / conferences - unless contractually
committed (i.e professional study fees)
 All non-essential spend on travel costs and subsistence
 Recruitment to non-essential vacant posts - a weekly list of posts to be recruited to is
provided to all portfolio holders and agreed with the Leader of the Council
 Use of temporary or agency staff: review existing arrangements for renewed authorisation;
cease taking on new temporary or agency staff.
Supplies and Services
 All furniture, materials and equipment (unless for Disability Discrimination Act compliance or
health and safety)
 Stationery
 Newspapers
 Hire of external venues
 Computers (hardware and software)/Printers/Photocopier/Mobile/Blackberry replacement or
new purchases and use of such equipment, including office consumables
 Publicity and advertising: reviewing where these are placed, if essential, to reduce cost
 Not renewing subscriptions
 Stop placing orders for publications
 Catering – provision of refreshments sandwiches, etc.
 Avoid postage or use cheapest possible means of distribution; reduce frequency of
circulation.
 Use of courier services unless unavoidable
 Consultants and Interims - review all existing arrangements for renewed authorisation
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Free health walks for people living with and beyond Cancer
Walsall Sport and Leisure Services in partnership with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and
Macmillan Cancer Support are providing a new walking session specifically for people with cancer
or for those in remission.
Walsall Walk On is a weekly programme of free health walks held in parks and countryside spaces
across the borough. Each of the health walks is led by a nationally qualified Walk Leader who is
assisted by a qualified Back Marker.
This means that the walks are tailored to suit everyone’s speed and ability, while walking as a
group. Walks follow a circular route with the start and finish locations being the same.
Stuart Terry community activity co-ordinator said: “Working alongside Macmillan Cancer Support
has shown that being active is safe and has lots of benefits to help manage some of the side
effects of cancer treatment.
“As well as meeting people in similar circumstances as yourself it also reduces cancer related
fatigue, stress and anxiety and improves low mood or depression. For some cancer types physical
activity can also lower your risk of the cancer coming back.”
This shorter walk is taking place on Tuesday mornings (starting 4 August) in Walsall Arboretum,
meeting at the visitors centre at 9:45am for a 10:00am start.
To join the walk simply turn up at the meeting place or contact Sport & Leisure Services on 01922
658080 or Lifestyle Link on 01922 444044 for more information.
To find out more about Physical Activity and Cancer treatment you can book an appointment with
your local Macmillan Physical Activity Advisor via Lifestyle Link or visit
www.macmillan.org.uk/movemore
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Try something new at Walsall Libraries
Walsall Libraries have just launched their new programme of computer taster courses for the
whole academic year starting from September 2015 – July 2016.
There are now an extensive range of courses available from lots of individual teaching slots where
you can seek help on specific things e.g. if you are unsure of how to create an email, how to buy
and sell online, to more structured sessions on Ebay, Family History, CV help and Work Clubs.
In partnership with Walsall College, some of our libraries will be running 3 week basic taster
courses and also a brand new 3 week course covering social media, and using comparison
websites.
Helena Denham Information and Learning Co-ordinator said “Walsall Libraries love to offer new
learning opportunities for our customers. Libraries are a great place to learn in an informal,
relaxing and friendly environment.”
To book your place please visit or telephone your local library, or check out our Adult Zone, then
click ‘Learning’ on the website at www.lovelibrarieswalsall.co.uk.
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New Job Advert Request Form
A new version of the Job Advert Request form A1 is now available for use on the intranet.
Job Advert Request Form A1
This form simplifies the previous versions and aligns to the recruitment review process which is
currently in operation across the Council.
Recruiting managers should complete this form and send it along with the Job Description,
Employee Specification and advertisement text to [email protected]
Contact the Recruitment & Retention Team for further information.
Telephone: 01922 655673
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Proposed changes to staff terms and conditions
Letters have been sent out to staff this week to inform them that discussions have commenced on
a range of proposed changes which, if agreed, would affect their pay and terms and conditions of
employment.
Walsall, like most local authorities is currently reviewing spending due to income reductions
imposed upon us by Central government. Over the next four years and up to 2019/20 we must
make savings of up to £82 million and this loss of revenue is expected to have an effect upon
some of your working terms and conditions.
The council has therefore started discussions with Trades Unions and staff on an initial range of
six proposed changes to terms and conditions of employment for approximately 4000 employees
across all the services, except those employed directly by schools.
The proposed changes are:
1) Removal of the essential car user allowance (lump sum and associated mileage rates);
2) Reducing casual car user mileage rates to the maximum tax free HM Revenue & Customs
approved rate (45p per mile);
3) Requiring employees to take three days unpaid leave per year (pro rata for part time staff);
4) Reducing basic pay for all employees by 2%;
5) Two year freeze on incremental progression;
6) Standardising standby and callout payments.
Feedback to us
You can share your views at this dedicated email address: [email protected]
There will also be a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQs) on the Inside Walsall website, which will
be collated from views submitted through the email address and other feedback mechanisms.
This will also be circulated to remote sites for employees who cannot easily access the dedicated
consultation website.
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New Purchase Card Provider
Following completion of the recent retender process, Lloyds Bank will be replacing Barclaycard as
the Council’s PCard provider.
As part of this change we will also be moving from Fraedom (Spendvision) to Lloyds Commercial
Card Data Management (CCDM) system.
The new Lloyds contract will deliver estimated savings of over £20,000 per year to the Council
against the current Barclaycard/Fraedom contracts.
During August this year we will be transferring existing cardholders and Fraedom users on to the
new system.
Training and support will be provided to existing Fraedom users as part of the transition, who will
find that the new Lloyds CCDM system looks and feels very similar as it is based on and supplied
to Lloyds by Fraedom.
What does this mean to you today?
As we are changing PCard providers we will be unable to carry over any card transactions to the
new systems. Therefore we will need users to clear all transactions from Fraedom as soon as
possible.
Cardholders
Due to the change in provider cardholders will be issued new cards and pin numbers. We will
contact cardholders directly with additional information in the near future.
Approvers
Can approvers please assist the transition by authorising any pending approvals that you are able
to and notifying the Purchase Card Team of any transactions in dispute as soon as possible.
If you require any further information please email your enquiries to
[email protected].
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Employee Performance Review (EPR)
Employee Performance Reviews (EPRs) are now well underway across the council, with the aim
that the majority should be completed by the end of June.
Managers, if you have not yet organised EPRs with your people please do so. Should staff have
any questions or concerns about their EPRs they should discuss these with their manager in the
first instance.
Further information about the EPR process, documentation and training can be found by
accessing the link below.
http://inside.walsall.gov.uk/index/human_resources/learning_and_development/employee_perform
ance_review.htm
Please note that the training support available for both managers and staff consists of two parts,
an eLearning module and half day classroom session.
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The Children and Young People’s Workforce Training Programme for 20152016
Better together for children
The new children & young people’s workforce training programme and calendar of events is now
available. This programme provides opportunities for staff and those of you who work with
children and young people to engage in a range of learning and development options.
Walsall Children’ Services has developed a culture where learning and development is seen as
essential to informing best practice and our commitment to the children and young
people’s workforce to do our very best to inspire, encourage and support you.
Our training programme will be informed by learning needs gathered from the appraisal and
supervision process, findings from the social worker health check, focus groups, audits, Inspection
outcomes, research and course evaluations.
This year we’re adopting a new approach by moving away from a yearly training calendar to a
more responsive and effectively targeted seasonal training calendar which builds on previous
years and focuses opportunities across a range of priorities and emerging needs.
In recognition of our highly valued internal expertise you will see more courses delivered by our
internal staff which will help to shape and develop our future workforce.
To view the new training calendar of events please select the following link;
Workforce Development Events Calendar
To view our website please select the following link;
Workforce Development Website
The website will continuously be updated as new opportunities become available. For further
information please contact the children’s workforce development team on 01922 650715, or email
[email protected].
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Support information for redeployees
You can find information about support that is available to redeployees by visiting our dedicated
intranet page. Additionally you can download the latest support information for redeployees flyer.
Contact us:
Recruitment & Retention
Human Resources, 3rd Floor
Civic Centre, Walsall, WS1 1TP
Telephone 01922 655673 Textphone 01922 654000 Email [email protected]
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Training
Mosaic Training
If you currently use Paris the Mosaic system is now taking its place and it’s important that you are
familiar how it works through the MOSAIC Training programme.
Over the last few months, we have offered training and support to staff who use Paris, equipping
them with the tools to carry out their roles more efficiently.
Please make sure you book on to the Super User training if you have been selected by your
Group Manager and/or the Mainstream training.
Training and contact information
If you will be using Mosaic and haven’t already booked training, please ensure you pre-book your
course. As each attendee will need a computer for the training we will not be offering a ‘drop-in’
service. You can email the Mosaic training team via [email protected].
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Health & Safety Training
Are you a Manager, Line Manager or Supervisor? If an employee (or other person) at your
establishment was involved in an accident/incident are you clear of what your responsibilities are?
All accidents/incidents must be recorded and have some level of investigation (depending on the
actual/potential severity or consequences). As someone who manages people, this will be your
responsibility.
The ½ day Accident Reporting, Recording & Investigation course will give you the knowledge and
understanding required to fulfil your responsibilities. This course will help you;
 Recognise what accidents/incidents are reportable to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE),
 Complete the required accident/incident forms correctly and effectively,
 Investigate to the correct level any accident/incident that occurs in the workplace, and
 Identify the difference between “immediate” and “root causes” of accidents/incidents so that
effective measures can be taken to avoid recurrence
Limited places are available, so book now to avoid disappointment.
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Latest course news from Learning and Development
We have availability on the following training courses (please click on the links for further
information):
Please complete a booking form and return it to
Minute and note taking
The corporate induction programme
To view our full course list please click on the link:- http://inside.walsall.gov.uk/course_list.htm
For more information visit: Learning and Development on Inside Walsall
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Prevent
On 1 July, the new Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 bill came into effect.
It will now place PREVENT, the Government’s programme for the prevention of violent extremism
onto a statutory footing for schools; further and higher education; the police; probation and prison
services and Walsall Council as a local authority.
The implications of the new legislation are captured in section 21 of the Act:
“A specified authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to prevent
people from being drawn into terrorism”
This means that staff, from the Corporate Management Team through to front line staff must be
aware of their legal duties to meet Section 21 by having the skills to recognise extremism-related
concerns and know who to report those concerns to.
As part of up skilling staff an e-learning product, has been developed and requires staff to have
completed Prevent Level 1.
Prevent Level 1 – mandatory for all staff
Please can you ensure that the training is completed by the deadline date.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Nigel Rowe on 01922 655407 or
[email protected]
How to access an e-learning course
To log on
Click on the ‘View our eCourses button’ and this will take you to the eCentral login page.
Use your 7 digit employee number for your username and your password to gain access.
Agency staff use firstname.surname for the username (lowercase) and your password.
If you believe you may not have an account on eCentral contact the Learning and
Organisational Development team to get an account set up, 01922 655678.
5. If you have forgotten your password use the ‘lost password’ button or alternatively call the
helpdesk number 0845 074 4114, who will reset it for you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Once you have logged on
1. Once you have logged on, select the home button.
2. Select the Equality, Safety and Wellbeing category.
3. Click on the PREVENT – Level 1 course title to access and this will take you to the topic
outline page.
4. Launch the e-learning link to start your course.
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Situational Leadership course
Understand the Situational Leadership model as developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard,
including:





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The three steps of situational leadership
The three different levels of the job function
The six areas that contribute to individual performance readiness
The four levels of performance readiness
The four related leadership approaches
Your own preferred approach and adaptability
Use the model to determine the performance readiness of those you lead and identify the
leadership approach most likely to be effective when working with them.
One style does not fit all. To lead effectively during times of change be prepared to change!
Dates for the Situational Leadership course in 2015 are:
Tues 13th Oct
Wed 28th Oct
To book a space or for more information View the Leadership and management training courses
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Workforce Development Adult Services Learning and Development
Opportunities
Please visit the adult services workforce development website to see details of updated learning
opportunities and the Latest News.
http://www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk/training-list/
The website will be continuously updated as new opportunities become available via the workforce
development team. For any further information please contact a member of the adult services
workforce development team on 01922 655541, email [email protected] or
view the range of information on www.walsallsocialcareworkforce.co.uk
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Walsall Domestic Violence Forum training
Walsall Domestic Violence Forum training programme now has CPD certification so is more
beneficial to professionals than ever before.
Current modules include:
1. Domestic Abuse Awareness
2. Domestic Abuse / Safeguarding Children
3. Supporting Victims
4. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
5. Working with Men
6. Risk Assessment in Domestic Abuse
7. Domestic Abuse and the Workplace
Each module is delivered in one day and fees start at only £40 per delegate. For further
information please visit: www.wdvf.co.uk
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eLearning @eCentral
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department
Courses available here can be accessed from any computer, either at work
or at home, and have been designed to meet your needs as well as address
the Council's priorities.
For further information on how to navigate this site please click
on 'Navigation Help'.
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Please select the link to view all Available courses on eCentral
Events
Walsall Halloween Comic Con on Saturday 31 October at Walsall Town Hall
Walsall Town Hall will be the place
to be on Saturday 31 October for a
ghoulishly good time when it
becomes home to a Comic Con
featuring special guests Andrew
Lee Potts, Hattie Hayridge, Ian
McNeice, Sarah Louise Madison
and Simon Fisher Becker.
The day will include over 50
traders’ tables offering the chance
to buy from the world of Anime,
Manga, TV Movies, Comics and
much more.
For those who enjoy dressing as
their favourite characters there’s a
chance to join in the fun and enter
a cosplay competition while for
those without a costume there will
be the addition of the ‘Iron Man
Pod Unit’ for people to get a
photograph as the Marvel super
hero.
Those interested in the art of
comics will be able meet UK based
freelance illustrator and Lucasfilm
accredited artist Lee Bradley and
delve into the techniques for
creating sequential art.
Fans of Star Wars will be able to
enjoy the added bonus of seeing
members of the UK Garrison
throughout the day while coming
face to face with a Dalek and the Tardis.
Amongst the attractions is the retro video games corner featuring games consoles including Sega,
Nintendo, PC Engine, Atari, Intelvision, Colecovision and Playstations I, II, and III.
Film fans will be able to catch a preview of ‘The House of Screaming Death’ produced by
internationally recognised local film makers Lightbeam Productions and Pat The Bull Films.
In addition there will be the chance to watch Fan Films from around the world that are gaining
greater and greater recognition.
Advance tickets are available from www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/190715
Walsall Town Hall - Black Country Boxing Presents....
The Avengers, Saturday 3 October
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Marking World Mental Health Day Friday 9 October
Walsall Health Care NHS will be hosting a free coffee morning at Brownhills Library on Friday 9th
October from 9.30am to 1pm, to raise awareness of Mental Health.
There will be an opportunity to talk to a Lifestyle Advisor and find out about other sources of
support.
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2015 is dignity in Mental Health.
There will also be an opportunity to learn about Brownhills Library Health & Well Being Reading
Group and browse the library collection of Reading Well Books on Prescription and Reading Well
Mood-boosting Books.
Free drop in event.
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Black History Month Celebration Tuesday 20
October
Meet author Kerry Young , Tuesday 20th October, Walsall
Central Library 5 – 6.30pm
Tell one, tell all! Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Kerry
Young.
Kerry Young is the author of two novels. Pao (2011) and
Gloria (2013). Pao was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel
Award and the Commonwealth Book Prize. Gloria was
longlisted for the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature
and the 2015 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Both books were shortlisted for the East Midlands Book
Award. She has just completed her third novel for
Bloomsbury, which is scheduled to be published in 2016.
Free event.
Booking essential. Contact 01922 653121
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Blakenall Library Celebrates 10 Years
On Wednesday 7 October Blakenall Village Centre will have been open for 10 years and as part of
the celebrations staff at Blakenall Library are preparing a series of free activities in the build up to
the big day.
Situated inside the Centre, the library will be busy preparing for their anniversary celebrations by
offering a series of free activities and competitions starting with a Bunting & Badge making drop in
session between 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
The decorated bunting will form part of a display in the library during a special week of celebration
beginning on Monday 5 October.
On Saturday 26 September, there will also be badge making on offer where children will be able to
take their badges away with them and to tie in with a ‘Great Blakenall Bake Off’, there will be a
competition to ‘Pin the cherry on the cake’ which will be judged in the Blakenall Village Centre on
that Saturday.
This is all in the lead up to the birthday week which will host a Barcode Lottery, a quiz for adults, a
treasure hunt for children as well as design and name a mascot for Blakenall Village Centre.
Blakenall Library is free to join and has regular activities which include an Adult Reading Group, a
Cradle Club and a brand new Chatterbooks Reading Group for children which will be launched on
Wednesday 7 October.
Please contact the library for further details. Telephone 01922 714967 or email
[email protected]
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Women’s Health Event 14 October
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New Urgent Care Centre in Walsall
On 1st October 2015, the Walk-in-Centre in Market Square, Walsall Town centre will change to an
Urgent Care Centre.
The new Urgent Care Centre will provide health advice and treatment for illness or injuries which
are not life-threatening, but are too urgent to wait for a routine appointment with your GP Practice.
The change means that patients will have a choice of Urgent Care Centre to visit – the new one in
the Town Centre, or the existing one at Manor Hospital. Patients can expect to receive the same
service – whichever site they go to.
Download the leaflet
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Walsall Arboretum beginner jogging sessions
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Mindfulness Walks
Creative Writing
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Events at Walsall Libraries
E-Magazines have been launched!
Walsall Libraries now have access to 40 eMagazine titles covering
everything from food and leisure to science, sport and wildlife, and these are free to you if you are
a member of Walsall Libraries.
If you are interested in finding out more then please have a look at our website at
www.lovelibrarieswalsall.co.uk and click on ‘What’s in stock’, ‘online resources’, ‘eMagazines’, and
follow the instructions which tells you how to access them from your computer or tablet device.
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Goscote Greenacres – Next Fishing competition 1 November
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Events at Forest Arts Centre
Box Office number 0300 555 2898
Credit card bookings can now be taken in person and over the telephone.
www.forestartscentre.co.uk
Charity fund raiser Thursday 8 October
An afternoon of singing and musical
entertainment on Thursday 8 October
at 1.30pm in aid of charity. The event
will feature the wonderful voices of
Andy Roo and Nicole along with the
fabulous Senior Citizens Swing Band.
The programme will feature many
popular tunes and sing-a-long
favourites, whilst the band will
entertain with some amazing swing
music for you to listen and dance-along to.
This event will also promote what Forest Community Association offers, maybe you’d like to join
the line dancing group, have a game of bingo and a cuppa at their Over 60’s club or fancy taking
up Bowls. Information will be available on the day for all of the activities.
Free refreshments (donations for cakes please) will be available in the interval and all proceeds
from the event will go to St Giles Hospice Walsall and Macmillan Cancer support.
Tickets cost £5 and are available from the Box Office 0300 555 2898 or at the venue before the
show, subject to availability.like to join the line dancing group, have a game of bingo and a cuppa
at their Over 60’s club or fancy taking up Bowls. Information will be available on the day for all of
the activities.
Forest Arts Centre offers a wide variety of meeting room facilities. Whether it’s a conferencing hall
for a multi strand event, a private briefing or training course or a small meeting room for as few as
6, we’re confident in finding the right space for you.
Further details available from Jo Bailey 01922 654555 or email [email protected]
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Events at Darlaston Town Hall
For the kids
Glee Club - singing, dancing and performing
Our Glee Clubs are run by Maddisons Active Lifestyles and are
based around musical theatre with a modern twist. Participants
will use elements of various musicals covering different styles
of dance including jazz, modern, and street dance. There will
be introductions to script work and acting skilss, as well as
singing training so there really is something for everybody.
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Mini Glee for 5-8 year olds takes place every Monday
4pm - 5.30pm
Glee for 9-14 year olds takes place every Monday 5.30pm - 7pm
Sessions are £4.50 each. No need to book, just turn up.
For the adults
Sport, Health and Fitness Sessions
Back to Netball - Tuesdays 10am - 11am - free
Activities for Older Adults
Over 50's Dance Class
Mondays 10am - 11am - £2
Gentle dance that explores a range of world dance styles and eras. All abilities catered for, no
need to have a dance partner.
Active Steps
Mondays - 10am - 11am - £1
A specialised exercise programme for people who have had a fall, are frightened or are at risk of
falling.
Coffee Club
Mondays - 10am - 12noon - free entry, small charge for drinks
A social recreation morning with tea, coffee, and bored games available
Old Time Sequence Dance
Wednesdays - 1.30pm - 3pm - £3
Social dancing - make friends, learn the basics, or improve your steps.
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Walsall Local History Centre
What can you do at Walsall Local History Centre?
At Walsall Local History Centre you can:
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Use a computer to find out about your family and local history
Look up in the local newspaper what was happening on the day you were born
Look at maps to see what your local area looked like
Look at photographs to find out what people used to wear
Family History Basics
Family History Buddy
Want to talk about your family history? Want to find out where to look next? Book a free one hour
session with our family history buddy to get started or inspire new ideas. Diana Wilkes is at the
Local History Centre 9.30am-1pm and 1.45pm-5pm every Wednesday.
FREE Booking essential.
Beyond the Census
Third Wednesday of every month 6pm-7pm. Find out where your ancestors lived, where they
were buried, what they did in the First World War, where they were baptised and more. A one
hour session introducing sources for family and local history.
FREE Booking essential.
Ancestry Online at the Local History Centre
Last Thursday of every month 2pm - 3pm.
A one hour induction session, explaining how to get the most out of Ancestry online. The Ancestry
database is the most widely used family history database, containing a wealth of information from
civil registration to First World War medal holders.
FREE Booking essential.
Please contact us for further information:
Walsall Local History Centre
Essex Street, Walsall, WS2 7AS
Tel: 01922 652212
Web: www.walsall.gov.uk/localhistorycentre
Facebook: Walsall Local History Centre
Twitter: @WalsallLHCentre
Opening hours:
•Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm
•Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm
•Wednesday 9.30am - 7pm
•Saturday 9.30am - 1pm
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Events and exhibitions at the New Art Gallery Walsall
Exhibitions and Events at The New Art Gallery Walsall
Image credit: Jacob Epstein with Torso in Metal from Rock Drill, unknown photographer, c. 1952, Epstein Archive, The New Art Gallery Walsall
Epstein’s Rock Drill
Transformed by War
4 September 2015 – 24 January 2016
Join us for the opening of our new exhibition.
Friends, family and colleagues welcome.
Exhibitions
Mat Collishaw
25 September 2015 – 10 January 2016
This major survey exhibition, the first in a UK public gallery for
over ten years, will testify to the richness and breadth of
Collishaw’s practice and will include sculpture, photography, film and installation. It will also
provide an opportunity to explore some of the overriding themes and preoccupations within is
work.
Artists’ Studio
Epstein’s Rock Drill
Transformed by War
4 September 2015 – 24 January 2016
Floors 1 and 2
Image credit: Jacob Epstein with Torso in Metal from Rock Drill, unknown photographer, c. 1952, Epstein Archive, The New Art Gallery Walsall
Rock Drill (c.1913-15) is Epstein’s most radical and celebrated sculpture, often described as ‘the
best thing he has ever done’. The totemic sculpture represents ‘a dramatic, revolutionary moment
when sculpture in Britain first became uncompromisingly modern.’ However between the end of
1915 and the beginning of 1916 Epstein destroyed the original Rock Drill, discarding the drill and
mutilating the figure, to form the truncated Torso in Metal from Rock Drill (c.1915-16).
Almost sixty years after its destruction, Kathleen Garman agreed to a reconstruction of her late
husband’s iconic sculpture following proposals that ‘if someone were to reconstruct the original
version of Rock Drill it could substantially alter the history of the modern movement.’ Marking the
centenary of Epstein’s dismantling of Rock Drill, and bringing together works from the collections
of Tate, The British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Birmingham Museums Trust, this
exhibition will reveal how the sculpture’s un-making is as significant as its making.
The Clive Beardsmore Gift
Interventions in the Garman Ryan Galleries
Until 24 January 2016
Floors 1 and 2
Image credit: Sonia Delauney, Composition, 1971, lithograph, Copyright the estate of the artist.
The 2015 interventions into the Garman Ryan Collection will be a selection from a new substantial
gift of artworks donated to The New Art Gallery Walsall by a private collector, Clive Beardsmore.
Clive has a longstanding association with the Gallery, having early in his career served as an
assistant to the then curator Michael Mosesson in the 1970s, at the time Walsall received
Kathleen Garman's gift.
Throughout a career which has encompassed working as a town planner, lecturer, assistant
curator, occasional artist's model, and continues as a professional historical researcher, Clive has
been a long-term supporter of the Gallery, and now his personal collection finds a permanent
home here.
Twenty of the 200 works received will be presented as interventions throughout the first and
second floor galleries in 2015, in the themed Garman Ryan rooms, featuring works on paper by
leading Modern British Artists such as Edward Bawden, John Bratby, Laura Knight, Graham
Sutherland and Keith Vaughan, all artists previoulsy not represented in our collections. The Gift
has enabled us to fill gaps and expand our holding of Modern British works in particular.
There will also be an introduction to this Gift on the 1st floor corridor for three months, highlighting
the different facets, and the personal nature of the collection and the relationship between private
collector and artist.
Family Workshops and Events
Friday Fun
For families with children 4 years and older, who want to be
creative together. It’s only £2.50 per child per session, to
come and join in. Workshops run twice each day, 1112.30pm and 1-2.30pm. Please book in advance on 01922
654400 or at reception and collect your ticket when you’ve
paid.
Adult Talks
Looking at Art: A beginners course
Thursdays, 1-3pm, 24 September – 3 December 2015 or
Saturdays, 11-1pm 26 September – 5 December 2015
£55,10 week non-accredited course
To book call Wolverhampton Adult Education 01902 558180 or www.aeswolverhampton.gov.uk
A beginner’s course set across four Black Country and Birmingham art galleries exploring art from
the Renaissance to Jacob Epstein; Pop Art and the work of Black Artists to contemporary art
today.
For adult learners of all ages with no previous art knowledge.
Opening times
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sundays 12noon – 4pm
Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays
Costa opening times
Monday – Saturday 8.30 – 5pm
Sunday
10am – 4pm
Sign up to our free e-bulletin and receive regular Preview invitations, monthly newsletters and
event information.
Telephone: 01922 654400
Website: www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Twitter: @newartgallery
thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
Free WiFi available throughout the building
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World-renowned goods made throughout Walsall Borough are now on display
at Walsall Leather Museum
Locks, lorinery, brightly coloured plastics, and stainless steel teapots are amongst the highlights in
'The Changing Face of Walsall', an exhibition exploring and celebrating the development and
history of the Borough.
Visitors can get close to five of the mysterious Bayard’s Colts, whilst costume and haberdashery
from Willenhall’s Hodson Shop add a dash of colour and style. A special section commemorates
some local heroes and heroines including Sister Dora, Seaman Carless VC and Walsall-born
author Jerome K Jerome.
The exhibition had previously been part of the history gallery at Walsall Museum.
‘The Changing Face of Walsall’ will be on display from 25 July until 31 October 2015.
Admission to the Museum is free.
Walsall Leather Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm (April to October).
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Jog, walk or run arboretum club
Do you want to get active?
Are you struggling to motivate yourself or do you just want to try something new?
Come and join us every Monday at 10.30 am. Leaving from the new visitor centre £1.00 per
session.
For young moms, new moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers and all ages.
Everyone is welcome.
Contact Lynne Tandy on 07985645885 for more information.
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Walsall Gala Baths summer spinning offer
Get fit for summer at Walsall Gala Baths in their state of the art Spinning Studio. Group cycling is
an excellent way to get fit and lose weight as over 500 calories are burned in a class.
Classes are held at various times of day including early morning, lunchtime, after work and
evenings so that you can fit your workout around a hectic lifestyle.
If you’d like to give it a try call the Gala Baths reception on 01922 653150 to book a place and take
advantage of this special summer offer of just £3 per class.
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Staff Discounts
Relaxation yoga classes in Willenhall
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MOT bay – Pelsall Road, Brownhills - £35 and available to anyone.
This independent service does not provide a repair function.
Instead the centre carry out an MOT check that can either
lead to an MOT certificate or a report that details any work
needed.
This report can then be used to flag up the work needed at a
garage of your choice. Upon completion of the work the MOT
bay will recheck your vehicle within 10 days at no extra cost.
To book in your car ring 01922 653753.
Appointments available from 7.00am until 6.00pm
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Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Offers
CERI DUPREE
Tuesday 13th October – 7.30pm
£10 tickets – quite WALSALL10 when booking
Female impersonator CERI DUPREE returns to the Grand Theatre with his brand new 2015 show
EYEcons. He brings to the stage a sensational evening of visual comedy, impressions, music and
thousands of pounds worth of astounding, jaw dropping costumes. Once described as "Joe
Longthorne meets Lily Savage ... only with better legs!"
PAUL POTTS – LIVE IN CONCERT
Friday 16th October – 7.30pm
£15 tickets – quote WALSALL15 when booking (offer not valid on gold seats)
PAUL POTTS, winner of Britain’s Got Talent Season One, has found global success with his
albums, live shows and tours, impressing audiences worldwide with his powerful yet emotive
operatic performances.
Six years later, and his feet are yet to touch the ground. Paul has already performed more live
shows than any other contestant from a talent search programme, whilst in recognition of Paul’s
meteoric ‘rags to riches’ rise to fame, his life story has been turned into a film also entitled ‘One
Chance’ and stars award-winning comedian James Corden.
Joining Paul is special guest Catriona Murray, a classical soprano from Nottingham.
BRAVE NEW WORLD
Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 November
£10 tickets for all performances – quote WALSALL10 when booking
With music by These New Puritans DIRECTED BY JAMES DACRE Aldous Huxley’s ingenious
fantasy of the future, bursts into life on stage in a world premiere adaptation by award-winning
playwright Dawn King with original background score by These New Puritans.
Join us on an emotional rollercoaster journey into a future which sheds a blazing light on the
present. Witness the horrors of a genetically engineered class system. A World State where
People are always happy; where they get what they want, and they never want what they can’t
have; a world where love and empathy have given way to lust and pleasure; a world without
religion or war; a world where Community, Identity, Stability is the world state motto and find out
what happens when this stability is threatened.
As the beautiful young Lenina learns the pain of love And the handsome young John gives in to
the love of pain Does the World Controller lose control? Or does Lenina finally find her voice?
To book tickets visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01902 42 92 12.
A £3 transaction fee applies to all bookings except those made in person at the Box Office.