On Sunday 23^rd July The Chairman, Meg Barrow, held a Civic Sunday event.

Local dignitaries, councillors and Civic Heads from neighbouring authorities attended. After a church service in the morning all guests came back to the Community Hub to enjoy a meal in the Members Lounge.

This is the first Civic event to be held at the Community Hub since its renovation and the Chairman is keen to hold many more.

This year the Chairman will be raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A variety of charitable events will be held throughout the year to raise money for this great charity.

On Friday 7th July 2023, the Kingswood Trust celebrated its Centenary Celebration. 

Kingswood Centre is on South Staffordshire's doorstep, in Albrighton

Many dignatories and local people were invited to the event, including the Chairman of South Staffordshire Council, Meg Barrow. 

During the pandemic, the Kingswood Trust has continued to develop its natural resources for wildlife and people, and has greatly improved the biodiversity of its 9-acre site, providing a special place for nature to thrive and for its visitors to enjoy.

In addition to school children, their “Nature4All” and “Nature Matters” projects are aimed at the local community, with a new emphasis on provision for the elderly, those suffering from dementia, marginalised groups, and activities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with poor mental health.

Summer activities for young people and families

This Summer, South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres have lots on offer to keep children healthy, active and engaged.

Here’s a quick run down of what’s available:

• Challenge Academy High Ropes Adventure at Baggeridge Country Park
• Baggeridge Miniature Railway
• Space Scheme discounts providing swimming and gym access for £1, and discounts on 3G pitch hire
• School Holiday Activity Camps for 5-13 year olds
• Holiday Activities and Food Scheme providing FREE activities and food for children in receipt of free school meals
• Wolves Soccer Schools and Goalkeeping
• Free Karate sessions for 6 years+ in Cheslyn Hay
• Summer holiday swimming at Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge, Codsall and Wombourne leisure centres.

For full details about what’s on this summer to keep children and families entertained, visit https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/school-holiday-activities

Training Courses

South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres provide a range of courses throughout the year enabling people to qualify as lifeguards, swimming teachers and water assistants.

For full details on up and coming courses, click here.

Staffordshire Police are running a campaign to help make our roads safer.

The summer months often see more people heading out for holidays, festivals and days out. We are therefore supporting the #SaferSummerRoads campaign and asking drivers and road users to take care on the roads.

The primary aim of the campaign is centred around preventing speeding and increasing awareness around the dangers of speeding.

As motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are usually out more during this period, the campaign is also concentrating on being aware of other road users and the safety of motorcyclists in particular.

We want everyone to take personal responsibility for their own and others safety on the roads. Follow our top tips to make sure you have an enjoyable but safe summer:

• Be aware of your speed whilst driving – look for hazards and adjust your speed, the speed limit is not a target.
• When driving, you should leave enough clear distance in front of you to be able to come to a stop. This is in case the traffic suddenly slows down, causing you to brake.
• Be considerate towards other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Don’t be the one who stops them going home safely. If you hit a pedestrian at 30mph they have a 1 in 5 chance of being killed, or 1 in 3 if hit at 35mph.
• Educate your children and teenagers about road safety

Motorcyclists should dress in the appropriate gear for protection and visibility. You should also ensure you ride within the capability of yourself, your bike and other members of the public. 

For more information and advice visit: #SaferSummerRoads | Staffordshire Police

Let’s face it there’s no getting away from the rising cost of living and keeping the kids entertained during the Summer 2023 school holidays could well be a challenge for many families.

At Enjoy Staffordshire we think everyone deserves the chance to escape, and as the UK’s biggest and best playground, Staffordshire is the ideal place to do so.

To help you make the most of Summer, we’ve put together a handy list of 30 different family friendly places to visit and things to do in Staffordshire, that won’t break the bank – in fact they all cost less than £30* for 2 Adults and 2 Children to get in, and some are free family days out!

Click here to find out more: 30 Family Days Out in Staffordshire for Under £30 - Enjoy Staffordshire

Nearer home, there are plenty of activities at Baggeridge Country Park - fish at Island Pool (£5 adults, £3.50 child/concessions*), visit the well-equipped play area, or tackle the free family mountain bike trail. 

*prices correct at time of publication, July 2023.

The UK’s biggest celebration of cycle commuting is back on Thursday 3rd August 2023!

Whether you’ve never cycled before, not ridden in a while or cycle every day, Cycle to Work Day is for you. It’s a day to get in the saddle and experience the brilliant benefits everyday cycling offers – mental, physical and financial – first-hand.

But many can now work from home and many are not working or able to work, so it’s even more important to get out into the fresh air and get some exercise. So the National Cycle Scheme encourages any and all types of bike rides – whether it’s cycling to the shops, meeting up with friends or for a group ride.

But that’s not all! Wherever you cycle this Cycle to Work Day, you’ll have the chance to win some incredible prizes just by getting on your bikes. For further information click here.

South Staffordshire has many places to cycle, for example, Baggeridge Country Park has a mountain bike trail, suitable for a range of abilities. 

Ideal for mountain bike beginners and families with older children, the route is made up a two-kilometre figure of eight circuit. 

Download the circuit map here.