Your Weekly Parish Newsletter - Friday 10th July 2026. Issue 435

Families are invited to enjoy two FREE summer events at South Staffordshire’s cemeteries this July.

We’re working with Forest of Mercia CIC to host bug hunt and rock painting sessions at Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley. The events offer the chance to explore some of the peaceful cemetery grounds, discover local wildlife and get creative outdoors. Representatives from Jennings Funeral Directors will also be on hand at each event, offering friendly advice and guidance on funeral arrangements, planning ahead, and any questions you may have about funeral services. 

After taking part in a guided bug hunt, children can decorate their own colourful rocks. These can be created in memory of a loved one, taken home as a keepsake or hidden for others to find.

• Sytch Lane Cemetery, Wombourne, WV5 0JP - Wednesday 29th July from 10am until midday
• Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Great Wyrley, WS6 7AU - Thursday 30th July from 10am until midday

Booking is essential, as places are limited. To reserve a place, call 01902 696111 or email bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk.

You can find out more about our two cemeteries on our website: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/bereavement-services

An additional consultation is being undertaken on the Bilbrook Neighbourhood Plan.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a way of helping local communities to influence the planning of their local area. Plans are led and written by the community, but they must be in line with both national, and local planning policies in their council’s local plan.

Bilbrook Parish Council has submitted its draft Neighbourhood Development Plan to the council, and was subject to consultation under Regulation 16 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 for six weeks between 14^th April until 27^th May 2026.

All of the representations made to the Regulation 16 consultation have been submitted to the Examiner who has requested that an additional period of consultation be undertaken relating to the legislative changes which may impact the legal compliance and Basic Conditions requirements for neighbourhood plans. Specifically the legislative changes as implemented through sections 98 and 99 of The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Commencement No. 11 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 which came into force on 25th March 2026. Comments should be in relation to the changes insofar as they relate to the submitted Bilbrook Neighbourhood Plan. Responses should not repeat representations that have already been made in relation to other matters, or raise new matters, as previous representations made to the Regulation 16 consultation still stand.

Comments are invited from interested parties during the two-week consultation period which runs from Friday, 10^th July until 12pm midday, Friday 24^th July 2026.

To make a comment on the plan:

• Visit Engage, South Staffordshire Council’s dedicated online consultation system - https://engage.sstaffs.gov.uk/projects/bilbrook-neighbourhood-plan
• Email neighbourhoodplanning@sstaffs.gov.uk
• Or send written representations to: Neighbourhood Planning, Strategic Planning Team, South Staffordshire Council, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1PX. 

For more information, see:

• South Staffs website: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/bilbrook-neighbourhood-plan-regulation-16-consultation
• Bilbrook Neighbourhood Plan website: https://bilbrookparishcouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan/
• National Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neighbourhood-planning--2

We value your feedback and it's important for us to understand what you enjoy about our leisure centres, as well as where we can improve. Your views will help shape future projects, services and facilities, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible experience for our members and visitors.

This is a short survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. Most questions are multiple choice, with opportunities to provide additional comments if you'd like to tell us more about your experience.

As a thank you for taking part, one participant will be selected at random to win a FEE-FREE MONTH'S MEMBERSHIP.

Please complete the survey by midnight on Monday 31st August here: 

https://engage.sstaffs.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/leisure-centres-customer-satisfaction-survey

Thank you for helping us improve our leisure centres and the services we provide to our community.

Young people across South Staffordshire can enjoy a summer packed with fun and affordable activities thanks to the Staffordshire Space Scheme.

From 27th July to 30th August, children and teenagers aged 8 to 17 years who live in South Staffordshire will be able to take advantage of discounted access to a range of leisure centre activities.
Discounts includes:

• Swimming sessions for just £1
• Gym sessions for £1 (available to those aged 14 and over)
• 3G pitch hire for £10

The scheme aims to provide young people with affordable opportunities to stay active, socialise with friends and make the most of the summer holidays.

There is no need to book swimming sessions in advance, making it easy for families to drop in and enjoy a swim. However, advance booking is essential for gym sessions and 3G pitch hire due to limited availability.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted activities throughout the summer period and enjoy everything their local leisure centre has to offer.

For full details, eligibility information and booking arrangements, visit the leisure centre website: https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/space-scheme-2026-summer-discounts

Young people across South Staffordshire are being invited to take the plunge this summer and gain valuable aquatic skills through a series of courses being offered at the Council’s leisure centres.

The Aquatic Helper Course provides an introduction to supporting swimming lessons, giving participants aged 14 and above an insight into how qualified swimming teachers deliver sessions and how in-water helpers can assist children as they learn to swim. The course is designed for those interested in developing practical skills and exploring future opportunities within the swimming and leisure sector who can already swim 25 metre unaided, tread water for 1 minute and complete a manikin rescue from the bottom of the pool. 

Following the course, participants must also complete 12 hours of voluntary work with a swim school, signed off by a qualified teacher, before receiving their Aquatic Helper Certificate. Participants who successfully complete the course will be able to support swimming lessons under the supervision of a fully qualified swimming teacher. However, the qualification does not permit candidates to teach lessons independently or present themselves as qualified swimming teachers.

Candidates should bring suitable swimwear for the practical elements of the course and will be provided with a workbook on the day. Participants under the age of 16 must bring their own lunch and refreshments, as they will not be permitted to leave the premises during the course. Parental consent is required for anyone under 16, with completed consent forms to be returned to the relevant leisure centre in advance.
The Aquatic Helper Courses will take place at the following venues:

• 3rd August 2026 – Penkridge Leisure Centre, 10am–4pm
• 11th August 2026 – Codsall Leisure Centre and Community Hub, 10am–4pm
• 19th August 2026 – Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, 10am–4pm
• 24th August 2026 – Wombourne Leisure Centre, 10am–4pm

For more information or to book a place, residents should contact their local leisure centre directly:

• Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre: 01922 417790 or cheslynhay@sstaffs.gov.uk
• Codsall Leisure Centre: 01902 844032 or codsall@sstaffs.gov.uk
• Penkridge Leisure Centre: 01785 714152 or penkridge@sstaffs.gov.uk
• Wombourne Leisure Centre: 01902 898202 or wombourne@sstaffs.gov.uk

Looking for ways to keep the family entertained this summer? Libraries across South Staffordshire have a packed programme of activities running throughout August, with something for all ages to enjoy.

Children can take part in the free Summer Reading Challenge, helping them stay inspired and reading all summer long while earning a certificate and medal on completion. There are also plenty of creative crafts, lego sessions, storytelling events, themed activity days, wellbeing workshops, music-inspired activities, and family entertainment taking place across all libraries.

Highlights include the popular Fun and Games Days, mindfulness sessions for children with author Natasha Joy Brady, the Footy Fairytales Tour, Shakespeare performances, superhero and pirate adventures, and a wide range of hands-on crafts inspired by music, nature and storytelling.

With events taking place throughout August and many low-cost or free activities available, there's never been a better time to visit your local library.

To find out what's happening near you and to book your place, please contact your local library for full details and availability.

• Brewood Community Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/brewood-community-library
• Cheslyn Hay Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/cheslyn-hay-library
• Codsall Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/codsall-library
• Great Wyrley Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/great-wyrley-library
• Kinver Community Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/kinver-community-library
• Penkridge Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/penkridge-library
• Perton Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/perton-library
• Wombourne Library: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/wombourne-library

Below are some top tips for staying safe in the heat:

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Wear loose clothes, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Drink plenty of water
• Use sunscreen

If you do get too hot, to cool down you should consider moving somewhere cooler, removing layers of clothing, drinking cold drinks or eat ice lollies, spray your skin with cold water, use a cold pack, close any windows or curtains that are facing the sun.
Be sure to look after each other. Some people are more likely to feel ill in the hot weather, particularly those over 65 years old, under the age of 5 or have long term health conditions, pregnant or homeless.

There is plenty of advice available online and more information about beating the heat available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice

With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees again this week, it is a suitable time for a reminder of of the dangers of entering open water.

If you see another person or a pet in trouble in the water:

• Do not enter the water yourself.
• Raise the alarm or if you have a mobile phone call 999 and ask for the fire service.
• Try and give an exact location of where you are and look for signs or landmarks or use the What 3 Words app.
• If there is a lifebuoy or throwline nearby throw it to them. If not throw anything to them that will float.

If you fall into water by accident follow the float to live advice as follows:

• Fight your instinct to thrash around.
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs.
• If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.
• Float until you can control your breathing.
• Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.

For more water safety tips, visit Water safety: 
https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-outside/water-safety/

Support Staffordshire are recruiting to a 27 hour post, working on the "Staying Strong" project, an early intervention falls prevention service. Working in partnership with Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent ICB's Local Improvement Framework, South Staffordshire Council and wider NHS partners.

Do you have great listening and communication skills? Have you got experience of helping others and a passion for supporting people through information, advice and guidance?

The Living Well Team Leader role is an exciting new post to raise awareness and educate patients on frailty indicators. The role will have a key focus on working with patients who are identified as mildly frail or have predisposed conditions that would exacerbate frailty, to connect with activities, groups, and services in their community.

If you have good local knowledge of community activities and the initiative to find out more, then being a Living Well Team Leader could be the great new role for you.

Please refer to the link below for further recruitment/application information.
https://supportstaffordshire.org.uk/living-well-team-leader-south-staffordshire/

Why do we need to use less water?
In many parts of England, we’re using water faster than nature can replace. Climate change means drier summers and heavier winter rain, making
it harder for rivers and reservoirs to refill. Using too much water harms the environment, wildlife and can make droughts last longer. We often use more water than we realise at home and work. 

What can we do about it?
We all need to act. The water industry is investing billions to upgrade the network, but small changes by everyone at home and at work will make a big difference.

Most people in England use nearly 140 litres a day.
We each need to save about 28 litres daily, all year round.

Everyday ways to save water:
• Cut your shower by two minutes to save 28 litres
• Use a washing up bowl instead of a running tap to save 10 litres per minute
• Fix a leaky loo to save up to 400 litres a day
• Use eco-mode on appliances to save 10 litres per wash

Find out more at https://letssavewater.com/