Have your say - Council Tax Reduction Scheme

We are asking for your views on our scheme which helps those on low income with their Council Tax bill. With the current scheme, all working age households have to pay at least 20% of their bill. The amount they pay depends on their income. We are asking you whether we should change the scheme and offer more support. The survey is only about the working age households. It does not include pensioners. That scheme is specified by the government and means eligible pensioner households do not have to pay any Council Tax. 

Showcase of services for older people

Free information and advice on healthy living, finances, benefits, local services and more will be available at a venue near you soon!

This year there are three showcase events for older people. They are taking place in the Medical Centres in Kidderminster (Thursday 22 September), Bewdley (Thursday 29 September) and Stourport (Thursday 6 October).

Pop in anytime between 10am and 12 noon.

Help to combat rising energy costs and carbon emissions.

The rising cost of energy is never far from the headlines at the moment. Putting in measures such as insulation, draught proofing, modern heating or solar panels can help to combat rising fuel bills as well as carbon emissions. Free and impartial advice for Wyre Forest residents is available from Act on Energy. They have a free helpline number 0800 988 2881. You can call to speak to an energy advisor and find out about support available for making your home more energy efficient. They can give you information on any grants available. Enquiries and referrals can also be made online at www.actonenergy.org.uk or see our Energy Efficiency webpage.

Let’s Get Real - Recycle week 19-25 September

We know sometimes our lives can get in the way of our recycling habits. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to rinse a container or chucked something in the recycling bin without checking. We have all been there. But the reality is that wrong items can make a whole lorry load un-recyclable. We have come a long way but there is still room to do more. Take part in Recycle Week – remind yourself what can and can not go in your green bin  - together we can make a real difference.

Green fingers not required!

We have helped the Friends of Brinton Park set up a gardening club. It is an opportunity for anyone to get involved at the park. You can help with a spot of weeding, planting and make some new friends. The club meets every fortnight at 10am by the Richard Eve Monument. Tools are provided and all are welcome! The next date is Monday 19 September.

Could you be a litter picker or volunteer ranger?

Are you interested in helping to make the district a safe, clean and green living environment?  We are very grateful to everyone who gives up their time to help us. On Monday 12 September we are holding a special volunteer event at Wyre Forest House, to say thank you. It is also for anyone who is interested in joining the litter picking groups or becoming a volunteer ranger. The event is from 4pm - 5.30pm. If you would like to attend please email Karen Haynes for more details. 

Cyber criminals using HMRC branding in phishing scams

Cyber criminals are reported to be sending fraudulent emails claiming that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund. Recipients are being encouraged to 'submit their tax refund request’ via a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal their personal details. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has produced guidance on how to spot signs of a scam, and what to do if you've been the victim of a scam. Suspicious emails can be reported to the NCSC reporting service.

Fancy a career in building control?

The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is recruiting around 150 people across England to join a trainee scheme in the building control profession. The LABC is offering a three year fully funded learning and development plan. It is looking for people who can demonstrate leadership skills, solve problems creatively and work under pressure. The funded scheme means learning and development will be fully subsidised, and recruits will be paid while they study and progress. 

After the three-year programme trainees will be able to apply for roles within local authority building control teams – this could be as an assistant building control surveyor or higher, depending on how well they progress. 

Arley Studios exhibition

Arley Studios Summer exhibition is taking place at the museum until Sunday 25 September. It will display the work of Award-winning artist and teacher, Sarah Stokes and more than 30 talented local artists. They have created a wonderful collection of charcoal, pastel, pencil and watercolour pieces. The work depicts a range of subjects from wildlife and domestic animals to landscape and portraiture.

The show will be open everyday from 10.30am - 3.30pm

Children’s craft activities

Craft activities will be running throughout the half term holidays (24 – 28 October), 10.30am – 2.30pm. No booking required. £6 per child. More details about the activities will be added to the museum website and on social media over the coming weeks.

Snow White and the curse of Frankenstein

Snow White and the curse of Frankenstein is coming to the Saw Yard in the museum on Saturday 29 October. There are two performances of this spooky pantomime (4pm and 5.30pm). Help Snow White and Muddles take on the Evil Queen and break the curse of Frankenstein forever! The show is suitable for 4-12 year olds. Please come to the show in your Halloween costumes. There will be prizes for the best dressed. Tickets £6 each. Booking essential.