birminghammail--2020-12-10--Shoppers react to Asda's plans to shut on Boxing Day

News that one of Britain 's major supermarkets is to close on Boxing Day so staff can spend time with their families has been given a resounding thumbs-up by shoppers .
Asda announced it would not be opening its branches on December 26 this year - and will also be giving workers a bonus .
The chain - one of Britain 's so-called Big Four supermarkets - normally opens most of its branches on Boxing Day .
But this year it said it would be keeping them all closed so staff could spend the day with their families as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frontline during the pandemic .
Asda 's CEO , Roger Burnley , told staff : `` This is of course our busiest time of year , but it was important for us to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have not seen for many month .
`` So , uniquely for this year , we will not reopen our stores until December 27th . ''
The announcement was welcomed by shoppers , with all saying after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers deserved time off .
On Facebook , many congratulated the retailer for its decision .
Joanne Langford said : `` Good , we have plenty of time to shop for everything that is needed to cover more than Xmas Day and Boxing Day . ''
Also welcoming the news was Sue McCalmont , who said : `` Great news - especially as Boxing Day is one of the 5 days people are allowed to mix with some family .
At least this way they may get 2 out out of the 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So they should .
Xmas was lovely years ago when everything was shut Boxing Day .
Some people can ’ t cope if shops shut for a day - it ’ s pathetic . ''
Eddie Boyle was in agreement , saying : `` So they should be .
All supermarkets should close Boxing Day .
Most People do a weekly shop and manage , yet the store closes for 1 day and they start to panic .
Do n't make sense . ''
Joan Johnson liked Asda 's plans , posting : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They worked so hard for us all in this pandemic .
Merry Xmas to all and my thanks too . ''
Joanne Brookes praised the chain , saying : `` Well done Asda !
ALL shops should be shut Boxing Day so that staff can enjoy their time with family and not have to worry about work the next day . ''
Paul O'Donoghue said : `` Well done Asda .
Personally I think they should close to Monday 28th .
It 's no secret when Xmas is and what day it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days without shops being open . ''
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for 1,800 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
We have already secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but are short of the target for children over the age of six .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
Radhika Patel Nijran wrote : `` Hopefully more follow this .
I 'm sure most of us have enough food for a week over Xmas anyway .
Clothes shops etc should also close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the sales they can do it online and give the retail workers a break for once . ''
Susan Peck was in favour of the plan , posting : `` All retailers should do this after what the staff have done through the pandemic . ''
Agreeing with her was Grace Dougan , who said : `` Good - those workers , have been working their socks off to keep the stores stocked during the pandemic . ''

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News that one of Britain's major supermarkets is to close on Boxing Day so staff can spend time with their families has been given a resounding thumbs-up by shoppers.
Asda announced it would not be opening its branches on December 26 this year - and will also be giving workers a bonus.
The chain - one of Britain's so-called Big Four supermarkets - normally opens most of its branches on Boxing Day.
But this year it said it would be keeping them all closed so staff could spend the day with their families as a thank you for working so hard on the frontline during the pandemic.
(Image: PA)
Asda's CEO, Roger Burnley, told staff: "This is of course our busiest time of year, but it was important for us to give as many of you as
possible the opportunity to spend this time with those loved ones that you may not have not seen for many month.
"So, uniquely for this year, we will not reopen our stores until December 27th."
The announcement was welcomed by shoppers, with all saying after the hectic year they'd had, the workers deserved time off.
On Facebook, many congratulated the retailer for its decision.
Joanne Langford said: "Good, we have plenty of time to shop for everything that is needed to cover more than Xmas Day and Boxing Day."
Also welcoming the news was Sue McCalmont, who said: "Great news - especially as Boxing Day is one of the 5 days people are allowed to mix with some family. At least this way they may get 2 out out of the 5!"
Lisa Grew commented: "So they should. Xmas was lovely years ago when everything was shut Boxing Day. Some people can’t cope if shops shut for a day - it’s pathetic."
Eddie Boyle was in agreement, saying: "So they should be. All supermarkets should close Boxing Day. Most People do a weekly shop and manage, yet the store closes for 1 day and they start to panic. Don't make sense."
Joan Johnson liked Asda's plans, posting: "All stores deserve closure that day. They worked so hard for us all in this pandemic. Merry Xmas to all and my thanks too."
Joanne Brookes praised the chain, saying: "Well done Asda! ALL shops should be shut Boxing Day so that staff can enjoy their time with family and not have to worry about work the next day."
Paul O'Donoghue said: "Well done Asda. Personally I think they should close to Monday 28th. It's no secret when Xmas is and what day it falls on, people can plan for a few days without shops being open."
Radhika Patel Nijran wrote: "Hopefully more follow this. I'm sure most of us have enough food for a week over Xmas anyway. Clothes shops etc should also close. If people are that desperate to hit the sales they can do it online and give the retail workers a break for once."
Susan Peck was in favour of the plan, posting: "All retailers should do this after what the staff have done through the pandemic."
Agreeing with her was Grace Dougan, who said: "Good - those workers, have been working their socks off to keep the stores stocked during the pandemic."


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Police officer 'unconscious' after patrol car crashes with taxi in city

Two traffic officers from West Midlands Police and a taxi driver were rushed to hospital after they collided on a dual-carriageway .
A female traffic officer , who had been responding to reports of a car theft using blue lights , was left unconscious `` for a few minutes '' following the smash on the A453 , at the junction of College Road and Sunnybank Avenue , in Kingstanding .
The PC , her male colleague and the taxi driver also suffered whiplash after the crash just before 10pm on Wednesday , December 9 .
Three ambulances , two paramedic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambulance Critical Care car were dispatched to the scene - outside vehicle parts shop Gill Batteries .
The three patients were taken to Heartlands Hospital by land ambulance for `` non-life threatening injuries . ''
Inspector Jon Butler from Force Traffic , told BirminghamLive : `` Two of our traffic officers were blue lighting along College Road at 9.55pm last night ( December 9 ) to reports of a car theft when they collided with a taxi at the junction of Sunnybank Avenue .
`` A female PC who was driving the car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she came round was found to have suffered whiplash and some bruising .
The male PC passenger suffered whiplash , as did the taxi driver .
`` All three were taken to hospital for checks but have been discharged .
Thankfully no-one was seriously hurt . ''
He said the matter has been passed to its Professional Standards Department `` for an assessment . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added : “ We were called by police at 9:57pm to a two vehicle RTC at the junction of College Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We sent three ambulances , two paramedic officers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care car to the scene .
When crews arrived , they found three patients ; a man from one car and a woman and man from the other .
`` All were treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening and were conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Stephanie Balloo, Ben Perrin)

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Two traffic officers from West Midlands Police and a taxi driver were rushed to hospital after they collided on a dual-carriageway.
A female traffic officer, who had been responding to reports of a car theft using blue lights, was left unconscious "for a few minutes" following the smash on the A453, at the junction of College Road and Sunnybank Avenue, in Kingstanding.
The PC, her male colleague and the taxi driver also suffered whiplash after the crash just before 10pm on Wednesday, December 9.
Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care car were dispatched to the scene - outside vehicle parts shop Gill Batteries.
The three patients were taken to Heartlands Hospital by land ambulance for "non-life threatening injuries."
Inspector Jon Butler from Force Traffic, told BirminghamLive: "Two of our traffic officers were blue lighting along College Road at 9.55pm last night (December 9) to reports of a car theft when they collided with a taxi at the junction of Sunnybank Avenue.
"A female PC who was driving the car was unconscious for a few minutes but when she came round was found to have suffered whiplash and some bruising. The male PC passenger suffered whiplash, as did the taxi driver.
"All three were taken to hospital for checks but have been discharged. Thankfully no-one was seriously hurt."
He said the matter has been passed to its Professional Standards Department "for an assessment."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: “We were called by police at 9:57pm to a two vehicle RTC at the junction of College Road and Sunnybank Avenue in Kingstanding.
"We sent three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care car to the scene. When crews arrived, they found three patients; a man from one car and a woman and man from the other.
"All were treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening and were conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.”


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Karanka gushes over the 'amazing' Kieftenbeld deal Blues did not do

Aitor Karanka has lavished praise on Maikel Kieftenbeld after the Birmingham City scrapper once again turned round his Blues career .
Kieftenbeld has been a key player for Blues in the last two matches , playing the full 90 minutes in victories over Bristol City and Reading .
Those were just his fourth and fifth Championship starts since he suffered a serious knee ligament injury against Leeds 20 months ago and came against a back drop of uncertainty about his future .
Kieftenbeld was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer as Karanka added Mikel San Jose and Adam Clayton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed it is not the first time Blues have tried to move the Dutchman on , in 2017 Harry Redknapp actually sold Kieftenbeld to Derby only for a paperwork mistake to see the deal fall through .
But at the Madejski Stadium he was the toast of the club once again as he took his appearance total to 176 with a trademark display of energy and edge .
Karanka was thrilled to be asked about the 30-year-old .
“ I love this question because today it was Neil [ Etheridge ] or Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another player , Harlee or someone and nobody has given a word about Maikel , '' Karanka said .
“ And Maikel is the best example of a player - because he knew since I arrived here that he could leave .
“ His attitude in the training sessions has been amazing , amazing since I arrived here .
“ I had a good chat with him when the season started and he didn ’ t leave and he knew me , I told him if I had to use him I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way he has been training he deserves to play , he deserves that he is an important player for us now .
“ Maikel is the kind of player who creates the spirit in the team .
Sometimes when you are not playing or know that the manager – not doesn ’ t like you , because I like him , but he knew it was going to be difficult for him to play .
“ He never gave up .
His attitude has been reflected today on the pitch .
Buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for 1,800 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
We have already secured hundreds of gifts for babies and toddlers but are short of the target for children over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
“ But he did not change my mind because I knew him .
I knew the day that the market finished I was going to have a player who was going to be ready to play .
“ When he surprised me was when we played against him for Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day I realised how tough he is .
“ I know how good a professional he is and how desperate he is to play .
”

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Aitor Karanka has lavished praise on Maikel Kieftenbeld after the Birmingham City scrapper once again turned round his Blues career.
Kieftenbeld has been a key player for Blues in the last two matches, playing the full 90 minutes in victories over Bristol City and Reading.
Those were just his fourth and fifth Championship starts since he suffered a serious knee ligament injury against Leeds 20 months ago and came against a back drop of uncertainty about his future.
Kieftenbeld was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer as Karanka added Mikel San Jose and Adam Clayton to an already congested central midfield.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Indeed it is not the first time Blues have tried to move the Dutchman on, in 2017 Harry Redknapp actually sold Kieftenbeld to Derby only for a paperwork mistake to see the deal fall through.
But at the Madejski Stadium he was the toast of the club once again as he took his appearance total to 176 with a trademark display of energy and edge.
Karanka was thrilled to be asked about the 30-year-old.
“I love this question because today it was Neil [Etheridge] or Jon Toral, the last game it was another player, Harlee or someone and nobody has given a word about Maikel," Karanka said.
“And Maikel is the best example of a player - because he knew since I arrived here that he could leave.
“His attitude in the training sessions has been amazing, amazing since I arrived here.
“I had a good chat with him when the season started and he didn’t leave and he knew me, I told him if I had to use him I was going to use him.
“In the way he has been training he deserves to play, he deserves that he is an important player for us now.
“Maikel is the kind of player who creates the spirit in the team. Sometimes when you are not playing or know that the manager – not doesn’t like you, because I like him, but he knew it was going to be difficult for him to play.
“He never gave up. His attitude has been reflected today on the pitch.
“But he did not change my mind because I knew him. I knew the day that the market finished I was going to have a player who was going to be ready to play.
“When he surprised me was when we played against him for Birmingham when I was with Nottingham. That day I realised how tough he is.
“I know how good a professional he is and how desperate he is to play.”


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Brummie who sleeps with life-size elf dolls has This Morning fans baffled

A man from Birmingham who keeps a life-size collection of elves in his BED with him while he sleeps has been on This Morning today .
This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield appeared on the ITV1 daytime TV show today to interview the Brummie .
The man , named Nick , who lives in Birmingham , appeared via video link , beside his proud collection of huge elves .
Phil took the majority of the interview on Thursday , December 10 , with viewers at home left utterly baffled .
But Phil was very professional throughout - despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was n't sexual '' .
Phil said : `` What is it you get ?
`` Because you say it is not a sexual relationship .
So what is it that you get out of the closeness in bed ? ''
`` Look , it is a comfort thing , '' he replied .
`` It is like having a teddy bear , you know ?
It is the closeness .
It is a bit more realistic than a teddy bear .
`` The lovely thing is that once they have got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours .
It is like a hot water bottle .
`` In the past I have got home from work and got them covered up , I come home from work on a cold winter 's day and jump into bed .
`` They are still nice and warm , you know ? ''
`` How funny was it on @ thismorning watching @ hollywills and @ Schofe trying not to burst out laughing whilst talking to the guy with the life size elves ? ''
one asked .
`` There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Apparently he cuddles them in bed , but he ’ s not having a sexual relationship with them , '' a second added .
`` Just watched This Morning Holly and Phil have been testing the wine before they interview a man that has 4 life like elves as company !
He sleeps with them too !
So they asked him if it is a sexual reason why he sleeps with them ?
!
?
He said no ... they were very professional ... '' added a third .

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A man from Birmingham who keeps a life-size collection of elves in his BED with him while he sleeps has been on This Morning today.
This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield appeared on the ITV1 daytime TV show today to interview the Brummie.
The man, named Nick, who lives in Birmingham, appeared via video link, beside his proud collection of huge elves.
Phil took the majority of the interview on Thursday, December 10, with viewers at home left utterly baffled.
But Phil was very professional throughout - despite his clear bewilderment after Nick said "it wasn't sexual".
Phil said: "What is it you get?
"Because you say it is not a sexual relationship. So what is it that you get out of the closeness in bed?"
"Look, it is a comfort thing," he replied.
"It is like having a teddy bear, you know? It is the closeness. It is a bit more realistic than a teddy bear.
"The lovely thing is that once they have got warmed up, they stay warm for hours. It is like a hot water bottle.
"In the past I have got home from work and got them covered up, I come home from work on a cold winter's day and jump into bed.
"They are still nice and warm, you know?"
"How funny was it on @thismorning watching @hollywills and @Schofe trying not to burst out laughing whilst talking to the guy with the life size elves?" one asked.
"There’s a man who lives with 4 elves. Apparently he cuddles them in bed, but he’s not having a sexual relationship with them," a second added.
"Just watched This Morning Holly and Phil have been testing the wine before they interview a man that has 4 life like elves as company! He sleeps with them too! So they asked him if it is a sexual reason why he sleeps with them?!? He said no... they were very professional..." added a third.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Facebook and Instagram both down as apps crash across UK

Facebook and Instagram are down as the apps crash for frustrated users across UK and Europe .
According to Down Detector , the issues started at around 09:00 GMT , and are affecting users across the UK and Europe .
At its peak , some 2,400 Facebook Messenger were complaining every minute about being unable to login , send texts , or receive calls to the popular messaging app .
Messenger chats on Facebook are saying 'no internet connection/connecting ... ' .
`` I could n't send or receive messages more than an hour now ... ?
What 's wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fumed .
Another said : `` Right now messenger is down .
Please fix this .
I need messenger now ... ... ... . ''
Whilst another added : `` MESSENGER IS DOWN WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING OUR GROUP WORK !
!
!
!
!
!
! ''
There 's currently no word on what is causing the issues or when they will be fixed .
`` JUST IN : Facebook Messenger are currently down in some parts of PH .
# MessengerDown , '' one wrote on Twitter .
`` According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of downed Facebook Messenger app across the Philippines , Europe , some parts of Asia , Australia , and North America , '' another added .
Another wrote : `` Is Facebook Messenger down on your end ?
Some netizens are having trouble sending and receiving messages through the social media app .
Facebook has yet to issue a statement . ''
`` Question : How 's your Facebook Messenger ? ''
another frustrated user asked on Twitter .

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Facebook and Instagram are down as the apps crash for frustrated users across UK and Europe.
According to Down Detector, the issues started at around 09:00 GMT, and are affecting users across the UK and Europe.
At its peak, some 2,400 Facebook Messenger were complaining every minute about being unable to login, send texts, or receive calls to the popular messaging app.
Messenger chats on Facebook are saying 'no internet connection/connecting...'.
"I couldn't send or receive messages more than an hour now...? What's wrong with your app..?," one fumed.
Another said: "Right now messenger is down. Please fix this. I need messenger now.........."
Whilst another added: "MESSENGER IS DOWN WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING OUR GROUP WORK!!!!!!!"
There's currently no word on what is causing the issues or when they will be fixed.
"JUST IN: Facebook Messenger are currently down in some parts of PH. #MessengerDown," one wrote on Twitter.
"According to http://downdetector.ph, there were reports of downed Facebook Messenger app across the Philippines, Europe, some parts of Asia, Australia, and North America," another added.
Another wrote: "Is Facebook Messenger down on your end? Some netizens are having trouble sending and receiving messages through the social media app. Facebook has yet to issue a statement."
"Question: How's your Facebook Messenger?" another frustrated user asked on Twitter.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Bela, Friend and Dean - Worrying Blues team news as Watford loom

Birmingham City expect to be without Jeremie Bela in Saturday ’ s Championship clash with Watford .
The winger pulled out of Blues ’ victory over Reading on Wednesday night after feeling pain in his thigh during his final shot in the pre-match warm-up .
He was replaced by Jonathan Leko just before kick-off as Blues went on to record a second successive away win .
Leko ’ s move into the starting line-up allowed Adam Clayton to return to the bench after several weeks out with an ankle injury .
The set-back is irksome for both Blues and Bela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape to bring out the best in the Angola international – and the fact that he had played so well in the second half against Bristol City .
There is also doubt about the availability of George Friend , though Karanka did not rule him out of this weekend ’ s game .
The 33-year-old sustained a heavy tackle in the first few minutes at Ashton Gate and played the full 90 but was held out at the Madejski Stadium with Kristian Pedersen deputising .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for 1,800 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
We have already secured hundreds of gifts for babies and toddlers but are short of the target for children over the age of six .
It is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
The one confirmed absentee is Harlee Dean who will serve a one-match suspension following his red card last night .
The 29-year-old was booked for two fouls against Yakou Meite , the second giving Reading a penalty , which Neil Etheridge saved .
Karanka used Mikel San Jose as the replacement yesterday evening but could have Friend @ @ @ @ @ @

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Birmingham City expect to be without Jeremie Bela in Saturday’s Championship clash with Watford.
The winger pulled out of Blues’ victory over Reading on Wednesday night after feeling pain in his thigh during his final shot in the pre-match warm-up.
He was replaced by Jonathan Leko just before kick-off as Blues went on to record a second successive away win.
Leko’s move into the starting line-up allowed Adam Clayton to return to the bench after several weeks out with an ankle injury.
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The set-back is irksome for both Blues and Bela, given Aitor Karanka has found a shape to bring out the best in the Angola international – and the fact that he had played so well in the second half against Bristol City.
There is also doubt about the availability of George Friend, though Karanka did not rule him out of this weekend’s game.
The 33-year-old sustained a heavy tackle in the first few minutes at Ashton Gate and played the full 90 but was held out at the Madejski Stadium with Kristian Pedersen deputising.
The one confirmed absentee is Harlee Dean who will serve a one-match suspension following his red card last night.
The 29-year-old was booked for two fouls against Yakou Meite, the second giving Reading a penalty, which Neil Etheridge saved.
Karanka used Mikel San Jose as the replacement yesterday evening but could have Friend or Jake Clarke-Salter as alternatives.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Wolves v Villa -  Live stream details, kick-off time, team news

Wolverhampton Wanderers host Aston Villa this Saturday lunchtime in a game that will be shown live on BT Sport 1 .
Both teams head into this weekend 's encounter hoping to shake off disappointing results last time out .
Villa 's match with Newcastle was of course postponed last Friday , but the frustrating VAR decision at the London Stadium the previous week still remains fresh in the memory .
Wolves meanwhile were left wanting last Sunday in their resounding 4-0 defeat to Champions Liverpool .
Nuno described his side as `` never being comfortable '' in the fixture and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the same level of performance seen the previous week away to Arsenal .
Wolves will be glad to be back at the Molineux where they currently enjoy the best home defensive record in the league .
Aston Villa , meanwhile , can jump back on level points with Manchester City with a victory .
* What do you think the score will be ?
Let us know in the comments What channel is Wolves v Aston Villa on ?
Coverage of this weekends game will take place on BT Sport 1 from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday afternoon time of 12.30pm .
If you are not a BT Sport subscriber , you can check out the latest packages they have available here .
Sky customers without access to BT Sport can also add their channels here .
Fans who wish to access the game without being tied down to a fixed-term monthly contract can access BT Sports through use of a £25 Monthly Pass .
What is the early Wolves v Aston Villa team news ?
Raul Jiminez ' recent high-profile injury will of course rule him out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
The only other player unavailable to Nuno is full-back Jonny .
A handful of Villa players are nearing a return but remain doubtful of being involved in the squad for this weekend 's game including Kortney Hause , Keinan Davis and Frederic Guilbert .
Ross Barkley is another week or so away from being ready , while Wesley , Tom Heaton and Bjorn Engels remain some way of being in contention .

Wolverhampton Wanderers host Aston Villa this Saturday lunchtime in a game that will be shown live on BT Sport 1.
Both teams head into this weekend's encounter hoping to shake off disappointing results last time out.
Villa's match with Newcastle was of course postponed last Friday, but the frustrating VAR decision at the London Stadium the previous week still remains fresh in the memory.
Wolves meanwhile were left wanting last Sunday in their resounding 4-0 defeat to Champions Liverpool.
Nuno described his side as "never being comfortable" in the fixture and will therefore be hoping to get back to the same level of performance seen the previous week away to Arsenal.
Wolves will be glad to be back at the Molineux where they currently enjoy the best home defensive record in the league. Aston Villa, meanwhile, can jump back on level points with Manchester City with a victory.
* What do you think the score will be? Let us know in the comments
What channel is Wolves v Aston Villa on?
Coverage of this weekends game will take place on BT Sport 1 from 11.30am. Kick-off is at the usual Saturday afternoon time of 12.30pm.
If you are not a BT Sport subscriber, you can check out the latest packages they have available here.
Sky customers without access to BT Sport can also add their channels here.
Fans who wish to access the game without being tied down to a fixed-term monthly contract can access BT Sports through use of a £25 Monthly Pass.
What is the early Wolves v Aston Villa team news?
Raul Jiminez' recent high-profile injury will of course rule him out of any kind of action for the foreseeable future. The only other player unavailable to Nuno is full-back Jonny.
A handful of Villa players are nearing a return but remain doubtful of being involved in the squad for this weekend's game including Kortney Hause, Keinan Davis and Frederic Guilbert.
Ross Barkley is another week or so away from being ready, while Wesley, Tom Heaton and Bjorn Engels remain some way of being in contention.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--British Airways cargo workers in Christmas Day strike threat over pay claim

Cargo staff at Heathrow Airport are to take nine days of strike action starting on Christmas Day in a row over pay and conditions .
Unite said its 840 members at British Airways face pay cuts and changes to their terms and conditions .
Strike action will begin on December 25 and end on January 2 .
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett said : “ Unite has bent over backwards to give British Airways the opportunity to make a fair offer to its cargo workers and it has failed to do so .
“ As a consequence Unite has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A company spokesman said : “ IAG Cargo is transporting critical supplies around the world , and like all airlines , has been hit hard financially by the crisis .
“ Our offer would see almost half of cargo workers ’ salaries rise , with no-one else taking more than a 10 per cent pay cut .
We want to resolve this , and urge the union to get back around the table.
” While the move is unlikely to affect airline passengers at Heathrow , it will add to disruption in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The walkout will further disrupt the UK ’ s freight sector , as it faces challenges from the coronavirus pandemic and the Brexit transition period coming to an end on December 31 .

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Cargo staff at Heathrow Airport are to take nine days of strike action starting on Christmas Day in a row over pay and conditions.
Unite said its 840 members at British Airways face pay cuts and changes to their terms and conditions. Strike action will begin on December 25 and end on January 2.
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett said: “Unite has bent over backwards to give British Airways the opportunity to make a fair offer to its cargo workers and it has failed to do so.
“As a consequence Unite has no option but to announce strike action.”
A company spokesman said: “IAG Cargo is transporting critical supplies around the world, and like all airlines, has been hit hard financially by the crisis.
“Our offer would see almost half of cargo workers’ salaries rise, with no-one else taking more than a 10 per cent pay cut. We want to resolve this, and urge the union to get back around the table.”
While the move is unlikely to affect airline passengers at Heathrow, it will add to disruption in company supply lines in the UK.
The walkout will further disrupt the UK’s freight sector, as it faces challenges from the coronavirus pandemic and the Brexit transition period coming to an end on December 31.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--The shops staying open on Boxing Day this year - full list of retailers

Supermarkets are coming under fire from union bosses after refusing to shut for Boxing Day this year .
Asda announced it would not be opening its branches on December 26 this year - and will also be giving workers a bonus .
The chain - one of Britain 's so-called Big Four supermarkets - normally opens most of its branches on Boxing Day .
But it is joined by the likes of Waitrose , Home Bargains , Wickes and Homebase in shutting for the day after Christmas Day this year .
However , not all retailers are doing so - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers confirming they plan to open .
Sainsbury 's and Morrisons will open despite urges from union bosses to `` give staff a well earned break '' .
To see the shops shutting on Boxing Day this year - for the full list of retailers click here .
Sainsbury 's plans to open between 10am and 5pm on December 26 .
Morrisons will also be open on Boxing Day for a limited number of hours but has said that working on the day would be voluntary with staff getting double pay .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores for a limited number of hours on Boxing Day but it was `` working hard to ensure all colleagues get a meaningful break during the Christmas period '' .
The chains are not the only ones open , either , with B & M confirming it is open on Boxing Day after deciding to shut on New Year 's Day instead .
`` To give our colleagues a well-deserved rest , all B & M stores will be closed on January 1st , '' B & M wrote on its official Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual on Boxing Day , although opening hours are set to vary .

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Supermarkets are coming under fire from union bosses after refusing to shut for Boxing Day this year.
Asda announced it would not be opening its branches on December 26 this year - and will also be giving workers a bonus.
The chain - one of Britain's so-called Big Four supermarkets - normally opens most of its branches on Boxing Day.
But it is joined by the likes of Waitrose, Home Bargains, Wickes and Homebase in shutting for the day after Christmas Day this year.
However, not all retailers are doing so - with two of the country's largest retailers confirming they plan to open.
Sainsbury's and Morrisons will open despite urges from union bosses to "give staff a well earned break".
To see the shops shutting on Boxing Day this year - for the full list of retailers click here.
(Image: Getty Images)
Sainsbury's plans to open between 10am and 5pm on December 26.
Morrisons will also be open on Boxing Day for a limited number of hours but has said that working on the day would be voluntary with staff getting double pay.
A Morrisons spokeswoman said it would open its stores for a limited number of hours on Boxing Day but it was "working hard to ensure all colleagues get a meaningful break during the Christmas period".
The chains are not the only ones open, either, with B&M confirming it is open on Boxing Day after deciding to shut on New Year's Day instead.
"To give our colleagues a well-deserved rest, all B&M stores will be closed on January 1st," B&M wrote on its official Facebook page.
Next will be open as usual on Boxing Day, although opening hours are set to vary.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Who is Jacob Ramsey? The Villa wonderkid who starts against Wolves

Aston Villa face Wolves at Molineux in a lunchtime kick-off today and have handed a first Premier League start for Jacob Ramsey .
Ramsey was named in the starting XI by manager Dean Smith and will make his eighth appearance for the club .
The 19-year-old has featured in a trio of EFL Cup games this season and has so far made two league appearances off the bench .
He made his Premier League debut earlier this season , coming off the In Ramsey , Villa have a new leading light emerging from its renowned academy .
The midfielder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of six , penned a ‘ long-term ’ first professional contract which illustrates the club ’ s willingness to invest in a precocious teenager .
Academy manager Sean Kimberley , who has overseen Ramsey ’ s rise from schoolboy to professional player , says : “ If he continues to match his undoubted technical ability and eye for a goal with the desire and energy to reach the next level , he will have a bright future in the game.
” But why are Villa so excited about him ?
Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an end at Bournemouth in February two seasons ago - with Ramsey sent off just 10 minutes in .
Despite his dismissal , Ramsey was undoubtedly the star of Villa ’ s run to the fifth round with braces against Swansea City and Reading in rounds two and three respectively .
Ramsey - who hails from Great Barr and attended Barr Beacon school - showed off his skills , speed and goal scoring prowess to score a wondergoal against the Royals which went viral on social media .
That was no fluke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of finding the net last season with a further four goals in nine under-18 Premier League games .
He ’ s also scored once in six U23 outings in Premier League 2 .
But there is some debate as to whether ‘ JJ ’ is the most talented footballer in his own family .
His little brother , Aaron ( not the Juventus midfielder ) , is also making waves at Bodymoor Heath .
Aaron is the standout player in Villa ’ s U16s and hopes to join Jacob in the professional ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , the Ramseys could become the second pair of Brummie Brothers to play for Villa this millennium after the Moores ( Stefan and Luke ) .
The Gardners ( Craig and Gary ) never played a first team game alongside one another , while Hungarian duo Zoltan and Andras Stieber never made the senior breakthrough .
What will make JJ ’ s rise all the sweeter for Villans is the fact that he ’ s stood on the terraces alongside them .
Ramsey , quite literally , is one of their own @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Richard Cusack, Mark Wakefield)

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Aston Villa face Wolves at Molineux in a lunchtime kick-off today and have handed a first Premier League start for Jacob Ramsey.
Ramsey was named in the starting XI by manager Dean Smith and will make his eighth appearance for the club.
The 19-year-old has featured in a trio of EFL Cup games this season and has so far made two league appearances off the bench.
He made his Premier League debut earlier this season, coming off the
In Ramsey, Villa have a new leading light emerging from its renowned academy.
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The midfielder, who joined Villa’s academy at the age of six, penned a ‘long-term’ first professional contract which illustrates the club’s willingness to invest in a precocious teenager.
Academy manager Sean Kimberley, who has overseen Ramsey’s rise from schoolboy to professional player, says: “If he continues to match his undoubted technical ability and eye for a goal with the desire and energy to reach the next level, he will have a bright future in the game.”
But why are Villa so excited about him?
Well, the numbers don’t lie.
Villa’s FA Youth Cup venture came to an end at Bournemouth in February two seasons ago - with Ramsey sent off just 10 minutes in.
Despite his dismissal, Ramsey was undoubtedly the star of Villa’s run to the fifth round with braces against Swansea City and Reading in rounds two and three respectively.
Ramsey - who hails from Great Barr and attended Barr Beacon school - showed off his skills, speed and goal scoring prowess to score a wondergoal against the Royals which went viral on social media.
That was no fluke, though. Ramsey made a habit of finding the net last season with a further four goals in nine under-18 Premier League games. He’s also scored once in six U23 outings in Premier League 2.
But there is some debate as to whether ‘JJ’ is the most talented footballer in his own family.
His little brother, Aaron (not the Juventus midfielder), is also making waves at Bodymoor Heath.
Aaron is the standout player in Villa’s U16s and hopes to join Jacob in the professional ranks before too long.
If Aaron makes it, the Ramseys could become the second pair of Brummie Brothers to play for Villa this millennium after the Moores (Stefan and Luke).
The Gardners (Craig and Gary) never played a first team game alongside one another, while Hungarian duo Zoltan and Andras Stieber never made the senior breakthrough.
What will make JJ’s rise all the sweeter for Villans is the fact that he’s stood on the terraces alongside them. Ramsey, quite literally, is one of their own.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Polar blast to engulf parts of UK for Christmas - but Birmingham may escape

Parts of the country could be heading for a White Christmas with a polar snap threatening to send temperatures plunging for some .
Low pressure from the Arctic is predicted to bring the icy snap with wintry showers forecast and snow potentially falling in some locations .
Between December 16-25 , the Met Office confirms it will remain unsettled , with a mixture of blustery showers and brighter spells for most of the UK .
Some of these showers could turn wintry in parts with forecasters suggesting snow could fall every day until December 25 in Scotland .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions for the rest of the country , mainly in the north and east as the festive season approaches .
Temperatures are likely to be around average for this time of year , however , it could turn colder again with confidence dropping significantly towards Christmas with a range of different forecast models .
Newcastle is forecast to see freezing 0C temperatures on Christmas Day , with southern regions including Birmingham reaching 5C .
Outbreaks of rain or showers are still expected at times , mainly in southern and western parts , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps at lower levels at times .
At present , temperatures are forecast to drop to near average for the time of year through the end of December , with conditions expected to be changeable .
Unsettled conditions are possible at times to the north and west , with some drier and brighter interludes .
Bookies have cut odds to just 1/4 on any part of the UK waking up to snow on Christmas Day .
It also remains just a 5/4 shot that this month enters the record books as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladbrokes said : `` Punters are dreaming of a White Christmas and that may well be the case as the odds continue to tumble with the temperatures . ''
Forecasters at The Weather Outlook stated : `` Forecast confidence falls in the longer term but at the moment the likelihood is that little changes through the rest of the week .
With winds generally coming in from the west temperatures will be close to the mid December average .
The general tendency is for it to be colder in the north and milder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start , with low cloud and patchy rain in the morning .
This rain clearing to the northeast by midday , leaving behind clearer and drier conditions , with sunny spells and the possibility of a few heavy showers .
Maximum temperature 8C .
A dry night with clear skies to start .
Rural areas could see frost early on , but temperatures will increase as cloud moves in during the early hours .
Minimum temperature 0C .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for 1,800 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
We have already secured hundreds of gifts for babies and toddlers but are short of the target for children over the age of six .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
A wet , windy and cloudy day , with outbreaks of rain throughout , which could turn heavy at times .
Rain clearing during the evening , to be followed by showers overnight .
Feeling mild .
Maximum temperature 10C .
Breezy on Monday with sunny spells and a few potentially heavy showers .
Bright and dry for many on Tuesday .
Heavy rain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild .

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Parts of the country could be heading for a White Christmas with a polar snap threatening to send temperatures plunging for some.
Low pressure from the Arctic is predicted to bring the icy snap with wintry showers forecast and snow potentially falling in some locations.
Between December 16-25, the Met Office confirms it will remain unsettled, with a mixture of blustery showers and brighter spells for most of the UK. Some of these showers could turn wintry in parts with forecasters suggesting snow could fall every day until December 25 in Scotland.
Meanwhile, there is a chance of more settled conditions for the rest of the country, mainly in the north and east as the festive season approaches.
Temperatures are likely to be around average for this time of year, however, it could turn colder again with confidence dropping significantly towards Christmas with a range of different forecast models.
Newcastle is forecast to see freezing 0C temperatures on Christmas Day, with southern regions including Birmingham reaching 5C. Outbreaks of rain or showers are still expected at times, mainly in southern and western parts, which may become wintry on high ground, and perhaps at lower levels at times.
At present, temperatures are forecast to drop to near average for the time of year through the end of December, with conditions expected to be changeable.
Unsettled conditions are possible at times to the north and west, with some drier and brighter interludes.
Bookies have cut odds to just 1/4 on any part of the UK waking up to snow on Christmas Day.
It also remains just a 5/4 shot that this month enters the record books as the coldest December ever.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Punters are dreaming of a White Christmas and that may well be the case as the odds continue to tumble with the temperatures."
Forecasters at The Weather Outlook stated: "Forecast confidence falls in the longer term but at the moment the likelihood is that little changes through the rest of the week. With winds generally coming in from the west temperatures will be close to the mid December average. The general tendency is for it to be colder in the north and milder in the south."
Met Office five-day forecast
Today
A murky start, with low cloud and patchy rain in the morning. This rain clearing to the northeast by midday, leaving behind clearer and drier conditions, with sunny spells and the possibility of a few heavy showers. Maximum temperature 8C.
Tonight:
A dry night with clear skies to start. Rural areas could see frost early on, but temperatures will increase as cloud moves in during the early hours. Minimum temperature 0C.
Sunday:
A wet, windy and cloudy day, with outbreaks of rain throughout, which could turn heavy at times. Rain clearing during the evening, to be followed by showers overnight. Feeling mild. Maximum temperature 10C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Breezy on Monday with sunny spells and a few potentially heavy showers. Bright and dry for many on Tuesday. Heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday. Feeling mild.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Strictly fans distracted after spotting detail in Giovanni text to Ranvir

Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has fuelled rumours of a romance with partner Ranvir Singh - AGAIN .
The pro dancer , who is starring in BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing each Saturday night , sparked romance rumours by exposing late night texts .
Giovanni and Ranvir will be back on the dancefloor tonight for the semi final of the ongoing 2020 Strictly Come Dancing series .
They will be tasked with dancing twice for a place in the final , with Bill Bailey also competing , alongside the likes of Maisie Smith , HRVY and Jamie Laing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemistry between Giovanni and Ranvir has got viewers of the show talking .
So much so , in fact , that Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan had addressed the speculation in an interview with his ITV1 daytime TV favourite co-star .
The screenshots of Gio 's chat with Ranvir has been shared by the dancer himself - and only stirred up more rumours and speculation .
Taking to Twitter , the Italian showed a message from Ranvir sent at 3.19am .
The message from the GMB presenter read : `` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jive in bed '' It was accompanied by a cry-with-laughter and face-palm emoji .
Giovanni had carefully blocked out the previous messages so his followers could n't see their entire chat .
And fans noticed Ranvir has changed her display image on WhatsApp to an image of Giovanni .
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One before returning to the channel on Sunday for the results show .
Maisie and Gorka Marquez will kick off the semi final this evening , as they compete for a place in the final @ @

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Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has fuelled rumours of a romance with partner Ranvir Singh - AGAIN.
The pro dancer, who is starring in BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing each Saturday night, sparked romance rumours by exposing late night texts.
Giovanni and Ranvir will be back on the dancefloor tonight for the semi final of the ongoing 2020 Strictly Come Dancing series.
They will be tasked with dancing twice for a place in the final, with Bill Bailey also competing, alongside the likes of Maisie Smith, HRVY and Jamie Laing.
Throughout the 2020 season, the chemistry between Giovanni and Ranvir has got viewers of the show talking.
So much so, in fact, that Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan had addressed the speculation in an interview with his ITV1 daytime TV favourite co-star.
The screenshots of Gio's chat with Ranvir has been shared by the dancer himself - and only stirred up more rumours and speculation.
Taking to Twitter, the Italian showed a message from Ranvir sent at 3.19am.
The message from the GMB presenter read: "I've woken up and I'm doing the Jive in bed"
It was accompanied by a cry-with-laughter and face-palm emoji.
Giovanni had carefully blocked out the previous messages so his followers couldn't see their entire chat.
And fans noticed Ranvir has changed her display image on WhatsApp to an image of Giovanni.
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One before returning to the channel on Sunday for the results show.
Maisie and Gorka Marquez will kick off the semi final this evening, as they compete for a place in the final four.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Police statement as £40,000 motor stripped bare on street

Police say they are appealing for information after a £40,000 Mercedes was stripped bare and left on concrete blocks outside a West Bromwich home .
West Midlands Police said the motor , a C-Class , was stripped of all its parts while it was parked on Marsh Lane in the Hill Top area on Thursday , December 10 .
A spokesman for the force added : `` We were made aware of a Mercedes car being stripped of all its parts while parked on Marsh Lane in Hill Top , West Bromwich , sometime between 7.30pm on Wednesday and 4.45am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is asked to contact us . ''
Shocking images - which can be seen below - show the skeletal remains of the car outside owner Paul Hampton 's home .
And now his stepdaughter , Emily Heeley , 21 , has urged motorists to park their cars in a secure location in a bid to deter criminals from stripping more vehicles .
`` No-one heard anything , '' she told BlackCountryLive .
`` No-one saw or heard this being done .
We have asked our entire street and no-one knows what happened .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ window – at around 4.50am – she thought she was seeing things .
But as soon as she noticed she banged on my mum ’ s door to sound the alarm .
`` Paul is gutted .
He works hard for his car .
Most of the time he does 13 hour days , seven days a week .
`` We have lived in this street for over 20 years and never had a problem . ''
Emily added : `` To say we are devastated is an understatement and to have this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This year has been hard enough but with it being two weeks to Christmas – it just makes it even worse .
`` I wouldn ’ t wish what has happened to Paul on anyone .
Emily said forensic officers were drafted out to the street to take prints from the motor but was told nothing substantial could be found .
A £1,000 cash reward has also been issued to anyone with information that helps lead to a successful prosecution .
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Police say they are appealing for information after a £40,000 Mercedes was stripped bare and left on concrete blocks outside a West Bromwich home.
West Midlands Police said the motor, a C-Class, was stripped of all its parts while it was parked on Marsh Lane in the Hill Top area on Thursday, December 10.
A spokesman for the force added: "We were made aware of a Mercedes car being stripped of all its parts while parked on Marsh Lane in Hill Top, West Bromwich, sometime between 7.30pm on Wednesday and 4.45am on Thursday.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us."
Shocking images - which can be seen below - show the skeletal remains of the car outside owner Paul Hampton's home.
And now his stepdaughter, Emily Heeley, 21, has urged motorists to park their cars in a secure location in a bid to deter criminals from stripping more vehicles.
"No-one heard anything," she told BlackCountryLive. "No-one saw or heard this being done. We have asked our entire street and no-one knows what happened.
"When our neighbour looked at the window – at around 4.50am – she thought she was seeing things. But as soon as she noticed she banged on my mum’s door to sound the alarm.
"Paul is gutted. He works hard for his car. Most of the time he does 13 hour days, seven days a week.
"We have lived in this street for over 20 years and never had a problem."
Emily added: "To say we are devastated is an understatement and to have this happen right outside your home is dreadful.
"This year has been hard enough but with it being two weeks to Christmas – it just makes it even worse.
"I wouldn’t wish what has happened to Paul on anyone.
Emily said forensic officers were drafted out to the street to take prints from the motor but was told nothing substantial could be found.
A £1,000 cash reward has also been issued to anyone with information that helps lead to a successful prosecution.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20SW/306001Y/20.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--The Aston Villa team Dean Smith has picked for Wolves

It 's been 12 days since Aston Villa last kicked a ball in anger and , today , they get to right the wrongs of West Ham with a statement-like performance at Molineux .
Dean Smith 's side have lost four from their last five games ahead of today 's showdown with Wolves , a side who themselves have won just once in their previous four encounters .
Villa are still without on-loan star Ross Barkley as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury .
Smith and Villa are hopeful the 26-year-old will return for either Burnley or West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absence today Smith 's gone with youngster Jacob Ramsey who makes his first Premier League start .
The 19-year-old made his big-league bow at Fulham in September while , today , Ramsey replaces Hourihane with the Irishman featuring last time out against West Ham .
Elsewhere in midfield , John McGinn starts once more fresh from signing a bumper new contract up until 2025 last night .
The Scottish midfielder - without a goal since the Liverpool win - will be partnered by Villa 's classy Brazilian Douglas Luiz .
Staying with South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'll have ever-presents Matty Cash , Ezri Konsa , Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett in front of him .
In attack for Villa this afternoon , captain Jack Grealish will be eying goal involvement number 12 from his inside-forward position off the left in support of Ollie Watkins up top .
Egyptian winger Trezeguet - who 's yet to score this season - misses out of the 18-man squad after sustaining a head injury against West Ham and he 's replaced by Bertrand Traore .

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It's been 12 days since Aston Villa last kicked a ball in anger and, today, they get to right the wrongs of West Ham with a statement-like performance at Molineux.
Dean Smith's side have lost four from their last five games ahead of today's showdown with Wolves, a side who themselves have won just once in their previous four encounters.
Villa are still without on-loan star Ross Barkley as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Smith and Villa are hopeful the 26-year-old will return for either Burnley or West Brom next week.
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In Barkley's absence today Smith's gone with youngster Jacob Ramsey who makes his first Premier League start. The 19-year-old made his big-league bow at Fulham in September while, today, Ramsey replaces Hourihane with the Irishman featuring last time out against West Ham.
Elsewhere in midfield, John McGinn starts once more fresh from signing a bumper new contract up until 2025 last night. The Scottish midfielder - without a goal since the Liverpool win - will be partnered by Villa's classy Brazilian Douglas Luiz.
Staying with South Americans, Emiliano Martinez starts again and he'll have ever-presents Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett in front of him.
In attack for Villa this afternoon, captain Jack Grealish will be eying goal involvement number 12 from his inside-forward position off the left in support of Ollie Watkins up top. Egyptian winger Trezeguet - who's yet to score this season - misses out of the 18-man squad after sustaining a head injury against West Ham and he's replaced by Bertrand Traore.
THE TEAMS IN FULL
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey; Traore, Watkins, Grealish.
Subs: Steer, Hause, Elmohamady, Guilbert, Nakamba, Hourihane, El Ghazi.
Wolves: Patricio; Semedo, Coady, Saiss, Marcal; Dendoncker, Moutinho; Adama, Podence, Neto; Fabio Silva.
Subs: Ruddy, Neves, Boly, VintinhaFerreira, Kilman, Ait-Nouri, Otasowie.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Troy Deeney makes brilliant revelation about Birmingham City Carling Cup hero

Troy Deeney has revealed how Birmingham City fans make him centre of attention whenever he catches the train to Watford - despite being alongside the Blues ' Carling Cup hero Ben Foster .
The pair sometimes travel together to training from the city and eagle-eyed supporters make a beeline for Deeney who is a massive Blues fan .
Deeney was at Wembley nine years ago when Foster produced an astonishing performance as Birmingham shocked Arsene Wenger 's side when a last-minute goal from Obafemi Martins secured a famous triumph .
But despite Foster 's display , in which he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says his Watford team-mate often gets shunned whenever they make the journey .
“ He never gets mentioned , ” he said .
“ You should ask him about this .
“ We get the train from Birmingham down here sometimes .
“ And there will be Blues fans and they ’ ll be like ‘ Troy , Troy ’ .
`` And Ben is like ‘ you know I won the cup with you lot ’ .
“ But everyone thinks I am like a Birmingham player or something.
” That cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since lifting the Football League Trophy in 1994-95 and Deeney says when the Blues are successful they certainly make the most of it .
He said : “ The Blues are the underrated club within Birmingham if you get what I mean .
“ You ’ ve got Aston Villa as the big club and then Birmingham as the working man ’ s club .
“ It ’ s sort of like a Liverpool-Everton kind of feel .
“ We don ’ t really win too much but when we do , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arsenal game .
“ I was there for that . ''

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Troy Deeney has revealed how Birmingham City fans make him centre of attention whenever he catches the train to Watford - despite being alongside the Blues' Carling Cup hero Ben Foster.
The pair sometimes travel together to training from the city and eagle-eyed supporters make a beeline for Deeney who is a massive Blues fan.
Deeney was at Wembley nine years ago when Foster produced an astonishing performance as Birmingham shocked Arsene Wenger's side when a last-minute goal from Obafemi Martins secured a famous triumph.
But despite Foster's display, in which he made a string of remarkable saves, Deeney says his Watford team-mate often gets shunned whenever they make the journey.
“He never gets mentioned,” he said.
“You should ask him about this.
“We get the train from Birmingham down here sometimes.
“And there will be Blues fans and they’ll be like ‘Troy, Troy’.
"And Ben is like ‘you know I won the cup with you lot’.
“But everyone thinks I am like a Birmingham player or something.”
That cup triumph was the Blues' first silverware since lifting the Football League Trophy in 1994-95 and Deeney says when the Blues are successful they certainly make the most of it.
He said: “The Blues are the underrated club within Birmingham if you get what I mean.
“You’ve got Aston Villa as the big club and then Birmingham as the working man’s club.
“It’s sort of like a Liverpool-Everton kind of feel.
“We don’t really win too much but when we do, we have a good go of it like the Arsenal game.
“I was there for that."


birminghammail--2020-12-12--NHS ad showing Santa with coronavirus in hospital leaves kids 'distraught'

An `` insensitive '' NHS advert showing Santa ‘ unconscious with coronavirus ’ has been slammed for upsetting kids and allegedly `` making Christmas worse '' .
NHS Charities Together has released its first Christmas advert which sees Santa being nursed back to health .
After being seen on a hospital bed on a ventilator , Santa is finally well enough to depart the hospital .
Nurses wave him off , wishing him a Merry Christmas as British singer Birdy 's People Help The People is played .
The advert finishes with the nurse receiving a gift that reads : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done for all of us , Santa . ''
But it has left mums and dads furious after allegedly leaving their children upset amid a year of festive lockdown restrictions and measures .
One wrote : `` Disgusting idea that targets the fears of the very young .
Massive own goal . ''
`` How many children are going to be brought to tears thinking Santa is going to die ? ''
a second asked .
Guaranteed to scare the hell out of little ones if they watch it , '' another fumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Christmas '' - and branded creators `` deluded . ''
`` This is disgusting .
Do n't children have enough to worry about at the moment ? ''
another asked .
The film forms part of the Gifts That Give Back Campaign where the public have been asked to send gifts to NHS staff following a difficult year .
Money raised will go towards NHS charities across the UK so they can provide support to staff , volunteers and patients .
Ellie Orton , chief executive of NHS Charities Together , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far to our appeal , helping us raise over £150million .
But with the ongoing impact of Covid , the need is still there . ''

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An "insensitive" NHS advert showing Santa ‘unconscious with coronavirus ’ has been slammed for upsetting kids and allegedly "making Christmas worse".
NHS Charities Together has released its first Christmas advert which sees Santa being nursed back to health.
After being seen on a hospital bed on a ventilator, Santa is finally well enough to depart the hospital.
Nurses wave him off, wishing him a Merry Christmas as British singer Birdy's People Help The People is played.
The advert finishes with the nurse receiving a gift that reads: "Thank you for everything you've done for all of us, Santa."
But it has left mums and dads furious after allegedly leaving their children upset amid a year of festive lockdown restrictions and measures.
One wrote: "Disgusting idea that targets the fears of the very young. Massive own goal."
"How many children are going to be brought to tears thinking Santa is going to die?" a second asked.
Guaranteed to scare the hell out of little ones if they watch it," another fumed.
Another branded it the "nightmare before Christmas" - and branded creators "deluded."
"This is disgusting. Don't children have enough to worry about at the moment?" another asked.
The film forms part of the Gifts That Give Back Campaign where the public have been asked to send gifts to NHS staff following a difficult year.
Money raised will go towards NHS charities across the UK so they can provide support to staff, volunteers and patients.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: "The public has responded magnificently so far to our appeal, helping us raise over £150million. But with the ongoing impact of Covid, the need is still there."


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Villa sent clear message over Dean Smith's squad after Nakamba transfer links

Gabby Agbonlahor says Aston Villa should not look at offloading Marvelous Nakamba in January despite links to Galatasaray .
Twenty-six-year-old Nakamba has been rarely seen for Villa this season , managing just five appearances .
His last match was a 10-minute cameo in the 7-2 victory over Liverpool at the start of October , with Dean Smith preferring to play the centre-midfielder in the EFL Cup this season .
It has led to reports from Turkey that Galatasaray may renew their interest in the former Club Brugge player after failing to land him in the summer .
Yet Villa hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong to get rid of the Zimbabwe international so willingly .
Speaking to Football Insider , the former striker said that , unless Dean Smith has a replacement lined up , then Villa should keep Nakamba at the club in order to maximise squad depth .
He said : `` Dean Smith will have picked his 25-man squad for the season , unless he has money to bring in new signings I don ’ t think he would get rid of him .
`` Just because you ’ ve got Luiz , Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of him at the moment , there ’ s injuries and suspensions that could happen .
Who do you call for then ?
I ’ m sure he ’ s the next one in line .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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We also have a free app which you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' I ’ m sure Dean Smith will be thinking he ’ ll use him at some point this season when needed .
`` At the moment Dean Smith needs a big squad for the season .
The last thing you want is to have just 18 senior players available , as some clubs have already done this season like Burnley .
`` That can easily happen if you decide to move players on .
For sure , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s involved in the squad . ''

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Gabby Agbonlahor says Aston Villa should not look at offloading Marvelous Nakamba in January despite links to Galatasaray.
Twenty-six-year-old Nakamba has been rarely seen for Villa this season, managing just five appearances.
His last match was a 10-minute cameo in the 7-2 victory over Liverpool at the start of October, with Dean Smith preferring to play the centre-midfielder in the EFL Cup this season.
It has led to reports from Turkey that Galatasaray may renew their interest in the former Club Brugge player after failing to land him in the summer.
Yet Villa hero Agbonlahor feels his old club would be wrong to get rid of the Zimbabwe international so willingly.
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Speaking to Football Insider, the former striker said that, unless Dean Smith has a replacement lined up, then Villa should keep Nakamba at the club in order to maximise squad depth.
He said: "Dean Smith will have picked his 25-man squad for the season, unless he has money to bring in new signings I don’t think he would get rid of him.
"Just because you’ve got Luiz, Grealish, Hourihane, McGinn, Barkley in front of him at the moment, there’s injuries and suspensions that could happen. Who do you call for then? I’m sure he’s the next one in line.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"I’m sure Dean Smith will be thinking he’ll use him at some point this season when needed.
"At the moment Dean Smith needs a big squad for the season. The last thing you want is to have just 18 senior players available, as some clubs have already done this season like Burnley.
"That can easily happen if you decide to move players on. For sure, I think he keeps hold of him and he’s involved in the squad."


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Tinder users urgently warned over 'charming women' scam sweeping app

Tinder users are being urged to watch out for a new scam which is targeting singletons on the dating app .
Tinder is widely used across the country , and is one of the most popular dating apps in Birmingham , alongside the likes of Bumble .
But any singletons who are signed up and using it are being told to exercise caution while swiping this week .
Experts from the Financial Services and Markets Authority ( FSMA ) have warned that scammers are posing ‘ as charming women ’ .
The fraudsters are on the app in the hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the FSMA .
The scammers are asking for credit card details after striking up conversations having matched with unwitting Tinder users .
They will tell victims they are financially independent , making money through investments , and they will urge you to do the same .
They will try and entice victims into heading to a site which purportedly sells cryptocurrencies - but it is all a ruse , experts have warned .
Once you have paid , you will have no hope of getting your money back .
As soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that offer , your chat partner will disappear and will not answer your messages anymore , according to scam experts .
Tinder has millions of users across the globe - meaning there is a fear the scam could spread like wildfire across the dating app world .
Experts have warned people to exercise caution and think about any links being sent over a chat with another match .

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Tinder users are being urged to watch out for a new scam which is targeting singletons on the dating app.
Tinder is widely used across the country, and is one of the most popular dating apps in Birmingham, alongside the likes of Bumble.
But any singletons who are signed up and using it are being told to exercise caution while swiping this week.
Experts from the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) have warned that scammers are posing ‘as charming women’.
The fraudsters are on the app in the hopes of luring victims into investment scams, according to the FSMA.
The scammers are asking for credit card details after striking up conversations having matched with unwitting Tinder users.
They will tell victims they are financially independent, making money through investments, and they will urge you to do the same.
They will try and entice victims into heading to a site which purportedly sells cryptocurrencies - but it is all a ruse, experts have warned.
Once you have paid, you will have no hope of getting your money back.
As soon as you begin wondering about the veracity of that offer, your chat partner will disappear and will not answer your messages anymore, according to scam experts.
Tinder has millions of users across the globe - meaning there is a fear the scam could spread like wildfire across the dating app world.
Experts have warned people to exercise caution and think about any links being sent over a chat with another match.


birminghammail--2020-12-12--Christmas lockdown changes 'will have consequences' warns health expert

Easing Covid rules for five days during the festive period is a “ mistake ” that will have “ consequences ” , according to a professor of public health .
Linda Bauld , of the University of Edinburgh , said : “ I think people have to think very carefully whether they can see loved ones outside , or do it in a very modest way .
“ I ’ m also concerned about the travel , people going from high to low-prevalence areas.
” She told BBC Breakfast : “ I think it ’ s going to have consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that .
Behaviourally people are fed up .
“ If you ’ re meeting people indoors from other households , there ’ s poor ventilation , maybe older family members are in those bubbles , unfortunately because the virus hasn ’ t been eliminated… I think that means the Christmas period is a risk .
“ From a public health perspective , I have to be perfectly honest , I think this is a mistake.
” Meanwhile , local authorities under England ’ s toughest coronavirus restrictions are to introduce quick result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut Covid-19 transmission rates this winter .
An initial roll-out of 67 local authorities for Tier 3 areas have received Government approval for testing schemes to help put them on a path towards relaxing local measures .
As part of the Government ’ s Covid winter plan , more than 1.6 million rapid turnaround lateral flow tests would be delivered for use this month , the Department of Health and Social Care said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic cases .

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Easing Covid rules for five days during the festive period is a “mistake” that will have “consequences”, according to a professor of public health.
Linda Bauld, of the University of Edinburgh, said: “I think people have to think very carefully whether they can see loved ones outside, or do it in a very modest way.
“I’m also concerned about the travel, people going from high to low-prevalence areas.”
She told BBC Breakfast: “I think it’s going to have consequences. I completely understand why governments are doing that. Behaviourally people are fed up.
“If you’re meeting people indoors from other households, there’s poor ventilation, maybe older family members are in those bubbles, unfortunately because the virus hasn’t been eliminated… I think that means the Christmas period is a risk.
“From a public health perspective, I have to be perfectly honest, I think this is a mistake.”
Meanwhile, local authorities under England’s toughest coronavirus restrictions are to introduce quick result community testing programmes in a bid to cut Covid-19 transmission rates this winter.
An initial roll-out of 67 local authorities for Tier 3 areas have received Government approval for testing schemes to help put them on a path towards relaxing local measures.
As part of the Government’s Covid winter plan, more than 1.6 million rapid turnaround lateral flow tests would be delivered for use this month, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the enhanced testing programmes follow a successful pilot in Liverpool and will be a “vital additional tool” in finding asymptomatic cases.


birminghammail--2020-12-21--A look back at some of the old hospitals of Birmingham which are no longer here

From cradle to grave , hospital staff in Birmingham have been caring for their citizens for centuries .
Today , the city is dominated by big hospitals such as the Queen Elizabeth and Heartlands Hospitals , where a multitude of medical services are housed under one complex .
In times gone , there were separate eye , ear , nose and throat , maternity and even trauma hospitals all around the city .
We take a look back at some of the hospitals which have long closed their corridors .
Were you treated in one of them ?
In 1929 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , Moseley , was founded as a maternity hospital for poor women .
As it developed the hospital extended into several Victorian houses in Anderton Park Road and Wake Green Road .
The only purpose built buildings was a boiler house and the delivery and theatre suite .
The hospital closed in 1993 and a retirement complex , Sorrento Court , has been built on the site of the house .
Read more by clicking here .
Birmingham Children ’ s Hospital used to occupy a prominent building on Ladywood Middleway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Birmingham and Midland Free Hospital for Sick Children on Steelhouse Lane .
It moved to a new site on Ladywood Middleway in 1917 and remained there until October 1998 , when it returned to Steelhouse Lane to the buildings previously used by the Birmingham General Hospital .
The Birmingham and Midland Hospital for Women was established in Showell Green in Sparkhill in 1871 .
It moved to a former farmhouse on the Stratford Road in 1878 , to a purpose-built facility on Showell Green Lane in 1905 and then to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in Edgbaston in 1968 .
The Women 's Hospital is managed by the Birmingham Women ’ s and Children ’ s NHS Foundation Trust .
Birmingham Accident Hospital , in Bath Row , was at the forefront of treating emergencies and industrial accidents between 1941 and 1993 .
It set standards for the management of injured patients and in its heyday was considered one of the leading trauma hospital s in the world .
When it closed , the majority of staff were sent to Birmingham ’ s General Hospital , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other wards around the city .
The listed building still remains but is now part of a student accommodation complex .
Read more by clicking here .
This hospital opened in Edmund Street , in the city centre in 1891 and was is one of a few ‘ specialist ’ hospitals built in the centre during the 19th Century .
The hospital closed in 1989 with its departments moved to the Queen Elizabeth complex and other sites .
The Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital was built in 1884 , in Church Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was said to be an operating theatre and laboratory and recovery room with hundreds of patients treated there daily .
The department is now part of City Hospital , off Dudley Road , in Winson Green , while the elegant building now houses a Hotel Du Vin .
It was originally built as a workhouse around 1870 for the sick .
The site developed with the addition of a nurses ’ home and the infirmary combined with the NHS to become Selly Oak Hospita l in 1948 .
Patients were last treated there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with services transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , a ceremony was held to celebrate a century of service .
The site is now a Persimmon complex for 650 homes .
Click here to read more on this remarkable hospital , including people who worked there .
Birmingham General Hospital had been founded in 1779 as a teaching hospital .
Neville Chamberlain became a director and even continued fundraising for it after he became Prime Minister ( 1937-1940 ) .
It closed in the mid-90s .
The General Hospital and nearby Accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham pub bombings in 1974 .

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From cradle to grave, hospital staff in Birmingham have been caring for their citizens for centuries.
Today, the city is dominated by big hospitals such as the Queen Elizabeth and Heartlands Hospitals, where a multitude of medical services are housed under one complex.
In times gone, there were separate eye, ear, nose and throat, maternity and even trauma hospitals all around the city.
We take a look back at some of the hospitals which have long closed their corridors.
Were you treated in one of them?
Sorrento Maternity Hospital
In 1929, the Sorrento Hospital in Anderton Park Road, Moseley, was founded as a maternity hospital for poor women.
As it developed the hospital extended into several Victorian houses in Anderton Park Road and Wake Green Road.
The only purpose built buildings was a boiler house and the delivery and theatre suite.
The hospital closed in 1993 and a retirement complex, Sorrento Court, has been built on the site of the house.
Read more by clicking here.
The former Children's Hospital
Birmingham Children’s Hospital used to occupy a prominent building on Ladywood Middleway.
In 1892, the hospital was established as the Birmingham and Midland Free Hospital for Sick Children on Steelhouse Lane.
It moved to a new site on Ladywood Middleway in 1917 and remained there until October 1998, when it returned to Steelhouse Lane to the buildings previously used by the Birmingham General Hospital.
Women's Hospital in Sparkhill
The Birmingham and Midland Hospital for Women was established in Showell Green in Sparkhill in 1871.
It moved to a former farmhouse on the Stratford Road in 1878, to a purpose-built facility on Showell Green Lane in 1905 and then to its current site, opposite the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston in 1968.
The Women's Hospital is managed by the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
The Birmingham Accident Hospital
Birmingham Accident Hospital, in Bath Row, was at the forefront of treating emergencies and industrial accidents between 1941 and 1993.
It set standards for the management of injured patients and in its heyday was considered one of the leading trauma hospital s in the world.
(Image: B'ham Post and Mail)
When it closed, the majority of staff were sent to Birmingham’s General Hospital, which later closed.
Others were moved on to other wards around the city.
The listed building still remains but is now part of a student accommodation complex. Read more by clicking here.
(Image: Mirrorpix)
The Birmingham & Midland Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital
This hospital opened in Edmund Street, in the city centre in 1891 and was is one of a few ‘specialist’ hospitals built in the centre during the 19th Century.
The hospital closed in 1989 with its departments moved to the Queen Elizabeth complex and other sites.
The Eye Hospital
The Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital was built in 1884, in Church Street, in the city centre.
There was said to be an operating theatre and laboratory and recovery room with hundreds of patients treated there daily.
The department is now part of City Hospital, off Dudley Road, in Winson Green, while the elegant building now houses a Hotel Du Vin.
Selly Oak Hospital
It was originally built as a workhouse around 1870 for the sick.
The site developed with the addition of a nurses’ home and the infirmary combined with the NHS to become Selly Oak Hospita l in 1948.
Patients were last treated there in 2011.
Before the hospital closed, with services transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a ceremony was held to celebrate a century of service.
The site is now a Persimmon complex for 650 homes. Click here to read more on this remarkable hospital, including people who worked there.
The General Hospital
Birmingham General Hospital had been founded in 1779 as a teaching hospital.
Neville Chamberlain became a director and even continued fundraising for it after he became Prime Minister (1937-1940). It closed in the mid-90s.
The General Hospital and nearby Accident Hospital handled all the victims of the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974.


birminghammail--2020-12-21--McDonald's worker goes from flipping Big Macs to running Birmingham empire

A McDonald ’ s burger-flipper became a millionaire boss who employs 1,000 people - and owner of the fast food joint he once served hungry punters at .
David Wynne started out behind the counter of McDonald 's before he launched White Rose UK Ltd which went on to franchise multiple outlets of the fast food restaurant .
David , aged 59 , was just 21 when he became the youngest McDonald ’ s restaurant manager in the country - extending his fast food empire from Cornwall outlets to the West Midlands .
Cornwall Live reported David was promoted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales , and then the West Midlands .
After 19 years , he asked to become a franchisee before leading his Birmingham business to become top performer among 185 franchises .
In the years since he has built up his restaurant portfolio and now employs close to 1,000 people .
His company turned over £31million in 2017 .
During his time in charge of the restaurants David has spearheaded a renovation of restaurants and changed menus to be healthier .
He told Cornwall Live in 2008 : “ I ’ m very excited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , particularly given my connections with the city .
“ It ’ s a great place to live and work and I ’ m looking forward to meeting people here to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our customers .
“ Not many people realise that a high proportion of McDonald ’ s restaurants are franchised and represent local businesses in their own right .
“ I ’ m responsible for everything from customer service and food hygiene to staff development .
I relish the variety this provides , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Eve Watson, James Rodger)

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A McDonald’s burger-flipper became a millionaire boss who employs 1,000 people - and owner of the fast food joint he once served hungry punters at.
David Wynne started out behind the counter of McDonald's before he launched White Rose UK Ltd which went on to franchise multiple outlets of the fast food restaurant.
David, aged 59, was just 21 when he became the youngest McDonald’s restaurant manager in the country - extending his fast food empire from Cornwall outlets to the West Midlands.
Cornwall Live reported David was promoted to area manager for the South West and Wales, and then the West Midlands.
After 19 years, he asked to become a franchisee before leading his Birmingham business to become top performer among 185 franchises.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In the years since he has built up his restaurant portfolio and now employs close to 1,000 people.
His company turned over £31million in 2017.
During his time in charge of the restaurants David has spearheaded a renovation of restaurants and changed menus to be healthier.
He told Cornwall Live in 2008: “I’m very excited to be taking ownership of the Plymouth restaurants, particularly given my connections with the city.
“It’s a great place to live and work and I’m looking forward to meeting people here to ensure we provide the best possible experience for our customers.
“Not many people realise that a high proportion of McDonald’s restaurants are franchised and represent local businesses in their own right.
“I’m responsible for everything from customer service and food hygiene to staff development. I relish the variety this provides, as well as the opportunity for investment in the community.”