birminghammail--2020-10-21--Delight as closed cinema set to reopen as independent venue

A much-loved Worcestershire cinema which closed ‘ for good ’ in the summer is set to reopen as an independent venue as a team of film enthusiasts aim to 'usher ' in a new era .
Kidderminster ’ s only film venue – Reel Cinema in Green Street – shut at the start of the coronavirus lockdown on March 20 , but was due to reopen in July .
But then the venue announced ‘ with a heavy heart ’ that it was ‘ permanently closed ’ on July 20 .
Now three ‘ social entrepreneurs ’ have stepped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will be renamed the Lume Cinema and Café , and provide cinemagoers with a ‘ much-needed escape ’ from their everyday lives .
James Anderson Brown founder of The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham , together with Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton , founders of Stourbridge Community Development Trust , have confirmed they are now redeveloping the four-screen cinema , after they negotiated with the building 's owner .
The trio believe with multiplex chain cinemas closing that there is a ‘ huge gap in cinema entertainment ’ in Kidderminster and the wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Cinema has been a part of the town since the turn of the 20th Century , it has always been a way to bring people together .
“ The town used to have many cinema theatres such as The Grand Theatre , Royal Bijou and Empire right up to the Warehouse and Reel .
“ These were always places to really spend a great night out in opulent surroundings that transported people from the everyday reality to a world of escape .
“ This is why they were often called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape now more than ever .
“ You can not stream or download an experience like going to the cinema and we will be bringing back that classic experience in the way we develop the look and feel of the space.
” The new-look four-screen cinema should be open ‘ next March ’ with the new owners promising the venue will also offer a ‘ range of other community benefits ’ , as well as a cinema experience .
Eddy Morton said : “ We really want to offer something to the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and initiatives .
“ The space will not only be an amazing new independent cinema but a space for meeting , community activity and a great café for the local businesses , shoppers and specific groups to book for private event use.
” While Anthony Hughes said : “ We have formed a new community development trust for the town and will use the cinema as our first social enterprise to engage both film audiences and other community groups who will also benefit from the downstairs café and arts space.
” The cinema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly independent ’ and will show new blockbusters as well as themed-screenings and events .
Mr Hughes added : “ It may seem like a difficult time to be taking on this sort of venture with many major releases being put back to next year , but we believe that we can meet the challenge .
“ Many people really miss going to the cinema and can ’ t wait to get back to see films the way they were intended to be seen - on the big screen .
“ With our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines of whatever the ‘ new normal ’ looks like when we open , we will offer a safe great quality experience for both film fanatics and general audiences across the region .
”

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A much-loved Worcestershire cinema which closed ‘for good’ in the summer is set to reopen as an independent venue as a team of film enthusiasts aim to 'usher' in a new era.
Kidderminster ’s only film venue – Reel Cinema in Green Street – shut at the start of the coronavirus lockdown on March 20, but was due to reopen in July. But then the venue announced ‘with a heavy heart’ that it was ‘permanently closed’ on July 20.
Now three ‘social entrepreneurs’ have stepped in to revive and refurbish the venue, which will be renamed the Lume Cinema and Café, and provide cinemagoers with a ‘much-needed escape’ from their everyday lives.
James Anderson Brown founder of The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham, together with Anthony Hughes and Eddy Morton, founders of Stourbridge Community Development Trust, have confirmed they are now redeveloping the four-screen cinema, after they negotiated with the building's owner.
The trio believe with multiplex chain cinemas closing that there is a ‘huge gap in cinema entertainment’ in Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest area.
James Anderson Brown said: “Cinema has been a part of the town since the turn of the 20th Century, it has always been a way to bring people together.
“The town used to have many cinema theatres such as The Grand Theatre, Royal Bijou and Empire right up to the Warehouse and Reel.
“These were always places to really spend a great night out in opulent surroundings that transported people from the everyday reality to a world of escape.
“This is why they were often called Picture Palaces and people really need that escape now more than ever.
“You cannot stream or download an experience like going to the cinema and we will be bringing back that classic experience in the way we develop the look and feel of the space.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The new-look four-screen cinema should be open ‘next March’ with the new owners promising the venue will also offer a ‘range of other community benefits’, as well as a cinema experience.
Eddy Morton said: “We really want to offer something to the whole community of Kidderminster through the various projects and initiatives.
“The space will not only be an amazing new independent cinema but a space for meeting, community activity and a great café for the local businesses, shoppers and specific groups to book for private event use.”
While Anthony Hughes said: “We have formed a new community development trust for the town and will use the cinema as our first social enterprise to engage both film audiences and other community groups who will also benefit from the downstairs café and arts space.”
The cinema entrepreneurs said their site will be ‘truly independent’ and will show new blockbusters as well as themed-screenings and events.
Mr Hughes added: “It may seem like a difficult time to be taking on this sort of venture with many major releases being put back to next year, but we believe that we can meet the challenge.
“Many people really miss going to the cinema and can’t wait to get back to see films the way they were intended to be seen - on the big screen.
“With our strict social distancing procedures and meeting the guidelines of whatever the ‘new normal’ looks like when we open, we will offer a safe great quality experience for both film fanatics and general audiences across the region.”


birminghammail--2020-10-21--This Birmingham restaurant has been named among the best in the UK

Birmingham has a stunning independent food scene available for delivery - and one eatery has now been recognised as among the UK 's best .
Tiger Bites Pig has been voted the best restaurant in the city by local users of Deliveroo .
It is the only Brum independent restaurant to go through as finalists in this year 's UK Deliveroo Restaurant Awards .
The modern Japanese eatery has been nominated in the Best Newcomer category - along with five other restaurants from around the UK .
None of Brum 's other independents on Deliveroo were shortlisted for any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the awards .
Tiger Bites Pig opened on Stephenson Street in 2018 serving up bao buns ( steamed buns ) as well as rice bowls such as salt and pepper tofu and braised beef shin .
Post lockdown Tiger Bites Pig owners Neil McGougan and Ed Shawcross also started serving their acclaimed dishes at Caneat Cafe in Stirchley .
In a previous interview with BirminghamLive , Mr McGougan told us their expansion to Stirchley - enabled them to hit more residential areas for delivery , in a bid to survive during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all independents have to think on their feet more and be flexible now and if you look around many of us are rising to the challenge .
`` A lot of the big high street chains are struggling because it 's very difficult for them to change tack and switch around their working processes . ''
A Deliveroo spokeswoman said : `` Birmingham-based restaurant Tiger Bites Pig beat thousands of restaurants across the UK by customer votes to make the Best Newcomer category . ''
`` For each category , Deliveroo put together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on internal data around most popular restaurants and ordering patterns in the three months up to October 2020 .
`` Customers from all over the UK voted for their favourites in each category , or nominated a restaurant that did not feature on the longlist . ''
The Deliveroo Restaurant Awards were created to celebrate and recognise UK restaurants who have faced an extremely challenging year due to the impact of Covid-19 .
Tiger Bites Pig will battle it out with UK eateries including cafe chain Dishoom for the Best Newcomer award which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held on December 7 .
Other categories include Best Pizza , Best Burger , Best Chinese and Most Loved Chain .
Voting has opened for the public to decide the winners of each category and will close on Wednesday November 4 .

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Birmingham has a stunning independent food scene available for delivery - and one eatery has now been recognised as among the UK's best.
Tiger Bites Pig has been voted the best restaurant in the city by local users of Deliveroo.
It is the only Brum independent restaurant to go through as finalists in this year's UK Deliveroo Restaurant Awards.
The modern Japanese eatery has been nominated in the Best Newcomer category - along with five other restaurants from around the UK.
None of Brum's other independents on Deliveroo were shortlisted for any of the other 18 categories that make up the awards.
Tiger Bites Pig opened on Stephenson Street in 2018 serving up bao buns ( steamed buns) as well as rice bowls such as salt and pepper tofu and braised beef shin.
Post lockdown Tiger Bites Pig owners Neil McGougan and Ed Shawcross also started serving their acclaimed dishes at Caneat Cafe in Stirchley.
In a previous interview with BirminghamLive, Mr McGougan told us their expansion to Stirchley - enabled them to hit more residential areas for delivery, in a bid to survive during the pandemic.
He added: "I think all independents have to think on their feet more and be flexible now and if you look around many of us are rising to the challenge.
"A lot of the big high street chains are struggling because it's very difficult for them to change tack and switch around their working processes."
A Deliveroo spokeswoman said: "Birmingham-based restaurant Tiger Bites Pig beat thousands of restaurants across the UK by customer votes to make the Best Newcomer category."
"For each category, Deliveroo put together a longlist of 20 restaurants - based on internal data around most popular restaurants and ordering patterns in the three months up to October 2020.
"Customers from all over the UK voted for their favourites in each category, or nominated a restaurant that did not feature on the longlist."
The Deliveroo Restaurant Awards were created to celebrate and recognise UK restaurants who have faced an extremely challenging year due to the impact of Covid-19.
Tiger Bites Pig will battle it out with UK eateries including cafe chain Dishoom for the Best Newcomer award which will be announced during a virtual ceremony held on December 7.
Other categories include Best Pizza, Best Burger, Best Chinese and Most Loved Chain.
Voting has opened for the public to decide the winners of each category and will close on Wednesday November 4.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Leeds masterclass showed Dendoncker's true worth to Wolves & Nuno

A staggering statistic emerged from Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ win over Leeds United on Monday that needed double-checking .
Leander Dendoncker won 10 aerial duels at Elland Road , at least seven more than any other player on the pitch .
Some of these aerial triumphs came in the midfield battle , while Dendoncker is also goalkeeper Rui Patricio ’ s first port of call from a standard goal-kick .
But one big benefit of having Dendoncker in the starting XI is his ability to meet the ball on set pieces .
In this aspect , the 6ft 2in Belgian is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Dendoncker ’ s six goals last season arrived from set pieces - no Wolves player was as deadly when attacking corners and free-kicks .
He is also one of three key players on defensive set pieces who are left free to attack the ball , the others being Raul Jimenez and Willy Boly .
Aside from those three - who Nuno Espirito Santo deems to be his most capable players in the air - Wolves deploy a man-marking system .
Being one of those three players lined up in front of Patricio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expose Wolves with a clever corner to Jack Harrison on the edge of the box which was quickly clipped into Patrick Bamford to score in the sixth minute .
Fortunately , Dendoncker , Boly and Jimenez put hours of training ground drills into practice by rushing forward to catch Bamford in an offside position .
Stuff like this often goes unnoticed , but it takes ages to perfect .
But the notion that Dendoncker is only in this Wolves team to improve its aerial prowess is misleading .
He offers far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed seven minutes at Elland Road to show it .
Stuart Dallas took a throw-in for Leeds on the left side and found Harrison in space but the on-loan Manchester City winger had barely had chance to control the ball before Dendoncker was stomping towards him .
The Belgian pounced on a distinctly average second touch from Harrison and produced a tackle which ricocheted off the Leeds man and out for a Wolves throw-in .
Within the space of 15 seconds Dendoncker had turned a comfortable Leeds possession into a Wolves attack in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball three times against Leeds , on five occasions against Fulham and six in the opening day win over Sheffield United .
It 's perhaps no coincidence that Wolves have won all three of Dendoncker 's starts in the Premier League this season , with clean sheets to boot .
Dendoncker has n't always been a guaranteed starter under Nuno , with Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho more often than not preferred in a midfield two .
That seems to have changed though and Wolves fare better with the 25-year-old in the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his preferred midfield position in February Wolves have won eight of the 12 Premier League games he has started , in comparison to two of the seven where he 's been on the bench .
He is now a regular in the number one ranked nation 's midfield having won 10 caps and there are very few flaws in his game .
One criticism which has been levelled at him is his use of the ball and this is where Neves and Moutinho have a slight edge .
In his three Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passes and completed 84 at a success rate of 85.7 per cent .
From the same number of starts Neves has completed 185 of 209 passes for 88.5 per cent , while Moutinho ( from four starts ) has managed 155 of 171 at a completion rate of 90.6 per cent .
If Wolves are to become more adept in possession , which is something Nuno desires in the long-term , Dendoncker will have to improve in that department .
But everything else points towards a player who is absolutely crucial to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait almost five months for his first Premier League start is fast becoming indispensable .

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A staggering statistic emerged from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ win over Leeds United on Monday that needed double-checking.
Leander Dendoncker won 10 aerial duels at Elland Road, at least seven more than any other player on the pitch.
Some of these aerial triumphs came in the midfield battle, while Dendoncker is also goalkeeper Rui Patricio’s first port of call from a standard goal-kick.
But one big benefit of having Dendoncker in the starting XI is his ability to meet the ball on set pieces. In this aspect, the 6ft 2in Belgian is unrivalled by his Wolves teammates.
Four of Dendoncker’s six goals last season arrived from set pieces - no Wolves player was as deadly when attacking corners and free-kicks.
He is also one of three key players on defensive set pieces who are left free to attack the ball, the others being Raul Jimenez and Willy Boly.
Aside from those three - who Nuno Espirito Santo deems to be his most capable players in the air - Wolves deploy a man-marking system.
Being one of those three players lined up in front of Patricio comes with its dangers. Leeds attempted to expose Wolves with a clever corner to Jack Harrison on the edge of the box which was quickly clipped into Patrick Bamford to score in the sixth minute.
Fortunately, Dendoncker, Boly and Jimenez put hours of training ground drills into practice by rushing forward to catch Bamford in an offside position. Stuff like this often goes unnoticed, but it takes ages to perfect.
But the notion that Dendoncker is only in this Wolves team to improve its aerial prowess is misleading. He offers far more to this Wolves side and he only needed seven minutes at Elland Road to show it.
Stuart Dallas took a throw-in for Leeds on the left side and found Harrison in space but the on-loan Manchester City winger had barely had chance to control the ball before Dendoncker was stomping towards him.
The Belgian pounced on a distinctly average second touch from Harrison and produced a tackle which ricocheted off the Leeds man and out for a Wolves throw-in. Within the space of 15 seconds Dendoncker had turned a comfortable Leeds possession into a Wolves attack in their final third.
He recovered the ball three times against Leeds, on five occasions against Fulham and six in the opening day win over Sheffield United. It's perhaps no coincidence that Wolves have won all three of Dendoncker's starts in the Premier League this season, with clean sheets to boot.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Dendoncker hasn't always been a guaranteed starter under Nuno, with Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho more often than not preferred in a midfield two. That seems to have changed though and Wolves fare better with the 25-year-old in the starting XI.
Since Dendoncker was restored to his preferred midfield position in February Wolves have won eight of the 12 Premier League games he has started, in comparison to two of the seven where he's been on the bench.
He is now a regular in the number one ranked nation's midfield having won 10 caps and there are very few flaws in his game.
One criticism which has been levelled at him is his use of the ball and this is where Neves and Moutinho have a slight edge.
In his three Premier League starts this season Dendoncker has attempted 98 passes and completed 84 at a success rate of 85.7 per cent. From the same number of starts Neves has completed 185 of 209 passes for 88.5 per cent, while Moutinho (from four starts) has managed 155 of 171 at a completion rate of 90.6 per cent.
If Wolves are to become more adept in possession, which is something Nuno desires in the long-term, Dendoncker will have to improve in that department.
But everything else points towards a player who is absolutely crucial to this team. The man who had to wait almost five months for his first Premier League start is fast becoming indispensable.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--New series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins 'in chaos' after three stars quit

The new series of SAS : Who Dares Wins has been plunged into chaos just days after filming began .
It 's been reported that three celebrities have already quit the tough show .
The Mirror reports how just a few days into filming the new series , two celebrities had to pull out due to injury , whilst a third threw in the towel after struggling with the tasks .
Among the famous faces taking part in the Channel 4 show are TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson , X Factor stars Jake Quickenden and Alexandra Burke , I 'm A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Cracknell , ex-footballer Kieron Dyer and Loose Women ’ s Saira Khan , This year 's series is being produced as part of the Stand Up For Cancer initiative and sees the celebrities take on gruelling SAS training under the strict eye of former soldiers .
An insider has told The Mirror how Ulrika Jonsson , aged 53 , has quit and left the show after aggravating a back problem .
She was followed by former I 'm A Celebrity Queen of the Jungle Vicky Pattison , 32 .
And X Factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the set in Scotland to fly to London to see a specialist surgeon after suffering a serious injury .
The insider told the publication : “ SAS is notoriously the hardest show on telly and it pushes the celebs to their limits .
“ Ulrika was so keen but not long after it started she had a meltdown and quit .
She ’ s had a back issue and it was evident she wasn ’ t cut out for the tasks .
“ Vicky also handed in the towel not long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left , it turned into chaos as Jake pulled up in agony .
`` It ’ s believed he could have torn a bicep .
Everyone hopes he ’ ll return but it depends if he ’ ll recover in time .
It ’ s not great losing people but it proves how hard it is .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Brinsford, Jane Tyler)

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The new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins has been plunged into chaos just days after filming began.
It's been reported that three celebrities have already quit the tough show.
The Mirror reports how just a few days into filming the new series, two celebrities had to pull out due to injury, whilst a third threw in the towel after struggling with the tasks.
(Image: Getty Images)
Among the famous faces taking part in the Channel 4 show are TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson, X Factor stars Jake Quickenden and Alexandra Burke, I'm A Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison, Olympic rower James Cracknell, ex-footballer Kieron Dyer and Loose Women’s Saira Khan,
This year's series is being produced as part of the Stand Up For Cancer initiative and sees the celebrities take on gruelling SAS training under the strict eye of former soldiers.
An insider has told The Mirror how Ulrika Jonsson, aged 53, has quit and left the show after aggravating a back problem.
She was followed by former I'm A Celebrity Queen of the Jungle Vicky Pattison, 32.
And X Factor star Jake Quickenden, 32, had to leave the set in Scotland to fly to London to see a specialist surgeon after suffering a serious injury.
The insider told the publication: “SAS is notoriously the hardest show on telly and it pushes the celebs to their limits.
“Ulrika was so keen but not long after it started she had a meltdown and quit. She’s had a back issue and it was evident she wasn’t cut out for the tasks.
“Vicky also handed in the towel not long in. On the same day she left, it turned into chaos as Jake pulled up in agony.
"It’s believed he could have torn a bicep. Everyone hopes he’ll return but it depends if he’ll recover in time. It’s not great losing people but it proves how hard it is.”


birminghammail--2020-10-21--What really prompted Aston Villa's iconic Acorns gesture

Aston Villa will forever be celebrated as the first Premier League club to donate their lucrative shirt sponsorship to a brilliant charitable cause .
It 's 10 years now since Villa 's pioneering gesture to have Acorns emblazoned across the chests of their jerseys ended .
Back then Randy Lerner wowed the footballing world by sacrificing a bumper payday for the club to promote the children 's hospices .
The charity deal , which ran from 2008 to 2010 , earned Villa kudos from the claret and blue faithful and from football fans across the globe .
But how did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was it ?
Well , former Villa CEO Paul Faulkner , who was Lerner 's right hand man at the time , has finally revealed the inspiration behind it .
Watch our exclusive interview with Paul Faulkner in full here During an exclusive chat with our Claret & Blue podcast , Faulkner explained who suggested it .
He takes up the story here : '' Acorns still is an amazing charity , they 've got brilliant people working there .
The links I 've had with Acorns going right back to those early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we try to do all we can to support them .
`` Villa 's head of community at the time was a guy called Duncan Riddle , whose now living out in Chicago and involved in soccer in the States - football to us !
`` Duncan did work with Acorns .
Randy was in Birmingham and wanted to get out to see some of the community projects and people that we worked with at the club.
`` `` We went over to the hospice in Selly Oak .
The chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Strudley who 's a pretty special guy .
We spent an hour or so with him and it really made an impression .
`` It 's an incredible place .
It 's a hospice so it 's not somewhere where you get great outcomes because it 's dealing with terminally ill children .
`` But you go and walk around there and there 's something magic and very special about the place and the people .
It really made an impression .
`` Randy had obviously spoke to his family about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` How the idea actually happened was ... we were out seeking a shirt sponsor for the year and as always you 've got tonnes of different discussions going on .
`` Normally there 's a number that you think it 's worth and people do n't want to pay it , they want to pay a bit less and you 've got to work out what do we do ?
`` You 've got pressures from the kit manufacturers - they want to get the logos on .
Randy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he was on the phone and I was at the desk opposite it and you 're hearing half a conversation .
`` I think she 'd suggested why do n't you put the logo of that children 's hospice you 've been talking about on there .
`` It was almost like a lightbulb moment .
He got off the phone , filled me in and said let 's look to do that .
Then I spoke to David at Acorns and I spoke to Duncan at the club and it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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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Google Play Store and App Store What a gesture that is '' It was a brilliant thing to do .
It was great working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It just felt very natural .
`` So yeah it was a case of foregoing commercial income which probably would have been about 3 million pounds , which probably would have been the market rate at the time .
`` But if you could n't get the right brand you wanted , or the industry sector , or the right price then to do it and go with Acorns , what a gesture that is from Randy and his family .
`` To try and make a positive difference and perhaps change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching football maybe think about this .
`` It 's been done elsewhere subsequently , but yeah , it was pretty special to be involved in that the first time it was done in this country . ''

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Aston Villa will forever be celebrated as the first Premier League club to donate their lucrative shirt sponsorship to a brilliant charitable cause.
It's 10 years now since Villa's pioneering gesture to have Acorns emblazoned across the chests of their jerseys ended.
Back then Randy Lerner wowed the footballing world by sacrificing a bumper payday for the club to promote the children's hospices.
The charity deal, which ran from 2008 to 2010, earned Villa kudos from the claret and blue faithful and from football fans across the globe.
But how did the link-up come about and whose idea was it?
Well, former Villa CEO Paul Faulkner, who was Lerner's right hand man at the time, has finally revealed the inspiration behind it.
Watch our exclusive interview with Paul Faulkner in full here
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
During an exclusive chat with our Claret & Blue podcast, Faulkner explained who suggested it. He takes up the story here:
Randy was in Birmingham
"Acorns still is an amazing charity, they've got brilliant people working there. The links I've had with Acorns going right back to those early days at Villa mean so so much and we try to do all we can to support them.
"Villa's head of community at the time was a guy called Duncan Riddle, whose now living out in Chicago and involved in soccer in the States - football to us!
"Duncan did work with Acorns. Randy was in Birmingham and wanted to get out to see some of the community projects and people that we worked with at the club. "
There's something magic
"We went over to the hospice in Selly Oak. The chief executive at the time was a guy called David Strudley who's a pretty special guy. We spent an hour or so with him and it really made an impression.
"It's an incredible place. It's a hospice so it's not somewhere where you get great outcomes because it's dealing with terminally ill children.
"But you go and walk around there and there's something magic and very special about the place and the people. It really made an impression.
"Randy had obviously spoke to his family about it and told them about this incredible experience."
Like a lightbulb moment
"How the idea actually happened was... we were out seeking a shirt sponsor for the year and as always you've got tonnes of different discussions going on.
"Normally there's a number that you think it's worth and people don't want to pay it, they want to pay a bit less and you've got to work out what do we do?
"You've got pressures from the kit manufacturers - they want to get the logos on. Randy was updating his sister. I remember it because he was on the phone and I was at the desk opposite it and you're hearing half a conversation.
"I think she'd suggested why don't you put the logo of that children's hospice you've been talking about on there.
"It was almost like a lightbulb moment. He got off the phone, filled me in and said let's look to do that. Then I spoke to David at Acorns and I spoke to Duncan at the club and it all moved very quickly."
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
What a gesture that is
"It was a brilliant thing to do. It was great working with Acorns and giving them that profile. It just felt very natural.
"So yeah it was a case of foregoing commercial income which probably would have been about 3 million pounds, which probably would have been the market rate at the time.
"But if you couldn't get the right brand you wanted, or the industry sector, or the right price then to do it and go with Acorns, what a gesture that is from Randy and his family.
"To try and make a positive difference and perhaps change the ways in which others who are watching football maybe think about this.
"It's been done elsewhere subsequently, but yeah, it was pretty special to be involved in that the first time it was done in this country."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--'The difference' - Tom Ross on what Aston Villa are getting right this season

Well done to Aston Villa on their excellent start to the season .
For me , the biggest difference is in recruitment .
In recent years it has been shocking and has seen multi-millions of pounds wasted .
Now , with a new sporting director , Johan Lange , and head of recruitment , Rob McKenzie , it has been top class .
However , allowing head coach Dean Smith a major say in who comes in and who leaves has also made a massive difference .
It is far too early for anyone to get carried away with just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans must be absolutely delighted with the 100 per cent record and second place in the Premier League table .
Interestingly , I was looking at the top-flight tables from the 70 ’ s and this area had Villa , Birmingham City , West Bromwich Albion , Wolves and Coventry City all competing at the highest level , while Forest , Derby , Stoke and Leicester were also in the division .
Now it ’ s just Villa , the Baggies , Wolves and Leicester .
I wonder how long before all nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top flight at the same time ?
Don ’ t hold your breath .

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Well done to Aston Villa on their excellent start to the season.
For me, the biggest difference is in recruitment.
In recent years it has been shocking and has seen multi-millions of pounds wasted.
Now, with a new sporting director, Johan Lange, and head of recruitment, Rob McKenzie, it has been top class.
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However, allowing head coach Dean Smith a major say in who comes in and who leaves has also made a massive difference.
It is far too early for anyone to get carried away with just four games gone, however, all fans must be absolutely delighted with the 100 per cent record and second place in the Premier League table.
Interestingly, I was looking at the top-flight tables from the 70’s and this area had Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Coventry City all competing at the highest level, while Forest, Derby, Stoke and Leicester were also in the division.
What a time for Midlands football!
Now it’s just Villa, the Baggies, Wolves and Leicester.
I wonder how long before all nine teams are once again competing in the top flight at the same time? Don’t hold your breath.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Dean Smith reveals Bielsa message & lavishes praise on Leeds

Dean Smith has revealed how he sent Marcelo Bielsa a complimentary text message after the legendary Argentinian boss guided Leeds United to promotion back in July .
The 65-year-old has been heralded for his fast and frenetic football philosophy and guided Leeds to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years at a canter with the Yorkshire side clinching the Championship title by 10 points last term .
Smith , meanwhile , will pit his wits against Bielsa on Friday night as the two early-season entertainers go at it under the lights at Villa Park .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him of what he 's done and what his team 's done , '' Smith said .
`` They came close in his first season and won the league last year with excellent football .
`` I 've got nothing but respect for him and his team and I sent him a congratulatory message when he got promoted .
I 've played against them three times in the Championship - once at Brentford and twice with Villa - and all three were really entertaining and competitive games .
`` I think that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved players at that football club and he 's rightly getting the plaudits for that as well . ''
Smith also praised Leeds by labelling them `` the fittest team in the Premier League '' and says his Villa side must match their work-rate on Friday .
`` I 've seen all five of their games and they 're very competitive , '' added Smith .
`` They will win more games than they 'll lose this season , that 's for sure .
`` I do n't see them being in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
They 're the fittest team in the league .
Every team that 's played against them so far has got their top ( running ) numbers during that game .
There 's a certain work ethic in that team and quality as well .
`` They 're front-foot , they play at high-tempo as we saw against Wolves the other night and the first 30 minutes Wolves could n't get the ball off them .
`` I expect them to be on the front-foot and to start off with a higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against us and we tweaked things .
It came more tactical after that .
`` We have to go and match ( Leeds ) .
We have to take our game to them and we 'll look to do that on Friday . ''

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Dean Smith has revealed how he sent Marcelo Bielsa a complimentary text message after the legendary Argentinian boss guided Leeds United to promotion back in July.
The 65-year-old has been heralded for his fast and frenetic football philosophy and guided Leeds to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years at a canter with the Yorkshire side clinching the Championship title by 10 points last term.
Smith, meanwhile, will pit his wits against Bielsa on Friday night as the two early-season entertainers go at it under the lights at Villa Park.
"I've got total admiration and respect for him of what he's done and what his team's done," Smith said. "They came close in his first season and won the league last year with excellent football.
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"I've got nothing but respect for him and his team and I sent him a congratulatory message when he got promoted. I've played against them three times in the Championship - once at Brentford and twice with Villa - and all three were really entertaining and competitive games.
"I think that's what everybody wants to see, his improved players at that football club and he's rightly getting the plaudits for that as well."
Smith also praised Leeds by labelling them "the fittest team in the Premier League" and says his Villa side must match their work-rate on Friday.
"I've seen all five of their games and they're very competitive," added Smith. "They will win more games than they'll lose this season, that's for sure.
"I don't see them being in a relegation scrap at the end of the season. They're the fittest team in the league. Every team that's played against them so far has got their top (running) numbers during that game. There's a certain work ethic in that team and quality as well.
"They're front-foot, they play at high-tempo as we saw against Wolves the other night and the first 30 minutes Wolves couldn't get the ball off them.
"I expect them to be on the front-foot and to start off with a higher energy as well. Leicester did that against us and we tweaked things. It came more tactical after that.
"We have to go and match (Leeds). We have to take our game to them and we'll look to do that on Friday."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Birmingham would be better off with tougher 'tier 3' lockdown rules

Birmingham 's businesses and workers would be better off the the region was placed under tougher lockdown restrictions , according to a city MP .
Shabana Mahmood , MP for Ladywood , said the city would receive more financial support if it was moved up to the `` tier three '' level like Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region .
This would mean pubs , restaurants and other venues were forced to close - but also that more government funding would be made available .
She said : `` It is nonsensical that you end up wishing you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Bimingham , Sandwell , Solihull , Wolverhampton and Walsall are currently in tier two , which means that venues are allowed to remain open but visitors are only allowed to soclialise with people from the same household .
The same rules are also to be introduced in Coventry .
The tough rules governing venues have led to a dramatic drop in custom , and could drive some out of business .
But some government funding for businesses and staff is only available in areas with tier three restrictions - the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered to close .
Ms Mahmood said : `` Birmingham is in the worst of all words because your business base has been decminated but you are n't forced to close , so you do n't get support . ''
She also backed calls from the Labour leadership for the Government to increase the funding going to staff in closed businesses .
Under Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's new Job Support Scheme , if an employer is directly ordered to close then staff might receive 67 % of their usual wages , paid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the employer .
But this is lower than the sum previously paid through the furlough scheme , due to end on October 31 , in which staff got 80 % of their normal wage .
She said : `` Nothing that the government has done so far , particularly for an area like mine that is in teir 2 restrictions , is going to go far enough to protect jobs , livelihoods and businesses , that will be absolutely critical to how we recover the economy . ''
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funding that would be given to the region if it moved up to tier three , the toughest level of local lockdown , although he said there are currently no plans to do this .
Although coronavirus levels have been falling in the region , they remain high .
This would force venues to close , but they would also get more money .
Mr Street has already had a preliminary talk with Health Secretary Matt Hancock but hopes to seek agreement with local council leaders in the region about the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central government .
Mr Street said on a statement : `` As it stands , there are NO plans for any of the West Midlands to move into Tier Three of Coronavirus restrictions , and this is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible to help protect people 's lives and livelihoods .
`` However , our case numbers are rising - albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks then naturally we will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether a move into the 'very high ' level of restrictions is appropriate .
`` Clearly any move into Tier 3 - the current highest level of restrictions - will require significant financial support and I will be lobbying vociferously for this .
I would hope to do this alongside local authority leaders on a cross party basis , as has been the way throughout the pandemic .
`` What I will not accept is a public , drawn-out , negotiation with Government over what support is required .
If it gets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tier Three , then we would have a serious public health situation on our hands .
A response to that could not be delayed .
`` My aim therefore is to agree our support measures , alongside all local authority leaders , well in advance of any move into Tier Three .
This would allow us to support and protect businesses and people 's livelihoods , whilst also not risking any delay in implementing stricter measures to protect people 's lives . ''

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Birmingham's businesses and workers would be better off the the region was placed under tougher lockdown restrictions, according to a city MP.
Shabana Mahmood, MP for Ladywood, said the city would receive more financial support if it was moved up to the "tier three" level like Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.
This would mean pubs, restaurants and other venues were forced to close - but also that more government funding would be made available. She said: "It is nonsensical that you end up wishing you were in tier three just to get support."
Bimingham, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall are currently in tier two, which means that venues are allowed to remain open but visitors are only allowed to soclialise with people from the same household. The same rules are also to be introduced in Coventry.
The tough rules governing venues have led to a dramatic drop in custom, and could drive some out of business. But some government funding for businesses and staff is only available in areas with tier three restrictions - the highest level - where firms have been directly ordered to close.
Ms Mahmood said: "Birmingham is in the worst of all words because your business base has been decminated but you aren't forced to close, so you don't get support."
She also backed calls from the Labour leadership for the Government to increase the funding going to staff in closed businesses. Under Chancellor Rishi Sunak's new Job Support Scheme, if an employer is directly ordered to close then staff might receive 67% of their usual wages, paid for partly by the government and partly by the employer.
But this is lower than the sum previously paid through the furlough scheme, due to end on October 31, in which staff got 80% of their normal wage.
She said: "Nothing that the government has done so far, particularly for an area like mine that is in teir 2 restrictions, is going to go far enough to protect jobs, livelihoods and businesses, that will be absolutely critical to how we recover the economy."
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is in talks with the Government about the funding that would be given to the region if it moved up to tier three, the toughest level of local lockdown, although he said there are currently no plans to do this. Although coronavirus levels have been falling in the region, they remain high.
This would force venues to close, but they would also get more money.
Mr Street has already had a preliminary talk with Health Secretary Matt Hancock but hopes to seek agreement with local council leaders in the region about the support required before beginning any detailed negotiations with central government.
Mr Street said on a statement: "As it stands, there are NO plans for any of the West Midlands to move into Tier Three of Coronavirus restrictions, and this is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible to help protect people's lives and livelihoods.
"However, our case numbers are rising - albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks then naturally we will have to begin the dialogue with Government about whether a move into the 'very high' level of restrictions is appropriate.
"Clearly any move into Tier 3 - the current highest level of restrictions - will require significant financial support and I will be lobbying vociferously for this. I would hope to do this alongside local authority leaders on a cross party basis, as has been the way throughout the pandemic.
"What I will not accept is a public, drawn-out, negotiation with Government over what support is required. If it gets to the stage that we need to move to Tier Three, then we would have a serious public health situation on our hands. A response to that could not be delayed.
"My aim therefore is to agree our support measures, alongside all local authority leaders, well in advance of any move into Tier Three. This would allow us to support and protect businesses and people's livelihoods, whilst also not risking any delay in implementing stricter measures to protect people's lives."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Foundry workers in Walsall set to protest over 'pay cuts'

Workers at a Walsall foundry will be staging a protest outside the gates of the firm over claims they are being forced into pay cuts .
Unite union said their members from Chamberlin and Hill will be up to £200 a week worse off due to changes to terms and conditions being imposed on the workforce .
As a result , they said a social distanced demonstration will take place outside the foundry in Chuckery Road on Thursday ( October 22 ) evening .
Union representatives said they had put forward counter proposals that could have achieved the same level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials said they were also now preparing to hold an industrial action ballot in opposition to the company 's actions .
The union is also calling for more Government support for the manufacturing companies such as Chamberlin and Hill , which produces castings for the automotive industry .
Unite regional officer Caroline Crolley said : “ Chamberlin and Hill is forcing its workforce into poverty as a result of instigating huge pay cuts .
“ This demonstration will show the company just how upset and angry workers are as they will simply be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As a result Unite has no option but to move to a full industrial action ballot .
`` While the actions of Chamberlin and Hill are totally unacceptable it must not be forgotten that many sections of the manufacturing sector have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic .
`` Unless the government provides far more direct financial support to the manufacturing sector then further huge job losses and attacks on workers ’ pay and conditions are inevitable . ''
Unite has also launched its 'SOS for Jobs ' campaign calling for Whitehall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of help to the manufacturing sector during Covid .
Unite regional secretary for the West Midlands Annmarie Kilcline said : “ This demonstration and Unite ’ s SOS for Jobs campaign establishes how Unite is totally committed to protecting jobs and not allowing workers to be sold out.
” Chamberlin and Hill have been contacted for comment .

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Workers at a Walsall foundry will be staging a protest outside the gates of the firm over claims they are being forced into pay cuts.
Unite union said their members from Chamberlin and Hill will be up to £200 a week worse off due to changes to terms and conditions being imposed on the workforce.
As a result, they said a social distanced demonstration will take place outside the foundry in Chuckery Road on Thursday (October 22) evening.
Union representatives said they had put forward counter proposals that could have achieved the same level of savings but these were rejected.
Officials said they were also now preparing to hold an industrial action ballot in opposition to the company's actions.
The union is also calling for more Government support for the manufacturing companies such as Chamberlin and Hill, which produces castings for the automotive industry.
Unite regional officer Caroline Crolley said: “Chamberlin and Hill is forcing its workforce into poverty as a result of instigating huge pay cuts.
“This demonstration will show the company just how upset and angry workers are as they will simply be not able to make ends meet.
"As a result Unite has no option but to move to a full industrial action ballot.
"While the actions of Chamberlin and Hill are totally unacceptable it must not be forgotten that many sections of the manufacturing sector have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Unless the government provides far more direct financial support to the manufacturing sector then further huge job losses and attacks on workers’ pay and conditions are inevitable."
Unite has also launched its 'SOS for Jobs' campaign calling for Whitehall to mirror European nations and increase the level of help to the manufacturing sector during Covid.
Unite regional secretary for the West Midlands Annmarie Kilcline said: “This demonstration and Unite’s SOS for Jobs campaign establishes how Unite is totally committed to protecting jobs and not allowing workers to be sold out.”
Chamberlin and Hill have been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Schoolboy, 13, arrested over stabbing is bailed

A boy of 13 who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing has been released by police on conditional bail .
The schoolboy was held after a man in his 60s suffered serious injuries in Chapel Walk , Kings Norton , on October 16 .
It led to officers sealing off the scene , and nearby Wharf Road , for a number of hours while an investigation was launhced .
The victim remained in a `` critical but stable '' condition in hospital , West Midlands Police confirmed .
A police spokesperson told BirminghamLive : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with conditions .
The man is still critical but stable . ''
Police believe the cyclist was robbed of his Specialized Crosstrail Elite Disc 2016 model bike after being attacked by two people at around 1.50pm .
The attackers were later seen leaving the area in the direction of Brandwood Park .
Det Insp Al Teague , from Force CID , said the incident happened in broad daylight and officers were keen to hear from anyone with information who could help their inquiry .
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoting log 2383 of October 15 .

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A boy of 13 who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing has been released by police on conditional bail.
The schoolboy was held after a man in his 60s suffered serious injuries in Chapel Walk, Kings Norton, on October 16.
It led to officers sealing off the scene, and nearby Wharf Road, for a number of hours while an investigation was launhced.
The victim remained in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital, West Midlands Police confirmed.
A police spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "The 13-year-old boy has been released on bail with conditions. The man is still critical but stable."
Police believe the cyclist was robbed of his Specialized Crosstrail Elite Disc 2016 model bike after being attacked by two people at around 1.50pm.
The attackers were later seen leaving the area in the direction of Brandwood Park.
Det Insp Al Teague, from Force CID, said the incident happened in broad daylight and officers were keen to hear from anyone with information who could help their inquiry.
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat, or by calling 101, and quoting log 2383 of October 15.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Gogglebox star leaves fans 'depressed' with controversial Instagram post

A Gogglebox star has left fans furiously divided - after getting into the Christmas spirit in October .
We are still two months away from the big day on December 25 .
But that has not stopped Sophie , one half of the Gogglebox sibling pair Pete and Sophie .
Sophie , from Blackpool , has been pictured as she beamed next to a gigantic Christmas tree made up entirely of shiny red baubles .
But not everybody is happy with the picture .
Some fans have hit out at Sophie for celebrating the festive season early .
`` ITS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penned , alongside a Santa emoji .
She and Pete are two of the best-loved stars on the Channel 4 show , which airs each Friday at 9pm .
`` Stop !
Halloween first please lovely , then jingle all the way after that , '' one replied .
`` Gosh.. How depressing !
!
! ''
another chipped in with .
Other stars of the popular show who are prominent on social media include the Siddiqui clan , from Derbyshire , in the East Midlands , and Jenny and Lee , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester , and the Michael family , from Brighton , are also regular cast members , as are the likes of Ellie and Izzy and Giles and Mary .
Gogglebox returns this Friday at 9pm on Channel 4 .
Episodes of the show are airing on All 4 , the streaming platform , right now too .
Britain 's sharpest armchair critics share more of their sharp , insightful , passionate and sometimes emotional critiques of the week 's biggest and best shows on television .

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A Gogglebox star has left fans furiously divided - after getting into the Christmas spirit in October.
We are still two months away from the big day on December 25.
But that has not stopped Sophie, one half of the Gogglebox sibling pair Pete and Sophie.
Sophie, from Blackpool, has been pictured as she beamed next to a gigantic Christmas tree made up entirely of shiny red baubles.
But not everybody is happy with the picture.
Some fans have hit out at Sophie for celebrating the festive season early.
"ITS CHRISTMASSSSSSSS (soon)," she penned, alongside a Santa emoji.
Sophie, 24, shared the image on Instagram.
She and Pete are two of the best-loved stars on the Channel 4 show, which airs each Friday at 9pm.
"Stop! Halloween first please lovely, then jingle all the way after that," one replied.
"Gosh.. How depressing!!!" another chipped in with.
Other stars of the popular show who are prominent on social media include the Siddiqui clan, from Derbyshire, in the East Midlands, and Jenny and Lee, from Hull.
The Malone family, from Manchester, and the Michael family, from Brighton, are also regular cast members, as are the likes of Ellie and Izzy and Giles and Mary.
Gogglebox returns this Friday at 9pm on Channel 4. Episodes of the show are airing on All 4, the streaming platform, right now too.
Britain's sharpest armchair critics share more of their sharp, insightful, passionate and sometimes emotional critiques of the week's biggest and best shows on television.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Leeds United fans react as Kalvin Phillips replacement for Aston Villa confirmed

Leeds United fans have been reacting to Marcelo Bielsa 's injury update on Kalvin Phillips and his replacement .
England international Phillips has been ruled out of Friday night 's Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Leeds at Villa Park ( 8pm ) .
Phillips injured his shoulder in Monday night 's 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers but does not need surgery on the injury .
While Leeds ' website said that Phillips could face as long as six weeks out , Bielsa moved to dismiss that and said he does n't have a timescale for the one-time Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips definitely out of Friday 's game , that has presented Bielsa with a problem as to who fills in at defensive midfield .
Bielsa confirmed earlier today that Pascal Struijk , who has only made four League starts for Leeds , will play in Phillips ' absence .
The Netherlands Under-17 international played against Wolves at centre-back last time out and is set to make the move further up the pitch to midfield .
`` I did n't have the definitive amount of time that Phillips was going to be out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that the information is incorrect .
`` It 's not defined how long he will be out for .
It could be more or it could be less .
The one who will play in his place will be Pascal . ''
It has generated quite the conversation on social media with Leeds fans weighing in with their thoughts on the big call .
`` If I 'm right , the last time Struijk played in Phillips ' position he did n't do a bad job , '' one fan said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to have six-plus Premier League starts by the end of November ! ''
another said .
A third fan added : `` Massive relief if Struijk is fit after all , it makes missing Kalvin considerably less daunting . ''
`` I think we will be fine with Stuijk in that holding role , '' a fourth fan said .
`` Why all this panic about Stuijk taking Phillips ' place ? ''
a fifth added .

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Leeds United fans have been reacting to Marcelo Bielsa's injury update on Kalvin Phillips and his replacement.
England international Phillips has been ruled out of Friday night's Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Leeds at Villa Park (8pm).
Phillips injured his shoulder in Monday night's 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers but does not need surgery on the injury.
While Leeds' website said that Phillips could face as long as six weeks out, Bielsa moved to dismiss that and said he doesn't have a timescale for the one-time Villa transfer target''s return.
With Phillips definitely out of Friday's game, that has presented Bielsa with a problem as to who fills in at defensive midfield.
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Bielsa confirmed earlier today that Pascal Struijk, who has only made four League starts for Leeds, will play in Phillips' absence.
The Netherlands Under-17 international played against Wolves at centre-back last time out and is set to make the move further up the pitch to midfield.
"I didn't have the definitive amount of time that Phillips was going to be out for," Bielsa said. "I understand that the information is incorrect.
"It's not defined how long he will be out for. It could be more or it could be less. The one who will play in his place will be Pascal."
It has generated quite the conversation on social media with Leeds fans weighing in with their thoughts on the big call.
"If I'm right, the last time Struijk played in Phillips' position he didn't do a bad job," one fan said.
"I bet Struijk didn’t expect to have six-plus Premier League starts by the end of November!" another said.
A third fan added: "Massive relief if Struijk is fit after all, it makes missing Kalvin considerably less daunting."
"I think we will be fine with Stuijk in that holding role," a fourth fan said.
"Why all this panic about Stuijk taking Phillips' place?" a fifth added.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--New walk-through coronavirus test centre opens in Dudley

A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments at the Zone 2 Long Stay Car Park , Oakeywell Street , in Dudley .
The opening is a part of the government ’ s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities .
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature , a new , continuous cough , or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste .
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From the start of the pandemic , testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable , including patients in clinical settings and care home residents , vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks .
The new site is situated so as to be easily accessible without a car .
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures , including social distancing , not travelling by taxi or public transport , practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout , including while travelling to and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely , with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities .
Testing at the new site will start today , on Wednesday , 21 October , with appointments made available each day .
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history , which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK , including 78 drive-through sites , 208 walk-through sites , 258 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its and five mega laboratories .
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts .
This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with , protecting others from further transmission .
Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace , asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus .
They will be advised to also book a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Bethell said : “ We continue to expand testing to make sure that everyone with symptoms can get a test , with our new walk-in sites making it even easier no matter where you live .
“ This new site forms part of our national testing network , which has the capacity to test more than a million people a week and is growing all the time .
“ If you have symptoms of coronavirus , I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others around you and stop the spread of the virus.
” Baroness Dido Harding , Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection , said : “ Our new walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing , so everyone with symptoms can get a test .
This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand testing across the UK to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October .
“ Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms : a new continuous cough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or change in sense of smell or taste .
“ Everybody should continue to think hands , face , space , and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted – this is the only way we can return to a more normal way of life.
” The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco and will offer self-administered tests .
Kevin Craven , Serco CEO for UK and Europe said : “ We are pleased to be supporting the Government and the NHS in setting up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudley , as well as the testing centres we are already operating .
“ I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues who have worked extremely fast and professionally , and with the other organisations involved , to set up these centres having deployed from other roles within Serco .
I know that they are proud to be doing their part in helping the country tackle coronavirus ”

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A new walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open for those with symptoms to book appointments at the Zone 2 Long Stay Car Park, Oakeywell Street, in Dudley.
The opening is a part of the government’s UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
From the start of the pandemic, testing has been prioritised for the most vulnerable, including patients in clinical settings and care home residents, vital health and care staff and to manage outbreaks.
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The new site is situated so as to be easily accessible without a car.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.
Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through testing site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
(Image: PA)
Testing at the new site will start today, on Wednesday, 21 October, with appointments made available each day.
The site is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history, which now includes more than 500 sites available across the UK, including 78 drive-through sites, 208 walk-through sites, 258 mobile units, home testing and satellite its and five mega laboratories.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
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Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “We continue to expand testing to make sure that everyone with symptoms can get a test, with our new walk-in sites making it even easier no matter where you live.
“This new site forms part of our national testing network, which has the capacity to test more than a million people a week and is growing all the time.
“If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted to protect others around you and stop the spread of the virus.”
Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Our new walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand testing across the UK to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October.
“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste.
“Everybody should continue to think hands, face, space, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace if you are contacted – this is the only way we can return to a more normal way of life.”
The testing centre is being operated in partnership with Serco and will offer self-administered tests.
Kevin Craven, Serco CEO for UK and Europe said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Government and the NHS in setting up and managing the new testing centre in Dudley, as well as the testing centres we are already operating.
“I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues who have worked extremely fast and professionally, and with the other organisations involved, to set up these centres having deployed from other roles within Serco. I know that they are proud to be doing their part in helping the country tackle coronavirus”


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Aldi releases a wine and prosecco advent calendar - and they look amazing

With the terrible year that is 2020 , many of us are really looking forward to Christmas .
However , depending on how the spread of the coronavirus continues , it may become worse if we 're not able to see our families .
But with the festive season coming very soon , you might be eyeing up a calendar that will help you drink the depressing year away .
Well , Aldi is releasing a wine and prosecco advent calender with plenty of alcohol for you to enjoy .
And it wo n't break the bank .
The previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and now the budget supermarket has brought it back for 2020 .
The supermarket is selling a Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar , and a wine advent too , reports LeicestershireLive .
The Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar ( £59.99 ) has 24 , 200ml bottles of traditional prosecco , Italian Rosé and sparking Pinot Grigio variants .
Meanwhile the Wine Advent ( £49.99 ) , has 24 bottles of top tipples from popular vineyards in regions such as Bordeaux and Macon Villages .
Both of the countdowns will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online and in store .
Shoppers will need to be quick if they want to buy one , as both the Advent calendars are predicted to sell out quickly .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nisha Mal, Chris  Harper)

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Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
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Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
With the terrible year that is 2020, many of us are really looking forward to Christmas.
However, depending on how the spread of the coronavirus continues, it may become worse if we're not able to see our families.
But with the festive season coming very soon, you might be eyeing up a calendar that will help you drink the depressing year away.
Well, Aldi is releasing a wine and prosecco advent calender with plenty of alcohol for you to enjoy. And it won't break the bank.
The previous wine advent calendar was extremely popular last year and now the budget supermarket has brought it back for 2020.
The supermarket is selling a Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar, and a wine advent too, reports LeicestershireLive.
The Prosecco and Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar (£59.99) has 24, 200ml bottles of traditional prosecco, Italian Rosé and sparking Pinot Grigio variants.
Meanwhile the Wine Advent (£49.99), has 24 bottles of top tipples from popular vineyards in regions such as Bordeaux and Macon Villages.
Both of the countdowns will go on sale on November 1, both online and in store.
Shoppers will need to be quick if they want to buy one, as both the Advent calendars are predicted to sell out quickly.


birminghammail--2020-10-22--'My autistic son desperately needed a friend' - lockdown loneliness

Paul Strong , 11 , didn ’ t see another child his own age for five months from March to August due to covid restrictions .
The Selly Oak boy , who has autism , went into lockdown two weeks earlier than the rest of the UK because he has a lung condition and needs to be tube-fed .
Paul struggles to mix with other children but would normally see kids at his special school during the day but that ground to a halt as a result of the pandemic and he became extremely isolated .
However , things changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Perry Barr community group called Open Doors Project that helped him to mix safely with kids his own age .
“ Socially he doesn ’ t have the opportunity to mix with other children , '' said Sue , 60 and a full time mum .
`` Normally he sees other kids from his special school during the school day but , as many travel from all over , it ’ s hard to see them at weekends or in the holidays .
In the summer , he has six weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no peer group who understands him .
Other kids don ’ t want to play with him .
`` He acts much younger than his age .
He ’ s sensitive to noise and if a child cries , he ’ ll attack them .
It ’ s not his fault , it ’ s just the way he is .
He doesn ’ t always do things as predicted and he needs looking after .
It means he is really isolated , and he was even more so during lockdown .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Open Doors Project offers free , outdoor activity sessions to children and young people with learning disabilities .
Activities include nature rambles , gardening , sensory exploration , den building , pond dipping , and wildlife watching .
• To keep updated on family news , like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page .
You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter and our Lemon Aid newsletter here Run by Kate Millington , a former teacher from Paul 's school , the initiative was set up to enable the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peers in mainstream schools , and help them develop social , communication , and behaviour management skills to support them now and later in life .
`` Paul desperately needed some friends and Open Doors Project has given him that , '' said Sue , `` He loves going .
Kate ’ s organising sessions for half term now .
I really hope we don ’ t go into lockdown again because he so wants to go .
`` It ’ s helped him develop in lots of ways .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and growing and a lot through communicating with people there . ''
She added : `` He meets people at the allotment in Perry Barr so he ’ s not so isolated .
During lockdown , he was home alone with us from March to August .
That first session back was the first time he ’ d seen another child his own age in five months .
`` If it hadn ’ t have been for Open Doors , that wouldn ’ t have happened until September . ''
Paul was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the diaphragm ) and has always been tube fed .
He is one of four boys Sue and her husband Graham , a community nurse , adopted as children .
Daniel , 23 , has Aspergers syndrome , Eamon , 19 , has dyspraxia and Bradley , 16 , has ADHD .
`` We adopted the three older boys when they were little , '' explained Sue .
`` When Bradley was 18 months , we started fostering and we fostered Paul .
Paul was up for adoption and so we decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t bring ourselves to let him go .
He ’ d been through a lot .
`` He ’ s really bright and can talk really well .
But he has no awareness of stranger danger and is what we call an absconder !
He gets it into his head he ’ s going somewhere and off he goes .
It means he has to be watched all the time .
`` At Open Doors , he ’ s outside the whole time and he comes home with a bag of potatoes or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so excited to bring the project home and insisted we made apple pie .
He can ’ t eat but he wanted to make apple pie anyway . ''
She added : `` In non-covid times , Kate would take him out for days out to places like the donkey sanctuary .
Now , he ’ s learning about all sorts of things at the allotment in Perry Barr .
It ’ s beautiful there .
He mixes with children that are all different and they all mix well .
Kate and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
`` He goes for two to three hour sessions at a time and it makes a huge difference .
He loves it and is always really excited to go .
He lives in the moment so he doesn ’ t tell me much about it when he comes home but I can see he ’ s so happy and if he brings something like a bag of potatoes , he ’ s really proud that it belongs to him .
`` Having a couple of hours there gives us parents a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
All four of my kids have special needs so lockdown was terrible .
It ’ s good because it gives him someone other than us .
It ’ s great that I can really trust Kate .
She was his teacher at school so I know she understands him and the reasons why he acts the way he does .
I don ’ t know how she does it , she ’ s an amazing person . ''
The non-profit Open Doors Project relies on minibus transportation to enable it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense to every session .
Kate has set up a GoGetFunding page to try to raise money to buy or long-term lease a minibus .
They have so far raised £3,000 of their £10,000 goal .
Find out more about the project here Kate said : `` We are currently fundraising to buy/lease our own wheelchair-accessible minibus , which will allow us to provide free transport to lots of children , taking them to outdoor activities on our allotment and in the local area .
`` It will allow greater flexibility in delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend more money on activities for the children rather than minibus rental ! ''

Paul Strong, 11, didn’t see another child his own age for five months from March to August due to covid restrictions.
The Selly Oak boy, who has autism, went into lockdown two weeks earlier than the rest of the UK because he has a lung condition and needs to be tube-fed.
Paul struggles to mix with other children but would normally see kids at his special school during the day but that ground to a halt as a result of the pandemic and he became extremely isolated.
However, things changed for Paul in August - thanks to a Perry Barr community group called Open Doors Project that helped him to mix safely with kids his own age.
(Image: Brummie Mummies)
“Socially he doesn’t have the opportunity to mix with other children," said Sue, 60 and a full time mum. "Normally he sees other kids from his special school during the school day but, as many travel from all over, it’s hard to see them at weekends or in the holidays. In the summer, he has six weeks of nothing, no-one to play with, no peer group who understands him. Other kids don’t want to play with him.
"He acts much younger than his age. He’s sensitive to noise and if a child cries, he’ll attack them. It’s not his fault, it’s just the way he is. He doesn’t always do things as predicted and he needs looking after. It means he is really isolated, and he was even more so during lockdown. It was really, really sad."
The Open Doors Project offers free, outdoor activity sessions to children and young people with learning disabilities. Activities include nature rambles, gardening, sensory exploration, den building, pond dipping, and wildlife watching.
• To keep updated on family news, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter and our Lemon Aid newsletter here
Run by Kate Millington, a former teacher from Paul's school, the initiative was set up to enable the youngsters experience the same opportunities as their peers in mainstream schools, and help them develop social, communication, and behaviour management skills to support them now and later in life.
"Paul desperately needed some friends and Open Doors Project has given him that," said Sue, "He loves going. Kate’s organising sessions for half term now. I really hope we don’t go into lockdown again because he so wants to go.
"It’s helped him develop in lots of ways. He’s learnt a lot about vegetables and planting and growing and a lot through communicating with people there."
She added: "He meets people at the allotment in Perry Barr so he’s not so isolated. During lockdown, he was home alone with us from March to August. That first session back was the first time he’d seen another child his own age in five months.
"If it hadn’t have been for Open Doors, that wouldn’t have happened until September."
Paul was born with diaphragmatic hernia (a hole in the diaphragm) and has always been tube fed. He is one of four boys Sue and her husband Graham, a community nurse, adopted as children. Daniel, 23, has Aspergers syndrome, Eamon, 19, has dyspraxia and Bradley, 16, has ADHD.
"We adopted the three older boys when they were little," explained Sue. "When Bradley was 18 months, we started fostering and we fostered Paul. Paul was up for adoption and so we decided to adopt him too because we couldn’t bring ourselves to let him go. He’d been through a lot.
"He’s really bright and can talk really well. But he has no awareness of stranger danger and is what we call an absconder! He gets it into his head he’s going somewhere and off he goes. It means he has to be watched all the time.
"At Open Doors, he’s outside the whole time and he comes home with a bag of potatoes or apples. The other day he was so excited to bring the project home and insisted we made apple pie. He can’t eat but he wanted to make apple pie anyway."
She added: "In non-covid times, Kate would take him out for days out to places like the donkey sanctuary. Now, he’s learning about all sorts of things at the allotment in Perry Barr. It’s beautiful there. He mixes with children that are all different and they all mix well. Kate and her helpers are very experienced. It just works.
"He goes for two to three hour sessions at a time and it makes a huge difference. He loves it and is always really excited to go. He lives in the moment so he doesn’t tell me much about it when he comes home but I can see he’s so happy and if he brings something like a bag of potatoes, he’s really proud that it belongs to him.
"Having a couple of hours there gives us parents a break too. These are very demanding children. All four of my kids have special needs so lockdown was terrible. It’s good because it gives him someone other than us. It’s great that I can really trust Kate. She was his teacher at school so I know she understands him and the reasons why he acts the way he does. I don’t know how she does it, she’s an amazing person."
The non-profit Open Doors Project relies on minibus transportation to enable it to take place, which adds an additional expense to every session. Kate has set up a GoGetFunding page to try to raise money to buy or long-term lease a minibus. They have so far raised £3,000 of their £10,000 goal. Find out more about the project here
Kate said: "We are currently fundraising to buy/lease our own wheelchair-accessible minibus, which will allow us to provide free transport to lots of children, taking them to outdoor activities on our allotment and in the local area.
"It will allow greater flexibility in delivering sessions, and which will allow us to spend more money on activities for the children rather than minibus rental!"


birminghammail--2020-10-22--Six Black Country shops targeted in early-hours raids

Cash , cigarettes and alcohol were taken when raiders targeted six Black Country shops during a two-hour crime spree .
Crooks prised open security shutters and smashed their way inside businesses in Walsall and Dudley during the early hours of Wednesday , October 21 .
Police received reports of men attacking shop defences at Saver Express in Clarence Street , Upper Gornal , at 12.45am - but they fled the scene when disturbed by a neighbour .
R & A News in The Green , Darlaston , and McColls newsagents in Churchill Road , Bentley , were also hit before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to ram open the shutter at RS News in Wolverhampton Street , Willenhall , at 2.10am .
Around 10 minutes later a man was arrested following a failed break-in at Nisa in Brackendale Shopping Centre , off Stroud Avenue , Willenhall .
Wallbrook Mini Mart in Wallbrook Street , Coseley , was also raided just after 3am by men who escaped with money , cigarettes and alcohol .
Officers responding to the raids chased a 20-year-old man down an alleyway before police dogs found him hiding in bushes near Whitminster Close , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation while enquiries progress .
Detectives believe there were two sets of linked offences – and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward .
Detective Sergeant Julian Hawley , said : “ In two raids offenders made off with cash , alcohol and cigarettes – but they left largely empty handed in the others .
“ We believe there are two groups of offenders , including one that used a silver Passat estate to commit offences .
“ That car was used to ram shop shutters so will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen a silver Passat with rear damage I would urge them to get in touch.
” Anyone with information is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101 , quoting crime reference 20WS/256701Q/20 .

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Cash, cigarettes and alcohol were taken when raiders targeted six Black Country shops during a two-hour crime spree.
Crooks prised open security shutters and smashed their way inside businesses in Walsall and Dudley during the early hours of Wednesday, October 21.
Police received reports of men attacking shop defences at Saver Express in Clarence Street, Upper Gornal, at 12.45am - but they fled the scene when disturbed by a neighbour.
R&A News in The Green, Darlaston, and McColls newsagents in Churchill Road, Bentley, were also hit before a silver VW Passat estate car was used to ram open the shutter at RS News in Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall, at 2.10am.
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Around 10 minutes later a man was arrested following a failed break-in at Nisa in Brackendale Shopping Centre, off Stroud Avenue, Willenhall.
Wallbrook Mini Mart in Wallbrook Street, Coseley, was also raided just after 3am by men who escaped with money, cigarettes and alcohol.
Officers responding to the raids chased a 20-year-old man down an alleyway before police dogs found him hiding in bushes near Whitminster Close, Willenhall.
He has been released under investigation while enquiries progress.
Detectives believe there were two sets of linked offences – and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Julian Hawley, said: “In two raids offenders made off with cash, alcohol and cigarettes – but they left largely empty handed in the others.
“We believe there are two groups of offenders, including one that used a silver Passat estate to commit offences.
“That car was used to ram shop shutters so will have suffered rear end damage. If anyone has seen a silver Passat with rear damage I would urge them to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference 20WS/256701Q/20.


birminghammail--2020-10-22--Alton Towers announces family Christmas events for 2020

Alton Towers have announced two exciting family-friendly experiences for Christmas .
From November , visitors can experience Garden Lights Walk : Twinkling Stars and the Garden Lantern Trail .
The Gardens Lights Walk : Twinkling Stars will take families on an illuminated majestic journey through the Resort ’ s Grade One Listed gardens at the heart of the Theme Park between dusk and 8pm .
In addition , from 4pm , the Garden Lantern Trail will offer an enchanting adventure through a secret path that will lead guests to fantastical corners of the Gardens where a host of surprises await @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ Santa ’ s Sleepover ’ that offers an unforgettable escape at the Staffordshire resort .
As well as an overnight stay in one of the Resort ’ s fabulously themed hotels or woodland lodges including a fantastically festive evening meal , each stay will include a unique visit to Santa ’ s Woodland Grotto where each child will receive a special gift and a family souvenir photo with Father Christmas .
Light evening entertainment at the Alton Towers Hotel , Splash Landings Hotel and CBeebies Land Hotel will also keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Alton Towers Resort has implemented a wide range of measures to help ensure social distancing and good hygiene whilst guests enjoy a fun day out .
The Resort remains committed to continuously monitoring and adapting its measures in line with the changing government guidance .
All Christmas experiences have been planned in strict accordance with existing COVID-19 measures , which will be adapted should guidance change at any point before or during our festive experiences taking place .
Capacity will remain at a level where social distancing can be maintained , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-ventilated venues will be utilised .
All our bars , restaurants and communal areas must be clear of guests by 10pm but room service will continue until 11pm .

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Alton Towers have announced two exciting family-friendly experiences for Christmas.
From November, visitors can experience Garden Lights Walk: Twinkling Stars and the Garden Lantern Trail.
The Gardens Lights Walk: Twinkling Stars will take families on an illuminated majestic journey through the Resort’s Grade One Listed gardens at the heart of the Theme Park between dusk and 8pm.
In addition, from 4pm, the Garden Lantern Trail will offer an enchanting adventure through a secret path that will lead guests to fantastical corners of the Gardens where a host of surprises await.
Families will be able to experience a ‘Santa’s Sleepover’ that offers an unforgettable escape at the Staffordshire resort.
As well as an overnight stay in one of the Resort’s fabulously themed hotels or woodland lodges including a fantastically festive evening meal, each stay will include a unique visit to Santa’s Woodland Grotto where each child will receive a special gift and a family souvenir photo with Father Christmas.
Light evening entertainment at the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel and CBeebies Land Hotel will also keep the festivities alive.
Since re-opening in July, Alton Towers Resort has implemented a wide range of measures to help ensure social distancing and good hygiene whilst guests enjoy a fun day out.
The Resort remains committed to continuously monitoring and adapting its measures in line with the changing government guidance.
All Christmas experiences have been planned in strict accordance with existing COVID-19 measures, which will be adapted should guidance change at any point before or during our festive experiences taking place. Capacity will remain at a level where social distancing can be maintained, including in entertainment spaces, and open-air or well-ventilated venues will be utilised. All our bars, restaurants and communal areas must be clear of guests by 10pm but room service will continue until 11pm.