birminghammail--2020-05-03--Claps and kisses: How Brum public show love to funeral families

That has become the new normal for one Birmingham funeral during poignant processions in the pandemic after his services almost tripled over the last four weeks .
Derek Case , the company chairman of Mortons Funeral Directors , based at its HQ in Northfield , found people to be `` more considerate with a respectful attitude '' amid community adversity .
He told how spirited Brummies have comforted grieving families with thoughtful gestures as hearses and fewer family members go by on quieter roads in lockdown , which meant he was seeing `` the Great in Great Britain again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 80 funerals over the month of April - but that figure has tripled to about 200 over the last four weeks .
He revealed 60 percent of these deaths are impacted by COVID-19 , either confirmed or suspected cases .
Mr Case has also been faced with issues over restrictions imposed by Birmingham City Council with just six mourners allowed to attend per funeral due to social distancing .
And that Mr Case says `` does become a problem when you have a widow and six children - who do we leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real dilemma and causes heartache for some families , '' he said .
But he said loved ones are being `` resilient '' and adapting to the rules , with some mourners turning to Facebook Live to broadcast Birmingham funerals to family in the city and around the world .
Speaking of the positive human interactions he has experienced since lockdown , Mr Case told BirminghamLive : `` There ’ s a different feel to travelling in cortege brought about by quieter roads and a much more considerate and respectful attitude to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bowing their heads , waving their flags , clapping and paying their respects I want you to know how much it means to the families who are being prevented from having the funeral they ’ d have hoped for .
`` Your support , presence , respect and remembrance is worth more than you ’ ll ever know .
`` It made me realise that the British spirit will never be defeated by adversity - I ’ m seeing the Great in Great Britain again . ''
Birmingham City Council have set a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funerals within the city .
“ Since the beginning of the UK lockdown we have been consistent in our guidance for funeral attendance .
Risk assessments were conducted early on , in-line with the social distancing guidelines and the Health and Safety at Work Act , across all our burial sites and crematoria , '' said A Birmingham City Council spokesperson .
`` Considering the need for a certain number of staff to be in attendance , these risk assessments concluded that a maximum of six mourners was the right amount to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This limit also observes our Equality Policy and ensures that all funerals , both burials and cremations , are facilitated within the same guidelines .
This ensures consistency for our bereavement staff , and fairness for all.
” But Solihull Council allows up to ten mourners at funerals instead of the previous six after it updated matters on April 14 .
Dudley , Sandwell , Walsall and Wolverhampton councils are also allowing ten mourners to attend funerals , while Coventry City Council set the rule at six .
Mortons are trying to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a choice of hearse , coffin and music to be played during the ceremony .
But Mr Case said it has been a hugely difficult time with soaring demand .
`` We are still able to have funerals with a reasonable time scale , '' he said .
`` The cemeteries and crematoriums have increased availability and times during the day and on Bank Holidays and at weekends .
`` It has enabled most families to able to have funerals within about two-weeks and that gives them some comfort and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of time .
`` But we are seeing a significant number of deaths .
`` I 'm probably carrying out about treble the amount of funerals than I would do in a normal April .
`` I 'm trying to find some blessings in the sadness of it all .
`` I 'm amazed by the stoic nature of the British psyche in that people are very accepting and understand we are working through difficult times .
`` They appreciate there are restrictions and it 's not our fault .
A couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendance is set locally to six .
`` I ca n't pretend it does n't cause anxiety to some families .
`` The problem we 're having is we 're approaching cemeteries and crematorium departments where ever we are going and say 'could we have seven or eight ' .
`` But they are getting these requests every day and everyone will be able to present a very plausible argument for their being more people attending .
`` The vast majority of families are coping very well with the restrictions . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 minutes - but that has now reduced to 30 minutes .
`` Within that 30 minutes there needs to be time allowed for staff to disinfect the chapel for the next party to arrive , '' he said .
`` You are left with about 15 to 20 minutes which is the norm nowadays , so without doubt services are much shorter than they were .
`` But we 're finding that as they are so small in numbers people are choosing to have fewer hymns and not listening to recordings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have done historically . ''
The cleaning of chapels and crematorium by staff is vital as a number of people are `` vulnerable '' and want to be reassured they are coming into a safe setting , Mr Case said .
The Government also relaxed the rules to ensure bereaved families could attend funerals during the pandemic .
Local Government Minister Simon Clarke wrote to all councils in England on April 17 to ensure the wishes of the deceased are respected during this pandemic .
Mr Case said many loved ones who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to dial into the crematorium 's network or watch a live stream of the service .
`` Webcasting and live streaming of funerals has increased , '' he said .
`` The service is being recorded and relayed in real time to families else where within the city and within the world .
`` I 'm aware of it being broadcast not just to others in the city but to Australia , New Zealand , Egypt , India , Holland and Ireland .
`` That 's been a real blessing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get there so having the opportunity to be part of that service and hear what 's being said and the music played .
`` It gives a sense of belonging to that service , which is hugely important . ''
He added : `` I have to take my hat off to the city of Birmingham as the coroners , registration department and bereavement services should all come in for some significant praise .
`` They are doing sterling work .
The registration process is much easier now . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Spontaneous clapping, waving flags and blowing kisses.
That has become the new normal for one Birmingham funeral during poignant processions in the pandemic after his services almost tripled over the last four weeks.
Derek Case, the company chairman of Mortons Funeral Directors, based at its HQ in Northfield, found people to be "more considerate with a respectful attitude" amid community adversity.
He told how spirited Brummies have comforted grieving families with thoughtful gestures as hearses and fewer family members go by on quieter roads in lockdown, which meant he was seeing "the Great in Great Britain again."
Mortons would normally carry out 60 to 80 funerals over the month of April - but that figure has tripled to about 200 over the last four weeks.
He revealed 60 percent of these deaths are impacted by COVID-19, either confirmed or suspected cases.
Mr Case has also been faced with issues over restrictions imposed by Birmingham City Council with just six mourners allowed to attend per funeral due to social distancing.
And that Mr Case says "does become a problem when you have a widow and six children - who do we leave out?"
"It's a real dilemma and causes heartache for some families," he said.
But he said loved ones are being "resilient" and adapting to the rules, with some mourners turning to Facebook Live to broadcast Birmingham funerals to family in the city and around the world.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Speaking of the positive human interactions he has experienced since lockdown, Mr Case told BirminghamLive: "There’s a different feel to travelling in cortege brought about by quieter roads and a much more considerate and respectful attitude to others.
"To those that contribute by bowing their heads, waving their flags, clapping and paying their respects I want you to know how much it means to the families who are being prevented from having the funeral they’d have hoped for.
"Your support, presence, respect and remembrance is worth more than you’ll ever know.
"It made me realise that the British spirit will never be defeated by adversity - I’m seeing the Great in Great Britain again."
Restrictions on mourners at funerals
Birmingham City Council have set a limit on six mourners in attendance at funerals within the city.
“Since the beginning of the UK lockdown we have been consistent in our guidance for funeral attendance. Risk assessments were conducted early on, in-line with the social distancing guidelines and the Health and Safety at Work Act, across all our burial sites and crematoria," said A Birmingham City Council spokesperson.
"Considering the need for a certain number of staff to be in attendance, these risk assessments concluded that a maximum of six mourners was the right amount to ensure the safety of all involved.
“This limit also observes our Equality Policy and ensures that all funerals, both burials and cremations, are facilitated within the same guidelines. This ensures consistency for our bereavement staff, and fairness for all.”
But Solihull Council allows up to ten mourners at funerals instead of the previous six after it updated matters on April 14.
Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils are also allowing ten mourners to attend funerals, while Coventry City Council set the rule at six.
Mortons are trying to make funerals "as normal as possible" with a choice of hearse, coffin and music to be played during the ceremony. But Mr Case said it has been a hugely difficult time with soaring demand.
"We are still able to have funerals with a reasonable time scale," he said.
"The cemeteries and crematoriums have increased availability and times during the day and on Bank Holidays and at weekends.
"It has enabled most families to able to have funerals within about two-weeks and that gives them some comfort and it isn't hanging over them for a long period of time.
"But we are seeing a significant number of deaths.
"I'm probably carrying out about treble the amount of funerals than I would do in a normal April.
"I'm trying to find some blessings in the sadness of it all.
"I'm amazed by the stoic nature of the British psyche in that people are very accepting and understand we are working through difficult times.
"They appreciate there are restrictions and it's not our fault. A couple of families have had difficulties where the attendance is set locally to six.
"I can't pretend it doesn't cause anxiety to some families.
"The problem we're having is we're approaching cemeteries and crematorium departments where ever we are going and say 'could we have seven or eight'.
"But they are getting these requests every day and everyone will be able to present a very plausible argument for there being more people attending.
"The vast majority of families are coping very well with the restrictions."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Shorter funerals and cleaning
Mr Case said many services used to be 45 minutes - but that has now reduced to 30 minutes.
"Within that 30 minutes there needs to be time allowed for staff to disinfect the chapel for the next party to arrive," he said.
"You are left with about 15 to 20 minutes which is the norm nowadays, so without doubt services are much shorter than they were.
"But we're finding that as they are so small in numbers people are choosing to have fewer hymns and not listening to recordings of music for quite as long as they would have done historically."
The cleaning of chapels and crematorium by staff is vital as a number of people are "vulnerable" and want to be reassured they are coming into a safe setting, Mr Case said.
The Government also relaxed the rules to ensure bereaved families could attend funerals during the pandemic.
Local Government Minister Simon Clarke wrote to all councils in England on April 17 to ensure the wishes of the deceased are respected during this pandemic.
Live streaming
Mr Case said many loved ones who are unable to attend funerals in person are able to dial into the crematorium's network or watch a live stream of the service.
"Webcasting and live streaming of funerals has increased," he said. "The service is being recorded and relayed in real time to families else where within the city and within the world.
"I'm aware of it being broadcast not just to others in the city but to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, India, Holland and Ireland.
"That's been a real blessing to those families as they physically couldn't get there so having the opportunity to be part of that service and hear what's being said and the music played.
"It gives a sense of belonging to that service, which is hugely important."
He added: "I have to take my hat off to the city of Birmingham as the coroners, registration department and bereavement services should all come in for some significant praise.
"They are doing sterling work. The registration process is much easier now."


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Coronavirus survivor jailed after 93mph police chase through city

A Covid-19 survivor has been jailed - days after being released from hospital - after a 93mph police chase in a carjacked Mercedes .
Rickell Smith , 24 , had sparked the dangerous pursuit , during which one of his wheels almost fell off .
Smith , of Netherton Grove , Kitts Green , was sentenced to 12 months jail and banned from the roads for two and a half years after admitting dangerous driving and failing to stop .
Birmingham Crown Court heard the defendant had only been released from hospital six days before sentence following a life-risking battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Mercedes in Harborne Lane , Harborne , on December 4 in 2018 .
It had been carjacked earlier that evening .
Officers began to follow the car and pulled up alongside in Lodge Hill Road , Selly Oak , and ordered Smith to remove the keys from the ignition .
But he sped off along the A38 Bristol Road where he drove through a red light at 30mph .
There then followed a four-mile pursuit through residential streets when Smith reached up to 93mph in 30mph zones .
When he turned into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner properly and hit a kerb , causing his tyres to deflate .
`` The defendant was then struggling to keep control of the car .
The car was moving from left to right , narrowly missing parked cars , '' said Sally Cairns , prosecuting .
`` He still continued to drive , despite the damage , at 60mph losing tyre debris . ''
Miss Cairns said at one point Smith drove on the wrong side of the road causing other vehicles to take avoiding action to avoid a collision .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front driver 's wheel was coming off the car but the defendant continued at speeds of 60 mph , '' she said .
Smith then drove into the Woodgate Valley housing estate where he again lost control and was `` fishtailing from side to side . ''
He eventually turned into a cul-de-sac where he jumped out of the vehicle but was detained after a short chase .
Miss Cairns said the the defendant had never held a full licence and had a provisional licence which had expired .
In passing sentence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken into account that you have suffered from ill health in recent times .
`` This was quite plainly a prolonged piece of bad driving .
It involved excess speed in built up areas and a deliberate disregard for the safety of others . ''
Jamie Scott , defending , said Smith had only become aware the Mercedes was stolen after the pursuit had started .
He said since the offence Smith had got a job at a warehouse before contracting coronavirus .
`` He was admitted to hospital this month with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of catching Covid-19 , '' Mr Scott said .
`` This man feared for a number of days that he was going to lose his life .
`` He remains on medication despite being discharged and still feels the effects of the illness .
`` He has shortness of breath and it is difficult for him to walk far .
`` This has resulted in him having a new appreciation of life . ''
Mr Scott added that despite his problems he had managed to come to court .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A Covid-19 survivor has been jailed - days after being released from hospital - after a 93mph police chase in a carjacked Mercedes.
Rickell Smith, 24, had sparked the dangerous pursuit, during which one of his wheels almost fell off.
Smith, of Netherton Grove, Kitts Green, was sentenced to 12 months jail and banned from the roads for two and a half years after admitting dangerous driving and failing to stop.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the defendant had only been released from hospital six days before sentence following a life-risking battle against coronavirus.
Smith was spotted driving a Mercedes in Harborne Lane, Harborne, on December 4 in 2018. It had been carjacked earlier that evening.
Officers began to follow the car and pulled up alongside in Lodge Hill Road, Selly Oak, and ordered Smith to remove the keys from the ignition.
But he sped off along the A38 Bristol Road where he drove through a red light at 30mph.
There then followed a four-mile pursuit through residential streets when Smith reached up to 93mph in 30mph zones.
When he turned into Quinton Road he failed to take a corner properly and hit a kerb, causing his tyres to deflate.
"The defendant was then struggling to keep control of the car. The car was moving from left to right, narrowly missing parked cars," said Sally Cairns, prosecuting.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
"He still continued to drive, despite the damage, at 60mph losing tyre debris."
Miss Cairns said at one point Smith drove on the wrong side of the road causing other vehicles to take avoiding action to avoid a collision.
"The police could see that the that the front driver's wheel was coming off the car but the defendant continued at speeds of 60 mph," she said.
Smith then drove into the Woodgate Valley housing estate where he again lost control and was "fishtailing from side to side."
He eventually turned into a cul-de-sac where he jumped out of the vehicle but was detained after a short chase.
Miss Cairns said the the defendant had never held a full licence and had a provisional licence which had expired.
In passing sentence Judge Samantha Crabb said: "I have taken into account that you have suffered from ill health in recent times.
"This was quite plainly a prolonged piece of bad driving. It involved excess speed in built up areas and a deliberate disregard for the safety of others."
Jamie Scott, defending, said Smith had only become aware the Mercedes was stolen after the pursuit had started. He said since the offence Smith had got a job at a warehouse before contracting coronavirus.
"He was admitted to hospital this month with a respiratory tract infection, the result of catching Covid-19," Mr Scott said.
"From that developed complications, a blood clot.
"This man feared for a number of days that he was going to lose his life.
"He remains on medication despite being discharged and still feels the effects of the illness.
"He has shortness of breath and it is difficult for him to walk far.
"This has resulted in him having a new appreciation of life."
Mr Scott added that despite his problems he had managed to come to court.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Joe Wicks announces huge change to online PE lessons after hand injury

Joe Wicks says he will be back for his PE class on Monday after having surgery on his hand .
The Body Coach , 33 , has been updating fans with his progress while in hospital after falling off his bike .
He said the surgery is over and paid tribute to the NHS .
`` The wires have been taken out ... .
it was infected , '' he said in a video on Instagram Stories .
`` I 'm staying in tonight to have ... antibiotics and a bit more paracetamol then I 'll be home tomorrow morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So see you Monday morning , PE With Joe . ''
Earlier , Wicks , who is donating the money raised from his online PE lessons to the NHS , posted a video of himself `` gowned up '' with `` the socks on '' and waiting for his operation .
He said the pain from the `` infection '' in his hand was `` throbbing and pulsating like liquid hot magma '' .
Wicks said he was `` super grateful for the health system we 've got '' and `` the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Wicks also said his wife would help out on Monday .
`` I 've just asked my lovely wife Rosie to help me on Monday morning and she 's kindly agreed , '' he said .
`` It 's well out of her comfort zone but she 's my best friend and she knows how much this means to me .
`` I do n't want to let anyone down but I do n't think I 'm going to be able to demo many exercises so I 'll be having Rosie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` I 'll still lead the session and coach you through it .
`` I 'll just have Rosie demonstrating the moves . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Joe Wicks says he will be back for his PE class on Monday after having surgery on his hand.
The Body Coach, 33, has been updating fans with his progress while in hospital after falling off his bike.
He said the surgery is over and paid tribute to the NHS.
"The wires have been taken out.... it was infected," he said in a video on Instagram Stories.
"I'm staying in tonight to have... antibiotics and a bit more paracetamol then I'll be home tomorrow morning, back to my family.
"So see you Monday morning, PE With Joe."
(Image: Channel 4)
Earlier, Wicks, who is donating the money raised from his online PE lessons to the NHS, posted a video of himself "gowned up" with "the socks on" and waiting for his operation.
He said the pain from the "infection" in his hand was "throbbing and pulsating like liquid hot magma".
Wicks said he was "super grateful for the health system we've got" and "the NHS people who are out here still grafting".
Wicks also said his wife would help out on Monday.
"I've just asked my lovely wife Rosie to help me on Monday morning and she's kindly agreed," he said.
"It's well out of her comfort zone but she's my best friend and she knows how much this means to me.
"I don't want to let anyone down but I don't think I'm going to be able to demo many exercises so I'll be having Rosie on camera with me."
Wicks added: "I'll still lead the session and coach you through it.
"I'll just have Rosie demonstrating the moves."


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Piers Morgan announces GMB departure as he awaits coronavirus test results

Piers Morgan will be absent from Good Morning Britain while the presenter awaits test results for Covid-19 .
The controversial presenter , renowned for hosting GMB , is attempting to get the all-clear from medics .
Morgan will aim to get the all-clear from doctors first before he returns to the ITV show , he has announced on social media .
Piers updated his fans on Twitter on Sunday evening .
He took to the platform to post a message to followers , saying he took the test `` out of an abundance of caution '' after he presented a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : `` UPDATE : On medical advice , and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs , I ’ ve had a test for COVID-19 and so won ’ t be working on @ GMB until I get the result back , which should be tomorrow . ''
Under new government guidelines , NHS Covid-19 tests are now available to all key workers and those who do work which can not be done outside the home .
Good Morning Britain returns on Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Susanna Reid hosting alongside a yet-to-be confirmed host .
GMB airs each weekday morning on ITV1 from 6.30am with Piers usually presenting Monday to Thursday .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Piers Morgan will be absent from Good Morning Britain while the presenter awaits test results for Covid-19.
The controversial presenter, renowned for hosting GMB, is attempting to get the all-clear from medics.
Morgan will aim to get the all-clear from doctors first before he returns to the ITV show, he has announced on social media.
Piers updated his fans on Twitter on Sunday evening.
He took to the platform to post a message to followers, saying he took the test "out of an abundance of caution" after he presented a symptom.
(Image: ITV)
On Sunday night, he tweeted: "UPDATE: On medical advice, and out of an abundance of caution for a mild symptom that arose in past 48hrs, I’ve had a test for COVID-19 and so won’t be working on @GMB until I get the result back, which should be tomorrow."
Under new government guidelines, NHS Covid-19 tests are now available to all key workers and those who do work which cannot be done outside the home.
Good Morning Britain returns on Monday morning but Piers will be absent from proceedings, with Susanna Reid hosting alongside a yet-to-be confirmed host.
GMB airs each weekday morning on ITV1 from 6.30am with Piers usually presenting Monday to Thursday.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--James Bond Goldfinger bowler hat sells for £30,000 on Antiques Roadshow

A battered bowler hat from the James Bond film Goldfinger has been valued at up to £30,000 on the Antiques Roadshow .
The steel-rimmed hat and weapon belonged to hitman Oddjob ( Harold Sakata ) in the 1964 film .
The owner said he was a big 007 fan as a child and his brother-in-law , who was a driver for Aston Martin during the filming of Goldfinger , asked Pinewood Studios if they had any memorabilia .
The studio gave him Oddjob ’ s bowler hat but removed the metal rim .
“ As a young lad , everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if you look at it , everybody did throw the hat because it ’ s absolutely in pieces because it didn ’ t have the steel in it anymore , so therefore whenever it landed it damaged it , ” the owner said .
It was previously revealed that the hat appears on the BBC One show , leaving Roadshow expert Marc Allum “ shaking with anticipation and excitement.
” The Bond item was part of a collection of 007 memorabilia brought to Antiques Roadshow when it filmed at the National Botanic @ @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
A battered bowler hat from the James Bond film Goldfinger has been valued at up to £30,000 on the Antiques Roadshow.
The steel-rimmed hat and weapon belonged to hitman Oddjob (Harold Sakata) in the 1964 film.
The owner said he was a big 007 fan as a child and his brother-in-law, who was a driver for Aston Martin during the filming of Goldfinger, asked Pinewood Studios if they had any memorabilia.
The studio gave him Oddjob’s bowler hat but removed the metal rim.
“As a young lad, everybody wanted to throw the Oddjob hat, and if you look at it, everybody did throw the hat because it’s absolutely in pieces because it didn’t have the steel in it anymore, so therefore whenever it landed it damaged it,” the owner said.
It was previously revealed that the hat appears on the BBC One show, leaving Roadshow expert Marc Allum “shaking with anticipation and excitement.”
The Bond item was part of a collection of 007 memorabilia brought to Antiques Roadshow when it filmed at the National Botanic Garden of Wales last summer.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Four Birmingham City concept home kits for next season

Birmingham City should have finished their Championship season on Saturday .
Blues were due to face Derby County at St Andrew 's on what should have been the final day of the regular EFL campaign .
But that was n't the case .
The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Pep Clotet 's side are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season .
Discussions towards that end remain ongoing with the EFL committed to playing the remaining fixtures , but while we 're waiting , let 's take a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing next season .
The club 's kits are currently made by Adidas - but that could change for next term .
Blues inked a four-year deal with the German company in 2016 for them to provide home , away and an alternate strip every season along with training gear .
They penned that contract after the deal with Carbrini ran out .
So , after four years of Adidas strips a new manufacturer could be designing Blues ' kits next season .
Blues have n't announced who is going to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have got in touch with Jack Beale who runs the popular Request A Kit Twitter account to mock up some designs .
Boylesports , the club 's current sponsor , is the logo present on the front and the Sky Bet Championship badges are on either side of the shirt .
Jack : Should Blues renew their deal with their current suppliers , they are likely to see Adidas ’ new Condivo 20 template .
This design features a geometric pattern across the base of the shirt , white and blue banded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stripes .
Jack : The Puma design maintains the two-tone blue colour scheme seen on the Blues ’ current shirt , featuring a waved pattern throughout in varying shades .
This is completed by white detailing on the chest , cuffs and collar , with white bands running down the shoulders .
Jack : Though Nike are infamous for handing generic template designs to Football League sides , this concept is a nod to the famous 1986 Matchwinner shirt .
Like it ’ s inspiration , the retro concept features a white chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white cuffs .
Jack : This Hummel concept , which would be the Danish manufacturer ’ s first effort for Birmingham , is all blue with subtle triangular patterning over the chest .
The design also features Hummel ’ s distinctive chevrons on the shoulders with a white and blue collar and cuffs .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Shane Ireland)

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham City should have finished their Championship season on Saturday.
Blues were due to face Derby County at St Andrew's on what should have been the final day of the regular EFL campaign.
But that wasn't the case. The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Pep Clotet's side are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season.
Discussions towards that end remain ongoing with the EFL committed to playing the remaining fixtures, but while we're waiting, let's take a look at some kit designs Blues could be wearing next season.
The club's kits are currently made by Adidas - but that could change for next term.
Blues inked a four-year deal with the German company in 2016 for them to provide home, away and an alternate strip every season along with training gear.
They penned that contract after the deal with Carbrini ran out.
So, after four years of Adidas strips a new manufacturer could be designing Blues' kits next season.
Blues haven't announced who is going to be the kit manufacturer for 2020/21 yet, but we have got in touch with Jack Beale who runs the popular Request A Kit Twitter account to mock up some designs.
Boylesports, the club's current sponsor, is the logo present on the front and the Sky Bet Championship badges are on either side of the shirt.
Adidas
Jack: Should Blues renew their deal with their current suppliers, they are likely to see Adidas’ new Condivo 20 template.
This design features a geometric pattern across the base of the shirt, white and blue banded cuffs and Adidas’ synonymous three shoulder stripes.
Puma
Jack: The Puma design maintains the two-tone blue colour scheme seen on the Blues’ current shirt, featuring a waved pattern throughout in varying shades.
This is completed by white detailing on the chest, cuffs and collar, with white bands running down the shoulders.
Nike
Jack: Though Nike are infamous for handing generic template designs to Football League sides, this concept is a nod to the famous 1986 Matchwinner shirt.
Like it’s inspiration, the retro concept features a white chest band, fading vertical shadow stripes and white cuffs.
Hummel
Jack: This Hummel concept, which would be the Danish manufacturer’s first effort for Birmingham, is all blue with subtle triangular patterning over the chest.
The design also features Hummel’s distinctive chevrons on the shoulders with a white and blue collar and cuffs.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Aston Villa waiting on Premier League as Serie A decision changed

The Italian government has brought forward its plans for sport to resume meaning Serie A cluba could return to training as soon as Monday .
Elite level football across Europe has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic , with Italian authorities issuing a blanket ban on matches in early March .
The decision to suspend fixtures in England was also taken then and Aston Villa are among the clubs waiting on the Premier League 's next move .
Under measures to ease the lockdown policy in Italy , Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had set out plans that would allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Have you tried Claret & Blue , our podcast and YouTube channel ?
What are you waiting for ?
!
Claret & Blue : An Aston Villa Podcast is available via the following platforms , subscribe and download here : iTunes , Spotify and Acast .
Mat Kendrick , Ashley Preece , Dan Rolinson and James Rushton provide a fun-filled mixture of analysis , interviews , debate and , yes , a fair amount of nonsense !
BirminghamLive has also launched its new YouTube channel to run alongside Claret & Blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure you subscribe - by clicking here .
Team would then have followed a fornight later on May 18 .
But that inconsistency has reportedly been challenged with the sports minister , Vincenzo Spadafora , demanding a review of the policy .
According to The Guardian , respected Italian news outlets Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport both quoted a communique signed by the interior minister , Matteo Piantedosi , which allows for training grounds to open on Monday provided social distancing measures are observed .
“ Athletes and non-athletes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to participate in individual sports in public or private areas , respecting the interpersonal safety distance of at least two metres , ” the note reportedly said .
The latest Premier League proposal is that the remaining fixtures could be played at neutral venues as part of 'Project Restart ' - but any return to action would require the go-ahead from government .
Villa have the best home record of any of the teams involved in the relegation battle , 17 of their 25 points having been won in front of @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
The Italian government has brought forward its plans for sport to resume meaning Serie A clubs could return to training as soon as Monday.
Elite level football across Europe has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Italian authorities issuing a blanket ban on matches in early March.
The decision to suspend fixtures in England was also taken then and Aston Villa are among the clubs waiting on the Premier League's next move.
Under measures to ease the lockdown policy in Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte had set out plans that would allow individual athletes to return to training this Monday.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Teams would then have followed a fortnight later on May 18.
But that inconsistency has reportedly been challenged with the sports minister, Vincenzo Spadafora, demanding a review of the policy.
According to The Guardian, respected Italian news outlets Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport both quoted a communique signed by the interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, which allows for training grounds to open on Monday provided social distancing measures are observed.
“Athletes and non-athletes of non-individual disciplines, like every citizen, are allowed to participate in individual sports in public or private areas, respecting the interpersonal safety distance of at least two metres,” the note reportedly said.
The latest Premier League proposal is that the remaining fixtures could be played at neutral venues as part of 'Project Restart' - but any return to action would require the go-ahead from government.
Villa have the best home record of any of the teams involved in the relegation battle, 17 of their 25 points having been won in front of their own fans.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--ITV to air 'classic' Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes in lockdown

ITV is unlocking classic episodes of its soaps after production on new instalments was halted .
“ Vintage ” episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be placed on its on-demand platform , ITV Hub .
It comes as filming of both soaps has been stopped and transmission reduced to make the episodes which have already been recorded last longer .
Emmerdale will run out of episodes at the end of May , while Coronation Street will last until after June .
The episodes , airing every weekday on ITV Hub from Monday , will give “ soap fans a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to relive some of soapland ’ s most iconic characters , ” ITV said .
Coronation Street episodes from 1995 , featuring Weatherfield characters Bet Lynch ( Julie Goodyear ) , Alec Gilroy ( Roy Barraclough ) , Mavis Wilton ( Thelma Barlow ) , Raquel Wolstenhulme ( Sarah Lancashire ) and Mike Baldwin ( Johnny Briggs ) , will go on the platform .
Emmerdale will go back to December 1995 , ahead of villainous Chris Tate ’ s ( Peter Amory ) wedding , and in the midst of Kim Tate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The broadcaster is already screening classic episodes on ITV3 .
It comes after ITV bosses said that Coronation Street and Emmerdale could return to screens with older cast members absent and actors six feet apart .
ITV Hub will also feature previous episodes of The Real Housewives Of Cheshire and Gemma Collins ’ fly on the wall show Diva Forever .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
ITV is unlocking classic episodes of its soaps after production on new instalments was halted.
“Vintage” episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will be placed on its on-demand platform, ITV Hub.
It comes as filming of both soaps has been stopped and transmission reduced to make the episodes which have already been recorded last longer.
Emmerdale will run out of episodes at the end of May, while Coronation Street will last until after June.
The episodes, airing every weekday on ITV Hub from Monday, will give “soap fans a trip down memory lane and a chance to relive some of soapland’s most iconic characters,” ITV said.
Coronation Street episodes from 1995, featuring Weatherfield characters Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear), Alec Gilroy (Roy Barraclough), Mavis Wilton (Thelma Barlow), Raquel Wolstenhulme (Sarah Lancashire) and Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs), will go on the platform.
Emmerdale will go back to December 1995, ahead of villainous Chris Tate’s (Peter Amory) wedding, and in the midst of Kim Tate’s (Claire King) affair.
The broadcaster is already screening classic episodes on ITV3.
It comes after ITV bosses said that Coronation Street and Emmerdale could return to screens with older cast members absent and actors six feet apart.
ITV Hub will also feature previous episodes of The Real Housewives Of Cheshire and Gemma Collins’ fly on the wall show Diva Forever.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--West Brom home, away and third concept kits for next season

West Bromwich Albion should have completed their promotion push on Saturday .
The Baggies were due to take on Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns on what should have been the final day of the regular Championship season .
But that was n't the case .
The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Albion are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season .
The EFL remains committed to completing the campaign with Slaven Bilic 's side six points clear of the chasing play-off pack .
Discussions towards that end remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 's take a look at some kit designs Albion could be wearing next season .
BirminghamLive asked the popular Request A Kit account to mock up some concepts for us .
Here 's what Jack Beale , who runs the account , has come up with ... “ The home concept retains the narrow vertical stripes of many recent Baggies ’ home shirts in the club colours of navy and white , ” Jack says .
“ All-white sleeves return after a three-year absence with red trim on the collar , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the early 2000s , also making a return .
“ Shoulder panels and thin cuffs , both in navy , complete the modern design.
” “ While yellow and green has been a popular historic colour scheme for the club , this shirt takes inspiration from the yellow and navy away strip worn between 1982 and 1984 , ” Jack explains .
“ Like the original , this away concept features thin horizontal pinstripes , accompanied by navy shoulder panels , cuffs and a monochromatic crest and sponsor logo.
” “ Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strip in previous seasons , a trend continued by this third shirt design , ” Jack adds .
“ The shirt is predominantly charcoal grey , with a melange pattern across the front and sleeves .
“ The simple and elegant design is completed by black shoulder panels , cuffs and white collar trim .
“ The three concepts feature the logos of technical and main sponsors Puma and Ideal Boilers , as well as the Premier League sleeve patch , with the club looking like favourites to return to the top flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion extended their agreement with Ideal Boilers , the shirt sponsors who are accompanied by a walking boiler mascot , last summer and their logo will remain on the Baggies ’ shirts until at least the end of next season .
Puma , the kit manufacturers , are also to continue producing the kits , all being well , next term - regardless of the division the club find themselves in .
You can follow Jack at Request A Kit on Twitter , via this link .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Shane Ireland)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
West Bromwich Albion should have completed their promotion push on Saturday.
The Baggies were due to take on Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns on what should have been the final day of the regular Championship season.
But that wasn't the case. The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Albion are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season.
The EFL remains committed to completing the campaign with Slaven Bilic's side six points clear of the chasing play-off pack.
Discussions towards that end remain ongoing and while we're waiting, let's take a look at some kit designs Albion could be wearing next season.
BirminghamLive asked the popular Request A Kit account to mock up some concepts for us.
Here's what Jack Beale, who runs the account, has come up with...
Home
“The home concept retains the narrow vertical stripes of many recent Baggies’ home shirts in the club colours of navy and white,” Jack says.
“All-white sleeves return after a three-year absence with red trim on the collar, last seen in 2016 and a recurring feature in the early 2000s, also making a return.
“Shoulder panels and thin cuffs, both in navy, complete the modern design.”
Away
“While yellow and green has been a popular historic colour scheme for the club, this shirt takes inspiration from the yellow and navy away strip worn between 1982 and 1984,” Jack explains.
“Like the original, this away concept features thin horizontal pinstripes, accompanied by navy shoulder panels, cuffs and a monochromatic crest and sponsor logo.”
Third
“Albion have frequently opted for a dark alternate strip in previous seasons, a trend continued by this third shirt design,” Jack adds. “The shirt is predominantly charcoal grey, with a melange pattern across the front and sleeves.
“The simple and elegant design is completed by black shoulder panels, cuffs and white collar trim.
“The three concepts feature the logos of technical and main sponsors Puma and Ideal Boilers, as well as the Premier League sleeve patch, with the club looking like favourites to return to the top flight at the second time of asking.”
The sponsors
Albion extended their agreement with Ideal Boilers, the shirt sponsors who are accompanied by a walking boiler mascot, last summer and their logo will remain on the Baggies’ shirts until at least the end of next season.
Puma, the kit manufacturers, are also to continue producing the kits, all being well, next term - regardless of the division the club find themselves in.
You can follow Jack at Request A Kit on Twitter, via this link.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Richard & Judy share top tips for couples living together in lockdown

Richard Madeley has advised couples living together during lockdown to “ try and give each other space ” and read a book when tensions flare up .
Madeley , 63 , and wife Judy Finnigan , 71 , have appeared together on TV for more than 30 years , and are self-isolating at their home in north London .
They will host a new book programme on Channel 4 from lockdown , called Richard & Judy : Keep Reading And Carry On .
Madeley told the PA news agency : “ In all marriages , things can occasionally get tense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snappy with each other , especially if you are together 24/7 .
“ The only tip I ’ d give is to step away , go to another room , read a book , go for a walk .
“ Try and give each other space , because everybody ’ s going to be a bit on edge at the moment , and you ’ ve got to try and be understanding of that and accepting of that .
“ Give each other a bit of room , if you can .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Finnigan said they had found self-isolating together easy , after spending much of their lives “ in each other ’ s pockets ” .
She added : “ We ’ ve worked together all our lives – well , not all our lives , but since we met – and on the same programmes .
“ And the only difference in our lives now is our children are grown up and have gone .
We ’ re totally used to being together all the time .
“ It must be very strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and never normally see each other during the day .
“ It must be very hard for them to both work at home but , for us , it ’ s completely normal.
” Richard & Judy : Keep Reading And Carry On starts on Channel 4 on Monday , May 4

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Richard Madeley has advised couples living together during lockdown to “try and give each other space” and read a book when tensions flare up.
Madeley, 63, and wife Judy Finnigan, 71, have appeared together on TV for more than 30 years, and are self-isolating at their home in north London.
They will host a new book programme on Channel 4 from lockdown, called Richard & Judy: Keep Reading And Carry On.
Madeley told the PA news agency: “In all marriages, things can occasionally get tense, and you can get a bit snappy with each other, especially if you are together 24/7.
“The only tip I’d give is to step away, go to another room, read a book, go for a walk.
“Try and give each other space, because everybody’s going to be a bit on edge at the moment, and you’ve got to try and be understanding of that and accepting of that.
“Give each other a bit of room, if you can. That’s the best thing I think.”
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Finnigan said they had found self-isolating together easy, after spending much of their lives “in each other’s pockets”.
She added: “We’ve worked together all our lives – well, not all our lives, but since we met – and on the same programmes.
“And the only difference in our lives now is our children are grown up and have gone. We’re totally used to being together all the time.
“It must be very strange for couples who have totally different jobs and never normally see each other during the day.
“It must be very hard for them to both work at home but, for us, it’s completely normal.”
Richard & Judy: Keep Reading And Carry On starts on Channel 4 on Monday, May 4


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Holly Willoughby quits TV role and issues poignant statement

Holly Willoughby has quit Celebrity Juice , she has announced .
The mum-of-three has left her role on the ITV2 show after over a decade .
Holly , aged 39 , had spent 12 years on the series .
She starred alongside the likes of Fearne Cotton and host Keith Lemon .
But pal Fearne quit in 2018 - and now Holly , who also serves as This Morning presenter , has joined her in departing .
On Instagram , Holly paid tribute to the show in a gushing post .
She wrote how she would miss “ 12 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I can ’ t quite believe what we ’ ve done and how quick that time has gone .
“ Thank you to you all for watching .
We ’ ve always had the loudest and best audiences… .
“ It ’ s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out .
“ Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work… All good things must come to an end and nothing lasts forever .
“ It ’ s time for me to hand over my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky person.
” She said of Lemon : “ I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘ I think this might work ’ .
My goodness me it did .
“ Three friends , you me and Fearne Cotton … and that is what is at the heart of it , friendship .
I love the bones of you Lemon !
“ Thank you for making me laugh for 12 years… I ’ ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check .
@

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Holly Willoughby has quit Celebrity Juice, she has announced.
The mum-of-three has left her role on the ITV2 show after over a decade.
Holly, aged 39, had spent 12 years on the series.
She starred alongside the likes of Fearne Cotton and host Keith Lemon.
But pal Fearne quit in 2018 - and now Holly, who also serves as This Morning presenter, has joined her in departing.
On Instagram, Holly paid tribute to the show in a gushing post.
She wrote how she would miss “12 years of fantastic chaos," adding: “I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone.
“Thank you to you all for watching. We’ve always had the loudest and best audiences….
“It’s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out.
“Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work… All good things must come to an end and nothing lasts forever.
“It’s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky, lucky person.”
She said of Lemon: “I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘I think this might work’. My goodness me it did.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“Three friends, you me and Fearne Cotton … and that is what is at the heart of it, friendship. I love the bones of you Lemon!
“Thank you for making me laugh for 12 years… I’ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check.”


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Amanda Holden's life saved after she went into coma following birth

Amanda Holden has described how the NHS saved her life after she went into a coma following the birth of her daughter , Hollie .
The Britain ’ s Got Talent judge has released her debut single , a version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow , with money raised by the trackgoing to NHS Charities Together , which supports staff and volunteers working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking on her radio show , Heart Breakfast , she said : “ When I gave birth to Hollie , my eight-year-old daughter who I know is listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haemorrhaged , basically , and I actually did pass away for 40 seconds and then I went into a coma , but the NHS were there holding my hand and my husband ’ s hand , who – I feel sorry for him to be honest – he went through , it watching it all.
” Holden recorded her version of the song , famously sung by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz , in 2019 and it was due to be released as part of an album this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the NHS because it has helped her family so many times .
She told the PA news agency : “ They ’ ve saved my sister ’ s life after she was in a car accident .
And , of course , our son , Theo , was born sleeping at an NHS hospital where all the staff were utterly extraordinary and treated us with so much empathy and love.
” In 2011 , at seven months pregnant with Theo , a scan revealed his heart had stopped .
Holden underwent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where she had trained as a midwife for an ITV documentary called Out Of My Depth in 2009 .
Her experience prompted her to set up Theo ’ s Hope , a fund providing bereavement counsellors in maternity units around the UK .
Holden said : “ I feel like I owe them so much .
I feel like we all owe them a debt now and of course for the future to come .
“ Last year , I recorded a version of Over The Rainbow .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl with my Nan and Grandad and one I love to sing with my daughters , Lexi and Hollie .
“ My album was going to be released just before all of this happened , so it ’ s all on hold , and this was not going to be the first single , so it feels very interesting .
“ It ’ s a completely different way to go but it ’ s for charity so we ’ re looking at it in a different way now .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS because I owe them everything , I owe them my life.
” Holden is also a Marks & Spencer food brand ambassador and has joined the company ’ s All In This Together campaign .
Her single ’ s artwork is inspired by a rainbow T-shirt being designed and sold by M & S to raise money for NHS Charities Together .
The rainbow has become a symbol of hope during the pandemic , with children making pictures of them to stick to their windows since schools closed .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Amanda Holden has described how the NHS saved her life after she went into a coma following the birth of her daughter, Hollie.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge has released her debut single, a version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, with money raised by the trackgoing to NHS Charities Together, which supports staff and volunteers working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on her radio show, Heart Breakfast, she said: “When I gave birth to Hollie, my eight-year-old daughter who I know is listening, she was an emergency and I haemorrhaged, basically, and I actually did pass away for 40 seconds and then I went into a coma, but the NHS were there holding my hand and my husband’s hand, who – I feel sorry for him to be honest – he went through, it watching it all.”
Holden recorded her version of the song, famously sung by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz, in 2019 and it was due to be released as part of an album this year.
She said she was keen to support the NHS because it has helped her family so many times.
She told the PA news agency: “They’ve saved my sister’s life after she was in a car accident. And, of course, our son, Theo, was born sleeping at an NHS hospital where all the staff were utterly extraordinary and treated us with so much empathy and love.”
In 2011, at seven months pregnant with Theo, a scan revealed his heart had stopped.
Holden underwent a Caesarean at West Middlesex University Hospital, where she had trained as a midwife for an ITV documentary called Out Of My Depth in 2009.
Her experience prompted her to set up Theo’s Hope, a fund providing bereavement counsellors in maternity units around the UK.
Holden said: “I feel like I owe them so much. I feel like we all owe them a debt now and of course for the future to come.
“Last year, I recorded a version of Over The Rainbow. It’s a song I used to sing as a girl with my Nan and Grandad and one I love to sing with my daughters, Lexi and Hollie.
“My album was going to be released just before all of this happened, so it’s all on hold, and this was not going to be the first single, so it feels very interesting.
“It’s a completely different way to go but it’s for charity so we’re looking at it in a different way now. It’s not for me … it’s for the NHS because I owe them everything, I owe them my life.”
Holden is also a Marks & Spencer food brand ambassador and has joined the company’s All In This Together campaign.
Her single’s artwork is inspired by a rainbow T-shirt being designed and sold by M&S to raise money for NHS Charities Together.
The rainbow has become a symbol of hope during the pandemic, with children making pictures of them to stick to their windows since schools closed.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Will Smith's heartbreaking tribute to Fresh Prince Of Bel Air co-star

Will Smith paid an emotional tribute to his Fresh Prince Of Bel Air co-star James Avery during a virtual reunion with the rest of the cast .
He was joined by Tatyana Ali , Alfonso Ribeiro , DJ Jazzy Jeff , Karyn Parsons , Daphne Reid and Joseph Marcell on his Snapchat series Will From Home to remember Avery , who played the Banks family patriarch Uncle Phil .
He died in 2014 due to complications from open heart surgery .
During the reunion , the group watched a montage of footage of Avery from the hit sitcom and Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That just makes me teary.
” Posting a clip from the reunion on Instagram , Smith wrote : “ Our show wouldn ’ t have been HALF what it was without the talent and light that was James Avery .
“ We all love and miss you , James .
During the reunion , Jazzy Jeff , real name Jeffrey Allen Townes , also discussed his battle with suspected coronavirus .
Ribeiro told him : “ You had us all scared , and Townes replied : “ Not as scared as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I ’ m definitely happy to be on the other side.
” The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air ran from 1990 to 1996 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Will Smith paid an emotional tribute to his Fresh Prince Of Bel Air co-star James Avery during a virtual reunion with the rest of the cast.
He was joined by Tatyana Ali, Alfonso Ribeiro, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Karyn Parsons, Daphne Reid and Joseph Marcell on his Snapchat series Will From Home to remember Avery, who played the Banks family patriarch Uncle Phil.
He died in 2014 due to complications from open heart surgery.
During the reunion, the group watched a montage of footage of Avery from the hit sitcom and Smith wiped his eyes as he said: “That just makes me teary.”
Posting a clip from the reunion on Instagram, Smith wrote: “Our show wouldn’t have been HALF what it was without the talent and light that was James Avery.
“We all love and miss you, James.
During the reunion, Jazzy Jeff, real name Jeffrey Allen Townes, also discussed his battle with suspected coronavirus.
Ribeiro told him: “You had us all scared, and Townes replied: “Not as scared as I was. It was a little rough but I’m definitely happy to be on the other side.”
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air ran from 1990 to 1996.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Loose Women presenters rehearse for return of ITV show

Loose Women presenters have rehearsed for the return of the TV show after six weeks away .
The panellists met this weekend to get ready for the new programmes , starting on ITV on Monday .
The daytime show , which came off screen because of the coronavirus pandemic , returns with social distancing measures in place .
Three women are on an extended panel , two metres apart , with a fourth panellist appearing via video-link .
Monday ’ s first live show will see Andrea McLean , Brenda Edwards and Nadia Sawalha on the panel with Coleen Nolan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Loose Women has been a part of my life for 13 years , so to suddenly not be meeting up with my friends , catching up over a latte and hearing the latest about what ’ s going on in their lives has been really strange .
“ As the whole world will agree – chatting over video call just isn ’ t the same .
“ I can ’ t wait to get back to work , get back into the studio and give our lovely viewers some much-needed love and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Although we won ’ t have our lovely live audience there for a little while longer , we promise to still make them smile at home .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Loose Women presenters have rehearsed for the return of the TV show after six weeks away.
The panellists met this weekend to get ready for the new programmes, starting on ITV on Monday.
The daytime show, which came off screen because of the coronavirus pandemic, returns with social distancing measures in place.
Three women are on an extended panel, two metres apart, with a fourth panellist appearing via video-link.
Monday’s first live show will see Andrea McLean, Brenda Edwards and Nadia Sawalha on the panel with Coleen Nolan joining via video-link.
McLean said: “Loose Women has been a part of my life for 13 years, so to suddenly not be meeting up with my friends, catching up over a latte and hearing the latest about what’s going on in their lives has been really strange.
“As the whole world will agree – chatting over video call just isn’t the same.
“I can’t wait to get back to work, get back into the studio and give our lovely viewers some much-needed love and laughter at lunchtime.”
Nolan said: “Although we won’t have our lovely live audience there for a little while longer, we promise to still make them smile at home.”


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Aston Villa home, away and third concept kits for next season

Aston Villa should have two matches left to play in their fight for Premier League survival .
Dean Smith 's side were due to face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday , with crucial clashes at home to Arsenal and away at West Ham United coming up .
But that is n't the case .
The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Villa are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season .
The latest proposal is that the remaining fixtures could be played at neutral venues as part of 'Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action would require the go-ahead from government .
While we 're waiting , let 's take a look at some designs Villa could be wearing next season .
Villa have another two years to run on their deal with renowned Italian manufacturer Kappa .
Kappa 's owner dined with chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park earlier this season .
“ He told me proudly over lunch , ” Purslow explained .
“ ‘ This season we have cleared over 80,000 kits ’ .
`` The budget was for 30,000 and , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already ordered levels of 100,000 for next season which would put us in the top eight in Britain and the top 15 in Europe . ''
As for Villa ’ s main sponsor W88 , the betting firm signed a “ record-breaking deal ” upon promotion last year , agreeing a money-spinning one-year contract .
BirminghamLive revealed a leaked video suggesting W88 looks set to be replaced by Kenyan gaming firm SportPesa for next season .
Thanks to Request A Kit here are three classy claret and blue home designs that could inspire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First up is this traditional claret and blue with the Kappa logo prominent down the flanks .
A similar logo but without the logo featured so heavily .
A much more dramatic shift from tradition is featured above .
Request A Kit : “ The three home designs maintain Villa tradition with the famous claret and blue colour scheme in three differing variations .
“ Two of the three concepts feature the long-standing blue sleeves ; one incorporating white into the collar and cuffs of the design , while the other features all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-tone claret chest .
“ The other takes inspiration from the home shirt of the mid-80s , an all-claret design with blue and white panels across the upper chest.
” Now here ’ s a trio of very indifferent Villa away designs .
Do you rate this yellow number with claret trim ?
Or does this darker number take your fancy ?
Request A Kit said : “ Two of the three away concepts offer light and dark change strips for the Villans , the former being an elegant two-tone white and grey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The black away shirt includes pinstripes , a prominent feature on many of the club 's recent shirts , in blue , with a collar and cuffs in the same shade completing the design .
“ The third concept takes the primary and secondary colours of the club and incorporates them into a yellow change shirt , with contrasting claret sleeves and detailing accompanied by a blue collar and cuffs , a nod to the away shirts of the 1980s .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ashley Preece)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa should have two matches left to play in their fight for Premier League survival.
Dean Smith's side were due to face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, with crucial clashes at home to Arsenal and away at West Ham United coming up.
But that isn't the case. The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Villa are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season.
The latest proposal is that the remaining fixtures could be played at neutral venues as part of 'Project Restart' - but any return to action would require the go-ahead from government.
While we're waiting, let's take a look at some designs Villa could be wearing next season.
Villa have another two years to run on their deal with renowned Italian manufacturer Kappa.
Kappa's owner dined with chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park earlier this season. “He told me proudly over lunch,” Purslow explained. “‘This season we have cleared over 80,000 kits’.
"The budget was for 30,000 and, would you believe, [Kappa] have already ordered levels of 100,000 for next season which would put us in the top eight in Britain and the top 15 in Europe."
As for Villa’s main sponsor W88, the betting firm signed a “record-breaking deal” upon promotion last year, agreeing a money-spinning one-year contract.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
BirminghamLive revealed a leaked video suggesting W88 looks set to be replaced by Kenyan gaming firm SportPesa for next season.
Thanks to Request A Kit here are three classy claret and blue home designs that could inspire next season’s shirt choice.
First up is this traditional claret and blue with the Kappa logo prominent down the flanks.
A similar logo but without the logo featured so heavily.
A much more dramatic shift from tradition is featured above.
Request A Kit: “The three home designs maintain Villa tradition with the famous claret and blue colour scheme in three differing variations.
“Two of the three concepts feature the long-standing blue sleeves; one incorporating white into the collar and cuffs of the design, while the other features all blue sleeves and shoulder panels with a two-tone claret chest.
“The other takes inspiration from the home shirt of the mid-80s, an all-claret design with blue and white panels across the upper chest.”
Now here’s a trio of very indifferent Villa away designs.
Do you rate this yellow number with claret trim?
Or does this darker number take your fancy?
Request A Kit said: “Two of the three away concepts offer light and dark change strips for the Villans, the former being an elegant two-tone white and grey effort, with gold detailing throughout.
“The black away shirt includes pinstripes, a prominent feature on many of the club's recent shirts, in blue, with a collar and cuffs in the same shade completing the design.
“The third concept takes the primary and secondary colours of the club and incorporates them into a yellow change shirt, with contrasting claret sleeves and detailing accompanied by a blue collar and cuffs, a nod to the away shirts of the 1980s.”


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Wolves could play entire 2020/21 season behind closed doors - report

Wolves and the rest of the Premier League clubs are preparing for the possibility of playing the entirety of next season behind closed doors..
Discussions around a resumption of the 2019/20 season are due to continue this week , with the hope that the remaining 92 matches can be played throughout the summer months to conclude the campaign .
However , due to the coronavirus pandemic , fans will not be in attendance for those matches and it ’ s expected that the start of next season will also begin behind closed doors .
Now , Sky Sports is reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of the entirety of the 2020/2021 campaign taking place without fans in attendance - which would also impact the EFL , if required to be put in place .
Such action would affect all competitions , including the FA Cup and UEFA ’ s European competitions , and would be a significant blow to the revenue streams of Premier League clubs .
The possibility of having no fans in attendance for a whole season would be even more devastating for clubs in the lower leagues of the EFL , where the gate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running of the club .
Clubs have already been hit heavily by the financial implications of the crisis , which is expected to have long-lasting effects on the economy both in general and within the sporting world .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, Brian Dick)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Wolves and the rest of the Premier League clubs are preparing for the possibility of playing the entirety of next season behind closed doors..
Discussions around a resumption of the 2019/20 season are due to continue this week, with the hope that the remaining 92 matches can be played throughout the summer months to conclude the campaign.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans will not be in attendance for those matches and it’s expected that the start of next season will also begin behind closed doors.
Now, Sky Sports is reporting that top-flight clubs are preparing for the possibility of the entirety of the 2020/2021 campaign taking place without fans in attendance - which would also impact the EFL, if required to be put in place.
Such action would affect all competitions, including the FA Cup and UEFA’s European competitions, and would be a significant blow to the revenue streams of Premier League clubs.
The possibility of having no fans in attendance for a whole season would be even more devastating for clubs in the lower leagues of the EFL, where the gate receipts are an important part of the running of the club.
Clubs have already been hit heavily by the financial implications of the crisis, which is expected to have long-lasting effects on the economy both in general and within the sporting world.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Aston Villa could play entire 2020/21 season behind closed doors - report

Aston Villa and the rest of the Premier League clubs are preparing for the possibility of playing the entirety of next season behind closed doors..
Discussions around a resumption of the 2019/20 season are due to continue this week , with the hope that the remaining 92 matches can be played throughout the summer months to conclude the campaign .
However , due to the coronavirus pandemic , fans will not be in attendance for those matches and it ’ s expected that the start of next season will also begin behind closed doors .
Now , Sky Sports is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of the entirety of the 2020/2021 campaign taking place without fans in attendance - which would also impact the EFL , if required to be put in place .
Such action would affect all competitions , including the FA Cup and UEFA ’ s European competitions , and would be a significant blow to the revenue streams of Premier League clubs .
The possibility of having no fans in attendance for a whole season would be even more devastating for clubs in the lower leagues of the EFL , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running of the club .
Clubs have already been hit heavily by the financial implications of the crisis , which is expected to have long-lasting effects on the economy both in general and within the sporting world .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Aston Villa and the rest of the Premier League clubs are preparing for the possibility of playing the entirety of next season behind closed doors..
Discussions around a resumption of the 2019/20 season are due to continue this week, with the hope that the remaining 92 matches can be played throughout the summer months to conclude the campaign.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans will not be in attendance for those matches and it’s expected that the start of next season will also begin behind closed doors.
Now, Sky Sports is reporting that top-flight clubs are preparing for the possibility of the entirety of the 2020/2021 campaign taking place without fans in attendance - which would also impact the EFL, if required to be put in place.
Such action would affect all competitions, including the FA Cup and UEFA’s European competitions, and would be a significant blow to the revenue streams of Premier League clubs.
The possibility of having no fans in attendance for a whole season would be even more devastating for clubs in the lower leagues of the EFL, where the gate receipts are an important part of the running of the club.
Clubs have already been hit heavily by the financial implications of the crisis, which is expected to have long-lasting effects on the economy both in general and within the sporting world.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Jack Grealish shows his class after Aston Villa fan tragedy

Jack Grealish has stepped in to help an Aston Villa fan raising money for a mental health charity after the @ @ @ @ @ .
The Aston Villa captain was contacted on Twitter by a supporter who tragically revealed @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday after a battle with mental health .
Grealish has offered to donate a @ @ @ @ @ promotion season in 2018/19 .
`` Terrible news , '' wrote Grealish .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ shirts from last season which is also signed by the promotion winning team from last @ @ @ @ @ will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a mental health charity .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ the shirt worn in last year 's Second City derby to raise money for the @ @ @ @ @ winning goal in the clash against Blues at St Andrew 's after being attacked by @ @ @ @ @ half .
The raffle , which cost a donation of £10 to enter , has @ @ @ @ @ with the winner announced at 7pm on Sunday .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Jack Grealish has stepped in to help an Aston Villa fan raising money for a mental health charity after the death of his best friend.
The Aston Villa captain was contacted on Twitter by a supporter who tragically revealed his childhood friend committed suicide on Wednesday after a battle with mental health.
Grealish has offered to donate a signed shirt from Villa's promotion season in 2018/19.
"Terrible news," wrote Grealish. "I will donate one of my shirts from last season which is also signed by the promotion winning team from last season."
The shirt will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to a mental health charity.
Meanwhile, Grealish is giving away the shirt worn in last year's Second City derby to raise money for the NHS.
Grealish scored the winning goal in the clash against Blues at St Andrew's after being attacked by a fan in the first half.
The raffle, which cost a donation of £10 to enter, has so far raised over £50,000 with the winner announced at 7pm on Sunday.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Shootings, stabbing, carjackings - catalogue of crimes in lockdown

It 's been six weeks since the coronavirus pandemic sparked a nationwide lockdown .
The strict measures - put in place to slow the spread of the deadly virus - have also lead to crime figures dramatically plummeting .
Crime is down by more than a quarter because of the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown , according to West Midlands Police - with residential burglaries , robberies and hate crime falling .
But while Birmingham - along with the rest of the UK - has been under effective lockdown since March 23 , a number of violent and even deadly crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
Police have been called out to incidents including shootings , stabbings , carjackings and hit-and-runs - leading to investigations and public appeals for information .
Here are just some of the shocking crimes committed during lockdown .
Just a day after lockdown began , a man suffered 'serious injuries ' following a broad daylight shooting .
The incident happened on Baverstock Road in Druids Heath just before 12.20pm on March 24 .
Police , ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford dashed to the scene and , following paramedic assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by land ambulance .
In a statement released shortly after the shooting , a West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We were called to reports of a man being found with a gunshot wound to his leg in Baverstock Road , Birmingham , at about 12.25pm on 24 March .
`` The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and our investigations are continuing . ''
A terrified woman was heard screaming for help as she was violently set upon by a gang of thugs in a brutal carjacking .
The gang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , March 31 , in the car park of Asda in Shirley .
In the sickening attack , the woman was punched and dragged across the floor before some of the offenders drove off in her Volkswagen Golf .
Others sped away in a getaway car , following the broad daylight attack .
The woman was not seriously injured and the car was later found dumped in another part of Solihull .
One shaken eyewitness later urged shoppers to be vigilant , writing on Facebook : `` She was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punching her in the face .
She was shouting for help .
Please be extra careful when going out . ''
A fortnight into lockdown , a man was set upon by thugs who punched him in the face and hit him with a hammer as he walked along a major city road .
Detectives are probing the vicious , random attack , which happened at around 10.15pm on Tuesday , April 7 .
The 35-year-old victim had been walking along Alcester Road South , in Kings Heath , when a VW Golf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was brutally attacked by the pair who then got back into the car and drove away .
The man was taken to hospital with suspected spinal damage but was later discharged .
DC Darren Lennox , from force CID , said : `` This was a random attack on a man who was fortunate enough to not have suffered serious injuries .
“ I am keen to hear from anyone who might have been out on their daily walk or exercise who might have seen anything or has any information to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 13 , died after being struck by a Volkswagen Polo as he crossed Chester Road , Erdington , with his family on April 12 .
Mason was described as 'kind , loving and genuine ' and someone who 'brought joy to the life of everyone ' .
He had been out walking with his family when he was involved in the collision , at around 6.50pm .
Mason was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died shortly afterwards .
The car left the scene following the incident , but was later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop .
She has been released pending investigation .
Mason 's devastated family later said : `` We are asking witnesses to come forward to help us understand why this happened to our beautiful , kind spirited boy .
Mason , we will love you always . ''
Almost a month after lockdown began , a gang of gunmen were caught on camera allegedly firing shots into a Handsworth takeaway .
The shooting , which police believe was targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rookery Road at around 6pm on Monday ( April 20 ) .
A 17-year-old , who can not be named for legal reasons , was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life .
Three others , aged between 15 and 20 , were also arrested but have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries .
West Midlands Police said they were continuing to investigate and urged anyone with information to come forward .
A schoolboy was left fighting for his life after a double stabbing in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened in Marston Green Park , near Chapelhouse Road in Solihull , involved a fight where a 16-year-old was stabbed in the back .
He was rushed to hospital with a serious wound to his back .
A 19 year old was also stabbed .
Police cordoned off nearby Marston Green Park after the incident .
Two teenagers were later charged with attempted murder .
Just a day - and 600 yards - from the scene of the fatal stabbing of Karl Gallagher , a man was slashed with a machete at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital with injuries to his arm after the attack in Oldbury Road , Smethwick , at 6pm on Monday , April 27 .
Following the incident - which police said was not linked to the fatal stabbing just hours before - armed police swiftly moved to carry out a series of arrests .
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage .
And a further four men , aged between 23 and 59 , were arrested on suspicion of wounding and firearms offences .
Supt Martin Hurcomb from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the second serious incident in Smethwick in a matter of days , and we want to reassure the public we take crimes of this nature very seriously . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
It's been six weeks since the coronavirus pandemic sparked a nationwide lockdown.
The strict measures - put in place to slow the spread of the deadly virus - have also lead to crime figures dramatically plummeting.
Crime is down by more than a quarter because of the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown, according to West Midlands Police - with residential burglaries, robberies and hate crime falling.
But while Birmingham - along with the rest of the UK - has been under effective lockdown since March 23, a number of violent and even deadly crimes have still rocked our city and wider region.
Police have been called out to incidents including shootings, stabbings, carjackings and hit-and-runs - leading to investigations and public appeals for information.
Here are just some of the shocking crimes committed during lockdown.
March 24: Shooting
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Just a day after lockdown began, a man suffered 'serious injuries' following a broad daylight shooting.
The incident happened on Baverstock Road in Druids Heath just before 12.20pm on March 24.
Police, ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford dashed to the scene and, following paramedic assessment, the man was taken to hospital by land ambulance.
In a statement released shortly after the shooting, a West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a man being found with a gunshot wound to his leg in Baverstock Road, Birmingham, at about 12.25pm on 24 March.
"The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening and our investigations are continuing."
March 31: Violent carjacking
A terrified woman was heard screaming for help as she was violently set upon by a gang of thugs in a brutal carjacking.
The gang - all dressed in black - struck on Tuesday, March 31, in the car park of Asda in Shirley.
In the sickening attack, the woman was punched and dragged across the floor before some of the offenders drove off in her Volkswagen Golf.
Others sped away in a getaway car, following the broad daylight attack.
The woman was not seriously injured and the car was later found dumped in another part of Solihull.
One shaken eyewitness later urged shoppers to be vigilant, writing on Facebook: "She was on the floor and two or three men were punching her in the face. She was shouting for help. Please be extra careful when going out."
April 7: Hammer attack
A fortnight into lockdown, a man was set upon by thugs who punched him in the face and hit him with a hammer as he walked along a major city road.
Detectives are probing the vicious, random attack, which happened at around 10.15pm on Tuesday, April 7.
The 35-year-old victim had been walking along Alcester Road South, in Kings Heath, when a VW Golf pulled over and two men approached him.
He was brutally attacked by the pair who then got back into the car and drove away.
The man was taken to hospital with suspected spinal damage but was later discharged.
DC Darren Lennox, from force CID, said: "This was a random attack on a man who was fortunate enough to not have suffered serious injuries.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who might have been out on their daily walk or exercise who might have seen anything or has any information to get in touch."
April 12: Fatal hit-and-run
Mason O'Grady, 13, died after being struck by a Volkswagen Polo as he crossed Chester Road, Erdington, with his family on April 12.
Mason was described as 'kind, loving and genuine' and someone who 'brought joy to the life of everyone'.
He had been out walking with his family when he was involved in the collision, at around 6.50pm. Mason was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but died shortly afterwards.
The car left the scene following the incident, but was later found in Sutton Coldfield.
A 28-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. She has been released pending investigation.
Mason's devastated family later said: "We are asking witnesses to come forward to help us understand why this happened to our beautiful, kind spirited boy. Mason, we will love you always."
April 20: Takeaway shooting
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Almost a month after lockdown began, a gang of gunmen were caught on camera allegedly firing shots into a Handsworth takeaway.
The shooting, which police believe was targeted, took place outside DFC Chicken on Rookery Road at around 6pm on Monday (April 20).
A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Three others, aged between 15 and 20, were also arrested but have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
West Midlands Police said they were continuing to investigate and urged anyone with information to come forward.
April 26: Stabbing
A schoolboy was left fighting for his life after a double stabbing in a city park.
The incident, which happened in Marston Green Park, near Chapelhouse Road in Solihull, involved a fight where a 16-year-old was stabbed in the back.
He was rushed to hospital with a serious wound to his back. A 19 year old was also stabbed.
Police cordoned off nearby Marston Green Park after the incident.
Two teenagers were later charged with attempted murder.
April 27: Gang machete attack
(Image: Bearded Broz)
Just a day - and 600 yards - from the scene of the fatal stabbing of Karl Gallagher, a man was slashed with a machete at a petrol station.
The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to his arm after the attack in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, at 6pm on Monday, April 27.
Following the incident - which police said was not linked to the fatal stabbing just hours before - armed police swiftly moved to carry out a series of arrests.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.
And a further four men, aged between 23 and 59, were arrested on suspicion of wounding and firearms offences.
Supt Martin Hurcomb from Sandwell local policing unit said, “This is the second serious incident in Smethwick in a matter of days, and we want to reassure the public we take crimes of this nature very seriously."


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Premier League rivals ready to sign long-term Wolves target

Newcastle United could table a stunning bid for long-term Wolverhampton Wanderers target Franck Kessie , according to reports .
The midfielder has been linked to Wolves in each of the last two transfer windows with AC Milan reportedly ready to sell if the right offer comes in .
It is believed that a fee of between £22m and £26m would be enough to sign the 23-year-old .
Recent reports from Italy stated Kessie is n't likely to fit Ralf Rangnick 's style with the German coach lined up to succeed Stefano Pioli as Milan boss .
According to MilanLive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's demands to complete a deal in the next transfer window .
The Magpies are in the process of being taken over by a wealthy consortium led by Amanda Staveley with backing from Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund .
Kessie spent two seasons on loan at the San Siro before Milan completed his signing on permanent terms from Atalanta last year .
As well as Wolves , Arsenal and West Ham United have also been linked with the Ivory Coast international who has made 25 appearances this season , scoring once .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Newcastle United could table a stunning bid for long-term Wolverhampton Wanderers target Franck Kessie, according to reports.
The midfielder has been linked to Wolves in each of the last two transfer windows with AC Milan reportedly ready to sell if the right offer comes in.
It is believed that a fee of between £22m and £26m would be enough to sign the 23-year-old.
Recent reports from Italy stated Kessie isn't likely to fit Ralf Rangnick's style with the German coach lined up to succeed Stefano Pioli as Milan boss.
According to MilanLive, Newcastle could meet the Serie A side's demands to complete a deal in the next transfer window.
The Magpies are in the process of being taken over by a wealthy consortium led by Amanda Staveley with backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Kessie spent two seasons on loan at the San Siro before Milan completed his signing on permanent terms from Atalanta last year.
As well as Wolves, Arsenal and West Ham United have also been linked with the Ivory Coast international who has made 25 appearances this season, scoring once.