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What’s making the headlines in Sedgley

Countdown to Dudley Zoo’s 75th anniversary. . .

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Team Leader, Birds, Kellie Piper, with three of the 21 fibreglass penguins that will mark the launch of Penguin Bay and Dudley Zoo’s 75th anniversary.

The Countdown to the Bank Holiday anniversary launch of the £40,000 Penguin Bay at Dudley Zoo has begun.

 Wet and windy weather throughout the week hampered staff working on the walkthrough experience that opens to the public on Sunday, May 6 – the zoo’s 75th birthday – but final preparations are now underway.

 

Endangered

 

The three-month-long project has doubled the size of Dudley Zoo’s enclosure for 70 rare Humboldt   penguins – one of the largest colonies in Europe – and decking walkways and glass viewing platforms will bring visitors closer to the endangered South American birds.
DZG  CEO Peter Suddock, said: “For years customers have asked to get nearer to our colony of rare Humboldt penguins and the new layout means the whole family will be able to do just that, plus have a fantastic overhead viewing platform to watch them swimming.
“It will give the 70-plus birds more space and we have used a rock and sand-based substrate to mimic their wild habitat.”
Mr Suddock added: “Work has taken three months to complete and it has been particularly laborious as all of the birds were in situ throughout the whole of the programme which means we have been unable to use mechanical diggers for the operation.
“The penguins have been entertained by it all, and have been watching progress from the poolside.”

 

Refurbishment

 

The £40,000 project will also include refurbishment of nest boxes, checking and resealing of the pool and provision of a creche for young Humboldts.

The scheme, which has been designed in-house, has been funded by DZG with a £3,000  donation from Darlaston-based company Rubery Owen.
 DZG is home to one of the largest groups of Humboldt penguins in Europe, with more than 70 birds currently in the colony. The highly successful conservation programme has been recognised by BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), winning its award for sustained breeding of a species in captivity.

 

21 fibreglass penguins join colony

 

To mark Sunday’s anniversary the zoo has taken delivery of 21 bright birds!

The fibreglass penguins are painted in a rainbow of shades and will feature around the site – plus a whole load of surprise venues  in coming weeks!
DZG Head of Media and Communications, Jill Hitchman, said: “They’re fab models and really make everyone smile when they see them.
“We’ve named them all Dudley and have 21 in honour of Pingu, our oldest Humboldt penguin who celebrated his 21st birthday last week (Apr 24), and they will be placed around the Zoological Gardens in a special Penguin Trail.
“The 21 Dudleys will also be taking part in a whole series of adventures at schools, shopping centres and may even be going on holiday, we’ll just have to see where they turn up!”

 

Birthday celebrations at Dudley Zoo

 

Anniversary celebrations will start on Sunday, May 6 – the date the zoo opened to the public in 1937 – and continue throughout the next 12 months.

Two anniversary stars are already settling in; Amur tiger Tschuna and Sumatran tiger, Daseep, transferred in February and have already become visitors’ favourites.
Modification work to the big cats’ enclosure created an eye-level glass viewing area offering never-before-seen angles of the iconic triple Tecton complex, plus a live tiger cam for off-site viewing.
Also on the list is the restoration of the 1958 chairlift – one of the oldest in the country. Work will begin in May with midsummer completion and offer visitors a view from the air of some of the rarest animals in the world.
Mr Suddock added: “It’s going to be a fantastic year; not only is it our 75th anniversary, we’ll also be finalising plans for the new entrance, retail complex and Tecton interpretation centre, there are wonderful additions to the animal collection and, of course, the chairlift will be restored, so there’s a lot to celebrate.”
Visit the Dudley Zoo website for more information.

Lighting up the Past with Sedgley Local History Society

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Sedgley residents can shine a light into an age before low-energy lightbulbs and fused plugs when they attend another fascinating talk from Sedley Local History Society.

The next meeting of the Society takes place on Thursday, May 10 at 7:30 pm in St. Andrew’s Church, Bilston Street, Sedgley

After a short Annual General Meeting, there will be a talk, called Lighting up the Past, where John Hughes, a retired installation inspector with the Midland Electricity Board and stalwart of the Black Country Memories Club, will be reminiscing about the days when valves and fuse wire were an essential part of the electricity supply in many homes.

Illuminating History

John is an avid collector of old electrical equipment and period photographs and will be displaying some illuminating relics of electrical technology from years gone by.

As usual, visitors are invited to come along.  Individual talks cost £1. Visit the society’s website for more information.

Spring into action at Sedgley Community Centre

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Spring into action with a wide range of events taking place at Sedgley Community Centre this year

Sedgley Community Centre has a wide range of events planned this spring, with something on offer for people of all ages.

The centre, situated in Ladies Walk, is well-known for being at the heart of activities in the village. And, in keeping with this tradition, there is a packed programme of events lined up to help Sedgley residents celebrate spring in style.

First of all,  jump into action this Jubilee year with the Diamond Jubilee Tea Dance on Saturday, June 2, which runs from 2pm until 4pm. In keeping with his regal occasion, anyone participating is asked to wear red, white and blue. There is no charge for admission and refreshments will be provided.

Dancing in Sedgley’s streets

Dust off your dancing shoes for a disco on Saturday, June 23, when local DJ, Steve Welch, will be spinning a stack of classic tunes from the 60s and 70s. Admission is £5 and anyone coming is invited to bring their own drinks. This event will also feature a fundraising raffle.

Summer is well and truly in bloom on Saturday, August 18, when the village’s greatest greenfingered residents unveil a stunning selection of colours and scents for the Sedgley Flower Show.

Harvesting the best of Sedgley

And, on Saturday, September 15, reap the rewards of living in the Black Country with the centre’s harvest and ploughman’s lunch event.  Starting at midday, this will feature a guest speaker providing a fascinating insight into harvest time followed by a delicious traditional ploughman’s lunch.  All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Finally, get crafty on Friday 28 and Saturday, September 29 with the Sedgley Live event, which will feature a craft fayre showcasing the skills of the village’s many talented residents.

In the near future, Sedgleyscene will be working with Sedgley Community Centre to bring you a regularly updated list of events. In the meantime, call 01902 678 490 for bookings and further information on this popular local venue.

Friends of Sedgley Beacon reach new heights

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Sedgley Beacon Tower was constructed in 1846 and used to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee

It stands at 777 ft above sea level and, in 1887, was used to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Since being built in 1846, Sedgley Beacon has been an instantly recognisable feature of the town and holds an iconic place in Black Country history.

Now, with Queen Elizabeth about to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee after 60 years on the throne, a group of Sedgley residents is working hard to restore this majestic Grade 2 listed monument back to its former glory.

After a lot of hard work and perseverance the group, known as Friends of Sedgley Beacon, is working closely with Dudley Council conservation and preservation officers and other departments.

Members have also enlisted the help of local police in setting up action plans so they can apply for funding to get Sedgley Beacon and the Grade 2 listed tower which sits on the highest point of the beacon restored and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Friends of Sedgley Beacon is also in the process of having a gate fitted to the entrance to the beacon on the Sedgley to Wolverhampton Road to stop off- road bikes and vehicles gaining access and causing damage. Once this is completed, the group can then start all the other work its members feel is so urgently needed.

Outstanding

Group spokesman, Tony Cowell, says: “Sedgley Beacon is an area of outstanding natural beauty in urban surroundings with fantastic views to the east and west.

“To the east, you can see areas of manufacturing going out to Lichfield, Cannock, West Bromwich and Birmingham – the next highest point to the east is the Ural Mountains in Russia!

“To the west, there are vast areas of countryside including the Malvern Hills, The Wrekin and the Welsh Mountains. In fact, it has been suggested that on a good clear day from the highest point of the beacon, you can see the Bristol Channel.”

Amazing views of the surrounding countryside can be seen from the top of Sedgley Beacon.

There is a quarry on the beacon which supports Limestone grassland – of extreme rarity in this region – with rare plants including greater knapweed, carline thistle and quaking grass.

There are also many different kinds of butterflies in the summer which are beautiful to see on a stroll across the beacon.

For budding archaeologists, a wide variety of fossils can also be found at the quarry.

Neglect

However, despite being such an asset to anyone in the Black Country, the years have sadly not been kind to Sedgley Beacon.

Tony explains: “Both the beacon and tower are in a very bad state of neglect. This has gone on for years – despite  the hard work and dedication put in by The Beacon Hill Tenants and Residents Association who have worked tirelessly over the last 14 years to get this done.

“The tower needs an immense amount of work both inside and out, from top to bottom, along with the immediate surrounding area which is part of the tower itself. Due to neglect, it is going to take longer and cost more to complete this project, but our group is dedicated to getting this done.”

The tower, which is built of Gornal Stone, stands 50ft high and is 7 ft in diameter. Reputedly, it was constructed for Lord Wrottesley of Tettenhall, Wolverhampton – a keen amateur astronomer.

However, other sources suggest it may have been built as a folly by a local landowner known as Mr. Petit.

Action

Tony adds: “Once the action plan is complete, we can start applying for funding from the Lottery and other organisations. Then, we can start getting the beacon and tower looking good again, so people can go and visit and appreciate what we all have on our doorstep.

“Our group would appreciate any support and backing from anyone who is interested in our project and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped us so far.”

Friends of Sedgley Beacon works closely with the Queen Victoria Centre in Dudley and holds all of its meetings there.

For more information, visit the group’s website or its Facebook page or call 01384817490.

New Sedgley beauty spot sign ruined by vandals

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The vandalised sign on Turls Hill Bridleway

For centuries, the tranquil surroundings of Turls Hill Bridleway have provided pleasure for countless numbers of Sedgley residents. Recently, however, a new information sign put up along this idyllic thoroughfare has been ruined by vandals, angering local residents who fear the historic footpath is also attracting anti-social behaviour.

In 2009, The Woodsetton Charitable Trust secured funding of more than £90,000 to restore the bridleway to its former glory. The sign, the latest addition to a wide range of improvements along the historic path, was intended to inform visitors and local residents about the fascinating history of Turls Hill Bridleway, which it is believed dates back to the 17th century. Yet, less than a week after being installed, this useful source of information has been defaced with graffiti and has had its glass smashed.

Jacqui Prosser is one of many dog-walkers who regularly use the bridleway and was shocked at her recent discovery. She says: “The sign was only erected last week.  Imagine my shock and disgust when I walked my dogs up through the woods yesterday to find that it has been totally wrecked!

Shocked

“Some mindless idiots have smashed the glass and sprayed graffiti all over it – you can hardly read the map now as there’s black spray paint all over it. I’m not sure who was responsible for putting the sign up but, as a local resident who walks up through the wood most days, I thought it was a great idea – it’s nice for the locals and ‘tourists’ to learn a bit about the history of the area.

“I’m well aware that this part of Sedgley has more than its fair share of anti-social behaviour and on many occasions, while out walking my two dogs, I’ve come across gangs of youths up to no good.  But, I was truly shocked by this wanton vandalism.”

Jacqui has emailed Dudley Council about the damage, but is angry and saddened by what appears to be a senseless attack on a local beauty spot.

She adds: “It’s such a shame this has happened, as Turls Hill Bridleway is such a picturesque part of Sedgley.”

What are your views on Turls Hill Bridleway? Is anti-social behaviour in this area getting worse? Get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

Two men jailed for fatal Tipton Road smash

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Two men have today been sent to prison for causing the death of two men in a collision in Sedgley last year.

Michael Allen aged 22 from Dudley was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to nine and a half years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 12 years.

Simon Skidmore aged 25 from Sedgley was sentenced to seven years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 10 years.

The pair were arrested after a collision on Tipton Road, near to the junction with Setton Drive, on 8 April 2011.

A Honda Civic car collided with traffic lights and a wall at around 10.15pm. Two passengers in the Honda, Tim Morris, aged 22, and Daniel Eales 24, both from Gornal, died shortly after the incident.

An 18-year-old woman, also travelling in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries.

Easter eggs-travaganza at Dudley Zoo

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Dudley Zoo trainee keeper Hannah Follows, of Gornal, with giant English rabbit, Honey.

Giant English rabbits will be hopping on to the Easter scene at Dudley Zoological Gardens this week to join a fortnight’s eggs-travaganza at the Castle Hill site.

Bonny bunnies Honey, Hazel and Holly will be joining the holiday funtime as youngsters take part in the zoo’s annual Easter Trail with a free chocolate rabbit for all completed entries.
There’s also a chance to enter a prize draw to win a year-long adoption package for a giant English rabbit – these mega bunnies weigh in at around 16lbs!
There’s an Easter bonnet parade at 1.30pm on Sunday (April 8) in the Castle Courtyard with a medal for all entries and a special Farmyard Meet and Greet for the winner of the best hat.
And for crafty young visitors, there are Easter activities in the Farm Barn and Discovery Centre, including the opportunity to decorate a plant pot and receive free pumpkin seeds (they’ll come in handy in autumn for the zoo’s Hallowe’en competition).

Tigers

Elsewhere across the 40-acre site there’s a chance to get close to newly-arrived tigers, Tschuna and Daseep via a peek through a glass viewing panel – scary! – and say hello to one-year-old Bornean orang utan, Sprout.
And see work in progress on Penguin Bay, the zoo’s 2012 walkthrough experience which allows visitors to get close to the 70-strong group of rare Humboldts penguins – the largest colony in the UK.
Penguin Bay is due to launch on May 6, the 75th anniversary of the date the zoo opened to the public in 1937.
Marketing Manager, Julia Lockett, says: “We’ve got lots lined up throughout the Easter hols so come along and join the fun, there’s something for all ages to enjoy, and a chance to get close to the world’s rarest animals and learn about some of our important worldwide conservation projects.”
Checkout our Easter eggs-travaganza at www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or call 01384 215313 for details.

Sedgley student makes a clean sweep at Dudley Zoo

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Dudley College Animal Management student, Kelly Fillingham, aged 18, from Sedgley helps DZG trainee keeper Alex Randle clean out the Barberry sheep enclosure.

Sedgley student Kelly Fillingham is among those making a clean sweep at Dudley Zoo (DZG), thanks to a new partnership with Dudley College which is proving a hands-on success for Animal Care and Management students.

Throughout a six month period, 68 students including Kelly, spent four-week placements working alongside  Dudley Zoo keepers and Education staff in a project believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
Students’ mornings are spent cleaning enclosures, preparing food and learning what it takes to be a zookeeper. Afternoons are spent in theory sessions, with Presenter Becky Iwahashi in the Discovery Centre education block, covering enclosure design, nutrition and diet, and enrichment.
Animal Care training and handling mammals, reptiles and invertebrates is also covered and students rotate sections, working on Farm, Birds, Ungulates, Primates and Education.
Becky says: “Some students also had the chance to participate in our daily talks programme, giving them confidence in their public speaking skills and another high point was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity helping Bird staff hand rear highly endangered baby Humboldt penguins!”

Success

DZG  CEO Peter Suddock, adds: “The DZG / Dudley College placement scheme is the only programme in the country between a zoo and neighbouring college running Animal Care and Management courses and has proved a big success in its first year.
“The placements offer an insight into the management of a leading modern animal collection and have been extremely rewarding for the majority of students – many now wish to become zookeepers themselves one day – and the physical experience has offered an accurate view of zookeeping.
“Students are also able to take advantage of the chance to ask keepers about the collection, and receive invaluable advice on how to achieve their dream job of working with animals.”

Phobia

Animal Care student Gary Hardyman, 16, of West Bromwich, says: “Working at DZG brings learning to life, and I’ve even managed to overcome my phobia of spiders after handling some of the zoo’s really big ones! No day is the same – how good is that?”
Twenty-one-year-old Sam Miller, of Dudley, adds: “I love the days at the zoo and have finally found what I want to do. I wasn’t expecting to work with such a range of animals, and getting this amount of experience really helps to build your confidence.”
Twenty four students took part in the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care with 44 students on the BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in Animal Management.
Check up on the latest updates at DZG by visiting  www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

Keeper continues family tradition at Dudley Zoo

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Emily, who lives in Gornal, is pictured with Winnie Timothy (left) and Alice Oakley, sadly now both deceased.

Dudley Zoo trainee keeper, Hannah Follows, discovered she is continuing a family tradition when her great grandmother handed her an old photo.

 The black and white image reveals 93-year-old Emily Evans, who lives in Gornal, at the Castle Hill site on the day the zoo opened to the public in May 1937.

Iconic

Emily, then 18, was employed as a cook in the Queen Mary Restaurant and the photograph shows her and two colleagues taking a rest outside the iconic Tecton building.
Sixteen-year-old Hannah said: “My great gran was so proud when
 I started at the zoo – I’m the site’s youngest apprentice – and she couldn’t wait to show me the photograph of her at work on the day the zoo opened.
“She’s still very interested in everything that goes on at the zoo and she’ll be coming along to our 75th anniversary celebrations in May to have a good look around, particularly in the Queen Mary Restaurant.”
Do you have any memories of Dudley Zoo you’d like to share? Send your pics and stories to us and we’ll feature them on the site!
Visit Dudley Zoo’s website for more information.

Full Steam Ahead to Discover the Region’s Railway History

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Take a trip back through time to the golden age of railways with Sedgley Local History Society

Sedgley residents can take a fascinating trip back in time to the golden age of the region’s railway network at the next meeting held by Sedgley Local History Society.

The meeting, which takes place on Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 pm in St. Andrew’s Church, Bilston Street, Sedgley, will feature a talk by Keith Hodgkins, vice chairman of Tipton Civic Society and passionate Black Country heritage campaigner.

Keith’s PowerPoint presentation traces the evolution of the main lines and branches with vintage and more recent images recalling the days when the region’s industries were well served by a network bringing in raw materials and leaving with products as diverse as steel bars and sausages.

The evening is sure to delight all train users and everyone interested in the scenery of the highways and byways of track travel.

As usual, visitors are invited to come along.  Individual talks cost £1.

This talk is sponsored by Sedgley Estate Agents, Roden Boydell