Heritage News in the West Midlands
How Sandwell changed the world
This is an exciting series of exhibitions and events around the Borough of Sandwell during the next few months. Find out how the people and places which now make up Sandwell have made their mark on the world throughout history. Discover how events in the region changed people's lives forever. Learn about inventions, innovations, industries and enterprise which started in the six towns of Sandwell.
There are lots of facinating objects telling the stories of how local people became world famous in areas like industry, sport and entertainment. With interactive displays and plenty of activities and events to join in, you'll have lots of fun finding out how Sandwell changed the world.
The exhibitions and activities begin in Oldbury in June 2006. The programme continues until the end of November. Entrance to the exhibitions and events is free.
For free family fun events and exhibitions in each of the six towns:
Oldbury - 3 June - 23 June
Rowley Regis - 1 July - 23 July
Smethwick - 30 July - 3 September
West Bromwich - 11 September -1 October
Wednesbury - 9 October - 30 October
Tipton - 1 November - 30 November
Campaign to save HP Sauce
May 10 2006 Birmingham Evening Mail have launched a campaign to save the famous HP Sauce factory in Aston. Heinz, the parent company that owns the HP Sauce brand are planning to close the Aston plant. Evening Mail editor Steve Dyson is encouraging readers to boycott other Heinz products and to back a Save Our Sauce campaign. Local MPs have also added their voices of support to the Mail campaign, Ladywood MP Clare Short said "we simply cannot let this global icon of Birmingham disappear without a fight".
To find out more about the SOS campaign, contact Lee Kenny on 0121 345 5651 or register your support by signing an online petition at www.birminghammail.net
Find out more the history of HP Sauce on the Big 'n' Bostin' website
Last Sports Argus
The very last edition of the Birmingham Sports Argus was published on Saturday 13th May 2006 after an incredible 109 years. The famous pink Argus, well known to all sports fans in the West Midlands was first published in 1897, the year that Aston Villa achieved a League and Cup double, but has closed due to falling readership figures as more and more sports fans turn to TV and the internet for their sports news.
Former Blues star and manager Trevor Francis said "the paper has been an institution. It has been part of Birmingham life and it has been part of my ife". Former Warwickshire and England batsman Dennis Amiss said "the Argus has been such a big part of the Birmingham sporting scene for so long" and Villa chairman Doug Ellis said "I am very disappointed that it is closing". Former West Brom star Cyril Regis said "the Argus is a tradition in Midlands football. It was part of my life during my playing career".
