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Events, News

Got the purrrr-fect pawtrait of your pet?

By on

29th April 2019

- Events, News

Is your pet picture purr-fect? From cute kittens and top dogs to floppy-eared rabbits and furry guinea pigs – we want to see your creature companions wow the camera.

 

The Express & Star is launching a new competition, inviting pet owners to submit their favourite picture of their pet to be in with a chance of walking away with up to £500 in prize money.

 

We have long been a nation of pet lovers and everyone knows that animals really do make a real difference to our lives.

 

To celebrate our special bond with our pets we want to see your best photos – or Pawtraits – of the animals that are part of your family.

 

They can be easily uploaded online and all pets are welcome – no matter how small, furry or funny!

 

Photos of your pets will feature in a supplement in the Express & Star on Wednesday, June 5.

 

From there you will have the opportunity to vote for the pet that you think has the perfect portrait by sending in voting tokens, which will be printed in the Express & Star daily from Wednesday, June 5 until Saturday, June 22.

 

The overall winner of the competition will secure the coveted title of the Express & Star’s most popular Pawtrait Pet of the year as well as £500 in prize money.

 

So, get your cameras at the ready and get snapping!

Rob Kelly, head of circulation, said: “The Express & Star is launching a fantastic new competition called Pawtrait Pets focusing on our readers’ love of pets. We want to see your favourite photograph of your pet.

 

“This is the first time we have carried out a pet competition and we know that our readers will love to see all these fantastic photos which will appear in a special supplement in the Express & Star on Wednesday, June 5. We are expecting a great response from this competition and cash prizes will be up for grabs for the first, second and third placed pets, after readers have voted for their favourite.

 

“Please read the terms and conditions of the competition and ensure that the photo you send in is of good quality so it reproduces well within the supplement.”

 

* For details go to www.expressandstar.com/pawtraitpets

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Events, News

BBC presenter is delighted to be involved in this year’s awards

By on

25th April 2019

- Events, News

Winners of the Great Big Thank You Awards will be invited to an awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Shropshire breakfast presenter Eric Smith.

He explains why he is delighted to be involved in this year’s Great Big Thank You Awards campaign:

“It means such a lot when people say thank you!

“It’s quite humbling to meet people featured in The Great Big Thank You Awards – they don’t do things for reward, or to receive your thanks, but they certainly do make a difference in their local community. It’s easy to think that someone else will get involved and do something, but there are those who just get in there and get on with it! Maybe you know someone who deserves a great big thank you for a job well done.

“It certainly brings communities together, and with your help, it’s nice to say ‘thank you’.”

Eric, who has fronted BBC Radio Shropshire’s breakfast show for the past 22 years, is one of the most familiar and best-loved broadcasters in the county. He is also well-known for his star turns in the Christmas pantomimes at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

Eric, 67, took over the breakfast show in 1997, and over the past eight years has forged a popular double act with co-presenter Clare Ashford.

He moved to Shropshire in 1988, when appointed to an off-air role at the station, having previously worked as a nightclub DJ and record librarian at BBC Sheffield.

When he first took up his post, as assistant station manager, he was not expecting to stay around, but quickly fell in love with the county.

He says: “I was expecting to be in Shropshire for a couple of years as a stepping stone before moving on.

“I am from Yorkshire and had been job hopping around local radio stations and expected to keep that going.

“But I stayed and have fallen in love with the county. It is beautiful, there’s nowhere else I would prefer to be.”

Go to the website here to make a nomination: https://www.starthankyou.shropshirestar.co.uk/

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News, News Titles

The search to honour our great community heroes has begun

By on

25th April 2019

- News, News Titles

Do you know a special person in Shropshire who goes beyond the call of duty to help others? The Shropshire Star thinks they deserve a special thank you. A Great Big Thank You.


Today we launch our search for the special people who make Shropshire and Mid Wales such a wonderful place to live. And we’re looking for your help.


We are on the hunt for people who selflessly give up their time for the good of others, so we can give them the recognition they deserve but don’t always get.


We want to honour the unsung heroes of Shropshire and Mid Wales by holding a memorable awards ceremony for them to show them how much they are valued.


The Shropshire Star, working with our sponsor partners, will shine a spotlight on the people and organisations that bind our community together.


We want to hear all about the volunteers, the good neighbours, the helping hands and those who step up when they are needed – the people who make a positive difference to where you live and work.


It could be a member of your family, a work colleague, a community volunteer, someone who helps a local team or club, or just someone who makes a special difference to local life.


As a newspaper which prides itself on being at the centre of life in this wonderful county we believe it is important to honour those who do the area proud through leading by example.


In more than half a century chronicling events in the county, we have covered countless stories of people who have done remarkable things.


This is the second year that we have run the Great Big Thank You Awards.


Last year eight awards were presented, ranging from 12-year-old McKenzie Smith who refused to let cerebral palsy prevent him from indulging in his love of sport to pub landlords Edd and Sue Lowe, who have raised £125,000 for forces charities.


This year’s scheme promises to be bigger and brighter, with 11 awards categories recognising people who do good from across the spectrum. We are looking for volunteers who selflessly give up their time for the good of the community, and a young star who has achieved great things.


There is an award for heroes who have shown outstanding bravery, and one for those who work to improve the environment.


We are also looking to honour carers who show special devotion to those they look after, and community champions who have made a special effort to improve the area in which they live.


Farming plays a hugely important part of life here in Shropshire and Mid Wales, and this year we are looking for people who have made a special contribution in this area. We also recognise the important role that grandparents, teachers and good neighbours can play, and we would like to hear about those who have done something special.


Whatever they do, we want to hear about them from you.


Tell us why this person or group is so special and nominate them for one of the Shropshire Star’s prestigious Great Big Thank You Awards – which will bring them the recognition they deserve. We are asking readers to nominate individuals for each category before our deadline of May 18.


A panel of judges will then choose the finalists, with the winners being chosen by our readers in a public vote.


The winners will then be invited, along with a guest, to an awards afternoon at Hadley Park House Hotel on October 10.


They will be joined by the campaign sponsors to enjoy afternoon tea before they are presented with their prizes and trophies, which have been designed by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry.


Help us to give them the thanks they deserve. Go to the website here to make a nomination: https://www.starthankyou.shropshirestar.co.uk/

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News

Great Big Thank You Awards offer recognition that is so well deserved

By on

25th April 2019

- News

Martin Wright, MNA Editor-in-Chief, writes: In the six years that I have been an editor of the Shropshire Star, one thing has been clearly apparent.

We are all very lucky to live and work in such a wonderful area.

Lucky because of the beautiful countryside, the fantastic market towns, but most of all because of all the wonderful people who make it such a friendly and welcoming place to be.

But there are some people who go further than that. Much further.

And we think they deserve a bit of extra recognition. Which is why I am delighted, for the second year running, to announce the Shropshire Star’s Great Big Thank You Awards.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending the wonderful awards ceremony at Hadley Park Hotel. It was a special occasion, with a superb afternoon tea in a delightful setting.

But what really made it so memorable was meeting the wonderful people who had been presented with the awards, and hearing the remarkable stories that had led to them being chosen.

It was all the sweeter for the fact that while a panel of judges was used to choose the finalists, the eventual winners were chosen by you – our loyal band of Shropshire Star readers. The Great Big Thank You Awards are not just to honour the people of Shropshire and Mid Wales, but they are also chosen by the people of Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Working in the news industry shows you just how quickly time passes, and now it is time to look for some more unsung heroes. And once more we are looking for your help.

Do you know somebody who deserves a bit of recognition for the work they do in the community?

If so please let us know. Go to the website here to make a nomination: https://www.starthankyou.shropshirestar.co.uk/

By definition, the type of people who selflessly serve their community are not the type to seek credit for their work, but we think they deserve to be honoured.

This year we are seeking nominations for 11 different awards, and we are sure you will know somebody who fits the bill.

Don’t worry if you are not sure which category to nominate them for – just get the nomination in, and we’ll do the rest.

It doesn’t matter if you nominated them last year, as long as they have continued their good works for the past year. For more details see the instructions opposite.

But even if you don’t know anybody who fits the bill, you still have a role to play.

Once the shortlist of finalists have been selected, we will be asking Shropshire Star readers to vote for the winners.

Let’s make this year’s awards even bigger and better than last year’s.

For the people who give so much this wonderful region, it is the least we can do.

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News, News Titles

Shropshire businesses offered free online marketing tips at MNA Digital workshop

By on

24th April 2019

- News, News Titles

Shropshire businesses will be able to find out how to attract and convert more customers online at a free digital marketing workshop next month.
 
MNA Digital, the online arm of Shropshire Star publisher the Midland News Association, will be staging the event at Haughton Hall on May 16 to help delegates understand the ever-changing web landscape.
 
Andy Hill, managing director of MNA Digital, will give the talk, drawing upon his 25-year experience not only of working in Shropshire but from his earlier work at Zoopla and Autotrader.
 
The workshop organisers say the morning event is designed for local small and medium-sized enterprises, with the being aim to provide real-world advice and techniques which those attending can use to generate more business from your website.
 
Digital experts will be on hand to provide free one-to-one consultations for business delegates. 
 
Digital sales campaign manager Natalie Coughlan, who is organising the workshop, said: “It can be tough knowing where to focus your efforts when you plan your digital marketing. Those who join us on May 16 can get the latest digital marketing tips and advice.
 
“Whether you’re looking to get started online, learn more about PPC, SEO or social media our team will be on hand to help. Don’t miss out save your space today.”
 
The event will be informal, with free breakfast and networking to start and then an interactive presentation from Andy Hill, followed by the free one-to-one sessions.
 
Save your space by registering through Eventbrite (https://bit.ly/2IPcokx) or call 01902 928 662 for more information.
 
The Haughton Hall workshop is the second to be staged by MNA Digital. In March representatives from a range of companies attended the first event, held at Casino 36 in Wolverhampton.
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News

E&S photo archive team join Twitter celebration

By on

18th April 2019

- News

The Express & Star photo archive Twitter account is taking part in the #Archive30 campaign taking place throughout April. 
 
Archive30 is organised to celebrate photo archives and the history they preserve, as well as marking the work and dedication shown by those who work behind the scenes.
 
Every day the photo archive team are posting a photo based on the theme of the day. 
 
Visit the Twitter page here: https://twitter.com/ESPhotoArchive
 
Web users flocked to the new Express & Star photo archive website when the resource went live for free to the public last month.
 
In the first three weeks, 7,000 users clocked up 100,000 page impressions as they trawled the new resource, admiring images from the region’s industrial past which had not been seen since they appeared on the pages of the region’s most popular local newspaper in years gone by.
 
Around 3,000 historic photos of the Black Country and its surrounding areas have been digitised for future generations and published on the website: https://photo-archive.expressandstar.co.uk/
 
The Express & Star Photographic Collection partnership, co-ordinated with the University of Wolverhampton and council-run City Archives, received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to digitise photographs dating back over the past century.
 
After volunteers gave the equivalent of 260 working days, the launch realised the partnership’s ambition of making the photos available through a single web portal, allowing free on-line public access for the first time.
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News, News Titles

Chip, chip, hooray! Third win in a row

By on

17th April 2019

- News, News Titles

A chip shop in Walsall has been voted the best in the area – for the third year running.
 
Aldridge Chippy 2, on Salters Road, has claimed the top prize in the Express & Star’s Chip Shop of the Year competition.
 
Chippies were rated by the number of tokens handed in by readers, while there was also a mystery shopper element which saw the takeaway taste tested.
 
Manager Tryfonas Papettas said: “All the customers help us and we’re really pleased about the win.
 
“Nothing has changed with the quality of service – it’s still high. We would like to say a big thank you and we’re grateful for the customers’ support.
 
“As we try to always go for the best quality products and it’s a constant battle to always give the customer the best.
 
“Make sure everything is the same – customers can expect that all the time and there’s no changes.
 
“It’s really nice to win and we’re very happy about it. We’re going to carry on.”
 
Tryfonas, known as Triv, said the chip shop aimed to win it next year – but said it would be difficult.
 
He said: “You never know – there’s always somebody new but we can only try our best.”
 
The manager, who has been at the shop for nine years, said no plans had been made over what to do to celebrate the win, adding: “We’re going to try and do something with the staff and take them out, but we haven’t got any plans yet.
 
“We’re very happy but it doesn’t mean we’re going to stop – we will carry on and do the best we can.
 
“The important thing is the customers – they’re very happy with the win. They’re very grateful that we’ve won it.”
 
The chippy offers a wide variety of classic meals and holds a five-star food and hygiene award.
 
Mr Papettas, who comes from Sutton Coldfield, said the focus of the chip shop was to provide high quality food at a reasonable price.

 

Family-run business Pearl’s Fish Bar, Milton Street, Palfrey, finished as a runner-up.
 
Owner Shamim Ahmed said he was “very happy” to come second.
He said: “I’m very happy with it. I would like to thank the local community and all of the staff – which are qualified in food safety. We do some healthy options for the customers as well and we love to be a part of the company as a long-serving chip shop in the area.
 
“It gives me a sense of pride and that’s why they voted for us. I’ve been here a long time – about 20 years now.”
 
Mr Ahmed said customers like visiting the chip shop because of the food, service and to discuss local issues.
 
“It’s a family-run business and we live in the area. The customers come in and we chat about local issues and we’re doing litter-picking in the area because we want to keep it clean.
 
“That’s why I think people like us – and we provide a great service and great food.
 
“Staff always are very keen to provide a nice service to the customers and also spend some time and money for their training as well.
 
“The fish and healthy eating food and fresh fish and chips. They are very popular and it’s mainly the quality of the food.”
 

Broadway Chippy, Hawes Close, finished third in the competition.

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Events, News

MNA leads way with Black Country Business Festival

By on

17th April 2019

- Events, News

The MNA has played a leading role in shaping the Black Country Business Festival 2019, the second annual showcase for local industry.
 
The programme for the fortnight-long festival, which includes more than 100 live events across the region, was officially launched by editor-in-chief Martin Wright at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton on Tuesday.
 
The celebration will include large expos and gala dinners through to factory tours, small workshops and networking events.
 
The events will take place at venues all over the Black Country. Most are free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance and are available on a first come, first served basis. 
 
Kim Hazel and Darren Griffin, who partnered the Chamber to organise the publication and the advertising, both attended Tuesday’s launch.
 
Martin Wright said: “It’s fitting that as the biggest-selling regional daily newspaper in England we are supporting one of the country’s largest business events. 
 
“This is a region that is really going places and we at the Express & Star are delighted to support the festival and to be part of this wonderful success story.
 
“The 52-page brochure is packed with useful information about the festival, not least that all-important calendar of events, and it showcases the thriving business community we have here.”
 
 
The MNA is staging two events for the festival, which has eBay as the headline sponsor. 
 
The Star Public Relations “escape room” challenge on May 17, which will see delegates test their PR skills in real-time at the Grand Theatre, is fully booked.
 
Colleagues from across the MNA will take part in Content is Key: How to share your business news, which will be held at the Express & Star on May 21. 
 
John Corser, Express & Star business editor, will give his insight into how companies can ensure they get their messages to multiple audiences at once.  
 
He will also explain how he has adapted to the digital world and in particular, how his social media presence has developed a whole new audience. Delegates will be given guidance by Sundeep Sehijpal of Star PR.
 
 
At Tuesday’s launch, Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Business Festival founders the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “Things are really starting to heat up now. 
 
“We’ve got an extremely strong programme of over 100 useful, interesting, thought-provoking, exciting and engaging events that will benefit businesses across the Black Country and beyond, helping them to learn, share, interact, engage and grow. 
 
“Tickets to events will be flying out the door from now, so it’s important that everyone registers for the events they want to attend as soon as possible.”
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News

Feeling chipper after hat-trick of awards

By on

16th April 2019

- News

A family-run chip shop has been named the best “plaice” for the cuisine in Sandwell – for the third year running.
 
The Port chip shop in Dudley Port saw off fierce competition to be named Chip Shop of the Year for Sandwell in the Express & Star’s competition.
 
Chippies were rated by the number of tokens handed in by readers, while there was also a mystery shopper element which saw the takeaway taste tested.
 
Manager Manny Dhariwal described the hat-trick of awards as “amazing” – and put his success down to customers, staff and quality products.
 
He said: “It’s amazing. It’s great to win it three times on the bounce and the fact we can repeat the quality and the success of it is amazing.
 
“The chip shop is owned by three brothers – I’m the nephew to two of them.
 
“I would like to give a huge thank you to the customers more than anyone else – especially over the years. For them to keep coming to us and helping us grow as a small business is incredible.
 
“The one thing that we emphasise is using quality products – that we don’t negotiate on. We get the best fish, potatoes and kebab and we keep that quality.
 
“The staff are brilliant and their relationship with the customers is fantastic. Without them, we wouldn’t have a smooth sailing ship.”
 
Mr Dhariwal’s family reopened The Port in 2015, marking 30 years since the previous owner shut the doors of former chip shop Guest Fish and Chips.
 
And since then, the chippy has aimed to create a sense of nostalgia among its older customers by offering an unusual 
dish. 
 
“The main thing is that we cook our battered chips in beef dripping to create nostalgia – especially for the older people and that’s a recipe that’s worked for us,” he said.
 
“The heritage of the chip shop is close to 50 years. It was a chip shop then and when we reopened, it’s always had an attraction and a heritage there and to continue that success is fantastic.
 
“It’s like with everything – things are always going up and trading is so hard and the fact we can still run a success business through this time is amazing.”
 
Family-run chippy The Codfather, on Brades Road, came runner-up in the competition. Raan Kandola, manager of the Oldbury-based business, said: “We would like to thank the customers. They are very very loyal.”
 
Despite finishing second, the 52-year-old said it had been a “nice experience” to take part. She added: “We tried really hard this year. But we said at the beginning to all customers, even if we don’t win it’s been an experience.”
 
George’s Fish Bar, on Great Bridge Street in West Bromwich, finished third.
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