Black Country Talking News

In this week’s edition we have:All the latest from Beacon with Muhammed and Helen.We have some more interesting facts with a did you know section from Roger and quiz with Meena.There’s all the reaction to the weekends Football action, for Wolves and West Brom.With things seemingly still Baltic outside, we hear from Meena, who has the weather forecast for the week ahead.In an extension to our ‘round the Wrekin series, we have the first in a series of episodes from our talking news contributor and railway enthusiast David Smith. If you're in search for some culinary inspiration for this Friday- the 14th- we’ve got a February themed bake-along session from blind baker Penny Melville Brown.And from innovation and nostalgia to food and drink, we have everything but the kitchen sink, in the latest news from the Black Country!

In this week’s edition we have: All the latest from Beacon with Muhammed. From interesting innovation to fascinating nostalgia, we have the latest news from the Black Country, including a feature article from our talking news contributor and railway enthusiast David Smith. We have some more interesting facts with a quiz from soundings contributor Roger Brooks. There’s all the reaction to the weekends Football action, for Wolves and West Brom. And with things seemingly set to get a little more wintery, we hear from Meena, who has the weather forecast for the week ahead.

In this week’s edition we have:All the latest from Beacon, including an update from Healthwatch Wolverhampton. Plus there’s the Lifestyle Newsletter for February too.We have a full guide to one of the Black Country’s key cultural events: the Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2025 and news about a creative writing competition too.We test your knowledge with a literature quiz from soundings contributor Roger Brooks.There’s all the reaction to the weekends Football action, for Wolves and West Brom.We hear from Meena, who hopefully has a much more settled weather forecast for the week ahead.And to celebrate the start of the Wolverhampton Literature Festival, we have some exciting new features beginning this week. so please do listen out for:Episode 1 of Leeford Village- our exclusive new drama series, written by local authors Jon Markes and Michael Braccia - with audio also provided by Michael and Lesley Braccia (both of whom, you may know from our Book Club and VIP Group activities).Also, keep your ears open for some pitch perfect piano playing too! - as this was composed by someone we appreciate so much here at Beacon. After a poignant performance at Beacon’s Forget Me Not Service last month, the outstandingly talented pianist Matthew Richards has been kind enough to compose another whirl of wonder for us, a rather catchy theme tune, for Leeford Village!Michael and Lesley will also feature in our new podcast style feature “’round the Wrekin” – which will champion fascinating accounts of courage and achievement, despite life sometimes taking us the long way round.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Muhammed.With news on road closures, new developments and some forthcoming events- such as Burns Night with a Black Country twist- we have all the latest news from the Black Country.We have some more interesting facts with a general knowledge quiz hosted by Roger.Our Fanzone feature covers all the reaction to the weekends football action, for Wolves and West Brom.With the weather remaining settled, hopefully it’ll be more of the same with a sprinkling of sunshine from Meena for the week ahead.And we have some healthy tips for the new year to help you take care of your eyes, as well as a focus on some common eye conditions, the support available and research into new medical treatments.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Muhammed. Plus a special update about a forthcoming Welfare Rights event being held by Dudley Centre for Inclusive Living.With news on closures, new developments, inspiring fundraising efforts and a fascinating book review, we have the latest news from the Black Country.We have some more interesting facts with Flashback Roger’s the Did you Know section and quiz with Meena.We have all the reaction to the weekends FA cup action, for Wolves and West Brom.With the weather returning to something more like it, hopefully Meena has a settled outlook for the week ahead.And after last week’s seated exercise session, we thought we’d keep up with any new year’s resolutions, as we have another cook-along session with the Blind Baker- Penny Melville Brown, who is serving up a healthy treat this week, a Winter Salad.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Helen. Plus a special update about Beacon’s new Warmth and Welcome Hub.With plenty of innovation and restoration, we have the latest news and interesting nostalgia from the Black Country.We have some more fascinating facts with Flashback Roger’s Did you Know section and quiz with Meena.We have our Fanzone feature- delivering all the reaction to the weekends football action, for Wolves and West Brom.After a wild wintery week of weather, hopefully Meena has a much more settled and calmer outlook for the week ahead.And with it still being bitterly cold outside, we welcome back some gentle, fun, accessible physical exercise routines to help keep us active.

welcome to a special festive audio play edition of the Black Country Taking News. Combining the festive traditions of ghost stories and Christmas parties, this one-off audio play brings together an amusing collection of different characters and clashing personalities that are all-too familiar from life. The action is set in St Albans, but the characters can be found everywhere! With thanks to The Talking News Federation’ soundings contributors, introducing: Festive Spirits – a special Christmas-themed humorous audio play

In episode 2 of the festive edition, we have some: Christmas cracker jokes full of festive fun and cheer, and a topical brainteaser for the winter season in the form of an audio-based I-Spy. We have the latest reaction to all the football action in our fanzone feature. Our gardening experts provide some ideas for bringing nature indoors to decorate the house over the festive period, and also some tips for outdoor garden tasks in December. And from Christmas in the 50’s to pined for toys from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s- there’s plenty of Nostalgia to bring us some warm feelings of Christmas past.

In episode 1 of the festive edition we have: Tales of Christmas’ past from 100 years of our newspaper archives, An update from Beacon, A festive quiz. We have special guests- local author and acoustic duo- Mike and Lesley from Second Chance, wishing us all a ‘Bostin Christmas’ with a Black Country version of the Nativity Story. Some feature football stories- where football was more than just a game. A look back to 2010- when the “weather outside was frightful.” and a bake-along session full of sugar, spice and all things nice. We start this week with some housekeeping notes, a gentle reminder that this edition of the black country talking news, will be the last one of this year, and we’ll be returning on the 08th January 2025.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Muhammed.From Surveys to Events and Bats to Adverts that will “tek yer back a bit” we have some more fascinating news from the Black Country.It’s all sounding very festive in this week’s Christmas Carol quiz and Did you Know section with Meena and Roger.We have the latest reaction to the weekends football action, for Wolves and West Brom.After a wild week of weather, hopefully Meena has a much more settled and calmer outlook for the week ahead.And as we approach the festive season, we have a special feature from Soundings contributors Gill & Bob, who share some useful tips from experts such as the police and the Blind Veterans charity, on how to avoid falling victim to frauds or scams...

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Muhammed.From Buses to Christmas Trees and Parks to Monarchs- we have the latest news from the Black Country, including an important announcement from Transport for West Midlands, about some forthcoming changes to a number of our local bus services….Roger and Meena will be keeping it Seasonal in this week’s quiz and Did you Know section.There were also some seasonal pantomime-esque performances for Wolves and West Brom over the weekend too; as we have all the reaction to the weekend’s rather calamitous action.Meena also lets us know all about the weather, with the forecast for the week ahead.And we delve deep into the Dudley Archives to share some fascinating finds from the 1550s, all about how a Black Country tyrant installed his daughter-in-law as Queen for nine days....

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Muhammed. From the NHS and awareness events to our army of gritters and our local scents- we have some fascinating news from the Black Country. This week’s Did you Know section with Roger, and quiz with Meena, is all about the month of December. It definitely started to feel and look like December out there last week - but then it got mild again over the weekend! What will our weather wheel land on next? We hear from Meena who has the forecast for the week ahead. We also have all the reaction to this week's football action in our Fanzone feature! And with a lot of fun, interesting and entertaining events scheduled at Beacon over the forthcoming months, we bring you up to date with a bumper edition of the Lifestyle Newsletter for both December and January.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Muhammed.From Pharmacies to Trees and Trees to Comedies- we have some very interesting news from the Black Country.This week’s Did you Know section with Roger, and quiz with Meena, is all about one of the region’s most famous attractions, that was founded shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and was mentioned in the Domesday book, can you guess what it may be?…..It’s definitely starting to feel like winter out there- we hear from Meena who has the forecast for the week ahead.And with the autumn leaves now falling, there’s a lot of tidying up to do in the garden this month – but now is also the time to plants tulip bulbs to ensure some spring colour next year! So, with thanks to our gardening experts at MK pulse magazine, we have some seasonal hints and tips, to prepare for winter and make a good start for successful blooming in 2025.Local news to start though,And we begin with a special healthcare report, focussing on our Pharmacies and the difficulties they are currently facing…..

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Muhammed. With events scheduled for this very weekend, festivities are already upon us. To help out we have a comprehensive guide to all that's coming up across the region. This week’s Did you Know section and quiz with Roger is all about Musicals, Stage and Film. Talking of film, we hear from David Smith, one of our members here at Beacon, who has the final Part of his review of one his favourite all time movies: Dracula- Prince of Darkness. And it defies belief! A weekend that saw both of our local football teams win! we hear all the reaction to this week's much more positive football action in our Fanzone feature! With Armistice & Remembrance Day events impeccably observed, it’s been a poignant week across our region, and as a mark of respect, we open this week's edition of the Black Country Talking News with a verse from one of the leading poets of the First World War…..

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Helen.We have an ‘absolute blast’ for you in this week’s Did you Know section with Roger and quiz with Meena.And we hear from David Smith, one of our members here at Beacon, who has Part 2 of his review of one his favourite all time movies: Dracula- Prince of Darkness.With the weather still seemingly settled, is this the calm before the storm? We hear from Meena who has the forecast for the week ahead.Have frustrations started to bubble over? as the struggles go on for our local football teams, we hear all the reaction to this week's football action in our new Fanzone feature!And with this week marking Engineering Day, we have some fascinating articles showcasing some feats of engineering from the past, present and future.Up first though, with a poignant week ahead across the Black Country and the whole nation, we have a detailed guide covering the Armistice & Remembrance Day events across our region.

Carving out some Halloween features for you this week, we have Pumpkin spice and everything nice, with:The latest Beacon update with Helen. including the Lifestyle Newsletter for November.Will you be the pick of the patch- in this week’s spook-tacular, did you Know feature with Roger and quiz with Meena.Was it squad ghouls for West Brom and Wolves this weekend? We hear all the reaction to the weekend’s roller-ghoster action in our Fanzone feature.And if horror movies are your type, you may want to sink your teeth into this- as we hear from David Smith, one of our members here at Beacon, who gives us his take on one of his all-time favourites, Dracula- Prince of Darkness. We also have a little something that may strike a gourd. With thanks to soundings contributor Alasdair, we take a look at a 3D sound app that helps Visually Impaired individuals navigate.And creeping it real this week, we give you pumpkin to talk about, as we eek out some nostalgia and frights from the Black Country archives – so, here goes….fasten your sheet belts!

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Helen. We have a music quiz with sounding’s contributor Roger Brooks. From Scorpions and Bees to Ice Rinks and …..festivities?! – already?! But it’s only October!! Well, we sure do have some conversation points in this week’s news from the Black Country. And It might seem a long time to Christmas but some gifts targeted specifically at VI, need to be ordered soon to guarantee delivery before Christmas….. with thanks to soundings contributors Gill & Bob we’ve got plenty of advice and tips to make sure your gifts are received on time! Not quite Christmas come early, in our football round up- but more of a late horror show- as there was heartbreak for both West Brom and Wolves. We hear from Meena, who has the weather forecast for the week ahead! And we have a few gentle reminders, not to forget that the clocks fall back an hour this weekend!

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Helen. We have the quiz with Meena. From ‘The Joker’ in our sewers to a cabbage out to woo us- We have some entertaining and nostalgic news from the Black Country. With the international break, there’s no local football action for West Brom and Wolves this week, but we do feature a former local amateur football club from the 50’s.... Can you guess who it may be? And What will we need this week? Our wellies, sunglasses, brollies or sunhat? Well we’ve got the weather roulette and forecast with Meena! Beans, Beans, good for your heart- Beans, Beans, make you….smart…. as you’ll get all this week’s food quiz answers in Flashback Roger’s – flatulence free- did you know section! And with thanks to our gardening experts at MK pulse magazine, we have some seasonal hints and tips, to prepare for winter and make a good start for successful blooming in summer 2025.

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Helen. We have the quiz with Meena. From the iconic Wren’s Nest to championing some our region’s best - We have some more fascinating news for the Black Country. An Octoberfest with a difference, in Flashback Roger’s did you know section. We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, in our new Fanzone feature! Can we afford to put our wellies and brollies aside this week? We here from Meena who has the weather forecast for the week ahead. And you may want to check your pockets and down the side of your sofa for this one, as we have a feature focussing on our humble heptagonal friend- the 50p piece, which may be worth a lot, lot, lot more than you think! Along with a few clever sight loss tips to help with recognising money.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Helen – including the Lifestyle Newsletter for October.We have the quiz with, Gian.From clean air acts to curb pollution, to a two-million-year-old medical solution- We have some fascinating news for the Black Country.I hope you still have those wellies and brollies at the ready, as we have the weather forecast for the week ahead.We have another informative and wholly entertaining Did you Know section from Roger. And with all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, we have our new Fanzone feature!

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Helen.We have the quiz with Gian.From social media buzzes to our local buses- We have the latest news for the Black Country.Can you 'beat the clock' in this week's Did You Know feature from Roger.Wellies and brollies at the ready, as we have the weather forecast for the week ahead.We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, in our new Fanzone feature!And we have another episode from soundings contributors Gill & Bob- who this week, provide hints and tips on getting around if you are visually impaired.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update with Helen.We have the quiz with Gian.From potholes to sausage rolls and drums to trams- We have the latest news for the Black Country.We have the weather forecast for the week ahead.There's a seasonal feel to this week's Did You Know feature from Roger.We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, in our new Fanzone feature!And with next week’s equinox officially marking the start of Autumn, with thanks to our friends at TNF soundings, we take an audio described wander around some country lanes, taking in the sounds of summer.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon updates - including the Lifestyle Newsletter for September.There's a 'buzz' of excitement with Roger's Did You Know section this week, as we'll 'Bee' testing your knowledge in this week's Quiz with Meena and Gian.We have the latest news for the Black Country - including some of the region's most bostin fittle!With neither Wolves or West Brom in action this week, we take a nostalgic trip back to the 60s to find out about some 'corking' fun and frolicsAnd with autumn seemingly setting in, we have the latest hints and tips for the season ahead, from our gardening experts at MK Pulse Magazine.

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update with Helen. We test your general knowledge with TNF Soundings Quizmaster Roger Brooks. From a Sherriff to Bees and Potholes to Racing...Tractors! We have the latest news for the Black Country. We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, in our new Fanzone feature! And with thanks to our friends at the Wildlife Sound Recording Society, we introduce a new type of recording this week offering an audio described wildlife spotting adventure.

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update from Helen.We have a top ten teasers quiz with Roger Brooks.With an update about the region’s new ‘super hospital’ we have the latest news for the Black Country.We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves, in our new Fanzone feature! And from world-class athletes to just keeping fit, we look forward to the Paralympics starting this week.There’s also an entertaining book review and an in depth focus on Esme’s Umbrella, a specialist charity offering help, advice and support for the eye condition Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update from Helen. We have the quiz with Meena. From our roads to our pubs- We have the latest news for the Black Country. With plenty of cheer- to Nostalgia, history and a lot of beer -we have a top 10 list of the oldest pubs still open and serving in the Black Country. We have all the reaction to this week's football action for West Brom and Wolves in our new Fanzone feature! There's a weather forecast for the week ahead from Meena And oh crumbs- we nearly forgot- there's a did you know section from Flashback Roger all about bread!

In this week’s edition we have:The latest Beacon update from Helen.We have the quiz with Meena.From Parisian Art-Deco to petting a giant Gecko- We have the latest news for the Black Country.There’s a did you know section from Flashback Roger.With the new season up and running, we have a round up of football news for West Brom and Wolves.We hear from Meena who has a forecast for the week ahead.And with thanks to our Gardening Expert at MK Pulse magazine, we also have another feature of useful tips and things to do in the garden.

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update from Helen. We have the quiz with Meena. From tech advances in cardiology to an outbreak of blue-green algae- We have the latest news for the Black Country. There’s a did you know section from Flashback Roger. We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating some of the Black Country's Mechanical Marvels And we also have a dough-lightful delight for you too…. Another bake-along session from Penny Melville-Brown – also known as, The Blind Baker

In this week’s edition we have: The latest Beacon update from Helen - including the Lifestyle Newsletter for August. We have the quiz with Meena. All the latest news for the Black Country- with information from the Sight Loss Council in Staffordshire. A special Sports section, focussing on some of our local athletes who are going for gold at the Paris Olympics. Will this summer sunshine continue? We hear from Meena who has the latest forecast for the week ahead. And we may have all caught a bit of sporting action from the Olympics over the first few days; but did you know, that a town local to the Black Country provided the inspiration for the modern Olympic movement?