Tamworth Blog

Christmas - Pic: Scott Feldstein

Mayor of Tamworth, Councillor Gerry Pinner will be handing out Christmas hampers to help bring some Christmas cheer to those in the Tamworth community who are house bound.

With the help and support of Age Concern, local churches and ex Service Groups, over 200 residents have been identified as house bound, unable to get involved in Tamworth’s Christmas cheer.  The organisations will be helping the Mayor to distribute the hampers, with the Mayor personally delivering some of them.

The hampers will contain a collection of traditional Christmas favourites and goodies.

Cllr Gerry Pinner, Mayor of Tamworth said:

“Christmas is a special time of year and we want everyone to enjoy it and I know that there are people out there of all ages and backgrounds who for various reasons, are house bound and often not able to visit friends and family.

“This time of year should bring people together and it is important that we make residents feel they are part of their local community and remind them that they are not alone. If you know anyone who is house bound and deserves some extra Christmas cheer then please contact my Civic administration team with details of those you recommend.”

It’s not to late to nominate someone to receive a hamper.  If you know of anyone who is house bound and would benefit from a Christmas hamper, you can contact the Civic Administration team on 01827 709 265.

Photo: Jess Loughborough

A Tamworth man who used to look after livestock has been jailed for four months and banned for life from keeping livestock today after pleading guilty to six charges including animal cruelty at Tamworth Magistrates Court.

Anthony Russell of Spinney Farm Bungalow is believed to be the first livestock keeper to be prosecuted for causing animal deaths through not moving them from land prone to flooding.

The court was told that Mr Russell saw 20 of his sheep die in the floods during January 2008 when they were left on the flood plain next to the River Tame in Hopwas. There were another two incidents on two different pieces of land throughout with no less than 18 animals loosing their lives and many more rescued by emergency services.

Nick Cole, prosecuting for Staffordshire County Council said:

“An RSPCA officer who attended one of the locations had found it to be one of the most upsetting incidents he had witnessed since joining the organisation.”

During the hearings, Staffordshire County Council used video footage to show the emergency services saving some of the stranded sheep on the River Tame.

On sentencing, the chair of the magistrates Mrs Christine Warburton said:

“You were in a post of responsibility and ignored advice, causing serious injury and death to these animals. You have shown no remorse.”

County councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:

“This man neglected livestock he was responsible for and as a result, on a number of separate occasions, sheep needlessly lost their lives.

“This series of incidents was distressing for local farmers and residents. They utilised a lot of time and resources from the county council, emergency services and other parties who were involved in the rescue of these sheep. All did an excellent job under very difficult circumstances.

“Our Animal Health Team supports genuine responsible farmers and provides them with guidance and advice to help them operate their business in accordance with the law. This case demonstrates that they will not hesitate to take action against any individual who neglects animals under their care.”

Staffordshire County Council have released a video showing some of the footage used during the case against Mr Russell. Please be warned, the pictures show animals in distress.

Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine

Drayton Manor fling open their doors this Christmas so you and your family can celebrate Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Drayton Manor will reopen it’s doors for a Magical Christmas with Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends at the parks Thomas Land.  The magical Christmas will see Thomas Land transformed into a winter wonderland between Saturday 28 November and Sunday January 3.  Visitors will experience music, colourful decorations, snow machines, and a free Christmas gift for all children under 9 years old.

Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, said:

“This is the second year of opening for the Christmas period and we hope it will be even more successful than last year.

“Our aim is to provide an entertaining, value for money day out. With so many things to do in one day, families can be guaranteed a magical Christmas experience that will be remembered by all.”

Whilst the rest of the amusement park is closed, families can take a trip on Thomas, Rosie or Percy round to Farmer McColls to meet the resident reindeer’s. Families can also experience the magic of Christmas by watching a special live show, ‘Santa comes to Sodor’ where visitors can meet Santa himself. There is also a new festive film, ‘The Light Before Christmas’, which will be showing in the 4D cinema.

Check out Drayton Manor’s website for opening times, tickets start at £11.