1,000 gymnasts have descended on Birmingham

Plus: How to shop local this Christmas

Good morning readers and welcome to Wednesday’s edition of The Dispatch.

We’d normally be sending you an in-depth story alongside our Brum in Brief today but because yesterday’s issue included the stirring story of Jack Bishop’s disappearance at sea — thanks to his great nephew Chris for writing that one — we’ve kept today’s edition short and sweet. Fear not though, we will be back with a more in-depth story tomorrow, all about a Wolverhampton boxing club with a difference.

Thanks to Dispatch reader Anne, who commented on yesterday’s story:

Chris, this tribute to your Great Uncle has undone me this morning. A very moving account of his too short life. I lived in Bewdley for a few years and still visit regularly, in fact I'm visiting today. I'll be thinking of young Jack as I drive up Load Street.

Before your Brum in Brief, I just wanted to share another lovely comment — this one from a reader called Gavin on one of our Monday briefings — because it really meant a lot to me. He wrote:

I'm really enjoying the content here. It's just what I've always wanted from a local paper. You should be very proud.

I am proud! And it’s so nice to hear from readers about how you think we are doing. It’s been a whirlwind few weeks getting this new venture off the ground, but the early signs are so encouraging that it keeps me going even when the tasks are mounting up. Amazingly, there are now 3,296 of you on the list, and it was only this weekend that we passed the 3,000 mark. Oh and we have 39 pledges now.

If you are enjoying what The Dispatch is doing too, please hit that button below and give us a share. Or if you’re not a big social media fan (and I don’t blame you if that’s the case) please tell friends about us. Thank you :)

---

Brum in Brief

🌤️ Windy with a small chance of showers in the morning. Sunny spells and patchy cloud throughout the day.

🏅 The World Trampoline Championships are taking place now in Birmingham with more than 1,000 gymnasts from 50 different countries competing. Great Britain’s own Briony Page won her 11th world championship gold medal on Sunday and plans to head to Paris for the Olympics next year. This will make her the first ever British trampolinist to compete in three Olympics. She told the Independent: “The Paris Games sounds like it will be a festival of a Games. If I do make it I would absolutely love to do an even better routine than I did on Sunday.”

🎭 The Hippodrome has launched a new department for supporting local creatives. The aim is to ensure the West Midlands is a “vibrant and supportive home” for artists and events and activities will be hosted throughout the year. Two new opportunities were also launched. Playspace offers an artist or team three days a month to use a space at the Hippodrome to develop an idea, with the team on hand for advice and a small materials budget. The theatre is also partnering with Talawa and the Belgrade Theatre Coventry to offer two co-commissions for artists of African or Caribbean heritage in the West Midlands.

🚨 A cocker spaniel was killed and its owner was injured in a suspected XL Bully attack in Tamworth. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control and has been released on conditional bail. Police are looking for witnesses. The government is banning American XL Bullys from 1 February 2024 following a spate of attacks.

🎸 Late Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister could have a statue built in his honour in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent — the place he was born. Stoke City Council is considering the installation which would be crafted from clay by internationally renowned local sculptor Andy Edwards, and placed on an eight-foot plinth in Burslem’s market place.

🎨 The Ikon gallery wants to encourage Brummies to shop locally for Christmas this year and has some beautiful options on offer in their shop and online. There are some lovely items, from art books with a Birmingham and Black Country focus, to unique ceramics and candles for the home to help you get in a cosy and festive mood. There is also an Ikon Winter craft market on 7 December with over 50 stalls and drinks served by Yorks Cafe. 5.30-8.30pm.

🥃 There are still tickets left for the English Whiskey Festival at The Bond in Digbeth this Saturday. It will be the second ever in-person edition of the event and will feature distilleries, independent bottlers, and the teams behind your favourite spirits. You’ll get the chance to taste the latest releases and a free tasting glass to keep.

---

Big news: We now have a magnificent 39 pledged members — including Mark (see quote above) who has pledged to be a Super Supporter. Huge thanks to all of you. And if you fancy pledging, to show us that you’ll be with us when we turn on paid subs in a few weeks’ time, please just hit that button below.

Today’s cover photo is by Timo Denz.