Laura May Mcmullan

A documentary about the history of the Crooked House pub has been screened in the Black Country nearly three years after the famous 18th-century Himley venue was destroyed by fire and demolished. Campaigners, including Paul Turner, want the pub restored, while filmmaker Luke Reader says the case reflects broader concerns about historic buildings being lost across the region. Former MP Marco Longhi supports rebuilding a pub on the site, which owners ATE Farms Limited have been ordered to restore. Staffordshire Police are treating the 2023 fire as arson; six people were arrested and released on bail, and an investigation file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Edward's Trust, a Birmingham-based bereavement charity supporting more than 600 families—and reaching over 3,000 family members—says it is at financial crisis point and needs to raise £200,000 within six months to continue operating. The charity provides counselling, wellbeing therapies and support groups for bereaved children, young people and parents across the West Midlands. Service users describe its support as vital in helping them rebuild their lives and cope with profound loss. Rising wage and energy costs, alongside changing shopping habits, are also putting pressure on charity shops, prompting larger organisations to announce closures.

Engineer Stephen Wallis from Rugby achieved a new world record for the fastest remote‑controlled car, reaching 256.74 mph with his upgraded model, the Mach Reaper. He previously held the record with a model called The Beast. Wallis improved his latest car by refining aerodynamics, narrowing the body, increasing torque with larger drone motors and adjusting tyre design. He develops his custom vehicles at home using drone components and 3D printing, and plans further innovations, including potentially adding a rocket booster.

A Staffordshire-born World War Two veteran, Ivy Meenan, celebrated her 105th birthday at a Rugeley retirement home, joined by family, fellow residents and visitors from the Royal Air Force. Meenan, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a range finder for an anti‑aircraft unit in Cornwall, reflected on her wartime role, her long life and her marriage. Tributes from relatives and residents praised her character and longevity, while she highlighted the importance of the Spitfire and its pilots during the war.