Last chance to nominate for BBC WM Make a Difference Awards

It is the last chance to nominate people and organisations for this year's BBC Radio WM Make a Difference Awards.The awards recognise ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their community.Categories include The Volunteer Award, the Green Award and the Community Group Award, given to those who have changed the lives of others in their community.New categories for 2025 are the Active Award, for those who have used sport as a way of improving the lives of others in their community and the Young Hero Award, for someone under 16 who has made a positive impact.
This year, judges include Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds and Strictly Come Dancing's Lauren Oakley. Last year, Ben Newman, aka Spudman, won the community award for his work promoting and supporting the community of Tamworth. This year the TikTok star will be back as a judge. Former BBC Radio WM presenter Richie Anderson, now on Radio 2, will return as a judge this year along with BBC Midlands Today legend Nick Owen.
The full list of categories this year is:The Volunteer Award, is awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.The Young Hero Award, will be awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.The Great Neighbour Award, is awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.The Active Award, awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.The Animal Award, is awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.The Green Award, which is awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.The Fundraiser Award, is awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.The Community Group Award is awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.For details of how to nominate someone, go to the Make a Difference webpage, where you can also see full terms and our privacy notice.Nominations are open now and close on 31 March at 17:00 BST.The winners will be announced at our Make a Difference Awards ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome in September.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scotsman

3 days ago

• Scotsman

A new voice rises on the farm: Sam Blythe takes the reins in Animal Farm

Guy Masterson's legendary solo show returns to Edinburgh Fringe for its 30th anniversary – with a bold new lead Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This summer at 13.00 at George Square Studio Four at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a barnyard revolution will be stirring once more. To mark 80 years since the publication of George Orwell's Animal Farm, and three decades since its world-famous solo adaptation first took the Fringe by storm, Guy Masterson's powerhouse production returns – this time with a new name on the bill. Actor Sam Blythe takes the mantle in a stirring reimagining of this theatrical classic, directed by Masterson himself. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad First performed by Masterson in 1995 and now a global touchstone of solo performance, Animal Farm has long been lauded for its visceral intensity and political bite. Now, Blythe brings his own formidable energy and physicality to Orwell's iconic cast of creatures, from the idealistic Snowball to the tyrannical Napoleon, the noble Boxer to the cunning Squealer – not to mention the sheep, hens, ducks, dogs, and even the cats. Sam Blythe in Animal Farm 'Animal magic! Not to be missed!' hailed BBC Radio, while The Times famously quipped, 'Some shows are more equal than others!' And critics agree – this new incarnation is every bit as electrifying as the original. Masterson, an Olivier Award-winner and Fringe stalwart whose solo work includes Under Milk Wood, Shylock, and A Christmas Carol, remains at the helm as director. But it's Blythe's turn in the spotlight – and he rises to the challenge with grace, grit, and a compelling stage presence honed through immersive work in Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Doctor Who: Time Fracture, and the Dickensian feast show The Great Christmas Feast. His solo Hamlet, Method In My Madness, debuted to critical acclaim at EdFringe 2024 and returns this year as a festival favourite (10:40, George Square Studio 4). With Animal Farm, Blythe transforms a bare stage into Orwell's chillingly familiar world – a world where the promises of revolution curdle into tyranny, and where the line between human and beast blurs under the weight of power. His performance is a tour de force of physical theatre, conjuring a full cast of characters with nothing but voice, movement, and sheer conviction. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As the show's 30th anniversary underscores the timeless urgency of Orwell's allegory, Animal Farm in 2025 is not just a revival – it's a reckoning. 'I mean,' asks the play with a wink and a warning, 'it could never happen to us… could it?'

Daily Mirror

4 days ago

• Daily Mirror

Zoe Ball teams up with familiar face for new project after surprise BBC return

Zoe Ball is working with Jo Whiley on a brand new project, just weeks after she made a surprise return to BBC Radio 2 a few months after her departure Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley have teamed up to launch a new podcast. The Radio 2 legends have joined forces for the new project, which promises to be a "warm and welcoming conversation with old mates". The pair are fronting a special podcast which will feature "heartfelt and unfiltered conversations" as they discuss raising a family, careers, ageing and living healthily. There will be two episodes each week and special bonus content for those who subscribe. ‌ Zoe said of their new project: "I'm so super-excited to dive into the world of podcasting with my girl Jo, I've got so much love and respect for her – she's been a true lifeline. Our friendship goes back 30 years, to our days on The Word and The Big Breakfast. ‌ "We've grown up together, personally and professionally, along with our listeners. The show is what happens when two mates (who are constantly mistaken for each other) hit record on their regular catch-ups and talk life, unfiltered and full volume. We're chatting about our week, wild kids, ageing, what's for dinner, digging (literally), music obsessions, grief and everything in between." She added of their exciting new adventure: "No scripts, no gloss, just real talk, real laughs and a bit of beautiful mayhem. We'll be answering your questions too, so buckle up. It's going to be a blast." Meanwhile, Jo added: "I've been part of some amazing duos over the years, but I'm not sure any will quite compare to this new adventure. Starting a podcast with one of my oldest broadcasting friends (and let's face it, doppelganger), Zoe, is SO exciting! "The show will open a world of conversation on topics we don't normally discuss on air and, importantly, will bring us much closer to the listeners and fans who have made our careers so special over the last 30 years." Zoe stepped back from her breakfast show last year, leaving her fans devastated. She was replaced by Scott Mills but Zoe has since made her return to radio and now presents a weekend afternoon show. Announcing the news in February, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "Zoe is one of the UK's most loved presenters, so I'm thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she'll be hosting various specials for us." Zoe also fronted the BBC's big VE Day concert, which saw the likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle all perform to honour the anniversary.

Scottish Sun

5 days ago

• Scottish Sun

Awkward moment Hollywood star SWERVES James Bond question live on air – fuelling rumours he could be new 007

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYWOOD star swerved a James Bond question live on air, fuelling rumours he could well be the new 007. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up for months. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 A Hollywood star swerved a James Bond question live on air, fuelling rumours he could well be the new 007 Credit: Radio 2 4 Jonathan Bailey was questioned about the iconic role Credit: AP And there have been a fair few names thrown into the mix in recent months. Now, another star has got tongues wagging after his recent interview on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday morning. This star in particular has already been brought up into conversation when it comes to who the next Bond could be, but even more so after he swerved a question. It's none other than Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, who was talking to Scott Mills on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. Jonathan joined Scott to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor. And they ended up discussing rumours that Jonathan is a contender to be the next James Bond: Scott said to the star: 'It's an obvious question, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's the one people are asking the most, so I'm going to ask it. Do you, or would you be, James Bond?' Jonathan playfully replied with: 'Scott, how dare you!' to which Scott clarified: 'It's not me, it's the listeners and there are thousands.' The actor managed to somehow sidestep the question, responding: 'I mean, that's an amazingly flattering ask. I could imagine you as James Bond, Scott.' James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress And Scott was quick to pick up on the change of direction, saying: 'Well, swerved, because that's not true. But, I mean, we know you could do it, but you'd want to do it?' Jonathan seemed to be more open to replying, as he said: 'I don't...I am not sure... I don't know. I really, honestly, I mean... it would be hard to say no, but I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do.' Leaving Scott to reply: 'Thank you for answering that, because it was the most popular question. And I'll be honest, I almost ran away from you a bit like you did with Steven Spielberg, before I asked, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.' It seems many actors are in the running for the career making role. Timeline of James Bond actors Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007. The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years: Sean Connery - The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies. George Lazenby - The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy. Roger Moore - The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise. Timothy Dalton - The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Pierce Brosnan - The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002. Daniel Craig - The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005. Theo James' name was thrown into the hat after he wowed fans in Netflix's The Gentlemen last year. His performance in the Guy Ritchie series made him an ideal candidate for the next actor to fill the shoes of 007. Other names still in the running include Aaron Taylor-Johnson after it was revealed back in 2022 that the Brit had already "filmed a top-secret scene" at Pinewood Studios, Berkshire. Famed for the Kick-Ass movie series and the Marvel movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, Aaron shot to fame playing John Lennon in Nowhere Boy. The Sun previously exclusively revealed how Bond bosses had offered the job to Aaron. And with his quintessential Englishman good looks, James Norton has been a hot contender for the next Bond for many years. The chiselled star is known for playing the lead role of Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, and also evil Tommy Lee Royce in Happy in the running is Jack Lowden, known for BBC gangster drama The Gold and the TV hit Slow Horses. 4 Jonathan joined Scott to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor Credit: Getty