Midland Diversity Conference 2024 by RCGP

Welcome to the

Midland Faculty

Hello! The next few pages contain some useful places, contacts and ideas for places to visit within the Midland Faculty area which have been compiled by us as your Midland AiT Committee*. As a Faculty we support over 4500 members, Fellows, Associates and Associates in Training in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Hereford, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, North & South Staffordshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and Worcester. We hope you find the following information useful and helpful. Enjoy your day!

The Midland Faculty AiT Committee *DISCLAIMER OF ENDORSEMENT. Hyperlinks or references to any products, services, or websites of third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by us.

Birmingham & Solihull West Birmingham (previously City) North Birmingham - Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Castle Vale and Kingstanding Localities South Birmingham - Edgbaston, Selly Oak, Northfield, Quinton, Moseley, Kings Heath, Kings Norton, Hall Green and Maypole East Birmingham & Solihull

Shopping •Resorts world (Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PU) Refined rooms & suites, plus a spa & 4 chic restaurants/bars in a contemporary hotel set in a mall. •Bullring (Moor St, Birmingham B5 4BU) Contemporary, landmark mall with diverse high-street fashion & household shops, plus restaurants. •Alum Rock Road (38e Alum Rock Rd, Saltley, Birmingham B8 1JA) Variety of multi-cultural shops and restaurants, predominantly specializing in south-asian fare and retail; including halal butchers. •Stratford Road (19 Alfred Rd, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 4PB) Variety of multi-cultural shops and restaurants, predominantly specializing in south-asian fare and retail. Part of the famous ‘Balti Triangle’ •Ladypool Road (198 Ladypool Rd., Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8LQ) Variety of multi-cultural shops and restaurants, predominantly specializing in south-asian fare and retail; including Halal butchers. Part of the famous ‘Balti Triangle’. •Touchwood (Homer Rd, Solihull B91 3GJ) Modern shopping centre with fashion and high-street shops, plus restaurants and a 9-screen cinema. •The Fort Shopping Centre (20 Fort Pkwy, Birmingham B24 9FP) Retail area with high-street fashion and homeware shops, fast-food restaurants and free parking. •Northfield Shopping centre (Bristol Rd S, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2JU) Indoor mall for high-street fashions, health and beauty stores and home goods, with food outlets. •One Stop Shopping (2 Walsall Rd, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 1AA) Outdoor retail area around a large free car park, with well-known, high-street shops and dining.

Food •Central Deli (4 Speedwell Rd, Birmingham B5 7PR) Kosher food shop at Birmingham Central United Synagogue •Indigo Wholefoods (50-52 St Mary's Row, Birmingham B13 8JG) Vegan and organic food store •China Town (Wrottesley St, Birmingham B5 4RT) The compact Chinese Quarter, or Chinatown, is home to busy streets and alleyways lined with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean eateries and food stores. •Remmison Ventures (Unt 30 Bullring Indoor Market, Birmingham B5 4RQ) Afro-Carribbean Foodstore

Places of Worship •Birmingham Central Mosque 180 Belgrave Middleway, Birmingham B12 0XS •Green Lane Masjid 20 Green Ln, Small Heath, Birmingham B9 5DB •Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif 150 Golden Hillock Rd, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0DX •Birmingham City Church (Pentecostal) Parade, Birmingham B1 3QQ •Birmingham Vineyard Church (CofE) 174-178 Barford St, Birmingham B5 7EP •St Michael’s Catholic Church Moor St, Birmingham B4 7UG •Solihull Synagogue 3 Monastery Dr, Solihull B91 1DW •Birmingham Central United Synagogue 4 Speedwell Rd, Birmingham B5 7PR •Birmingham Progressive Synagogue 1 Roseland Way, Birmingham B15 1HD •Guru Nanak Gurdwara 629-631 Stratford Rd, Birmingham B11 4LS •Shri Guru Ravidass Sikh Gurdwara Birmingham 1 Union Row, Handsworth, Birmingham B21 9EN •Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick 130 High St, Smethwick B66 3AP •Shree Hindu Community Centre 541A Warwick Rd, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP •Shree Geeta Bhawan 107-117 Heathfield Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham B19 1HL •Shree Ram Mandir 8 Walford Rd, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 1NR •Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara 216 New John St W, Birmingham B19 3UA •Birmingham Buddhist Centre 11 Park Rd, Birmingham B13 8AB •Kadampa Meditation Centre 44 Blucher St, Birmingham B1 1QJ •Jain Ashram Mandir 322 Hamstead Rd, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham B20 2RA

Entertainment/Activities Historic •Tamworth Castle Medieval, motte-and-bailey fortress with pleasure grounds, re-enactments and children's workshops. •Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Victorian building with domed Round Room showing Pre-Raphaelites, Staffordshire hoard and artefacts. •Lapworth Museum of Geology Fossils in local Wenlock limestone, plus colourful gems and crystals in an airy Edwardian building. Nature •Botanical gardens Plants and flowers from around the world in themed areas, formal gardens and large glasshouses. •Lickey Hills Country Park Sprawling woodland with walking trails, a sculpture walk and over 380 species of flowering plants. •National Sea Life Centre Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages). •Sutton Park 2000 acres of parkland with bike/bridle paths and lakes, for walking, jogging, cycling and angling. •Cannon Hill Park Tennis courts, bowling green, boats on the lake, mini-golf & walking trails on 250 acres. Family •Starcity Leisure and entertainment hub with cinema, bowling alley, mini-golf course and indoor climbing wall. •Cadbury World Self-guided tours through colorful interactive displays about chocolate-making & Cadbury history. •Drayton Manor Park & Zoo Large adventure playground with 12 rides based on Thomas the Tank Engine, indoor play and parklands. •Tamworth Snowdome Indoor snow skiing & snowboarding centre with an ice rink, swimming pool & gym. •Twycross Zoo Family-orientated nature centre filled with primates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, plus dining. •Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum Close encounters with technology past, present and future in family-friendly interactive displays. •LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham Denmark's most famous export, LEGO, is at the heart of this playground & entertainment centre.

Transport https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/transport •Trains - https://www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-journey/ways-to-travel/trains-in-the-west-midlands/ •Tram- https://westmidlandsmetro.com/ •Birmingham Coach Station (Mill Ln, Birmingham B5 6DD) - http://www.nationalexpress.com/Helpand-advice/coach-stations/stops.aspx?stop=birmingham

Hereford & Worcester Shopping •Crowngate Shopping Centre (54 Friary Walk, Worcester WR1 3LE) Indoor shopping mall offering high street names and quirky boutiques plus music, food and drink. •Old Market Hereford (Newmarket St, Hereford HR4 9HR) Stylish outdoor complex of national & international retailers, casual chain restaurants & a cinema. •Brook Retail Park (Commercial Rd, Hereford HR1 2BQ)

Food •Deeway Stores (Halal Butchers & South Asian Grocery) Dee Way, Off, Teme Rd, Worcester WR4 9AW •The Halal Shop (Halal Butchers & South Asian Grocery) 48 Eign Gate, Hereford HR4 0AB •Yum Yum Oriental foods (Oriental Grocery) 4, Crown Passage, Broad St, Worcester WR1 3LL •Stokrotka Polish Shop & Delicatessen 41 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1JT

Places of Worship •Worcester Central Masjid 86 Lowesmoor, Worcester WR1 2SB •Worcester Central Mosque - Jamia Masjid Ghousia (https://www.wmwa.co.uk/) Tallow Hill, Worcester WR5 1JU •St Peter's Baptist Church (http://www.stpetersbaptist.org.uk/) Eden Cl, Worcester WR5 3TZ •Woodgreen Evangelical Church (http://woodgreenchurch.co.uk/) Warndon Villages, Hastings Dr, Worcester WR4 0SR •Freedom Church (http://www.freedomchurch.cc/locations/hereford) Commercial Rd, Hereford HR1 2BJ

Entertainment Historic Hereford Cathedral CofE church building with a 13th-century map of the known world and a chained medieval library. Museum of Cider Old machinery, vats, glassware and advertising plus art gallery, cafe and shop in old cider factory. Berrington Hall Neoclassical 18th-century mansion with period furnishings & surrounding gardens open to the public. Tudor House Museum Hands-on exhibits in a timber-framed, 16th-century house with lead windows. Limited opening hours. Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum Local-history displays, fine art & relics in a Victorian-era brick building with gift shop & cafe. Worcester Cathedral Norman-era, Gothic place of CofE worship containing the tomb of King John and a 235-step tower. Nature The Weird Garden National trust garden and walk alongside the river Wye All Things Wild Scenic retreat with farm animals, lemurs, camels & more, plus a train ride past dinosaur statues. Worcester Woods Country Park Country park & nature reserve with a visitor centre, cafe, play area, walking trails & picnic area. Family George Marshall Medical Museum Tracing healthcare over 250 years, with Victorian death masks and a reconstructed operating theatre. Cheeky Monkeys Play Centre Play Centre Limited, 13 Orchard St, Cherry Orchard, Worcester WR5 3DW Little Acorns Indoor Play Unit 2a, Everoak Industrial Estate,, Bromyard Rd, Worcester WR2 5HP

Transport •Trains https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/train-times/hereford-to-worcester •uses Herefordshire https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/public-transport-1/bus-travel/3 Worcestershire https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/bus-travel-worcestershire •Taxi numbers (Herefordshire) Blue Line Taxis - 01432 34 34 35 (Worcester) Worcester Cabs 01905 700750 www.worcestercabs.com •Coach Station Worcester Crowngate (Worcester WR1 3LE)

Coventry & Warwickshire Shopping •West Orchards Shopping Centre Long-running, elegant enclosed mall with 40 stores & varied food options on multiple floors. •Canon Park Shopping centre Out-of-town shopping centre with high-street shops and supermarkets plus a large free car park.

Food Bangla Meat Centre (Halal butchers) 132 Stoney Stanton Rd, Coventry CV1 4FN Warwick Oriental Supermarket 20-22 Prior Deram Walk, Coventry CV4 8FT Charlie’s superstore (Asian grocery shop) 391 Swan Ln, Coventry CV2 4QN China Mini Market (Chinese supermarket) 22 Market Way, Coventry CV1 1DL B&T African Supermarket 92 Far Gosford St, Coventry CV1 5EA Euro Supermarket (Eastern European grocery) 288A Walsgrave Rd, Coventry CV2 4BL Opus Foods (Indian grocery) 378 Foleshill Rd, Coventry CV6 5AN

Places of Worship •Al Masjid Al-madinah Al-Munawwarah islamic centre 88 Paynes Ln, Coventry CV1 5LJ •Jamia Mosque Eagle St, Coventry CV1 4GY •Warwick Islamic Society Masjid University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL •Todah City Church Axholme Rd, Coventry CV2 5BD •Christian Life Ministries The Welcome Centre, 47 Parkside, Coventry CV1 2HG •The Belonging Christian Fellowship 83 Baginton Rd, Coventry CV3 6FP •Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha 47-49 Cross Rd, Coventry CV6 5GR

香港人教會

•Ramgarhia Gurdwara Coventry 1103 Foleshill Rd, Coventry CV6 6EP •Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara 475 Foleshill Rd, Coventry CV6 5AQ •Shree Krishna Temple Harnall Ln W, Coventry CV1 4EZ •Hindu Temple Society 380 Stoney Stanton Rd, Coventry CV6 5DJ •Coventry Shri Sidhi Vinayagar Devasthanam 65A George Eliot Rd, Coventry CV1 4HT •Coventry Zen 4, Chishin Dojo, Binley Industrial Estate, Hotchkiss Way, Binley Industrial Estate, Coventry CV3 2RL

Entertainment Historic •Herbert art gallery Eclectic, hands-on local history and culture displays from collections, plus temporary art shows. •St Mary’s Guildhall Historic guildhall & event venue featuring monumental art & architecture from the medieval era. •Coventry Cathedral & Ruins Modern, 20th-century place of CofE worship plus the Medieval ruins of the building bombed in WWII. •Coventry Transport Museum State-of-the-art museum covering public transportation, the auto industry, cycling and eco concerns. •Coventry Canal Basin Historic warehouse area along the canal featuring barges, boat rides, shops & a cafe. •Midland Air Museum Open-air museum, with special bit for jet planes, including a MIG 21, Vulcan bomber and Sea Harrier. •Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Ruined castle with carved arbours, aviary and marble fountain, plus adults'/kids' audio-tours. •Stoneleigh Abbey Easter-October tours of former abbey and historic house linked to Jane Austen, with scenic grounds. Nature •Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve 220-acre nature reserve offering a visitor centre, picnic area & tea room, plus bird hides & trails. •Allesley park Picturesque park with rolling landscape, footpaths and dog walks, plus a pitch-and-putt course. •Coombe Country Park 500-acre park offering walking and wildlife in woods and by lakes, a restaurant and craft studios.

Family •The Wave Waterpark Family-friendly water park with towering slides & a lazy river, plus wave & splash pools. •National Space Centre Themed galleries displaying rockets, satellites & interactive exhibitions about space travel. •Escape Live Coventry This interactive entertainment option offers 3 timed escape rooms with diverse themes. •Warwick Castle A stately mansion and famous Medieval castle surrounded by gardens, lawns and woodland. Visitors can climb the medieval Towers and Battlements, get lost in the World’s only Horrible Histories maze and get up close to the impressive Birds of Prey at the Falconer's Quest show.

Transport •Trains Coventry https://www.coventry.gov.uk/public-transport/trains https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/stations/coventry Warwick https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20531/public_transport/332/trains •Buses https://www.coventry.gov.uk/public-transport/buses https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20531/public_transport/328/buses •Taxi numbers Taxi Coventry 02477 620 620 Taxi Seven Warwick 01926 777777 Ktown Cars 07938 485000 •Coach Station National Express 2 Ford St, Coventry CV1 5WT https://nxbus.co.uk/coventry

Shropshire Food List of places to eat & drink and also events: http://www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk Ashuuka Indian – Telford - Ashukaa Exquisite Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine, Indian Restaurant and Takeaway Lawley, Indian Restaurant and Takeaway Telford, Ashukaa Indian Takeaway Restaurant Menu, 14 Birchfield Way, Lawley Village, TF3 5BZ Umai Sushi - Home - umai. (umaishrewsbury.com) Giggling squid- Thai Shrewsbury - Thai Food Menu for Eat-in, Delivery or Takeaway - Giggling Squid Henry Tudor House- pub/ english – Shrewsbury - Henry Tudor Inn | Thou Must Be Thirsty La Mer Rouge- French/ Egyptian – Shrewsbury - Home | My Site (lamerrougeshrewsbury.com) Loopy Shrew- bar with nibbles – Shrewsbury - Home - The Loopy Shrew Beefy Boys- burgers - A Burger with Local Charm - The Shrewsbury Boy | The Beefy Boys Fat Olive Tapas – Bridgnorth - Tapas Restaurant Bridgnorth | The Fat Olive Tapas Co The Woodbridge Inn – British Pub food – Ironbridge - Fresh Food & Cask Ales - The Woodbridge Inn, Coalport (brunningandprice.co.uk) Vegan/ veggie Kanu Poke- Pacific fusion - Vegan Restaurant | Kanu Poke | Shrewsbury Okra- street food - Okra.shrewsbury | Shrewsbury | Facebook Itadakizen- Asian - Shrewsbury main | itadakizen.com (itadakizen-uk.com) Coffee: Ginger and co. - Ginger and Co, Shrewsbury Coffee Shop, Shrewsbury Coffee. (gingerandcocoffeeshop.co.uk) The loft - The Loft Coffee Shop | Shrewsbury | England | Home (theloftcoffeehouse.com) Peaberry - my-peaberry.com | Shrewsbury Grand Cafe & Party Venue Cafe Mondi - Caffè Mondi | Shrewsbury | Facebook Nerdy cafe- board games - Nerdy Shrewsbury - The Ultimate Gamers Cafe Boardgame Café Bridgnorth - The Board Room Bridgnorth - Board Games Cafe, Board Games, Cafe World Food Supermarkets: Wellington Express - Crown House, Walker St, Wellington, Telford TF1 1BD Al-Madina Cash & Carry and Halal Meat shop - 35 High St, Wellington, Telford TF1 1JW Farmfoods Telford - 1 Holyhead Rd, Telford TF1 5DS – halal meat

Walking in Shropshire http://www.cicerone.co.uk/top-10-hillwalks-in-shropshire

Places of Worship Telford Muslim: Telford Central Mosque: Home - Shropshire Islamic Foundation (telfordcentralmosque.com) 88-90 King St,Wellington, Telford, TF1 1NZ Hadley Mosque Telford: Hadley Mosque – Qadria Jilania Trust 18 Mafeking Rd, Hadley, Telford TF1 5PL, United Kingdom Sikh: Oakengates Gudwara, Telford: Sangat Parchar Sabha Gudwara Community Cohesion Centre Gurudwara (business.site) 19a Stafford Road, Telford, TF2 6JN Hindu: Shri Radha Krishna Temple: Shri Radha Krishna Temple Telford, Hindu Cultural Resource Centre Telford (hinducrct.org) 20-22 Bank Rd, Telford TF4 2AZ Christianity: Guide to Shropshire Churches https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/5f199d4599122/content/pages/documents/churches-tourismbrochure-v8-1-.pdf Judaism: Nearest Synagogue – Birmingham Central Synagogue Central Shul - Birmingham Central United Synagogue Buddhism: Telford Buddhist Priory: Telford Buddhist Priory | Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (tbpriory.org.uk) Telford Buddhist Priory 49, The Rock, Telford, TF3 5BH Shrewsbury Muslim: Shrewsbury Muslim Centre – Shrewsbury's First Muslim Centre 2 Preston St, Shrewsbury SY2 5NY Sikh: Nearest Gudwara - Oakengates Gudwara, Telford: Sangat Parchar Sabha Gudwara Community Cohesion Centre - Gurudwara (business.site) Hindu: Shri Radha Krishna Temple: Shri Radha Krishna Temple Telford, Hindu Cultural Resource Centre Telford (hinducrct.org) 20-22 Bank Rd, Telford TF4 2AZ Buddhism: Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre : Shrewsbury Triratna Buddhist Centre (shrewsburybuddhistcentre.co.uk) 48A Queen Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 2JU Catholic Churches: -Monkmoor Shrewsbury: Shrewsbury - St Winefride's Shrewsbury (icksp.org.uk) -Shrewsbury Cathedral: Home - Shrewsbury Cathedral

Staffordshire Staffordshire is little hidden gem in the Midlands and will have endless things to offer you during your training here!

Demographics White British is the largest ethnicity, making up 96% of the population. The trend of population ageing in Staffordshire has continued, with those aged 65-79 increasing.

Fancy a stroll? Peak District National Park Cannock Chase Trentham estate Biddulph Grange Garden

Want to go to a theme park? Alton Towers Resort Drayton Manor Resort

Religious buildings The only cathedral in the county is Lichfield Cathedral in the city of Lichfield, there are 298 Church of England churches in the county. There are 15 mosques in Stoke-on-Trent, 5 in Burton-upon-Trent and 1 in both Stafford and Lichfield The most popular synagogue in the county is on London Road in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Transport ·https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/transport-links ·Taxis: Stafford Taxis 01785500123 Stoke-on-Trent – Autocab 01782959077

Need somewhere quiet to study? County Hospital – Library at the Post-graduate centre Stoke hospital – Keele University Health Library The librarians are very helpful! If you need any textbook to study for your exams, speak to the librarians and they can order them in for you to use! Places to eat Stafford: Tina's Family Bakery (La Patisserie LTD) – At County Hospital! The Soup kitchen (vegan options available) Okra (Indian halal) Antonian place (Turkish halal) Chico’s Peri Grill (halal) Patties and Ting (Jamaican) Golden Orient (Chinese) Ayo Gorkhali (Nepalese, some great vegan options) Stoke-On-Trent: Oatcake Heaven (Traditional Staffordshire oatcakes) Wendy’s (Burgers, halal) Nandos Stoke Intu Potteries (halal) Carmens Caribbean Cuisine The Slamwich Club (vegan options) Art of Siam (Thai)

Wolverhampton Shopping ●Wolverhampton Market: Market Square, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SF ●Mander Centre: Mander House, Mander Centre, Wolverhampton WV1 3NH ●Wulfrun Shopping Centre: Cleveland St, Wolverhampton WV1 3HH ●Bentley Bridge Shopping Centre: Backhouse Ln, Wolverhampton WV11 1UP ●Bilston Road Retail Park: Jenner St, Wolverhampton WV2 2PZ

Food Restaurants and Cafes ●Fiume Italian Bar and Restaurant: 5 Bridgnorth Rd, Wolverhampton WV6 8AB ●Made in Thai: 24 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4HW ●Rosso e Nero: 25 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4HW ●Rocco Italiano: 72-73 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4LY ●Indigo: Claverley Dr, Wolverhampton WV4 4PP ●Uday’s Indian: 381 Dudley Rd, Wolverhampton WV2 3AY ●Dosa Hut: 314 Dudley Rd, Wolverhampton WV2 3JY ●Miller and Carter Penn: Stourbridge Rd, Wolverhampton WV4 5NG ●Istanbul Restaurant: Herian House, Fold St, Wolverhampton WV1 4LP ●The Queens Cantonese Restaurant: 41 Queen St, Wolverhampton WV1 3JW Ethnic Grocery Stores ●Global Foods Market: 18 Showell Circus, Wolverhampton, WV10 9BA ●S&D Supermarket: 35 Barcroft Rd, Wolverhampton WV2 3AT (Indian groceries) ●ANGELIC FOOD (African & Caribbean Onestop Superstore): 68-69 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4ND

Entertainment/Leisure ●Wolverhampton Art Gallery: Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU ●West Park: Park Road West, Wolverhampton, WV1 4PH ●Light House Media Centre: Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT (for movies and cultural events) ●Bantock House Museum and Park: Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ (for history and nature walks) ●Northycote Farm and Country Park: Underhill Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 7JF (for nature walks and seeing farm animals) ●Wightwick Manor and Gardens: Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton, WV6 8EE (for historical architecture and beautiful gardens)

Walsall Shopping

● Walsall Saddlers Shopping Centre: Park St, Walsall WS1 1YS. ● Crown Wharf Shopping Park: Wolverhampton St, Walsall WS2 8LL. ● Park Place Shopping Centre: Park St, Walsall WS1 1NP

Food Restaurants and Cafes ● The Black Country Arms: A historic pub offering traditional British food and a wide range of ales. Address: High Street, Walsall. ● Five Rivers A La Carte: Offering a contemporary Indian dining experience with modern dishes. Address: 20-21 Vicarage Place, Walsall WS1 3NA. ● Bella Italia: For a taste of Italy in Walsall, serving pizzas, pasta, and Italian classics. Address: Crown Wharf Shopping Park, Walsall WS2 8LL. Ethnic Grocery Stores ● Jhoots Pharmacy & Supermarket: While primarily a pharmacy, Jhoots also offers a range of ethnic groceries, focusing on South Asian cuisine. Address: Various locations in Walsall. ● Singh's Premier: Offers a range of Indian groceries, spices, and fresh produce. While not in Walsall, nearby locations may serve the community.

Places of Worship ● St. Matthew's Church: An historic Anglican church overlooking the town. Address: Church Hill, Walsall WS1 3DG. ● Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara: Serving the Sikh community with regular services and community events. Address: West Bromwich Street, Walsall. ● Walsall Islamic Centre: Offering prayer services and community programs for the Muslim community. Address: 2-4 Wednesbury Rd, Walsall WS1 3RU.

Entertainment/Leisure ● Walsall Arboretum: A beautiful Victorian public park with lakes, play areas, and a variety of events. Address: Broadway, Walsall WS1 2QA. ● The New Art Gallery Walsall: Exhibits contemporary art along with the Garman Ryan Collection. Address: Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LG. ● Leather Museum: Celebrating Walsall's historical association with the leather trade. Address: Littleton Street West, Walsall WS2 8EW.

Transport Links ● Walsall Railway Station: Provides regular services to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and London. Address: Station Street, Walsall WS2 9JZ. ● Bus Station: Located centrally in Walsall, offering extensive bus services across the town and to surrounding areas.

Motorways ● M6: Provides direct access to Walsall, connecting the town to the wider West Midlands area and beyond. ● M5: Also within reach, offering connections to the south-west and north-east.

Dudley Shopping ● Merry Hill Shopping Centre: One of the largest shopping centres in the UK, offering over 250 shops, a cinema, and a wide range of dining options. Address: Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill, Dudley DY5 1QX. ● Dudley Market: An outdoor market with a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household goods. Runs several days a week in the town centre. ● Churchill Shopping Centre: A smaller shopping centre in Dudley with a selection of high street stores. Address: Dudley DY2 7BJ.

Food Places Restaurants and Cafes ● Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory: Famous for its handmade pies, this unique restaurant offers a traditional Black Country dining experience. Address: 50 Hurst Lane, Tipton, Dudley DY4 9AB. ● The Old Glasshouse: Offers a modern British menu in a stylish setting. Address: 7-8 High Street, Dudley DY1 1QP. ● The Fellows: A cozy pub with a varied menu, including vegan options. Address: 1 The Broadway, Dudley DY1 4QB. Ethnic Grocery Stores ● Singh's Premier: Offers a range of international groceries, focusing on South Asian cuisine. While not directly in Dudley, nearby locations may serve Dudley residents. ● Polski Sklep: A Polish grocery store offering Polish and Eastern European foods. Address: Multiple locations in Dudley.

Places of Worship ● St. Thomas's Church: An Anglican church with a vibrant community. Address: St Thomas St, Dudley DY1 1RL. ● Dudley Central Mosque: One of the main mosques in Dudley, serving the Muslim community. Address: Castle Hill, Dudley DY1 4QF. ● Guru Nanak Sikh Temple: Serving the Sikh community in Dudley. Address: Wellington Road, Dudley. ● Dudley Hebrew Congregation: While specific synagogue details may vary, those looking for Jewish worship services can check with regional Jewish councils for the nearest synagogue.

Entertainment/Leisure ● Black Country Living Museum: An open-air museum that tells the story of the world's first industrial landscape. Address: Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ. ● Dudley Zoo and Castle: Home to hundreds of animals and the ruins of Dudley Castle. Address: Castle Hill, Dudley DY1 4QF. ● Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust: Offers boat trips through Dudley's historic canal tunnels. Address: 501 Birmingham New Road, Dudley DY1 4SB. ● Saltwells Local Nature Reserve: One of the UK's largest urban nature reserves, offering beautiful walks and wildlife spotting. Address: Saltwells Lane, Dudley.

Transport Links ● Dudley Bus Station: Provides local and regional bus services, located in the town centre. ● Rail Services: While Dudley does not currently have a direct railway station, the nearest stations are Tipton and Dudley Port, providing access to the national rail network.

Motorways ● M5: Provides direct access to Dudley, connecting the town to the wider West Midlands area and beyond.

Sandwell Shopping ● New Square, West Bromwich: A modern shopping and entertainment complex with high street brands, a cinema, and restaurants. Address: New Square, West Bromwich, B70 7PP. ● Astle Retail Park: Offers a selection of outlet stores with fashion, home goods, and electronics. Address: Off Cronehills Linkway, West Bromwich, B70 8NS. ● Sandwell Centre: The main shopping area in West Bromwich with a range of shops and local amenities.

Food Restaurants and Cafes ● The Vine (Desi Pub): Known for its mix of traditional English pub and Indian cuisine. Address: Roebuck Street, West Bromwich, B70 6RD. ● Turquoise Kitchen & Bar: Offers a variety of Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. Address: 58-60 Dudley Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LS. ● Jade Garden: A popular Chinese restaurant with a wide range of dishes. Address: 368 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LB. Ethnic Grocery Stores ● Poundland & More: While primarily a discount store, it offers a variety of international foods, especially from South Asia and Eastern Europe. Address: Various locations in Sandwell. ● Singh's Premier: A chain offering a variety of international groceries, with locations near Sandwell. Places of Worship ● West Bromwich Central Mosque: A key place for Muslim worship and community events. Address: High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7AB. ● St. Michael's Church: An Anglican church serving the community with regular services. Address: St. Michael's Street, West Bromwich, B70 7AB. ● Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib: A Sikh temple offering services and community support. Address: High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7AB. ● Bethel Convention Centre: Hosting Christian worship services and community events. Address: Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, B70 7JW.

Entertainment/Leisure ● Sandwell Valley Country Park: A large park with walking trails, farm animals, and an adventure playground. Address: Salters Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4BG. ● The Public: An innovative arts centre offering exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Note: Please check the current status as it has had varied uses over time. ● Lightwoods Park: A historic park with a restored house, Shakespeare garden, and regular community events. Address: Adkins Lane, Bearwood, B67 5DP. ● Haden Hill Park: A Victorian-era park with a historic house, museum, and beautiful grounds. Address: Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath, B64 7JU.

Transport Links ● Sandwell & Dudley Railway Station: Provides services to Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and London. Address: Bromford Road, Oldbury, B70 7JD. ● Bus Services: Extensive network throughout Sandwell, connecting to Birmingham, Dudley, and other surrounding areas.

Motorways ● M5: Runs through Sandwell, providing direct access to Birmingham to the south and connections to the M6 for travel north or south.

Something a bit fun... Can you guess which county flag is which? (answers are at the back of the booklet)

Midlands Slang Dictionary Waffle: Going on and on about nothing significant

Island: roundabout Bostin! Great

Faffing: Doing lots of things but getting nowhere/ not doing anything constructive

Saft: Silly

To get in a tizz: Getting stressed out

It’s a bit black over Bill’s mother’s: Looks like bad weather is coming

Dosh: Money

Laid up/off side: feeling Ill

Sod’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong

Donnies: hands Wassin: throat

Gob smacked: shocked Riffing: Itching Hench: muscular guzzling: sore or eating quickly Kip: short sleep chuffed: Happy/ pleased

Ditherin: shivering or to not make a decision quickly

Jammy: lucky/easy

Ta very much: thank you very much

To mug someone off: To really annoy someone

Ta ra: goodbye

Round the Wreakin: To take the long way around Nesh: cold Duck/Babs/Sug/Mucker: terms of endearment

About Midland Faculty

We support over 4500 members, Fellows, Associates and Associates in Training in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Hereford, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, North & South Staffordshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and Worcester. We are proud to be the designated faculty supporting military GPs applying for Fellowship, many of whom are stationed abroad and don't have a 'home' faculty. We rely on our members to play an active role to promote the College's aims and objectives. We develop initiatives to support demographic issues and the needs of GPs and patients alike.

Get Involved

We would be delighted to hear from you if you would like to become involved with the faculty. Please contact us at midland@rcgp.org.uk. We hold our Annual General Meeting and first board meeting in June of each year. We then hold our regular board meetings in September, November and February. All local members are welcome to attend and we especially welcome students and foundation doctors to attend as observers. All meetings will be advertised on our webpage and are usually held via Zoom.

Events & Courses The Midland faculty organised various events and courses throughout the year that are usually free for RCGP members. You can find out more by scanning the QR code below.

If you have any suggestions for activities or events you would like us to organise please email midland@rcgp.org.uk.

Flag Answers 1. Shropshire 2. Nottinghamshire 3. Staffordshire 4. Lincolnshire 5. Herefordshire 6. Rutland 7. Derbyshire 8. Warwickshire 9. Leicestershire 10. Northamptonshire 11. Worcestershire 12. Mercia