It’s a distinctly American tradition, heading to the water to kick back with friends and celebrate the stars and stripes come Independence Day.But this July 4, revellers will be flocking to an unassuming stretch of Birmingham canal for the annual celebration of American culture.There are two significant must-visit spots in South Birmingham going all out for Independence Day this year and both are within walking distance of one another – and the tip!Read more: Birmingham food and drink news round-up including new favourite, 13 closures and pub ideasThe first is Brew Export Beer Cave, a drinks warehouse with its own taproom and refrigerated space packed to the rafters with American beers (many with the most lurid range of fun labels and designs).The venue, on the Waterside Business Park between Stirchley and Cotteridge, is right opposite the junction of Lifford Lane, with its own little sunny beer garden on the canalside.It’s industrial, a working area, but it gives it the kind of grit you imagine Springsteen fans would love – it’s giving Blue Collar energy, as it were.Brewexport is on the Waterside Business Park(Image: Brew Export Beer Cave and Taproom)The July 4 weekend celebrations is really one for beer lovers, with loads of drinks you’d struggle to find anywhere else.There’s an East Coast vs West Coast menu with drinks from breweries from both sides of the USA, with IPAs, DIPAs, pales and pils.There’s a full list of fun cream stouts, drinks with flavours of Biscoff-style biscuit, peanut butter cups, milkshakes and cheesecakes!Or, for those that prefer something fruitier, smoothie sours with flavours of mango, passionfruit, peach, strawberries and cream.They sell mead too! That’s at Unit 4b, Waterside Business Park, 1649 Pershore Road, Birmingham, B30 3DR.Further along the canal, a 15 minute stroll down Lifford Lane, the second of the big South Birmingham American venues will be in full party mode for Independence Day too.Rodeo’s is a beloved honky tonk in Birmingham, a sister venue to the ever-popular Wolverhampton branch and a place to scoot your boots.There’s a bucking bronco to ride for free, American beers in the fridge served up beneath a wealth of American licence plates and a dancefloor for line dancing!A Sunday afternoon conga in the heat at Rodeo’s(Image: Kirsty Bosley)This July 4 it’s going big, an open air show filled with tribute performers to stars like Morgan Waller, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley with a whole second stage for acoustic performers.Smoked barbecue food is on the menu to go with those long neck ice cold beers, while Ariat, Stetson and the Rodeos Western Store will be selling country and western goodies to deck you out good!It’s like a little slice of Nashville on our doorstep and it’s at Lakeside, 180 Lifford Lane, B30 3NU with a few tickets available at the time of writing.Who knew the Worcester and Birmingham Canal could be so much fun!?
Author: admin
Stretch of industrial Birmingham canal becomes go-to for summer celebration
Bins could be collected earlier and on bank holidays under new plans
Plans to empty bins earlier and get bin men to work on bank holidays are being considered by waste bosses.Officials at South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) are considering getting refuse collectors to start emptying bins at 7am instead of 7.30am across the district.Residents can put out wheelie bins and sacks from 6pm the evening before collection day and should take them back by 6pm after their collection.Bins could be emptied earlier under new plans. Photo: South Kesteven District CouncilWhen the weather is particularly hot, the council said it may collect bins before 7am but stressed this would be communicated to residents beforehand.Bosses are also planning to get staff to collect bins on bank holidays instead of emptying bins a day later as is the case currently.Cabinet member for environment and waste, Rhys Baker (Independent – Bourne Austerby) told members of SKDC’s environment overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday that the earlier start times for bin collections were aimed at improving staff wellbeing. Coun Baker said: “This is largely to acknowledge some of the challenges we are seeing, particularly in the summer where things are getting very hot.Coun Rhys Baker. Photo LDRS“But it also allows for vehicles to move when traffic patterns can become a little more predictable.”Coun Baker also said that the council is planning to get staff to empty bins on bank holidays and pay them extra for working on these days. The costs of doing this have not yet been worked out. Under the plans, collections which fall on Easter Monday, early May bank holiday, spring bank holiday, and summer bank holiday will take place on the usual collection day and not be re-scheduled to accommodate the Bank Holiday.Coun Baker added: “We’re also suggesting that there are changes to the bank holiday working – whereas at the moment, we tend to delay our collections by one day.“Everything gets knocked along one. We are proposing that we do not delay our collections on bank holidays. “It has a number of wellbeing benefits for our staff, not least that they haven’t had an extra day or sometimes two days, if they have a later in the week collection worth of mass just to pick up – these things get heavy.“It also means that we don’t have to put any word out to see if anybody wants to work extra shifts on Saturday. It is a better deployment of council resources. It is more efficient.”Officials are also considering introducing communal food waste bins for residents who live in flats above shops.Kay Boasman, head of waste management and market services at SKDC, said: “The pilot options for flats above shops include communal food waste bins on the streets. “So, these look a bit like litter bins and it’s for residents who don’t have capacity to store a caddy to use.“There have been some issues with that just around marking and stickers and signposting – which we’re working on.“It is a pilot project. We want to get it right for those residents. We’re collating feedback and improving that as we go.”She added that the proposal would help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness” of the council’s food waste collections.A final decision on these proposals will be made at a later cabinet meeting.
Town loses only butcher after shop closes due to ‘financial pressures’
The family business announced its closure earlier this monthAll About Meat was formerly called Jones Butchers(Image: Google Street View)A Cambridgeshire town has been left without a butcher after its final shop closed due to “financial pressures”. Whittlesey has lost its butcher All About Meat, due to a “continued rise” in bills.The business, on Broad Street, was formerly called Jones Butchers between 1957 and 2025 before it was taken over in June last year. Two other butchers dating back to the early 1900s have been there, reports the BBC.The closure was confirmed by All About Meat on social media earlier this month. Announcing the closure, a spokesperson for the shop said: “Due to the continued rise in rent, utility bills and other operating costs, we have reached the difficult decision that we can no longer continue trading.”This is a decision we never wanted to make, but unfortunately the financial pressures have become too great.”The team thanked “every single customer” who has supported them over the last year, adding “your loyalty, kindness and custom have meant the world to us”.The statement continued: “We are deeply sorry to let our customers down and know this news will come as a disappointment to many. Please know that this decision has not been made lightly. Thank you for supporting a local family business and for being part of our journey. We will always be grateful for the support you have shown us.”Since the announcement on social media, it has received almost 50 comments in response. One person wrote: “I was gutted to find out you’d closed! Whittlesey without a butcher’s shop is unheard of.”Another person wrote: “You guys are Whittlesey family for meat, all other butchers never compared to your quality and service”.Meanwhile, others said they were “devastated” and highlighted that the business will be missed.
Leeds United confirm major departure
Leeds United corner flag. Credit: Imago
Leeds United had a slow start to the summer transfer window, until the events of last week. It was revealed that the Whites had agreed a deal to sign Harry Wilson.
Wilson will leave Fulham when his contract expires and will join Leeds as a free agent.
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His arrival has been highly anticipated; a player who managed 19 goal contributions in all competitions last season. The Welsh international is set to bring attacking threat and creativity to the first team.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the formalities surrounding the move have been finalized.
Wilson will sign a four-year deal, on higher wages than he was at his previous club. There were many suitors after him this summer.
Leeds United confirm major departure
When this past season ended, Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about transfer plans this summer.
In his statement, he made it clear that the club would have a logical approach to the window. Marathe also highlighted the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules that will be in place this summer.
His submission pointed to the fact that if the Whites are to spend big, they will need to sell some players.
Leeds United have confirmed their first summer departure; Pascal Struijk will leave the club to join Brighton ahead of next season.
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Police appeal to find missing Stafford man David
Staffordshire Police are currently searching for missing man, David, 44, from Stafford.He was last seen in the Marston area yesterday (Monday 29 June) between 11am and 3pm.David is described as being around 6ft tall and of a slim build. He could have been wearing shorts and a t-shirt when he was last seen, with both either being black or grey. He may have also been wearing a baseball cap. David usually spends time in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent.Anyone with information should call 101 or use Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website, quoting incident 352 of 30 June.
Food delivery man punched outside Burger King as CCTV image released
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe could have information following the attack in Liverpool city centrePolice believe the man pictured may have information that could help with their enquiries(Image: Merseyside Police)Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a food delivery rider was assaulted during an attempted robbery in Liverpool city centre. The incident happened outside the Burger King restaurant on Lord Street on the morning of Tuesday, June 9.Merseyside Police said the delivery rider was sitting outside the fast food restaurant when he was approached by two men. Officers say one of the suspects picked up his bike while the other took hold of his delivery bag before the pair tried to walk away.The victim chased after the men in an attempt to recover his belongings but was punched twice in the face during the confrontation. He suffered minor injuries.Following a search of the area, officers arrested a 41-year-old man, formerly from Whiston and of no fixed address, on suspicion of attempted robbery. He has since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.Detectives have carried out extensive CCTV and witness enquiries and have now released an image of a man they believe could help with the investigation.Detective Inspector Lee Egerton said: “This was a disgraceful and unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was out working, trying to earn money.Police believe the man pictured may have information that could help with their enquiries(Image: Merseyside Police)“I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened who has not already spoken to the police or who has CCTV footage of the incident to assist in the investigation.“I am appealing to the man featured in this image, or anyone who recognises him to come forward. We believe they could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”Anyone who recognises the man in the image or has information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 26000457908.You can also report information via the force’s website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.”Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/newsGet all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.Follow us on Twitter @LivECHONews – the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account – real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Birmingham City set to make key coaching appointment with Rangers swoop
Birmingham City have been looking to recruit a set piece coach since the start of the year11:36, 30 Jun 2026Updated 11:38, 30 Jun 2026Scott Fry during his time as Rangers set piece coachHighly-rated Rangers set piece coach Scott Fry is set to join Birmingham City.Fry is poised to leave Rangers and take up the post at Blues in pre-season after a lengthy recruitment process.The 33-year-old only joined Rangers last November after an extremely successful spell leading set pieces for Lincoln City.Rangers’ set piece output improved after Fry’s appointment – only Hearts bettered Rangers’ tally of 19 goals from set pieces in the Scottish Premiership last season.FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! All the latest Blues news on Birmingham Live’s Birmingham City FC Facebook pageLincoln have topped League One for set piece goals in each of the last two seasons and it played a part in their promotion to the Championship under Michael Skubala.Fry moved to Lincoln in 2022 after a long spell coaching in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy.He started out as a goalkeeping coach and that was initially his role in Lincoln’s set-up before he took on set piece duties in 2024.Blues supporters will remember Lincoln scoring from a long throw-in inside 60 seconds of their 3-1 victory at Sincil Bank in October 2024.Blues have been searching for a set piece coach since the start of the year after posting average statistics in the Championship last season.Set pieces have never been more important to a team’s success with all four champions in England’s professional leagues last season boasting the best set piece records in their respective league.How to follow our Birmingham City coverageAlex Dicken, Birmingham City writerWith the transfer window now open, our BirminghamLive Blues writers Alex Dicken and Brian Dick – will be bringing you the news as it happens and giving their opinions on the stories that matter.Sign up for our free Blues newsletter hereYou can follow Alex on X here and Brian here – and when the season starts they will follow Blues around the country to offer you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.WhatsApp: You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive’s Blues team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories and insight from in and around the club.Social Media: You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter.If you prefer reading our Blues stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.Podcast: Our weekly Birmingham City podcast, Keep Right On, is also available to watch and listen on all major streaming services. You can subscribe to the YouTube channel here, while you can access the podcast on Spotify here and via Apple here.
Maternity changes ‘taking too long’, says grieving grandmother
The Amos report also heard from staff across the trust, who said shortages across midwifery, medical, nursing and support roles “affected their wellbeing and the care they could provide”.It said: “They described starting shifts short-staffed, missing breaks, working beyond their contracted hours and struggling to protect training time, which contributed to exhaustion, sickness absence and difficulties in staff retention.While Holland said she was “absolutely” concerned to hear about staffing pressures, she felt it could “be easy to be hoodwinked slightly” into the narrative that problems with maternity services in Leicester were “all about” insufficient staffing levels.Holland felt hospital bosses did not learn from cases where babies had died or suffered harm and that learning bulletins given to staff were often “inadequate”.”It’s half-page, there is no measuring whether staff have read it and staff have reflective conversations,” she said.”That is absolutely inadequate, that is inappropriate when you have caused in some way the death of a child.”Julie Hogg, chief nurse at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “We have made important progress in recent years to improve our maternity and neonatal services, including strengthening how we listen to families, increasing staffing, improving triage and introducing digital systems to support safer care.”We know there is more to do, and we are continuing to work closely with partners to ensure women, babies and families experience these improvements consistently in the day-to-day care.”We will continue to listen to families and colleagues, act on what we hear, and ensure learning translates into meaningful and lasting change.”
Crash shuts A11 in Cambridgeshire – AOL
Tue, June 30, 2026 at 6:01 AM UTCA blue police accident sign on the road. Behind it there is some blue and white police tape and part of a police car is visible.Part of the A11 in Cambridgeshire has been closed after a vehicle crashed through the central reservation.The road is closed in both directions between the A1301 at Stump Cross and the A1307 at Babraham after the crash which happened at about 03:00 BST, National Highways said.Cambridgeshire Police and National Highways teams have been at the scene.Delays were building in the area and traffic has been diverted through local routes, the roads agency said.Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More stories of interestRelated internet links
‘Putting two fingers up to MND’ – the extraordinary Welsh marathon runner refusing to back down | InYourArea
An extraordinary man who refuses to let a devastating diagnosis define him is capturing hearts across the country as he aims to raise a staggering £100,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.Matt Cox, who was diagnosed with the progressive disease just 12 months ago, has already seen his mobility heavily impacted.Today, he relies on a dedicated support team and his incredibly loving family to push him in a wheelchair for the majority of his gruelling fundraising challenges.Yet, despite his rapidly fading physical strength, Matt’s mental grit is stronger than ever. This Sunday, he is determined to leave his wheelchair behind and walk the final four miles of the high-profile Wales marathon between Tenby and Pembroke.For Matt, every step is a personal victory and a chance to, in his own words, “put two fingers up to MND.”Matt’s fundraising journey has been nothing short of legendary. In April, he tackled the iconic London Marathon, emotional footage of which showed him courageously walking the final mile across the finish line. Weeks later in Leeds, he doubled it – walking the final two miles.
Now, as the marathon arrives on Welsh soil, Matt is doubling the stakes yet again.“I am absolutely determined to raise £100,000 to support the MND Association, a charity which continues to do so much to not only support me, but the 5,000 others who are living with MND in the UK right now,” Matt said.“The last few weeks have been really tough. I know MND is slowly taking away my mobility, but that makes me want to do even more.“In London I walked for the last mile, in Leeds I walked for the last two, so I’m doubling it to walk four in Wales.”
“My next challenge will be the Great North Run in September where I will walk for the last eight miles. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me so far, including the MND community which has been incredible. Every penny we raise will make a huge difference.”Behind every great athlete is an incredible team, and Matt is no exception. His family and close friends have remained firmly by his side through every unimaginable challenge over the past year, acting as his literal and emotional pillars of strength.With his sight firmly set on hitting that massive £100,000 milestone, Matt’s defiance in the face of adversity is proving to be a true beacon of hope for the entire MND community.How to support MattShow your support for Matt along the marathon route this Sunday between Tenby and Pembroke.To learn more about his journey, share his story, or make a vital donation to his £100,000 goal, visit the MND Association.
