Midlands & East England

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The new Saturday evening ‘Joe Aldred Show’ is a topical discussion programme for the African and Caribbean communities of Birmingham and the Black Country. Bishop Joe will tackle the big talking points of the week – welcoming input and discussion from the BBC WM audience – whilst also showcasing people, personalities and initiatives making the news during the week.

Bishop Joe is a well known local and national personality, with excellent knowledge of the local area and its diverse communities. The Joe Aldred Show will bring an entertaining and informative mix of speech and music based radio to BBC WM, with a focus on audience participation.

Born in Jamaica, Bishop Joe came to England as a teenager. He earned a PhD in Theology from Sheffield University and is a regular contributor to national and local current and religious affairs in the media. He is a bishop in the Church of God and Prophecy, Secretary for Minority Ethnic Christian Affairs at Churches Together in England and voluntary Chair of the Council of Black-led Churches.

In addition, Bishop Joe is also a non-executive director, board member and trustee of several organisations, including: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, the University of Central England, the government’s Faith Communities Consultative Council and the National Black Church Leaders Forum.

Bishop Dr Joe Aldred says of the new show: “Against a background of so much negativity that has attached itself to the Black community; I view this as a great opportunity to contribute to community empowerment and progress by dealing week by week with the issues that are at the heart of the African and Caribbean community. I hope that the whole of Birmingham and the Black Country will tune in every week and interact with what I believe will be a great programme.”

Jeremy Pollock, acting-Managing Editor, BBC WM, says: “Joe's very passionate about the African and Caribbean community - he's got a lot to say, and we're delighted he's going to be saying it on BBC WM.”

Bishop Joe joins the BBC WM team, taking over the Saturday evening slot from Marverine Cole.

The Joe Aldred Show on BBC WM begins on Saturday 1st September from 8pm.

BBC WM broadcasts on 95.6FM and DAB Digital Radio

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Light House will hold an event entitled Wolverhampton, Slavery and Abolition on Tuesday 27 March at 7pm as part of the city’s events programme to mark the 200th anniversary of the Abolition Of The Slave Trade Act this year. This Act stopped the trading of slaves across the Atlantic but did not outlaw slavery itself and slaves continued to be used on the Caribbean plantations until 1838. City Archivist David Bishop will use sources taken from local archives to tell the story of how Wolverhampton played a key role, both in sustaining the trade, and abolishing it. Admission to the event is free.

Little is known about Wolverhampton’s involvement in the slave trade, and its abolition. This event will offer an opportunity to find out more about a little-known aspect of the City’s history, and highlight ways to get involved in uncovering more of it. For further details about the event contact David Bishop on tel. 01902 552480 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To reserve your place at the event contact Light House Box Office on tel. 01902 716055.

Light House will also be screening the BBC production A Respectable Trade, adapted by Philippa Gregory from her own novel later in the year. For further information about Light House’s events programme visit www.light-house.co.uk, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel. 01902 716055.

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