AS the wetter weather and cooler autumn temperatures start to set in, it’s great to look back on some of the fantastic local events and gatherings which have taken place over the summer and early part of September.

Just recently I was proud to join members of Kingswinford Royal British Legion, 2488 Kingswinford Squadron Air Training Corps, Summerhill School Steel Band, Wolverhampton Pipe Band, Father Adam and the St Mary’s Choir, the Mayor of Dudley, local councillors and others to mark the 90th anniversary of Kingswinford’s Royal British Legion branch.

It was a special occasion celebrated with music and community spirit and made even more special as one of the branches stalwarts, Bob Townsend, was presented with a life membership award for his many years of work for the Poppy Appeal.

Last weekend, I also attended a charity sponsored open tournament at Quarry Bank Tennis Club. The club has been going for more than 100 years and I was particularly impressed with the number of young members they have, with many of the children working as ball crew at the tournament. It really was great to see so many people in attendance, how well the club is thriving, and to hear about their plans to develop a bespoke children’s tournament for younger players. Just up the road at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, there was also the 'These People, This Place' exhibition with art sculptures and the 100 Faces of Brierley Hill exhibition. I particularly enjoyed some of the poetry which brilliantly captured the sentiment of the exhibition and the event.

Next week I will be hosting my ninth annual Jobs and Skills Fair to once again help local people connect with employers and find out more about the career opportunities available.

As one of the largest jobs fairs in the West Midlands, now with more than 40 organisations signed up, the event takes a lot of organising – but with employment being one of the key factors in the lives of individuals and families, I am a firm believer that local people should be able to access the best career and training opportunities available to them.

Merry Hill have once again offered to sponsor the event and let us hold it at the centre, making it a nice east location for people to get to by car or bus.

From household name employers such as M&S, EE, West Midlands Police and Dudley Council, to less well-known organisations such as home lifts manufacturer Stiltz Homelifts, workplace Risk Management firm Bradley Environmental Consultants Ltd, or supported accommodation provider Orsa Housing, there will be a wide range of careers available on the day.

The event will be in the amphitheatre space on the lower mall near Marks and Spencer and run from 11am till 3pm on Friday September 29. There is no need to book, so please just turn up on the day.