MESH MAGAZINE

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Moseley - Edgbaston - Shirley - Harborne & Surrounding areas

‘Tis the season to be glamorous IN! A

WIN! WIN! W

e

n in Harborn

the Junctio meal for 2 at

Our Guide to Xmas in Birmingham Interview with artist Sarah Grah am Money Matters - Cutting xmas costs

Free AMC cinema tickets for every reader

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Mesh Magazine

Welcome D

ear readers, It’s that time of year again, that some dread but many look forward to – Christmas! Apart from the annoying Christmas adverts on TV, which have already begun, I personally love Christmas. To be honest, I love any excuse for a party and as it is my birthday five days before Christmas, December has always been my favourite month of the year.

However, Christmas can be a very stressful time, especially for families who are feeling the pinch, as the pressure is on to buy lots of lovely gifts and to have a good time. Check out our brand new Money Matters feature, where you will find tips on saving some pennies this Christmas.

In our Christmas fashion spread, ‘Tis The Season to be Glamorous, you will find some fabulous party wear at affordable prices straight from the high street, to ensure you lovely readers look gorgeous and feel good during the party season.

Our brand new Culture section showcases fantastic events happening this Christmas in Birmingham, including local gigs, pantomimes and, of course, the much-loved Frankfurt Christmas market!

Christmas can be a lonely time for people who aren’t lucky enough to be surrounded by friends and family, so on Christmas morning when you’re giving and receiving gifts, take a moment to think just how lucky we all are.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and healthy New Year!

Until next time,

Liz

x

With thanks to our columnists Sarah Jones Owner of Shirley based boutique ‘Bella Donna’ Gail Dunne Principle stylist at Harborne Umberto Giannini Martin Griffin Moseley Golf Club Coach Andy Waters Chef Patron Edmunds Restaurant EDITORIAL Elizabeth Griffiths EDITOR-IN -CHIEF editor@meshmagazine.co.uk Laura Faliveno EDITORIAL ASSISTANT laura.faliveno@meshmagazine.co.uk Sarah Ventre MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT sarah@loronmedia.com Neil Jones ART & GRAPHICS DIRECTOR Lola Ricketts BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Loron Media Ltd 2A Ground Floor Albert Road Harborne Birmingham B17 OAN t: 0844 272 1154 e: enquiries@loronmedia.com www.loronmedia.com www.meshmagazine.co.uk The views & opinions expressed by contributors and staff of Loron media Ltd may not represent the views & opinions of the publisher.

Loron Media Ltd takes no responsibility for claims made in, Advertisements, advertorials or Editorials in the magazine. No part of MESH Magazine may be reproduced or copied in anyway, without prior written consent of Loron media Ltd

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Mesh Magazine

CONTENTS Mesh Magazine Issue 6 Nov/Dec 2011

06 – LOCAL NEWS: 10 – MONEY MATTERS: CUTTING CHRISTMAS COSTS 14 – GET THAT JOB!: HOW TO WRITE A TOP CV, JOB HUNTING AND PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW 18 – ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE GLAMOROUS! FABULOUS HIGH STREET LOOKS FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY SEASON 26 – HAVE A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS BEAUTY BUYS 28 – INSIDE MY HOME THIS MONTH WE LOOK INSIDE THE HOME OF SARAH FALIVENO 32 – WHAT TO WATCH, READ AND SEE THIS CHRISTMAS 34 – EVENTS THE MUST-GO-TO EVENTS IN BIRMINGHAM THIS CHRISTMAS 38 – OUT OF THE DARKNESS, AND INTO THE LIGHT A FRANK AND HONEST ACCOUNT OF A BATTLE AGAINST BREAST CANCER 41 – INTERVIEW WITH COVER ARTIST SARAH GRAHAM 42 – FOOD & DRINK NEWS BIRMINGHAM FOOD FEST AND THE BEST WINE TO HAVE WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER 45 – WIN! WIN! WIN! CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH A MEAL FOR TWO AT THE JUNCTION IN HARBORNE 46 – HOROSCOPES WILL YOU HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS?

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Local News

Year 6 Winner Simon Lucas celebrates with judges (l-r) actor Colin Buchanan, DJ Elliott Webb and the Head of English at Queenswood Girl’s School in Hatfield, Paul-James Merrell

CHILDREN SPEAK PASSIONATELY ABOUT The external judging panel - DJ and radio presenter A BETTER WORLD Elliott Webb, actor Colin Buchanan and the Head of

Children at St George’s School in Edgbaston have voiced opinions and concerns about society and the environment around them, discussing subjects normally confined to adult conversation. The students were taking part in the Lines Aloud annual public speaking competition, supported by the Rt Hon Clare Short MP.

The topics included ‘Footballers and their earnings’, ‘Does prison work?’ and ‘Are the Royal Family bad for Britain?’ There were also presentations based on race issues, whether to ban smoking completely, the ethics of animal testing, and several views concerning the summer riots in Birmingham.

The students at St George’s School, ranging from age eight to fifteen years, had been working on their speeches for a couple of months. Each child had been allowed to choose the subject matter and was encouraged to conduct meaningful research, giving consideration to both sides of the argument before reaching their own personal conclusion.

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English at Queenswood Girl’s School in Hatfield, PaulJames Merrell - were all astounded by the arguments put forward and the passion with which the students delivered their speeches.

“It was great to see young people care enough to express themselves publicly and so passionately,” said Mr Buchanan. “Some of the subjects they chose and the content of their presentations were beyond what I had expected, especially from some of the younger children.”

Headmaster, Sir Bob Dowling, also expressed his pride in the children’s achievements, as he addressed the audience following the presentation of the prizes.

“The Lines Aloud competition is part of the school’s commitment to developing and encouraging students to take a view on matters of importance and thereby grow in wisdom. It also helps students to gain confidence in public speaking.”

Winners in each year group were awarded prizes but all of those who took part were given due recognition for their hard work.

Local News

UNIVERSITY LEADING DRIVE

TO CREATE

GLOBAL CITY OF

CULTURE

Cultural leaders from some of the most important arts and cultural organisations in the region gathered at Birmingham City University to drive forward a campaign to ensure the city is recognised as a worldclass centre of excellence in culture and creativity.

Organisations attending the summit, being hosted in partnership with the University and Birmingham City Council, included The Arts Council England, the BBC, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Opera, Birmingham Rep, Birmingham Jazz, Big Brum, Thinktank, The Drum, Stan’s Café, Capsule, Ikon, Vivid, Hippodrome, Sampad, 7 Inch and local universities and media companies such as Ember TV. The Big City Culture event was hosted at the internationally renowned Conservatoire and formally opened by Vice-Chancellor Professor David Tidmarsh.

Keynote speaker Andrew Erskine, Senior Associate at Tom Flemming, a creative consultancy specialising in supporting the cultural and creative industries sector, helped stimulate debate and critical thinking.

He said a city with global ambitions needed “confidence, connectivity and creativity”.

The forum coincided with the start of work on phase one of the University’s new City Centre Campus at Eastside, which will create a state-of-the-art facility to directly support creative and cultural excellence in the region. Council leader Mike Whitby said the campus scheme would help Birmingham achieve its global city status.

“Birmingham City University is hosting the Big City Culture event to reinforce its important position as a major cultural contributor,” said Joanna Birch, Head of Enterprise Development, at Birmingham City University.

“The event is about building on the Big City Culture Strategy and follows the major shift in economic focus of the region and the removal of many public funding bodies to provide a sustainable means to develop culture for the long term.”

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Business & Money Business Acumen

This month we meet Harborne born-and-bred Emma Heathcote-James, a published writer who left a successful career in television and media to start an organic soap business, Little Soap Company The very ecologically-wise company, which offers organic soap products free of chemicals and synthetics along with popular soap-making courses, has gone from strength to strength with Waitrose, and many other high-profile stockists, choosing to have Little Soap Company products on their shelves.

WHERE DID THE ORIGINAL IDEA COME FROM? The idea came quite simply from a floundering soap company that was winding up - thing is, their product was second to none and, in my opinion belonged on the shelves of Waitrose rather than being sold at Farmers Markets wrapped in cellophane with a computer label.

Having used their products and hearing they were ceasing trade I contacted them and offered to buy the recipes from them. The product was there, it just needed a brand identity and clear vision to get people back to basics and using pure natural soap again as part of their skin care regime. Within six months the brand lined six local Waitrose stores and the rest is history!

for myself and up until starting Little I had always travelled out to work in the city but desperately wanted to nest and save the commute what has been coined a ‘countrypreneur’!.

Business in the countryside is somewhat different to city life and harbours its own challenges such as no mobile signal, ridiculous broadband speeds, further distances everywhere, being quite lonely and the like, but working in the countryside is a totally different way of life and a wonderful one.

specific to that region, as well as fulfilling national supermarket requirements and Little Soap Schools, which I cannot do alone. It’s a really exciting time for us at the moment!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

You will never realise how much you will live, breath and sleep your business until you start it - and the most important, yet simple WHAT IS LITTLE SOAP COMPANY? and basic thing is to take It’s a handmade pure proper care of yourself. soap company with Entrepreneurship is a heaps of energy, attitude lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 and balls. We are profession where you very vocal about good can switch off and close green skincare, the HOW DO YOU SEE THE BUSINESS the door on things. It’s environment and trying EXPANDING IN THE FUTURE? easy to work 12-18 hour to reduce the amount of days, especially at the If I want to continue chemicals and synthetics start and I especially the aim that we have, people unwittingly rub find it incredibly hard which is everything into their skin. We know to switch off, but being handmade and we can’t do this alone working to the point hand-packaged, then so we share the love and of exhaustion will only there is only so much created the Little Soap WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START burn you out and make I can do with my own School, which teaches THE BUSINESS? you less productive. two hands so there people to make their Eventually you will get is no question things A common problem I own great soaps for their ill and then the stress will have to change left a fabulous career friends and families - so of that is horrendous slightly to expand. The in television and media far at least 43 students simple thing is don’t get models we are currently behind to have a go have set up small soap ill. Don’t make excuses. exploring is slightly at building an honest making businesses which Eat right, exercise and akin to franchising, brand.

If I’m honest all helps to spread the find time for yourself having Little Hubs up it was all a bit of an word! and the rest of the and down the country, experiment - I’d always business will flow from enabling local products wanted to work totally there! to be sourced and used Do you think you have “Business Acumen”, if so email; editor@meshmagazine.co.uk with your details Mesh Magazine 8

Business & Money

BUSINESSmatters Tax Return Penalties: Back with bite

Small business owners across Birmingham are being warned to keep on top of tax returns, or risk significant penalties under tough new HMRC rules. New rules put in place from 31st October see late payers facing hefty cumulative fines. Local tax specialist, Ibrar Ahmed is advising local businesses to act early to avoid the wrath of the tax inspector.

Previously, missing the deadline led to a £100 penalty and this was ‘capped’ to a maximum of the tax bill, i.e. if a tax refund was due, the penalty was mitigated. But under these new rules, the £100 penalty is automatic and a further £10 will be charged daily if the return is more than three months late, up to a maximum of £900. An additional penalty will be given for returns more than six months late, calculated as the higher of £300 or 5% of the tax due and this fine will be repeated again in a further six months time if the returns have not been filed.

Ibrar Ahmed who runs TaxAssist Accountants in Kings Heath, Birmingham, said: “These latest fines come on the back of a series of tough new campaigns from the HMRC. Bookkeeping can be time consuming and given the fact that late filing of tax returns only previously carried a fine of £100, perhaps was not seen as a priority.

“Following the announcement of new stiff penalties, we’re advising small businesses to keep on top of their books and file on time - by 31st October by paper, or online by 31st January 2012. Snowballing costs can be deadly for a small business where balancing the books can make the difference between paying your staff and going out of business.”

TaxAssist Accountants in Birmingham is a local business itself, operating across the city, providing tax and accountancy advice and services to more than 180 small businesses.

Ibrar Ahmed is available on 0121 4448177 or ibrarahmed@taxassist.co.uk

Business & Money

MONEYmatters Cutting Christmas Costs

Ebay Outlet also has numerous brands slashed at ridiculous prices, including Karen Millen and Joe Browns, and has fast delivery for you last minute shoppers.

Get paid to shop Believe it or not you can be paid to shop. A dream come true? Well, at a click of a button you could be earning commission on your online shopping. There are cashback sites which pay a percentage of the value of your shopping back to you. Websites, such as Quidco.com and Topcashback.com, list retailers that pay commission when shoppers click through to them. In turn, the website rebates some commission to the consumer.

Christmas is here once again – the time of year that should fill your life with joy but in fact fills you with dread – of seeing January’s bank statement!

It is estimated that consumers will spend more than £540 on gifts for their loved ones each year but with many households not having a penny to spare, families can often be left with unnecessary debts. Hardly a good way to start the New Year!

Here are MESH Magazine’s tips on being frugal this Christmas to ensure you start the New Year with a healthy bank balance…

Buy online gifts in advance Forget endless queues and stuffy shops filled with frantic shoppers - the sensible way to shop is online.

Internet shopping’s popularity is growing and growing. According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, British shoppers are now spending £1 in every £10 online. And it isn’t just the allure of shopping from the comfort of your home that internet shopping offers, there are plenty of online bargains to be had that you would not find on the high street.

Flash-sale websites such as brandalley.co.uk could save you up to 80 per cent on brand names such as Cath Kidston and Jimmy Choo. Sales last a limited time and are available to members only – but it costs nothing to join! Delivery can take up to four weeks – so start shopping now.

Book your Christmas getaway early By booking train tickets in advance you can make some great savings to your travel costs. We all know that travel operators take advantage of us having to travel home to see family and bump up ticket prices to ridiculous rates over the holiday season. The key to finding a bargain is to purchase them early, and try and be flexible with the dates you travel and the route you take. Yes it is a bit of a hassle, but it doesn’t take much to hop off one train and get on another if it is going to save you money!

Secret Santa Everyone is in the same situation; no one has a lot of cash to spare, so why not suggest that you and your group of friends or your family do a Secret Santa. Secret Santa is a fun and easy way for a group of friends, family members or co-workers to exchange gifts.

The basic concept of the Secret Santa game is simple.

All of the participants’ names are placed into a hat, box, etc. and mixed up. Each person then chooses one name from the box, but doesn’t tell anyone which name was picked. He/she is now responsible for buying a gift for the person selected.

When the Secret Santa wraps their gift, he/she just labels it with the recipient’s name but doesn’t indicate whom the present is from. (Remember, most of the fun is in the secrecy.)

When the gift-giving time arrives each recipient finds their gift and must guess who their Secret Santa is. If they can’t guess, their Secret Santa eventually confesses.

Money Matters: Are you in the know of money matters? If so email; editor@meshmagazine.co.uk with your details Mesh Magazine 10

PHYSIOTHERAPIST’S CORNER BMI Physiotherapy Manager Janet Davies

Is a sports injury keeping you out of action?

Whether you are a professional sports person or a keen amateur, an injury can be a real frustration.

The good news is, at BMI The Priory & Edgbaston Hospitals, we have the expertise and resources to get you back to fitness quickly and with the minimum of fuss.

At your first appointment you will be assessed by one of our physiotherapists. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries will not need surgery which makes our physiotherapists an excellent initial point of contact for diagnosis. If further investigations are required, or surgery is needed, the specialist can give you fast access to scans such as X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound and CT, and can also make a speedy referral to a leading Orthopaedic Consultant or Sports Physician.

BMI Sports Injuries Clinics are specialist facilities offering treatment and rehabilitation using the very latest techniques and equipment. As well as treating the problem, we will always look at the underlying causes of your injury and discuss with you the best ways to prevent recurring problems in the future.

If you would like to see one of our specialists, call us on 0121 446 1551. One of our trained advisors can explain how to book an appointment and what the payment options are. Alternatively, visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/priory for further information.

You’ll be in safe hands with BMI Healthcare.

Sports injuries treated include the following:

Janet’s Top Tips 1 Stop the activity if there is pain.

2 Remember PRICE – Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

3 Never ‘heat’ an injury unless you have been given professional advice to do so.

✓ ✓ ✓

Muscle tears

Golfer’s elbow

Tendon and ligament injuries

Tennis elbow

Overuse injuries

Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)

Post surgical rehabilitation

Achilles tendinopathy

Knee, ankle and foot pain

Low back pain

Runner’s knee

The Priory & Edgbaston Hospitals

CLINICS IN EDGBASTON, SUTTON COLDFIELD & SOLIHULL

Careers A DAY IN THE LIFE...

From picking up her bleep to saying “see you tomorrow”, Specialist Breast Care Nurse Elaine Kirkham’s work in The Priory’s Oncology Centre is challenging, fulfilling and certainly never dull...

8am - Collect my bleep from reception then check my diary, clinic list and emails. Getting an early idea of what the day may hold is always an advantage.

12.00pm - Back to Oncology Day Centre to see two chemotherapy patients and another who has had radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy nurses meet their patients for an assessment before the first treatment and give written information about each chemotherapy drug. Some patients (on particular chemo drugs) opt for ‘scalp cooling’ to help prevent hair

10.30am – So after a brief look over 8.45am - Two more patients have been admitted - one for chemotherapy and one for a blood transfusion. On the ward I speak to the physiotherapist about the surgical patient.

10.15am - See technician in Nuclear Medicine to arrange admission time for a lady who will need a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

10.30am - Discuss post-operative care and follow up appointments with the surgical patient. I make sure I give her plenty of time so she doesn’t feel rushed and can ask questions. We also give 24-hour contact details should she have any concerns following discharge.

1.00pm - Lunch. It’s only 20 minutes but it’s a much appreciated opportunity to refuel for the afternoon ahead!

1.20pm - Collect patient notes and histology results for the MultiDisciplinary Meeting with Consultant Oncologist, Surgeon and Radiologist.

These meetings are also attended by the Lead Cancer Nurse and Radiographers.

Individual patient histology and imaging is discussed and a decision made about future management and treatment. This is documented by the consultant and taken forward to the patient at their next appointment.

8.30am - Bleeped to meet one of the oncologists and the Priory Palliative Care Sister to discuss a lady who has come to us from another private hospital. We meet her and work out how I can best help.

9.45am - Call in to the Oncology Day Unit to check who is attending and then liaise with reservations to look at future planned admissions.

discussion with the surgeon to find out the most suitable for her. An early discussion with the plastic surgeon gives her plenty of time to meet others who have had similar procedures and to watch an information DVD at her leisure.

loss. At this visit we fit the patient with the correct size of cap and explain about length of time, hair care, etc.

One lady is ready to have her permanent silicone prosthesis fitted in two weeks’ time. I arrange an appointment for her to come back for fitting.

The lady I am seeing today has been referred to by one of the plastic surgeons to discuss the different breast reconstructive options. There are several available and it’s important she has a full

2.00pm - Head to a consultant’s clinic where a lady is given histology results by the consultant. I then take her and her husband into a separate room to discuss the results in more detail and give them some written information. I then accompany them to the Oncology Unit where the Oncologist discusses the results and outlines recommended treatment.

We make a further appointment for her to return with her decision about treatment. She will need time to discuss the information with her family and friends.

3.00pm - My shift is over. I hand back my bleep and head for home, thinking about what challenges I’ll be facing tomorrow!

A Day in the Life of: Do you have an interesting career, or job or diary? If so email; editor@meshmagazine.co.uk with your details

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Careers

GET THAT JOB

As the economy struggles on, the prospect of finding work is looking bleaker by the minute for thousands of jobseekers across Birmingham. Employment figures continue to dominate the headlines, and sadly not in a positive light. Unemployment in the West Midlands increased by 8,000 in the three months to August, according to the latest figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The figures revealed that a total of 234,000 people were unemployed in the region between June and August, with the unemployment rate reaching 8.9%– a rise of 3.5%.

And it seems that it is 18 – 25 year olds who are particularly struggling to find work, with youth unemployment reaching a record high of 991,000, the figures showed.

Jobseekers face stiff competition out there as hundreds vie for the same job. Here is MESH Magazine’s guide to getting that job – from building a comprehensive and eye-catching CV to being ready for that nervewracking interview….

14 Mesh Magazine

Building A Dazzling CV Before you even think about searching and applying for jobs, you need to have your CV up-toscratch! Your CV offers an insight into your education, experience and work background, and a strong CV will get you noticed at the job application stage and invited to an interview. A strong CV needs to be relevant, concise, tailored to specifically meet job requirements and not overly long!

People make many mistakes when writing their CV - here are the most common mistakes and how not to make them…

Minor spelling and grammar errors It is vitally important that your CV does not contain any minor errors – having a CV with correct spelling and grammar seems obvious but tiny mistakes can be easily made, including silly typos!

And a CV with errors will have a huge influence on the prospective employer’s first impression of you – a bad one! Therefore, your CV will not stand up against the hundreds of other CVs sent to the recruiter – no matter how much experience you have!

Get one or two friends or family members to proof read your

CV before sending it out to prospective employers.

Hiding important information Remember, your CV will have little time to impress. The prospective employer will look at your CV and think ‘Why should I interview this person?’

So make sure any relevant information that supports what you’d bring to the role experience, qualifications, and jobs - is easy to find and is interesting to read – no clichés!

Unemployment gaps A CV with unexplained gaps in employment history is another common mistake people make when compiling a CV. It makes recruiters nervous and will usually result in them putting your CV in the bin.

An overlong CV You need to keep your CV concise, structured and to the point.

Ideally, your CV will not cover any more than 2 A4 pages – anymore is instantly off-putting to the recruiter as it suggest a job hopper and the inability to write concisely.

For people with a career charting back over 20 years, focus on your most recent experiences

Careers and achievements, and the most relevant to the job you are going for. This also applies to qualifications!

A pointless introduction Your CV needs to make the employer sit up and take notice, and an opening paragraph full of clichéd attributes will send them back to sleep: “A driven, ambitious, hard worker who works well to deadlines etc….” Yawn!

Instead, try putting together a short, simple and benefits focused headline about yourself: “Experienced sales manager with 5 years of experience working in the retail sector.”

Where To Search For Jobs It has never been easier to find and apply for jobs, with the internet full of job websites where jobs can be applied for at the click of a button, and even social media becoming a fantastic way to hear about work. And, of course, the good old-fashioned newspaper remains a reliable source of local vacancies.

Internet the results can be pretty overwhelming after typing in ‘jobs’ into a search engine, as there are numerous job websites vying for your attention. We have compiled our favourite and most easy-to-use job sites: mybirminghamjobs.co.uk – a comprehensive site devoted to the latest jobs in Birmingham.

There is an online Careers Centre offering advice, and they even have an iPhone app so you can be up-to-date on the job hunt even on the go. monster.com – Monster is very user friendly, offering a very simple ‘I’m looking for’ ‘In this area’ approach but also offers an advanced job search that fine tunes what exactly you are looking for. You can also upload

your CV so employers are free to contact you if you’re CV catches their eye! jobsite.co.uk – Instead of spending hours searching the site for jobs, Jobsite will send you personalised Jobs-by-Email alerts.

You can also upload your CV to the site, so your CV is out there for recruiters to see. reed.co.uk - Reed has over 100,000 jobs online with nearly 10,000 recruiters adding jobs each day. The search option allows you to specify your salary needs, location, and job type.

There is also a fantastic Temp Zone, offering temporary work opportunities in your area. jobs4birmingham.co.uk – another site specifically for jobs in Birmingham, with a valuable CV Help section and an interesting blog that offers advice and the latest recruitment news.

Social Media Set up a LinkedIn account and start networking online! Get in touch with colleagues from the past and connect with people within the sector you work in.

There is also a Jobs section which is full of jobs directly posted by companies.

Twitter is also a surprisingly resourceful site to hear about jobs, which you may not have seen on general job sites, especially if you work in the creative industry.

Newspapers Make sure you get a copy of the Evening Mail every Thursday for the extensive listings of job vacancies in the Birmingham area.

The Metro also has a daily jobs section to browse over on your travels.

At The Interview So your application made a good impression – you’ve been invited to an interview! You now need to prepare yourself for the interview

to make sure you are successful at this stage.

Research the company Spend time researching the company as this will give you confidence should you be asked any question on what the company does. It will also allow you to ask the employer questions.

Plan, plan, plan!

Find out what the interview will involve to make sure you’re prepared! You should think about who will be interviewing you. If it is the person who would be your manager if you got the job, the interview may be more detailed.

Find out how many people will be interviewing you and their positions in the company. All of this will help you prepare for the kinds of questions they may ask.

You should also plan your journey – by being late for your interview you will give a bad first impression possible! A good idea is to do the journey the day before so you can see how long it takes instead of just estimating.

Look smart Think about what image you want to put across. You should wear an outfit that reflects the job you are going for but you must look smart. A suit is a fail-safe outfit but this could come across a bit stiff if you work in the creative industry. Remember to conceal your cleavage!

Nerves are normal!

Accept that it is natural to be nervous and that you may have a fast heartbeat and ‘butterflies’ in your stomach! You will make an impression in the first few minutes. Once you have made a first impression, it’s hardly ever changed. So breathe deeply so your voice isn’t too shaky and squeaky, and you will feel more in control.

Mesh Magazine 15

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16 Mesh Magazine

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Style

Velvet Tape Shift, £65 Velvet is chic this Christmas. www.asos.com

Orange one shoulder dress, £78 Feel like a Grecian goddess in this Roksanda number! www.debenhams.com

Dress £60 by Rose Boutique A sensational twenties dream. www.tesco.com/clothing

Ruby Red Dress, £150 Vintage red dress exudes glamour! www.20thcenturyfox.com

By George at Asda A chic LBD without baring too much! www.george.com

‘‘Tis the Season to be Glamorous...

For many of us, Christmas means one thing – parties, parties, and more parties! Everyone loves a party but knowing what to wear to numerous Christmas events can become a bit of a headache, especially when we all are feeling the pinch.

We have selected perfect party dresses to ensure ladies look glam and stylish shirts to ensure men look smart this party season..

A selection of Halloween Costumes from Sainsbury’s www.sainsburys.co.uk 18 Mesh Magazine

Style

Red and White Checked Shirt Perfect for those smart casual events! www.marksandspencer.com

Patterned Shirt Team this with black jeans www.marksandspencer.com

Bow Tie Set For those events that require a bow tie! www.primark.co.uk

White slim fit shirt £65/€74, Black texture square tie £35 Kenneth Cole, Burgundy velvet blazer £329/€395 Patrick Cox, Black slim fit trousers (part of a suit) £365 Ted Baker.

All from www.houseoffraser.com Black shirt, £10 Sleek shirt with jeans or trousers. www.george.com Mesh Magazine 19

Mesh Magazine 21

Style Each month MESH magazine’s very own fashion columnist, Sarah Jones, brings you the latest looks, advice and top tips to achieve catwalk style.

Sarah is the owner of Bella Donna Boutique in Shirley, Solihull.

How to Stand Out This Party Season!

With the festive season nearly upon us, make sure you get the party started with some knock out dresses and sexy accessories.

Start with sequins, jewelled necklines or a bit of diamante bling. And mix sequins and fur for a totally glam look. If ever there was a time to hold back, now isn’t it!

For colour opt for deep purples, sapphire blues or rich clarets, making a colour the statement alone.

Leather or pleather is a bang on-trend and achieves a great sexy rock chick look. At the boutique we have some amazing slate grey pleather skinnies by Italian designer Livianna Conti. We’ve been mixing them with the chiffon and lace black Roberto Cavalli shirt, which looks uber chic for the evening. For daytime we teamed them together with some chunky knits and boots, perfect for the freezing cold winter days!

For the more discerning lady go for the more luxurious leather - an a-line skirt is always a good option. Team with a chunky beaded knit or a sexy top and it will take you from day to evening with ease.

If it’s the office party that’s your dilemma, a key thing to remember is cleavage and lurex during the day is never a good idea!

Instead try a short sexy shift with opaque’s and a blazer nipped in at the waist for the day, and then simply whip off the jacket and opaque’s, add some killer heels, accessorise with some bling and wow - you’re ready to party!

Versace have an amazing black and white fitted shift dress, and added with the Guess fitted blazer, this would make the perfect day to evening outfit!

Remember girls its Christmas so spice up your wardrobe, mixing day and evening wear to rock that eclectic mix of colours and textures that’s all over the catwalks and... party on!

22 Mesh Magazine

Sarah Jones

Gail Dunne, Principle Stylist at Umberto Giannini, reveals the most sumptuous hair colours for winter.

The Colours of the Season...

A new season is the perfect time for a make-over so give your hair the colour love it’s crying out for after a summer of sun, sea and sand! All that fun in the sun will have taken its toll on your tresses leaving them dry and damaged rather than lustrous and lovely, so be sure to treat your bleached out locks with an injection of gorgeous colour and much needed conditioning.

We love the newly launched Umberto Giannini Colour Luxe ‘Billionaire Blonde’ and ‘Jet Set Brunette’ products - the gorgeous packaging alone is enough to make us swoon! Designed with colour enhancing technology, the shampoos will add shine and brighten blondes whilst the conditioners will nourish and give it the moisture boost it needs.

For the forthcoming winter months, it is all about luxurious ‘cashmere’ colours, which are sophisticated and elegant. We’re seeing a step away from the icy blondes of S/S 2011, and are replaced by rich, premium blondes, preferred by A-listers such as Cat Deeley. Sumptuous, burnished browns a la Kate and Pippa Middleton are also a favourite this season, along with multi-tonal reds as seen on Florence Welch and jet black block colours for glossy shine as loved by Jessie J. Until next month,

Gail Dunne

Mesh Magazine 23

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Style

Have a Beautiful Christmas ...

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For many of us, Christmas means one thing – parties, parties, and more parties! Everyone loves a party but knowing what to wear to numerous Christmas events can become a bit of a headache, especially when we all are feeling the pinch.

From the office Christmas party to the Christmas Eve drinks do, we have selected the most glamorous and stylish looks available on the high street this Christmas…

1. Perfection Ultimate Beauty Box, £29.50 Every beauty item you will ever need in one box! www.marksandspencer.com

6: Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Edt 50Ml A sensual and stylish scent www.theperfumeshop.com

2: Hello Kitty London Beauty Box, £8.50 Young girls will be thrilled to find this under the Christmas tree. www.marksandspencer.com

7. Diesel Only Brave Edt 50ml & Shower Gel A very sexy scent for those Christmas parties! www.theperfumeshop.com

3: Mac White Colour Set, Exclusive at Selfridges Every girl needs some Mac in their life! wwww.selfridges.com 4: Victor & Rolf Hexagon 3 Piece Box Set A decadent looking set of perfumes. www.selfridges.com 5: MJ DAISY EDT 50ml A favourite amongst fashionistas! wwww.theperfumeshop.com 26 Mesh Magazine

8: Soap & Glory Beard Science, £20 A fantastic shaving kit for men! www.boots.com 9. Thai Spa Large Gift Set, £12.99 Pamper the lady in your life. www.superdrug.com 10: No7 For Men Face Care Kit, Not just for metro-sexual men! www.boots.com 11: Sanctuary Ultimate Facial in-a-box, £20, Pampering facial in a box. www.boots.com

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Style

Inside My Home Secondary school teacher Sarah Faliveno, 32, has lived in an Edwardian terrace house in Harborne, with her partner Matthew, since 2008. This month, MESH had the pleasure of exploring Sarah’s living space and finding out how she made her house a home…

This month, MESH had the pleasure of exploring Sarah’s living space and finding out how she made her house a home…

How would you describe the style of your home?

A shabby hotch-potch, a bit twee, an eclectic mix of junk!

Where do you find inspiration for styling your home?

I don’t really look at home magazines or anything like that, and I don’t really take inspiration from one source - I just buy things that I like and don’t really care if they go together. I prefer natural materials, natural shades and muted colours. I don’t like clean lines and I don’t like minimalism but do I like lots of textures, patterns and soft furnishings.

Where do you buy décor and what places would you recommend to our readers?

Locally, I recommend Nook and Amelie; there you can pick up individual, one off pieces. And places like Pedlars in Selfridges, Muji, Walnut and Weave, Toast, Cargo, Heels and Cath Kidson.

However, I also like to get stuff from secondhand markets and charity shops. I’ve also picked up a lot of pieces when I’ve been on holiday.

What is your favourite piece of furniture?

An Ercol bookshelf which belonged to my late Nan and Granddad or a pair of Co-op Carver chairs from the 1960’s; they also belonged to my Grandparents and were second-hand when they bought them so they have a lot of character. But I mostly like them because they’re sentimental… I have a picture of me when I was tiny, climbing around on one! My favourite most recent buy is a red Angle poise from John Lewis; I also have an original in white which my Granddad gave me.

Inside my Home: Do you have a home to be proud of? If so email; editor@meshmagazine.co.uk with your details Mesh Magazine 28

What is your favourite room?

Probably my dining room because I like the size of the room, and I quite the duck-egg blue that was already on the walls and I like the mismatched furniture. I also like the fact it has lots of sentimental items, objects, pictures and memories. Its great for entertaining too; I hold lots of tea and dinner parties for friends and family because there’s lots of room and lots of comfy places to sit!

Style STEAL SARAH’S STYLE

Describe your ideal home.

I’d love to live in a Victorian house with lots of period features, such as fireplaces, high ceilings, sash windows and architraves. Location is VERY important; it would have to be close to lots of local amenities and transport links. However it would be on a quiet, green, tree-lined road, nearby lots of walks and parks - similar to what we have now! It would also have a nice, good-sized garden.

Carola Van Dyke Schnauzer cushion, £50 from House of Fraser www.hof.co.uk

Wooden Clock, £8 from Heatons www. heatonstores.com

Tonal stripe rug, £60 from Very.co.uk www.very.co.uk

‘Butterfly by Matthew Williamson’ small bronze cut out lantern £30, large £45, www.debenhams.com Mesh Magazine 29

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Safe and Sound Crack down on Christmas crime!

So, the holiday season is upon us and for many of us it is a time spent away visiting friends and family, out partying or simply getting some winter sun. Unfortunately, burglars love this time of year just as much as we do…

According to the Home Office, burglaries peak in November, December and January. The 2009/2010 British Crime Survey found that 59% of burglaries with entry take place during the evening and at night time; this means the long, dark evenings of winter provide ample opportunities for festive thieves.

If you leave your home empty over Christmas, it means you could be at greater risk of being burgled, which is why here at MESH we have created a crucial checklist for keeping your home safe and secure over the Christmas period – so don’t let a Grinch pinch your Christmas this year!

• Tell your neighbours or local friends that you will be away and ask them to look after your house.

One useful thing they could do is to make sure any mail is pushed properly through your letter box, and that deliveries are not left on your doorstep.

Alternatively, you can contact the Post Office and have your mail redirected for the duration of your holiday and cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries. You can do this online at www.royalmail. com • Tell your Neighbourhood Watch scheme that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye out for you. You can find out your local area’s watch team at www.yourwatch.org.uk/you_local_area • Make sure any garden tools or ladders are safely locked away.

• Buy some timers for your lights, radio and TV so that it looks as though there is someone at home.

Hide any presents and valuables from outside view – most burglars are looking for easy pickings! (Don’t try to hide larger valuables in garages or sheds; these are obvious places for thieves to look).

• Don’t leave any packaging from valuable presents outside your home, such as electrical equipment.

You don’t want to advertise what is inside!

• Whether you are at home or away, remember to lock all external doors and windows. If you have a door chain use it when answering the door to strangers, ask for identification – and check it!

• Always set your alarm when leaving the house; whether it is to pop out for some milk or for a weekend away!

• Enjoy your time away and have a very Happy Christmas!

To phone your local policing unit, please use the central switchboard number: 0345 113 5000

Mesh Magazine 31

Events What To Watch, Read And See This Christmas At The Cinema The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Release Date: December 26 Director: David Fincher Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Stellan Skarsg The hotly anticipated film adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the must-see film this Christmas. Starring Daniel Craig as journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by young computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara. The missing woman, Harriet Vanger, disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family.

My Week with Marilyn Release Date: 25th November Director: Simon Curtis Starring: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Brannagh and Eddie Redmayne Hotly tipped for an Oscar for her performance of the ultimate movie star, Michelle Williams plays Marilyn Monroe in the adaptation of Colin Clark’s (Eddie Redmayne) memoir of his time working as an assistant on the British set of The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956, where Monroe starred opposite Lawrence Olivier (Kenneth Brannagh). Marilyn is also on honeymoon with her new husband Arthur Miller, but when he leaves the country, Marilyn is free to be introduced to British life by Colin which allows her escape from her Hollywood routine and the pressures of the tense film set.

Arthur Christmas 3D Release Date: November 11 Director: Sarah Smith Starring: Jim Broadbent, Ashley Jensen, Hugh Laurie and Kevin Eldon Arthur Christmas reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

Bedtime Reading Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography £16.99 (Hardback)

By Walter Isaacson The landmark biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. In Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography, best-selling author Walter Isaacson provides an extraordinary account of Jobs’ professional and personal life. Drawn from three years of exclusive and unprecedented interviews Isaacson has conducted with Jobs as well as extensive interviews with family members, colleagues at Apples and its competitors.

Something from Tiffany’s £3.89 (Pape back)

By Melissa Hill On 5th Avenue in New York City, two very different men are shopping for gifts for the women they love. Gary is buying his girlfriend Rachel a charm bracelet. Whereas Ethan’s looking for something a little more special - an engagement ring for the first woman to have made him happy since he lost the love of his life.

But when the two men’s shopping bags get confused, and Rachel somehow ends up with Ethan’s ring, the couples’ lives become intertwined.

Events Where’s the Meerkat?

By Paul Moran £9.99 Something for the whole family this Christmas! A family of meerkats are making a round-the-world trip, visiting some of the world’s most famous and popular places and your task is to spot them in the crowd. Each page is intricately illustrated in full colour with a checklist of items and people to spot along with the meerkats. This is the perfect quirky gift for the meerkat-mad member of your family.

is constantly trying to raise their social standing, Simon is a hopeless romantic who is obsessed with schoolmate Carli, Neil is sometimes so slow it’s more like owning a pet than having a friend, and Jay is a borderline sex pest constantly bragging about imaginary sexual experiences.

Shows To See Christmas with the Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas

Boxsets For All The Family The Only Way Is Essex: Series 1 & 2 £17.99 Starring: Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Samantha Faiers The Bafta Award winning, much-loved reality series with fantastic extras! Meet Mark and his long suffering on/off girlfriend Lauren as they struggle with their tempestuous relationship. Can Mark keep his roving eye and hands to himself when faced with sexy Sam and sultry Lucy.

Planet Earth £9.99

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 26 November – December 3 Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas in the late 1950s and early 60s where, in the company of three of the world’s most popular entertainers, the fabulous Burrelli Sisters and The Rat Pack Big Band, you will experience Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin performing at the famous Sands hotel.

The Jungle Book

A stunning television experience that combines rare action, unimaginable scale, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet’s best-loved, wildest and most elusive creatures.

From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, this blockbuster series takes you on an unforgettable journey through the challenging seasons and the daily struggle for survival in Earth’s most extreme habitats.

The Inbetweeners: Series 1 – 3 £13.49 Starring: Simon Bird, Joe Thomas and James Buckley The Inbetweeners Series 1-3 boxset follows the often misguided footsteps of four friends, Will, Simon, Neil and Jay, as they try to navigate their way through sixth form, with their hormones running riot. Will

The Old Rep Theatre November 30 – January 28 Presented by the Birmingham Stage Company, this is a must-see production of Kipling’s children’s classic The Jungle Book. All of the family will enjoy the jungle adventure this Christmas, following Mowgli who has to survive in the jungle on his own, meeting various charismatic animals along the way, some who become friends and some who are enemies.

Events EVENTS IN BIRMINGHAM THIS CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 16 Workshop: Festive Rag-rug Workshop Where? Winterbourne House, Edgbaston Price: £35 From 9.30am – 1pm, Jess Lindon who will teach the art of rag-rugging with a festive Christmas wreath as the project. You get to take home a unique decoration for your home!

NOVEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23 Top Christmas Event: Frankfurt Christmas Market Where? Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham Price: Free entry The Frankfurt Christmas market is back for another year and has become a Christmas tradition for brummies. After a day of Christmas shopping, the warming mulled wine stalls offer some relaxation and respite whilst the craft stalls offer alternative festive gifts for your friends and family.

NOVEMBER 17 – 20 Sport: Trampoline and Tumbling World Championships Where? The NIA Birmingham Price: £8 With eight events held over four days of competition with more than 600 gymnasts from 40 countries taking part, the Trampoline and Tumbling World Championships is a must for gymnastic enthusiasts!

NOVEMBER 19

AMC proudly sponsors MESH Magazine Events pages NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 11 Ballet: Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker Where?

Birmingham Hippodrome Price: £15 - £46 You know it’s Christmas when the Nutcracker comes to town! Birmingham Royal Ballet will be performing Sir Peter Wright’s world-famous production of one of the most famous ballets of all time.

DECEMBER 2 Music: Duran Duran Where? LG Arena, Birmingham Price: £30 - £55 The boys are back in their hometown and bringing their All You Need Is Love tour with them. The boys will be playing their much-loved hits including ‘Rio’, ‘Ordinary World’ and ‘Girls on Film’ along with brand new tracks from their recent album.

DECEMBER 4 Music: Bryan Adams Where? LG Arena, Birmingham Price: £39.50 In celebration of the 20 year anniversary of his 3x platinum selling album ’Waking up the Neighbours’, Bryan Adams is hitting the road with his band and making his way to Birmingham for one night only to perform his well-known hits, including ‘Summer of ‘69’ and ‘Heaven’.

DECEMBER 2 – 7

Exhibition: Clothes Show Live 2011 Where? NEC, Birmingham Price: £27 -£39 For fashion enthusiasts, this is the must-go-to fashion event of the year! Now in its 23rd year, Clothes Show Live is the perfect opportunity to snap up the hottest fashion and beauty must haves from your favourite brands & boutiques.

Events pages: to let MESH Magazine readers hear about your event contact laura.faliveno@meshmagazine.co.uk 34 Mesh Magazine Food: Murder Mystery Dinner Party Where? Saint Nicholas Palace, Birmingham Price: £25 A “Murder Mystery” night hosted by Matthew Hunter, the man of Horrible Histories fame, and his team. A three course dinner will be provided in between solving the murder!

Events DECEMBER 10 – 11 Show: Birmingham International Christmas Tattoo Where? National Indoor Arena, Birmingham Price: £14.50 - £22.50 Culminating in a spectacular festive finale featuring 1,000 performers, the Christmas Tattoo has something for everyone! There will be massed marching bands, exciting displays and a spectacular grand finale along with the gymnastic display team, the field gun crews and the dog display teams!

DECEMBER 11 Sport: Christmas Tour and Lunch Where? Villa Park, Birmingham Price: £19.95 For die-hard Villa fans this is a must for you and is fun for all the family this Christmas. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the club plus a yummy lunch – tours begin at 10am, 11am and 12pm.

DECEMBER 15 – 19

– pantomime! This year it is Cinderella, one of the most popular pantomimes of all time. Brian Conley is Buttons, Lynda Bellingham is the Fairy Godmother and Basil Brush is Baron Basil!

DECEMBER 20 Art: Henrietta Lockhart: Christmas Spirit?

Victorian Attitudes to Poverty in Art Where? Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Price? £2 At 1pm, there will be a look at the Victorians’ conflicting attitudes towards the poor, exploring what paintings say about them.

DECEMBER 24 Music: Christmas Eve Classics Where? Symphony Hall, Birmingham Price? £12.50 - £32.50 If you’re not already in the Christmas spirit by Christmas Eve, then you will be after this concert at 3pm. An afternoon filled with seasonal and traditional Christmas music for the whole family.

Theatre: Grease Where? New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Price: £23.75 - £41.75 The much-loved musical set in 1950’s America is in Birmingham for five nights only. You will be singing along to the unforgettable songs, including ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightning’ and ‘You’re The One That I Want’.

DECEMBER 16 - 31 Theatre: The Snowman Where? The ICC Hall 1, Birmingham Price: £18.50 - £28 The Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents the ultimate children’s Christmas classic at 11am and 3pm. The live stage show, which has thrilled audiences since 1993, is based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman with music and lyrics by Howard Blake.

until 15th January 2012

DECEMBER 17 – JANUARY 29 Pantomime: Cinderella Where? Birmingham Hippodrome Price? From £13.50 - £36 Christmas can only mean one thing at the theatre

Mesh Magazine 35

Events

Back in October, MESH Magazine attended the official opening of Sabai Sabai Harborne, a stunning new Thai restaurant situated on Harborne High Street.

The restaurant is the second establishment opened by young restaurateurs Torquil Chidwick and Juree Dykins, who are already proud owners of the much-loved Sabai Sabai Moseley.

Sabai Sabai means “relax and chill” and that was certainly the atmosphere we were greeted with at the launch. The interior, designed

by Adam Tibbett, was sleek, decadent and vibrant yet very welcoming and comfortable. We enjoyed very delicious samples of the authentic Thai menu, inspired by Juree’s mother, which were served by the very friendly staff.

36

Mesh Magazine

Red Earth Theatre and mac birmingham present Carol Ann Duffy’s

the

lost

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endings

A Family Christmas Show at mac birmingham 3 December 2011 - 7 January 2012 Sales and Information 0121 446 3232 | www.macarts.co.uk Cannon Hill Park | Birmingham| B12 9QH Mesh Magazine 37

Health

OUT OF THE DARKNESS, AND INTO THE LIGHT Editor-in-Chief, Liz Griffiths, talks to Donna Pursell about her battle against breast cancer.

A

It was during a routine appointment with a doctor about a bad cough when Donna Pursell thought she might as well ask him to check a lump on her breast. The lump had been checked two years previously, but Donna was told it was nothing to worry about. However, the lump had started to cause Donna some pain, and she thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask the doctor to give it the once over.

The doctor said it was most likely to be a cyst but as a precaution he referred Donna to a clinic where she had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.

The process would be daunting for any woman, but as a nurse working on the cancer ward at the Priory Hospital in Edgbaston, Donna was aware of the many processes patients went through.

On December 23, 2010, the day before Christmas Eve, Donna was given the results of her biopsy and she was told it was breast cancer.

“I felt like I had been hit by a truck, I was numb,” Donna says, reflecting on the devastating results. “I just kept having morbid thoughts - am I going to die?

Am I going to see my grandchildren? I even thought about whether my dog Tess would outlive me.”

With two beloved sons and a husband she has been with since her teens, Donna had to break the news to the men in her life.

“The worst part was telling my lads that I had cancer. I wanted to be strong for my boys and protect them, but I was worried that they would think, ‘If mum’s alright then I should be.’”

On January 12th, Donna had an operation to determine the grade of the breast cancer and her care plan.

“As the oncologist was a colleague and friend, he phoned me to forewarn me of the results,” Donna said. “They were worse than been anticipated, there were three tumours and the cancer was grade 3.”

38 Mesh Magazine

The oncologist, the breast cancer team and the surgeon then had a meeting and created Donna’s care plan. The oncologist believed that Donna should have the full package – chemotherapy, a mastectomy and then radiotherapy.

“He called me and said, ‘If you were my sister, I’d want you to have the lot.’ So I thought, right this is what I’ve been told to do, so I’m going to do it!”

Donna’s course of chemotherapy began in February and would last until May. “I was terrified; it is the fear of the unknown,” Donna said. “To prepare myself I took lots of vitamins, ate a good diet, and looked into having cold cap therapy.”

The prospect of losing her hair was something Donna struggled with, but she discovered that the cold cap therapy would help to prevent her from losing her hair during chemotherapy. The process works by the cooling of the scalp, which then restricts blood from circulating in that area and reaching the follicles. The cap is put on half an hour before and two hours after the chemotherapy treatment, which meant Donna would be in the unit for longer.

“My son Adam helped me to make the decision to have the cold cap, he said ‘If you’ve got 50 percent of your hair left after the treatment, it means you’ve got 50 percent more than you’d have if you didn’t use it.’”

And it did work; Donna lost some hair but not as much as she would have done without choosing to have cold cap therapy. However, during the four months of chemotherapy, Donna could not use hair products or style her hair in her usual way, something which Donna struggled with, as any woman would!

“My hair and face is my identity and I felt it was being taken away from me. I tried not to let the disease control my life, but this was part of it that I couldn’t control. I cried when I tried on a wig for the first time.”

As chemotherapy can often have a major effect on the

Health immune system and may reduce the body’s defences against infection for some months, both during and after treatment, Donna soon discovered that she had to be cautious in everyday life, even during minor daily routines such as brushing her teeth.

“I had to avoid seeing people and being in closed spaces, and stick to basic hygiene rules, which we all should be do anyway! My toothbrush even had to be kept in a separate compartment.”

And being careful, following a good diet, taking vitamin supplements and being given anti-sickness drugs before, during and after chemotherapy meant Donna was not sick throughout her course of chemotherapy.

June 2010 brought the next stage of Donna’s care plan - the mastectomy. Donna tackled the prospect of losing a breast with plenty of courage and positivity.

“When the time came for the mastectomy, I just thought, just take it off. I had no choice – this is what I was told would make me better, so this is what I had to do.”

The night before the operation arrived and thoughts started to whirl around Donna’s mind as she lay in bed.

“I looked down at my breasts and thought, this is the last time I am going to see my cleavage,” Donna said.

“The operation was a success, it was a full auxiliary clearance; my lymph nodes were taken away along with my breast. After the operation came the relief, the relief that it was all gone from my body.”

Along with the feelings of relief, the psychological impact of having a breast removed also became apparent for Donna as became concerned about how her husband Steve would react.

“I felt part of my appearance had changed. It would now be a constant reminder of my battle with cancer,” Donna said. “And of course I was worried about what my husband Steve would think. But I knew I needn’t have worried – once when I was getting undressed after my initial operation, I turned my back on Steve because I didn’t want him to see the scars, and he said, ‘Never turn your back on me.’

“We have been married for 30 years and he has been my absolute rock. He came with me to every chemotherapy session, I don’t think he realises just how much he has been there for me.”

Donna and her family were elated to learn that the chemotherapy and mastectomy were both a success, and that there was now no cancer detected in the breast and lymph nodes meaning she ‘had the all clear’. A phrase the whole family had wanted to hear for such a long time. Donna was now in remission.

There was then the final part of Donna’s care plan to complete, the course of radiotherapy, which Donna refers to as “the sweep up”, and was carried out daily for four weeks at the Queen Elizabeth hospital.

“Friends would tell me that having cancer was my ‘journey’. But no, this wasn’t a journey for me, this was

a car crash. My life is my journey,” Donna said. “I’ve had to count this year out of my life.”

Reconstructive surgery isn’t an option for Donna at the moment but she thinks that if she was a single woman she may feel differently.

“Steve will love me whether I have one breast or two,” Donna says smiling. “The last thing I want to do right now is go back into hospital and have more major surgery!”

Donna has also thought about the prospect of going back to work on the cancer ward at the Priory Hospital.

She is keen to get back to work when she is ready but she is worried about the emotional impact of seeing patients go through the same treatments she went through so recently.

“I won’t know how I’ll feel until I am back on the ward but I do want to help people. I will be able to understand what the patients are going through from first-hand experience, and I will be able to give them plenty of advice!”

Now in remission, I wondered if it was possible to actually forget about the C-word?

“There are times when I don’t think about it. I’ve had really low points but I just tell myself to get a grip, I’m alive and there are people worse off than me. I have had to kick ass!”

Although she still can’t have her hair dyed, Donna recently paid a visit to the hairdresser to have a wash and blow dry, a treat she sorely missed throughout her treatment.

“I cried with joy when I was sat in the chair at the hairdresser,” Donna says smiling. “I aim to have the foils back in by Christmas!

“I want to thank all my lovely family and friends for their support and kindness to which I could not have managed without, and also to the support which has been given to my family by their friends.”

If you would like to contact Donna to learn more about her treatment, for advice or just a friendly ear, please write to editor@meshmagazine.co.uk and your emails will be forwarded to her.

Websites and organisations Donna found useful: Wills Wigs – Wig Specialists - www.willswigs.co.uk Macmillan Bridges Support Services – Anyone living in Sandwell with cancer at any stage of the illness and also patients with non-malignant palliative care needs is entitled to their support, which ranges from transport to and from hospital to help with domestic tasks in the home.

Look Good, Feel Better - cancer support charity that helps women manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk Breast Cancer Awareness Forum http://share.breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/

Sport Sporting Tips! With Golf Professional Martin Griffin, Golf coach at the Moseley Golf Club Last month I explained the most important, fundamental techniques of hitting golf shots – the hold of the club.

The Golf Swing The purpose of the swing is to bring the club back to the ball in its original position and to transfer some energy to give your shot some distance.

There are a few parts of a golf swing we need to be aware of; the swing away from the ball (sometimes known as a back swing), the swing towards the ball (known as a downswing), the follow through and the finish. We must also allow the loft of the club to do what it is designed to do, and that is to get the ball up into the air. A basic breakdown of the swing is the skill to co-ordinate two moving parts of the body.

The Two Main Parts These parts are the turning of your body and your hands. At the top of the swing away from the ball you should feel that you have your back facing the target with your hands swinging the club over your right shoulder so it also points at the target. Get the club back to the ball as it was when you set up (do this slowly at first so you get the feel) and finish your swing with your chest facing the target and the club swinging over your left shoulder.

40 Mesh Magazine

You can see from this wonderful footage from the great Sam Snead the two parts swinging in harmony.

There is great balance within his swing, which is helped by the way he keeps his head extremely steady throughout.

Your golf swing may not look like Slammin’ Sam’s but remember there is not one swing for everybody, but everybody must have one swing. Your golf swing is personal to you and is instantly recognisable. I’m sure you can picture your favourite player’s swing in your mind right now. How does it differ to some of the players you have seen elsewhere?

Co-ordinating the swing takes time so when you take practice swings (or, as I like to call them, rehearsal swings), practice clipping a tee peg out of the ground. Put a ball on the tee and repeat. When this becomes too easy, take the tee peg away and catch the ground with the club.

You can contact Martin at Moseley Golf Club for expert advice: Telephone No: 0121 444 2063 e-mail: pro.mgc.1892@gmail.com www.moseleygolfclub.co.uk

Events

Artist Sarah Graham shares her ideas and inspirations Glancing at our front cover, you would assume the artwork was by a photographer not an artist. However, the shockingly realistic work of art was in fact created by photo-realist Sarah Graham, after developing a method of painting specific to creating the illusion of three-dimensionality.

Specialising in sweets and toys, Sarah’s artwork evokes childhood memories and a sense of fun.

Editor Liz Griffiths had the opportunity to speak to Sarah, ahead of her rare appearance at Castle Galleries in Solihull on 19 November.

How do you create a piece of art that is so realistic?

It’s a combination of A LOT of practice and approaching the canvas in stages. According to my mum, I never even drew ‘stick men’. Even when I first picked up a pencil, my figures were a bit more considered, even at the age of 2! I do think I’ve had an innate ability to translate what I see in the world around me onto paper.

Your subject matter seems to hark back to childhood memories. Is this a time of your life in which you find most inspiring?

Oddly enough, there is not a direct association in my mind between my own childhood and my work; it may be there at a subconscious level.

Only on a few occasions, with my Sindy dolls for example, have I actually painted my own toys from childhood. I was addicted to penny sweets, but I still am! Maybe I just haven’t really grown up. I admire the way children are far more captivated by the everyday world, and that’s essentially what I’m trying to do on canvas.

Why did you go down the route of photo-realism rather than any other art forms?

I began to develop this technique at university when I discovered photo-realism; I had always enjoyed photography and realist painting, so it made perfect sense for me to start combining the two.

Is there anyone in your life that has made a significant impact on your life and the choices you have made throughout your career?

My dad, without a doubt, was the single most important influence on my career and life in general. He passed away in 2004, and I miss him dearly, but he instilled in me a self-belief that became a driving force in my work. He was so enthusiastic about my creativity as a child, supplying me with endless art materials, and his love of photography definitely filtered through to me.

When it came to career choices, (I almost studied psychology in the hope it might lead to a ‘real’ job) he used to say, “follow your heart dear” - best advice I’ve ever had!

What are your personal favourite pieces of art?

Gerhard Richter’s portrait of his daughter, entitled ‘Betty’, absolutely stunned me when I first saw it in an art book. I couldn’t believe it had been painted. The fact she was turned away so you only see the back of her head intrigued me further, and from that point I became a die-hard Richter fan, and began to pursue my own path into photo-realism.

I’m thrilled to have pieces by Louise Dear (my fellow Washington Green artist), and Brighton based artist Ben Allen, hanging up in my home.

Both artists inject their work with a bold and unashamed use of colour, and their work is very uplifting and exciting.

Visit Castle Galleries, Solihull on November 19 from 12 – 3pm to hear Sarah talk about her work, ideas and inspirations, and for an opportunity to view her original work and purchase prints.

For more information about Sarah Graham or Castle Galleries visit www.castlegalleries.com or follow @castlegalleries on twitter

Mesh Magazine 41

Food & Drink

FOOD & DRINK NEWS Birmingham voted the UK’s top foodie destination as the city showcases its culinary talents at the Birmingham Food Fest Birmingham has been scored as the UK’s best foodie destination by Olive magazine, beating culinary hotspots including Ludlow, London and Edinburgh.

With more than 200 restaurants across the city, Birmingham has become renowned for offering a diverse range of cuisines that reflects the city’s cultural diversity.

David Colcombe, Head of Birmingham Chefs Alliance and Chef Director of Opus restaurant, said: “Birmingham has a growing reputation as a culinary hotspot and we are so pleased to see it has been named in this poll as the UK’s leading foodie destination.

It recognises the commitment, spirit and passion of Birmingham restaurateurs, the quality of our local producers and the fantastic diversity of the city’s restaurant scene.”

In October, over 100 Birmingham restaurants had the opportunity to showcase exactly why Birmingham has been voted the UK’s best foodie destination, at the 10day Birmingham Food Fest.

Hidden Gems, the official launch event of Birmingham Food Fest took place on 15 October in Victoria Square.

Hidden Gems showcased some of the region’s best independent restaurants, cafes and eateries. There were over 15 different cuisines to tempt the taste buds from British classics, organic favourites, spicy Thai dishes and traditional French cuisine.

BRMB presenter Russ Morris was also on hand to add some extra spice with live entertainment and crowds enjoyed live demonstrations from some of the city’s finest chefs.

Great British Menu reigning champion and winner of Gordon Ramsay’s F Word Aktar Islam, the mastermind behind Birmingham’s Lasan Restaurant, brought his South Asian inspired dishes to the table whilst Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell of Purnell’s showed off his skills in the kitchen.

Michelin stars Luke Tipping of Simpsons Restaurant of Edgbaston and Richard Turner, head chef for Turners of Harborne, were joined by the red hot chefs David Colcombe of Opus, Andy Waters of Edmunds Restaurant and Steve Loves of Loves Restaurant.

42 Mesh Magazine

WINE OF THE SEASON William Frazier of Frazier Wine Merchants in Shirley, Solihull recommends the perfect wine to complement your Christmas dinner.

Chablis Vieilles Vignes Daniel Etienne Defaix 2007 È16.99 from Frazier’s Wine Merchants Chablis is a wine producing region of France and is produced from 100% Chardonnay Grapes.

Chablis is a White Burgundy and is arguably one of the great white wines of the world. It can be finished with or without out oak. One the great producers is Daniel Defaix and he is a strictly without oak man.

Most Chablis bought in the UK is fresh from the winery and is consumed before it has had a chance to age. However, acidic wine needs just that - a little time to age. For an AOC, it should be aged just a few years but a Grand or Premier Cru should be aged for a decade or more.

Daniel does the ageing for us and only releases the wines when they are at their best to drink. Try some Chablis with a little bottle age this Christmas.

It goes perfectly with turkey or goose!

Food & Drink e Menu? lumnist, What’s on th new food co d n ra b Waters. r u o g aurant, Andy st Introducin e R s d n u of Edm Chef Patron

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dd u P r e t t u B e Bread &

Panetton

Method quarters and as been h y d n A nettone into er pa e re th ca d into an ut is ea C h br 1. g e Durin , worked e. Layer th htly overlapping ar ic st sl in en el th h ic sh, slig awarded a M p chefs and ovenproof di umerous to e ic r sl la ch u p ea o alongside n p ost lla pod intoina ne of the m pe the vanian ra sc ty d ci now runs o an d cream am lit h 2. Sp in Birming has the milk pan whichto restaurants il bo e th unds. and bring r, and r centre, Edm eggs and suga ious recipe fo lic de s hi together thee liquid es sk ar hi sh g…

W y in 3. nd dd A Pu er th Here ead & Butter then pour ov Panettone Br the bread. d ea br t ui mixture over fr g d eg te e , as th as ye 150°C for a ur tm to is is Po e ed 4.

Panetton lly eaten in Italy at Chr ive to oven heat utes until the egg an in ke Ba at y 45 min traditiona is a seasonal altern ect winter approximateelcentre. so this dishpudding, and the perf th in t se is as Christm warmer!

To serve: own iceoduce my th : Serves 4 aurant I prn Ingredients ing is diash ok co “In the restw he w ever ake creams, hodo cheat!” says Andy, “T 10 floz milk ansfer into ad tr home I d at an m ea e-cr llise soft vanillap ican assortment of cr yscrtaeam.

10 floz cream bowl. Cho then fold into the ice e bread 6 eggs fruits and the warmed panetton Serve with pudding.” r ga su 100g and butter 1 vanilla pod 1 panettone Mesh Magazine 43

The Food Review Edmunds in Brindley Place Birmingham is a true asset to us all.

The venue, location, staff, the Food...

Is phenomenal, I have eaten at quite a few restaurants over the years, and I am proud to say I live in Birmingham as we have some great eateries here to rival any London establishment, Edmunds is certainly one of these major players on this competitive field.

As I arrived at Edmunds we were welcomed into the restaurant with a lovely glass of champagne.

We were then seated at what was a romantic table for two and I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the restaurant was very intimate, cosy and welcoming.

The service was first class, with lots of help at hand, and attention to detail was pinnacle.

We were then offered a warming delicious little cup of heaven, “Amuse Bouche of butternut squash soup”. This was then followed by a trio of exquisite starters; (1) Red wine risotto with deep fried scallop bonbon, the rice was cooked wonderfully and the scallop was juicy and plumb, the crispy potato bonbon was a nice compliment to the dish adding that extra depth of texture and bite. (2) Duck liver Parfait confit Gressingham duck served with fig jam seared ducks liver and apple salad; the apple salad added a refreshing, crisp element to the dish with the meaty flavours of the duck and the sweet fig jam. (3) Ravioli of pan-fired Sea Bass served with a salsa Verde. This was my favourite starter; the fish was meaty, juicy and cooked to perfection with a crisp, well-seasoned skin. The pasta was delicate and the salsa Verde was to die for, it was sweet, fresh, light, and salty and added a fantastic zing to the meaty fish.

The main dish consisted of “Duo of Anne Dennis’ Lamb, roasted loin braised shoulder served with oven dried tomatoes, broccoli, aubergine caviar and a tarragon cream sauce, then came along a little gold pot side serving of fresh, crunchy vegetables, new potatoes, carrots and green beans. The lamb was soft, and delicate but rich and wholesome in flavours. I sipped a full bodied, beautiful “Washington estate merlot” with this dish, which was fantastic!

This dish was perfection.

We then had a little break with coffee and some lovely little sweets; Rose water marshmallow, Salted caramel chocolates, Irish cream fudge, served in lovely china, which was then followed by a pre desert of “crème brulee” For desert we had poached pear with vanilla panna cotta, almond parfait and sugared almonds. A wonderful array of flavours exploded in your mouth and the vanilla and the almond flavor’s worked in perfect harmony together.

In a nut shell “Edmunds” which is named after Chef Patron “Andy Waters” father whom was a big inspiration to Andy’s career, provides the ultimate in luxury dinning, with beautiful décor, wonderful atmosphere and amazing food (well they didn’t win the “2011 Good food award” for nothing, did they!)

In my opinion if you want to really taste good, quality foods in a lovely setting especially with a loved one or for a rather special occasion, visit Edmunds, as there’s no room for disappointment.

Food Review: to have a MESH team member visit your restaurant to conduct a food review? Contact Laura.faliveno@meshmagazine.co.uk Mesh wish Magazine 44

Competition

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT THE

JUNCTION

IN HARBORNE

This Christmas we are treating one of our lucky readers to a meal for two, plus a bottle of wine, at the newly refurbished pub, The Junction in Harborne. The Victorian building perched at the top of Harborne High Street may look imposing, but step inside and The Junction couldn’t be more comfortable and relaxing. Comfy booth seating, open fireplaces and chequerboard tiles make for a sophisticated pub feel.

The Junction’s no gimmick, home cooked, seasonal pub food is said to be the best in Harborne. Pub favourites, such as beer battered fish and chips, are served alongside oft-changing specials and hot bar snacks from their open kitchen.

For your chance to win the meal for two with a bottle of wine at The Junction, simply answer the question below: What sauce is traditionally served with roast turkey? a) Apple b) Mint c) Cranberry To enter the competition send your answer, name, address and telephone number to editor@meshmagazine.co.uk

Mesh Magazine

Horoscopes Aries Mar 21- Apr 20 You have a magnetic attractiveness to others this Christmas and this enables you to go after your desires, to get what you want without having to face much opposition. This is an ideal time to push ahead in business or maybe a new relationship.

Libra Sep 24- Oct 23 Why not take a back seat this Christmas and let others run around like headless chickens? You may often feel that planning and organising is left to you.

Yes, you are reliable but you aren’t a miracle worker. Learn to let others give a helping hand.

Taurus Apr 21- May 21 Opportunities for love and money are in abundance over Christmas, you’ll be happy to know.

You feel optimistic about love, and if you’re single this could be the perfect opportunity to get out there and find a special someone.

Scorpio Oct 24- Nov 22 Scorpio’s like to be in control and when they feel that control is slipping, situations can become tense. Christmas is a time to give and receive so why not let those around be more giving and take some of the weight off your shoulders?

Gemini May 22- Jun 21 This Christmas won’t be particularly easy as you are put in a difficult situation at work and it will leave you feeling full of angst and frustration. Be careful not to take home these angry feelings to your loved ones.

Cancer Jun 22- Jul 23 Sometimes it feels like there is one problem after the other, especially in the workplace.

You are giving a lot of your energy to work, and maybe neglecting relationships at home. It may be time to reassess your priorities.

Leo Jul 24- Aug 23 True, the world might still be going through financial pain, but you could make strides toward balancing your own books this month.

Christmas is a tough time but you seem to have found a way to please everyone when it comes to gifts.

Virgo Aug 24- Sep 23 Christmas is a time for family and friends, yet situations can become tricky because it is also a time when everyone’s needs need to be met!

Remember, you cannot please everyone but try and create some balance over the festive period so no one is left in the dark.

46 Mesh Magazine

Sagittarius Nov 23- Dec 21 Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year, and Sagittarians often find themselves dwelling on the past. Some confrontations, which you’d rather forget, are stuck in your mind but perhaps it’s time to leave them where they belong – in the past and forgotten.

Capricorn Dec 22- Jan 20 You love nothing more than having your loved ones around you and you love an excuse for a party! This is the perfect time to party but try not to burn the candle at both ends. It is easy to get carried away but you don’t want to wake up with regrets.

Aquarius Jan 21- Feb 19 Christmas is the perfect opportunity for you to put your feet up – not that you will! You have to make sure everyone else is happy before you even start to think about yourself. However, think about what you want from this Christmas!

Pisces Feb 20- Mar 20 Christmas is the perfect excuse to catch up with old and new faces, and this is a perfect opportunity to widen your circuit for a brand new start to 2012. You may be planning a big change and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to put plans into place.

Mesh Magazine 47

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