August issue 2019 (issue 83)

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EDITOR’S VIEW

W

e’re hedging our bets a bit here this month. It’s still summer, (as I sit here at my desk I can hear the kids excitedly playing outside in the sun at the start of their school hols), yet autumn is not so far away (did I really spot a back-toschool ad on TV already last night?).

This issue reflects the dilemma as we continue to focus on food and drink for the warm, long days – Rob Price’s great guide to rosé wine is a real must-read – but our Style pages look ahead to the fashion trends for when the evenings begin to draw in and the summer-wear is condemned to the back of the wardrobe for another year or packed up for the local charity shop.

Our AW19 edit picks out some of the great pieces you can find in local stores that are inspired by the new season catwalks. The style gurus here at Birmingham Living inform me that this autumn it’s all about wearing neutrals for both sexes, with a dash of checks too for the girls, and some earthy, toffee tones for the guys. Hmm… a quick flick through my wardrobe shows that I need to get down to some serious shopping double-quick!

We’ve also got one eye on the coming months in our Homes section, where we are focusing on making your garden an all-year-round place to relax in comfort with some seriously posh pods – or alternatively you could call them chic sheds! The price makes them a bit of an investment but with our climate becoming ever warmer no matter what month it is, it’s hardly surprising that more people than ever are choosing to splash out and make the most of their outdoor space.

s n h o J David

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living Cover image:

/bhamliving

FINALIST

Jasper Carrott by Shutterstock

EDITOR: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURES EDITOR: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: Tracy Duffy

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Hywel Davies ACCOUNT MANAGER: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jonathan Carter

Rock Hopper Media Limited Burleigh House, 23 Tagwell Road, Droitwich WR9 7BN tel 01905 771110 © Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Birmingham Living is published monthly by Rock Hopper Media Ltd and printed by Buxton Press. Views and opinions expressed by authors and services and products offered by advertisers are not specifically endorsed by Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part of the contents of Birmingham Living without written permission is strictly prohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues). Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

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INSIDE

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Highlights

Jasper Carrott

After undergoing life-saving heart surgery, comedy legend’s back fitter and funnier than ever

Bach to the Future Birmingham Bach Choir turns 100 by celebrating its past and looking ahead with excitement

Food & Drink Head chef Sean Boyne, plus tastiest summer meals and Rob Price’s top rosé wine picks

Style AW19 There’s much to get excited about for the autumn as we look at the key fashion trends

Health Fun in the sun! Cycling to fitness, plus getting in shape with our own high-flying heroes

Homes Take advantage of your garden long after summer’s gone by joining the posh Pod Squad

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

58 62 64 67 78 82 august 2019

Young, Gifted and Brummie

City of Birmingham swimmer Charlotte Rigg splashes out with world-title chasing Team GB

Up Close WithÁ Hanna Sebright, chief executive of the life-saving Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Business Feature How Midlands sportscar maker Westfield became UK’s top manufacturer of driverless cars

Business News Round-up from the commercial community, plus our Social Scene networking pages

What’s On Your guide to the shows, gigs and events in and around Birmingham this month

In The City Pork crackling and car karaoke with Matt Loughrey, general manager of Genting Hotel

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NEWS

WIGGO’S WORLD Britain’s most decorated Olympian, Sir Bradley Wiggins, is coming to Brum. Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With at Symphony Hall on 20 September gives fans a rare opportunity to see the five-time Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner share exclusive tales, prized memorabilia and career highlights. Sir Bradley said of his visit to the city: “I am really excited to share my passion for cycling, my experiences, my journey and my own collection of memorabilia with the fans.”

BRINGING YOU THE BRIGHTEST AND MOST COLOURFUL STORIES FROM ACROSS THE CITY EACH MONTH

NEWS WE’RE SO CHILLED!

Birmingham holidaymakers are among the most chilled out travellers in the country according to a study by family travel expert Tots to Travel. The survey asked 2,000 British holidaymakers to pinpoint the exact moment they feel relaxed when they travel abroad and found that the average Brit takes 46 hours 42 minutes to fully get into the holiday spirit. But laid back Brummies take only 37 hours, putting them third in a league table of 15 UK cities.

SABBATH CELEBRATION More than 1,000 items have gone on show to celebrate Birmingham heavy metal legends Black Sabbath. The ‘Black Sabbath – 50 years’ exhibition, which runs until 29 September at BMAG, is part of a season celebrating Birmingham and the Black Country as the birthplace of heavy metal. The exhibition was opened by the Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, pictured. Tickets at www.homeofmetal.com

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NEWS

WELCOME TO MINI-BRUM

MERCURY LANDING

A local lawyer has realised a life-long dream and published his debut novel.

Transit of Mercury by Wolverhampton-born Simon Jones, a retired

international solicitor, is a ‘Dan Brown-esque’ supernatural tale set in renaissance Florence. Simon said: “After eight years of historical research, numerous re-writes and solitary confinement, the finished product has now been finally published” To buy Simon’s book, visit troubadour.co.uk

IN BRIEF WONDERLAND OF DANCE FIFTY FACTS A collection of 50 facts has been released to showcase the West Midlands’ greatest contributions to the world, including inventions, music and the arts, literary works and sport. Check them out online at Make it WM, a new website that celebrates the region.

APP AWARD Birmingham City University student Ciara Neale scooped a Graduate Fashion Week award for her sex education app. The online Pinkie platform provides 16 to 24-yearolds with access to chat forums and educational information on a variety of topics.

If you’re looking for the scientists and engineers of the future, catch them young.

That’s the aim of MiniBrum, a child-sized city set to inspire children at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

The interactive world has been created in collaboration

More than 100 dancers aged from nine to 18 will feature when the National Youth Ballet returns to Birmingham later this month.

The Wonderlands season performances on 29 and 30 August at the Crescent Theatre showcase seven new works by emerging choreographers and are led by interim artistic directors Ruth Brill, first artist at Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Birmingham-born West End and Broadway choreographer, Drew McOnie.

HI, HI AMERICAN PIE

with schools, families and community groups and features recognisable landmarks, such as the Birmingham canals, Selfridges and the Old Joe Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham.

One of the all-time greats of US folk music is coming to Birmingham. Don McLean is headlining Moseley Folk

SCIENCE FEST

and Arts Festival, reviving classics

Visitors will enjoy mind-bending

including the chart-topping American

performances and cutting-edge

Pie. This year’s festival, from Friday 30

technology at the British Science

August to Sunday 1 September, will

Festival held in partnership

showcase unsigned acts as well as

with Warwick University and

established international artists. Other

Jaguar Land Rover from

highlights include the Zutons and Jake

10 to 13 September.

Buggas, plus an expanded programme

www.britishsciencefestival.org @BritishSciFest #BSF19

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of arts and crafts, comedy, poetry, literature, talks and debate.

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NEWS

CAR OF THE FUTURE Want to know what kind of vehicle you will be driving in the years to come?

British Motor Museum’s exhibition, The Car. The Future. Me, explores the latest technology, including electric cars and autonomous driverless vehicles.

Museum curator Stephen Laing said: “We hope to spark debate among our visitors. Will there still be cars in 100 years’ time? How will we drive them?

Will we drive at all?” The exhibition runs until July 2020.

Picture: Joe Bailey

JAYMI GETS THE HUMP

Union J boy band star Jaymi Hensley got up close and personal with one of his wildest fans when he visited West Midlands Safari Park. Jaymi and the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat took time out from the production at Birmingham Hippodrome to meet the park’s camels. The musical completed a sell-out run at the theatre with rave reviews.

JOIN BRAD IN THE KITCHEN A mouth-watering programme of events,

including live demonstrations, pop-up farmers’ market and complimentary samplings, is on offer at Taste of the Mailbox from 2 to 4 August. Special culinary guests include Birmingham top chef Brad Carter in the premium Kitchen Gallery, offering visitors an exclusive Michelin standard master class on Saturday 3 August. Tickets to see Brad at https://bradcarteratmailbox.eventbrite.co.uk/

SIR IAN’S 140K BOOST FOR REP Actor Sir Ian McKellen’s one-man show at Birmingham REP raised an incredible £140,000 – giving the theatre’s REP First £1million charity campaign a huge boost. Sir Ian played to three packed houses in June as part of his 80th birthday celebrations. The REP’s executive director Rachael Thomas said: “We are extremely grateful to Ian for his wonderful generosity and support – the event and its impact on the REP will be remembered for many years to come.”

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GRADUATION FIRST

HSBC UK’s new head office in

Birmingham hosted its first graduation when 40 apprentices were joined by Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, and Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, for the celebrations. The HSBC UK Apprenticeship Programme was launched in 2011 and was the first of its kind run by a major UK bank.

Learners study for a minimum of 12 months and work towards a range of qualifications with apprenticeships running in HSBC UK’s branches and centres across the country.

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NEWS

QUIET HOUR AT SELFRIDGES Selfridges has launched ‘quiet hour’ for autistic customers. No music will be played in-store each Thursday from 9.30am until 11am, giving shoppers 90 minutes of peace and quiet. The initiative has been introduced in collaboration with the National Autistic Society to help autistic shoppers and their families who struggle with loud music in stores. Selfridges general manager Sam Watts said: “It will be a peaceful environment that people with sensory sensitivity will appreciate.”

AMAZON ADVENTURE Adventurous fund-raisers took on a five-day challenge in one of the world’s toughest environments, the Amazon rainforest, raising more than £64,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

TIGERS ROAR IN

The team included Andrew Higgs from T H Baker,

A 700-mile journey by road and sea would be enough to wear any of us out, but

Emily Glew from Paycare and Sally Glarvey and

Twycross Zoo’s newest residents arrived in paw-fect shape. Critically endangered

Tamar Hughes from Phoenix Group. Individual MAAC supporters Sarah Elder and Andrew Goode,

Sumatran tigers Jahly and Sialang are settling in to the largest purpose-built habitats in the UK at the Midlands conservation charity after travelling from zoos in

MAAC volunteer Adam Lote and the charity’s

France. Matyas Liptovszky, the zoo’s head of life sciences, said: “We look forward to

aircrew and staff, Karen Baker, Richard Apps, Ryan

SCHOOLS FAIR

being part of the European breeding programme, helping to support this species.”

James and Adam Williams, completed the team.

Hallfield School, Edgbaston is celebrating 140 years with an invitation to the local community to visit its first-ever Year 9 Destinations Fair. Some of the most prestigious senior schools in the Midlands will be exhibiting and answering a wide range of questions covering entry requirements, scholarships and bursaries, day and boarding facilities and more. The fair is on 12 September from 6pm. To register your place email: office@hallfieldschool.co.uk

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COVER STORY

BACK IN THE SWING TWO YEARS AFTER UNDERGOING LIFE-SAVING HEART SURGERY,

JASPER CARROTT IS BACK FITTER AND FUNNIER THAN EVER ON HIS NEW STAND UP TOUR AND ON THE GOLF COURSE, SAYS DAVID JOHNS

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COVER STORY

asper Carrott is back doing what he loves best – making people laugh and playing golf. Two years ago to the month after a ‘piece of pure luck’ saved his life, the Brummie legend is fighting fit again and testing his body and mind in two of the most stressful environments, on the stage touring and on the tee swinging.

We last interviewed Jasper in Birmingham Living in early 2013. Back then, he was on the road with his Made in Brum tour which celebrated Birmingham’s rock and pop scene. This summer and autumn he is touring again, criss-crossing the UK with fellow Brummie, best mate and rock legend Bev Bevan, of the Move and ELO fame, on their Stand Up and Rock gigs. The tour – which sees Jasper back with a new stand up show alongside the Bev Bevan Band and with special guests including 60s star Geoff Turton from the Rockin’ Berries – has received rave reviews from the critics.

J

STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP This month, Jasper will be in the Midlands indulging his other passion for golf when he joins a glittering line-up of stars from the world of entertainment and sport at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire. Until his illness two years ago Jasper was a regular at the celeb-am tournament which runs alongside the pros’ Par 3 Championship. He says he is delighted to be back on the course and he is sure of a huge welcome from the 10,000-plus spectators who pour into Nailcote Hall for the tournament each year.

As well as Jasper, the line-up at Nailcote includes British world champion athlete Kriss Akabusi, former

Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman and iconic boy band members Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy. Also taking part is news presenter Dan Walker, ex-England cricketers Steve Harmison and James Taylor, Strictly professional and Dancing On Ice champion James Jordan and Coronation Street actor William Roache. Hosting the tournament is golfing legend Tony Jacklin.

Returning to the golf course seemed an impossibility back in 2017 after Jasper decided to get what he thought was bad indigestion checked out at his GP after over-the-counter remedies failed to ease his chest pains. He underwent two lots of emergency surgery to clear an artery in his neck and a quadruple heart bypass at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Ever since, Jasper has been using every opportunity he can to urge people to “get checked out” by their GP if they think they have a health issue, no matter how minor they believe it to be.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME “I’ve been a very lucky person,” he said. “I was fortunate that I went to the right place at the right time. If anyone has doubts about a bit of pain, don’t

“

JASPER’S DELIGHTED TO BE BACK ON COURSE PLAYING AT THE FARMFOODS BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP AT NAILCOTE HALL

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”

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COVER STORY

STAR QUALITY: Jasper with fellow Birmingham Walk of Stars recipient, actor Ian Lavender

ignore it. Even though the NHS is under so much pressure, they will still get you checked out. My heart bypass came completely out of the blue because playing golf and having run marathons I assumed I was as fit as a fiddle. But health can change as quickly as turning a light switch on and off.”

A career that has spanned five decades first started when Jasper became resident compere at the Boggery Folk Club in Birmingham in the mid-seventies. There he discovered his talent for comedy and his inability to sing. The rest is history.

A stalwart of the British folk club scene, his comedy single Funky Moped shot to the top of the British pop charts in 1975, establishing him as a household name overnight. The flipside was his take on the legendary Magic Roundabout, a record still sought out today by a whole new generation of fans.

WALK OF STARS PRIDE Jasper’s career has seen him earn awards and accolades, including one of his most cherished – his own ‘Star’ on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars. “I was incredibly honoured and very humbled to be acknowledged,” he said. “I am so proud to be a Brummie. We live in the greatest city in the world.”

He has also won BBC TV Personality of the Year, a

august 2019

gold medal at the New York TV and Film Awards and been named Midlander of the Year. He has received a British Comedy Lifetime Achievement award and was presented with an OBE by the Queen.

Two years after his heart surgery, and now aged 74, Jasper shows no real sign of easing up. He admits he still loves gigging 50 years since he was hosting and performing songs at the Boggery. When he’s not performing, writing material or spending time with his family, you’ll likely find him at the gym or on a golf course somewhere.

A Brummie who has always chosen to stay in Birmingham, he is immensely proud of his daughter Lucy Davis’s achievements alongside Ricky Gervais in The Office and in the blockbuster movie Wonder Woman. He admits that his health scare has made him reassess life in his seventies. “It made me take stock of everything I’ve done in the last 20 years and how there’s a load of stuff I can still do in the next 20,” he says. I

TEE UP WITH JASPER The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship is at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire from 6 to 9 August. The event raises money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Full details www.britishpar3.com

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FEATURE

CENTURY OF SONG BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR IS 100 YEARS OLD – AND THE SINGERS ARE CELEBRATING IN STYLE WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP

OPERA STARS AS THEIR NEW PATRON AND A SERIES OF SPECIAL CONCERTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

ne hundred years ago this October, a Bach enthusiast and musicologist gave a lecture on the German composer at the original Midland Institute building next to Birmingham Town Hall. It’s unlikely that Dr Bernard Jackson could have imagined in his wildest dreams that from such humble beginnings would spring one of the UK’s most respected choirs, now celebrating its centenary.

In the intervening years, Birmingham Bach Society, as it was then known, grew from small ensembles of 12 singers to the magnificent 80-strong Birmingham Bach Choir of 2019. Here at Birmingham Living we love covering and promoting the rich and diverse musical heritage of this great city of ours. The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble and the People’s Orchestra are just five of the inspiring institutions that have featured in our pages.

O

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

This month we’re proud to add Birmingham Bach Choir, led by its inspiring conductor and music director Paul Spicer, to the list.

STAR PATRON The choir’s centenary year has already proved notable with famed opera star and baritone Roderick Williams OBE becoming its patron. Roderick said: “I’m delighted to be associated with the choir. Living as I do in the Midlands makes this pretty much my local choir. My association with Paul Spicer goes back more than 30 years, so I am especially pleased to support the work he has done, and continues to do, with this proud and magnificent choir.”

The choir’s centenary celebrations feature a number of special concerts, including a recital by Roderick, a moving evening of Afro-American spirituals and a 100 Gala Concert in Lichfield Cathedral in November. The choir has already sung before Prince Harry as well as successfully toured France.

Paul, who is marking his 27th year as conductor, took charge of the choir in 1992 from Richard Butt who developed it through what was acknowledged as a ‘golden era’ which saw debts paid off, major financial support offered by the Arts Council and recitals by music legends such as violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

GROWING REPERTOIRE Under Paul’s leadership the choir’s outstanding Bach and Baroque traditions have continued but the repertoire has been extended into 20th century and contemporary English and European music, particularly works by the likes of Edward Elgar and Benjamin Britten among others. In its home city, the choir gives concerts in Birmingham Cathedral, the CBSO Centre and Adrian Boult Hall as well as at other Midlands venues including Lichfield Cathedral, the Arts House, Stratford-uponAvon, Evesham and Pershore Abbeys, Wolverhampton

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Grand Theatre and Malvern Priory. Recent foreign tours also include Italy and Germany.

The singers come from all walks of life and are of all ages, ranging from 20 to 70 years. Auditions for the choir are exacting and every three years every singer is re-auditioned.

“I guess you would call it a stocktaking exercise,” says Paul.

“We aim to keep standards as high as possible. In general people who come to us have had a lot of previous experience.

For example, they can leave other choirs for a variety of reasons – the CBSO Chorus for instance has a strict age policy as part of its remit, so we might get singers coming from there who unfortunately suddenly find themselves to old but still have excellent voices.”

GREATEST CHALLENGE The selection process is also extremely targeted. “We can have someone come to us with a perfectly good voice but they will be rejected because we already have similar voices,” said Paul. “It is very important that we have the right balance of voices.” Getting the balance of the choir right is relatively simple compared to the choir’s greatest challenge – funding.

The days of generous grants from the likes of the Arts Council are long gone thanks to Government cutbacks over the years.

“Yes, finances are a huge challenge,” Paul confirms.

“When I first came here we got some grants, but all that has disappeared. We are fortunate that we have fantastic people in the choir who are good at various things like fund-raising and marketing. We have a good team and people are very generous. There are also firms out there who like to have their name associated with specific performances. Our approach has to be forward-thinking and modern. Obviously the greatest thing would be if a major business or institution came forward and sponsored the choir. That’s the dream!” I For details of Birmingham Bach Choir’s concerts and recitals, including the Centenary Gala at Lichfield Cathedral on 16 November, visit www.birmingham.bachchoir.com

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FOOD & DRINK

SUNDAY BEST With a strong family background in cooking, Sean Boyne was always destined to have a career in the kitchen.

The head chef of the Chequers at Crowle talks about his love of food – including the heaven that is the traditional Sunday roast

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CHEF’S CORNER

Tell us about your cooking I’ve been in the kitchen since I was quite young so I guess my cooking is a combination of old and new techniques that I’ve picked up along the way and tried to make my own.

Who’s the best chef in the world and why? And who’s the best in Brum?

My favourite chef for his style and complexity is Peter Gilmore of Quay in Sydney. I would say the best chef in Birmingham is Glynn Purnell.

How did you become a chef?

My mum and uncle were both good chefs so I was always in the kitchen as a boy. I guess you could say I was born into it.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

I loved my mum’s fish pie – always a winner!

What do you eat when at home?

If I was cooking for myself at home it would have to be a steak. You can’t beat a good steak that you’ve cooked yourself.

Food heaven and food hell?

Food heaven has got to be a really good Sunday roast. My food hell are anchovies – I can’t stand them.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?

This is an easy one. I once ate a sea urchin – it’s definitely the most unusual thing I’ve eaten. Safe to say I probably won’t eat one again.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

I’m pretty sure that if I wasn’t a chef, I would still be working with food in some way. I think I would probably be a butcher.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

We recently launched our new menu so there’s lots of nice dishes to try. However if I was really pushed, I would recommend starting with the black pudding Wellington, followed by the pan roasted cod which is served with steamed razor clams and chive gnocchi – it’s a really fresh dish for this time of year. And if you still have room after that, I’d recommend a visit to our cheese table to try some of the amazing cheeses we have to offer. I

Chequers at Crowle, Crowle Green, Crowle, Worcs, WR7 4AA. Tel: 01905 381772 thechequersatcrowle.com

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SEASON’S EATINGS

PICK OF THE BUNCH We’re chilling out this month with a zingy, zesty recipe that’s totally bananas quick search on Google reveals in seconds hundreds of recipes for smoothies of every conceivable type, from rich and indulgent to light and calorie-free – and a whole lot in between! We reckon this recipe for a frozen banana smoothie is the best of the bunch when you want something that’s really tasty that’ll also cool you down in the August sunshine. And it couldn’t be easier to make…I

A

FROZEN BANANA AND PEACH SMOOTHIE Ingredients

I 1½ Chiquita bananas I 2 peaches

I 2½ cups of water

I 1 lemon (zest + juice)

I 2 tblsp of pistachio nuts I ½ a pomegranate

METHOD: Grate the lemon zest in a separate bowl. Cut up one banana and grind the pieces together with the peaches, the lemon juice and the water to a smooth mixture. Pour the mixture into a low metal baking tray and put it in the freezer for an hour. When the mix freezes, stir with a fork to create ice crystals. Put the mixture in summery glasses and garnish with half of the banana, the pomegranate, lemon zest and pistachio nuts.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

MARIBEL

6 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB. Tel: 0121 633 4944 maribelrestaurant.co.uk o, Maribel has had a bit of a change of direction. Same decor, same brilliant front of house team, new head chef and a considerable shift in the menu. Previously forced to have the tasting menu – when we say forced, we hardly had our arm twisted – we can see it was possibly offputting for some and potentially cost prohibitive.

New head chef, Harvey Perttola has come up with an a la carte menu that’s more affordable than the tasting menu and should work for time-conscious luncher or pre-theatre diner alike. Don’t worry, there’s still a tasting menu if that’s your jam.

Firstly, the nibbles were some of the best we’ve eaten anywhere in the city. What was billed as essentially a cheese and onion cracker was actually a bit mind-blowing while a zingy wagyu beef tartare enticed a pescatarian to eat red meat. A great start was cemented by warm malt and beer loaf which was super moreish with a rich hoppy flavour.

A starter of creamy burrata and flavour-packed heritage tomatoes would have been perfect if it wasn’t for the addition of strawberry and an elderflower gel.

It felt a bit unnecessary. If it ain’t broke and all that.

Then came perfectly cooked monkfish served with smokey charred broccoli, fennel seeds and brown shrimp which was a delicate, pretty and seriously tasty plate of food. Lamb with sheep’s curd, pea puree and lamb bacon was all beautifully done. It would have been great if the lamb jus was richer and

S

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packed more of a punch, but it’s a minor gripe.

Chocolate and mint is clearly a winning combo, so we dived headlong into the Manjari chocolate and mint dessert. Textures of the sweet stuff including a mousse light as a feather, a fantastic mint ice cream and pieces of gooey brownie that had our name written all over them were properly dreamy.

We chatted to head chef Harvey who’s just 25 and found his enthusiasm infectious. He’s a proper Brummie, full of energy and ambition doing great things in the kitchen. Go and see. I

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

THE RE-FASHIONED As the sun sets gently over Birmingham, here’s the perfect tipple to give you a warm glow

heady blend of pineapple, peach and bourbon…. this awesome cocktail might take a bit of committed preparation but it’s well worth the effort. Or you can always go and ask the clever stick mixologists at Sky By The Water to rustle one up for you. Perfect as the summer sun gently sets over Birmingham. This little number was specially created by Aaron. As always, drink responsibly. I

A

ALL YOU NEED TO MIX IT UP BEAUTIFULLY INGREDIENTS:

I 50ml seven-day infused Bulleit Bourbon (method below) I ¼ of a pineapple

I 100ml peach syrup

I 5ml brown sugar syrup (1:1 brown sugar and boiling water) I Angostura bitters

METHOD: Infuse a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon with the ¼ pineapple and the peach syrup. After three days, strain and age in a (small) wooden barrel for at least seven days. Once infused and ready for serving, pour 50ml in a mixing glass with the brown sugar syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters. Stir for 30 to 45 seconds with ice. Strain in an old-fashioned glass (tumbler) filled with cubed ice (or a block of ice).

Garnish with orange zest around the rim of the glass.

Sky By The Water, Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1PU resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk

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NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM HAS A LIVELY AND BUZZING BAR AND RESTAURANT SCENE. HERE, WE PRESENT OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS

MARMALADE ON THE TERRACE COCKTAILS OF INTRIGUE Summer in Birmingham just got sweeter…thanks to a new menu and terrace at Marmalade at the Rep.The Marmalade team has been working with local businesses and artisan suppliers to

Love, infidelity, forgiveness and power!

deliver a new dining experience that they say is inherently Brummie and will be the only food and

There’s a taste of drama in the fresh drinks

drink offer at Centenary Square. Catering director Jules Raikes said: “The menu is delicious and

menu crafted by Malmaison’s new bar

varied but also environmentally conscious.”

manager, Alex McNamee. “Adding a dash

EDGBASTON’S WINNING TOUCH

TOP PIZZA COMES TO BRUM

The celebrations were loud and proud

of fairytale to the world of cocktails, Chez Mal’s signature serves fall into the four

The ‘best pizza in the UK’ has arrived in

chapters, each section featuring four fresh

Birmingham! Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza – voted the

cocktail creations,” said Alex. With names

as the Edgbaston Boutique Hotel

country’s number one on TripAdvisor and top 10 in the

like Battles & Hearts, the Veil is Torn and

scooped four top accolades

world by Big 7 – opened its doors at Bennetts Hill. The

Napoleon’s Code, the taste experience is

at the Midlands Food Drink &

100-cover, walk-in-only restaurant is the fourth Rudy’s,

bound to be exciting.

Hospitality Awards. The team won Best Afternoon Tea and Best Cocktail

joining sister eateries in Manchester and Liverpool.

“We are overwhelmed with the response we

Bar – for the fourth year running!

have had so far from the people of

Tommy Matthews was named Bar

Birmingham,” said general manager

Manager of the Year and Jayne O’Malley, General Manager of the Year.

Earlier this year, the Edgbaston won UK Bar Team 2019 and was named in the Guardian’s Top 50 UK hotels.

BEST OF BRITISH AT THE ICC A new restaurant celebrating British culinary

craft has opened at the ICC. Craft Dining Rooms Gavin Curtis. focuses on artisan producers with a menu featuring British farmers, cheese mongers, brewers, distillers and vintners. Executive chef is Nick Evans, who has worked in some of the UK’s best hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, while chef director is Birmingham native Tom Wells. The opening is the debut restaurant for local entrepreneurs Sam and Emma Morgan.

ARCADE RAISES GLASS TO CHARITY Drinkers who enjoy real ale will soon be able to raise their glasses to help charities at the same time. The Good Intent bar, set to open later this year in Great Western Arcade, will donate all profits to good causes. It is being launched by award-winning, Stourbridgebased Craddock’s Brewery. Owner David Craddock said: “We are excited to be starting this new adventure and Great Western Arcade’s Victorian aesthetics make for the perfect fit.”

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FOOD & DRINK

DRINK PINK THE POPULARITY OF ROSÉ WINE CONTINUES TO ROCKET.

ROB PRICE MAKES HIS PICK OF THIS SUMMER’S BEST BOTTLES

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FOOD & DRINK

here was widespread reporting earlier in the year that we would be hit by a shortage of rosé wine! Looking at the number of bottles on our supermarkets shelves, I find that difficult to believe. What’s more, rosé continues to be the fastest growing sector in wine. We now drink more than 120 million bottles a year in the UK. So, what do you think? Is rosé wine worth drinking? Some people believe not, but they are missing out. Rosé brings the refreshing aspects of white wine but with the wider range of flavours red wine offers. Having said that, the more popular brands are simple quaffing wines, suitable to a warm summer’s day. There are more interesting styles about, though.

T

4

FRANCE FIRST Regions that once only made rosé as an afterthought are now giving it far more attention and producing wine that is worthy of consideration.

France is a good place to start, in particular the south west of France, with good rosé from regions such as Bergerac and Fronton.

ROB’S

GREAT ROSÉS

Giffords Hall Rosé – An English rosé from a small familyowned producer near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. A lovely pale salmon colour, rosé and strawberry abound in this refreshing dry wine. Waitrose sells for £13.99.

Pique Poul – A brilliant rosé from southern France. Pique Poul is pale pink and another dry refreshing rosé, with flavours of peach, cherry and strawberry. Frazier’s Wine Merchants in Solihull sells for £12.49.

Vallone Vigna Flaminio – This wine from southern Italy has more colour and flavour than my first two picks and is

Even top Bordeaux classed growths are getting in on the act, with Pichon Baron producing Rosé des Tourelles. Over in Burgundy, Lois Jadot is making a delightful Beaujolais Rosé from the Gamay grape.

Sancerre, better know for its white Sauvignon Blanc wines, makes a delicate Pinot Noir Rosé wine.

STAY CHILLED The main areas for rosé wine in France are: Provence, which can be quite variable so proceed with caution. Southern Rhone, in particular Tavel, which makes more consistent versions. The Loire Valley, Anjou, also makes reasonable volumes and is known primarily for rosé wines based on the Cabernet Franc grape, including Rosé d'Anjou and Cabernet d'Anjou.

The latter generally being of finer quality.

All rosé wine should be slightly chilled, about 12C, and as it normally does not improve in the bottle it’s best drunk young. Rosé is a good place to start if you’re normally not very keen on red wine.

ALL-TIME FAVOURITE Other European countries that take rosé seriously are Portugal and Spain, with the former giving us the most popular of all-time, Mateus. Although now past its halcyon days of the early 80s, it still sells in considerable quantities and for the money is a very pleasurable slurp in the summer months. Navarro in Spain makes really good rosé from the Garnacha grape. Juicy and soft, just make sure you drink it when it’s fresh and young.

Rosé is also a good food match. It is one of the few wines that can cope with strongly flavoured summer foods — from garlicky charcuterie to cold curried chicken. Good pink wines lack the crisp acidity of whites and the fruit and complexity of reds, but they have a terrific thirst-quenching quality of their own.

So, go on – try a rosé this summer and find out what you’ve been missing…

not as dry. There’s flavours of redcurrant and cherry. The Wine Society sells for £8.25.

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company

Massaya Rosé 2017 – Finally an excellent wine from Lebanon

offering fun, informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit

which is really worth trying. A very high-quality rosé produced in

Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, and

the Beqaa Valley. Red fruits, with a hint of spice. Connolly’s in

Warwick. NEW Café Rouge evenings! Contact Rob Price: 0121 270

Birmingham sells for £18.49.

7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

august 2019

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ing livSTYLE

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SET THE TONE

Clothing from Next, Bullring

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STYLE

SHOULDER CHARGE

CHECKS AWAY

Charley check print shoulder bag £35, Monsoon

Drop hem maxi dress £50, V by Very

AUTUMN PALETTE

Clothing and bag from Hobbs, Grand Central

PREPPY PERFECT

Sophia dress £299, Hobbs, Grand Central

AW19 EDIT IT MIGHT BE THE HEART OF SUMMER, BUT THERE’S MUCH TO GET EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE AUTUMN – FROM A FASHION PERSPECTIVE, AT LEAST he shift from summer to autumn is always exciting – or is that just us?

The structure that we did away with in the summer months is back, as is our beloved knitwear and proper grown-up handbags. We’ve picked out a couple of this season’s key trends to get you going.

First up, neutrals. Think cute bags in caramel tones, head-to-toe butterscotch knitwear and nude sheepskin jackets. Easy to pull off, versatile and simple to slide into your existing wardrobe, this season neutral is king. We’ve pulled together some cracking examples whether you’re going full-on, head-to-toe or a mere nod to the trend with a cute neutral tote or heel.

T

august 2019

PARK IT

Red Valentino embroidered cotton twill parka £770, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

WELL HEELED

Malone Souliers Mara 85 cream raffia mules £475, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

BAG FUR LIFE

Cream fur tote bag £40, Oasis, New Street

CHECK MATE

Yellow check mini skirt £14, George at Asda

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STYLE

Preppy checks are having a moment too in lots of forms – well-cut dresses, trews that Rupert would be proud of and a plethora of arm candy. Check out Hobbs for some brilliant dresses with a nipped in waist that flatter hugely and defy their high street price tag. Or head to Harvey Nichols for a classic Burberry bag in the brand’s vintage check or a reversible Stella McCartney tote that will last a lifetime. I

PLEATS PLEASE

Clothing from Primark, Fort Shopping Park

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STYLE

TWO TONE

Contrast teddy jacket £65, V by Very

BUTTON UP

Short Borg coat £30, George at Asda

SHARP SUITER

Checked suit from Dorothy Perkins

HARD WORKER

Gucci Soho small leather cross-body bag £805, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

LIT KNIT

Roll neck jumper £36 and skirt £35, Oasis, New Street

IF THE SHOE FITS

Anthena shoe £78, Dune, Bullring

august 2019

BE SQUARE

Destiny wide leg trouser £59.50, Oliver Bonas, Harborne High Street

BUCKLE UP

Caged sandal £38, V by Very

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STYLE SUITS YOU

Check trouser £38, Oasis, New Street

IN THE DETAIL

Mini Lula bag £139, Hobbs, Grand Central

BELT UP

Francesca dress £159, Hobbs, Grand Central

WINNING MINI

Clothing and bag from Dorothy Perkins

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STYLE

OLD SCHOOL

Burberry Baby Banner in vintage check and leather bag £850, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

STRIKE A CORD

Cord trouser £35, V by Very

HEAD TO TOE

Stella dress £199, Hobbs, Grand Central

CHUNKY HEEL

Heart throb sandal £62, Office, Bullring

REVERSE THE TREND

Stella McCartney Falabella reversible canvas tote £720, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

august 2019

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IF YOU TOOK A HOLIDAYÁ BEAUTY

WE’RE PACKING FOR THE MALLORCAN

SUNSHINE AND AS TOILETRIES TEND TO

1

WEIGH HEAVY, WE’RE BEING SUPER PICKY AND TAKING ONLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS WE KNOW WILL WORK HARD. HERE ARE SOME OF THE STARS THAT MADE THE CUT...

1. CLARINS COMFORT SCRUB £26, JOHN LEWIS We like a gentle scrub in the heat, nothing too harsh, and this from the new Clarins range leaves skin feeling beautifully silky and glowing without irritating. Sugar micro crystals from beetroot get rid of dead skin cells while the fatty acids from wild mango butter hydrate. We’ll use it a couple of times a week while away.

2. JO MALONE LONDON LILY OF THE VALLEY AND IVY CHARITY CANDLE £48, JOMALONE.CO.UK Having said we’re super picky about what we pack, you might think lugging a candle around is a bit silly, but we disagree. We’ve a two-step trip planned, first stop romantic swish hotel, second stop a rented villa en famille. This delicious candle will banish other people’s smells in the rented house and make it feel like ours quickly – plus 75 per cent of the retail price goes to support mental health charities, some local. Win, win…

2

3

3. PHILIP KINGSLEY ELASTICISER £33 150ML, FEELUNIQUE.COM We have a lot of hair which goes all Monica from Friends on landing, but this wonder from Philip Kingsley sorts us out. Castor oil and Hydrolyzed Elastin boost hydration keeping the locks smooth. An oldie, but a goodie.

4. DRUNK ELEPHANT UMBRA SHEER PHYSICAL DAILY DEFENCE SPF 30 £29, SPACE NK We’ve never found an SPF for the face that does the job quite like this without leaving us with breakouts. The natural ingredient list might be the key. It’s packed with antioxidants like sunflower shoot extract and grape juice along with super hydrating marula and raspberry seed oils. It needs reapplying after swimming, but we’ll take that. A little goes a long way and it’s become our standard daily moisturiser teamed with a smidgen of the brand’s D-Bronzi Antipollution Sunshine Drops, £30, for a sun-kissed glow.

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ADVERTORIAL

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR RETAIL SPACE igh business rates, slowing consumer spending, online shopping etc. the difficulties facing retailers appear to be ever present and continually increasing with no silver bullet in sight.

Despite the difficulties however there are some shining lights, both big and small with success stories to be found where retailers have adapted to the current market and their surroundings and made a bold use of the space available to them.

H

LOCATION AND COLLABORATION It’s an uphill struggle to sell sausages at a vegan market and yet without adapting to their surroundings retailers can find themselves in such an environment. Whilst it’s very difficult to control many external factors by adapting and collaborating with other operators renewed life can be breathed into the high street, with numerous examples in towns from Altrincham to York showing the way. Coordinating opening times (9 to 5 is no longer the norm), providing complimentary offerings and investing in initiatives such as an on street market, clean ups and safety campaigns and reducing noise have all been shown to reinvigorate previously struggling areas.

USING YOUR SPACE Maximising the space available in any unit is also crucial to success. With the move to online shopping increasing many retailers, both large and small, are using their space to showcase products and also providing parcel collection and returns facilities. Additionally, sharing their space with complimentary offerings can also bring rewards, for example the bank, beauty salon or bookshop sharing space with a coffee outlet or post office counter. So in terms of the bricks and mortar limitations on an individual retailer what physical steps can they take to improve their offering? As a Tenant Step 1 is to check what is permitted

Rob Pettigrew, Commercial Property Director

in your Lease. Does the Lease permit sharing with a third party? Does it allow the tenant to knock down a wall to provide an open plan space? Whilst many leases are restrictive the struggle to attract and retain Tenants has meant that Landlords have had to become less restrictive and more flexible. In the current market Tenants can be bolder with their requirements and seek the necessary provisions that will provide the opportunity to adapt, including asking for and winning variations to existing leases that enable them to react to opportunities, and we are increasingly seeing that this is an approach Landlord’s are responsive to.

PATHWAY TO SUCCESS Whilst there is no easy pathway to establishing a successful retail business there are steps that can be taken to provide the opportunity to succeed, these include knowing your market, working with others and ensuring your lease works for you rather than against you. I For further advice please contact Rob Pettigrew, Commercial Property Director on 0121 796 4022 or rpettigrew@thursfields.co.uk

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STYLE FOR MEN

GROUNDED Rydal cable knit £59.95, Ashmolean Oxford shirt £45, Griesdale jeans £49.95 and Elijah trainer £65, White Stuff, Cannon Street

MATCHY MATCHY

FASHION OBVIOUSLY CHANGES WITH THE SEASONS, IT’S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST, BUT THIS YEAR WE’LL BE TAKING SEASONALITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND DRESSING JUST LIKE AUTUMN

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STYLE FOR MEN

SKINNY SEASON Camel houndstooth skinny suit jacket £54.99, New Look, Bullring

POLO ANYONE Toffee knitted polo £25, Jacamo

ALL THE LEAVES Jacket £200, Topman, Bullring

o, we’re preparing to match our clothing to the rich tones of autumn. Naff? No way. This season it’s cool to camouflage. Think earthy tones, neutral toffee, butterscotch and burnt orange. From classic Arran sweaters and cool trousers to cropped jackets and backpacks we’re diving headlong into autumn leaf territory and loving it. Here’s a handful of earthy COOL TREWS pieces to get you inspired. I

S

GOING GREEN Khaki tee £5, Primark, Fort Shopping Park

Brown chinos £9, Primark, Fort Shopping Park

STONED

THE NEW BLACK

Roll top ruck sack £30, Next, Fort Shopping Park

Tan mock suede bomber £40, Jacamo

NEW NEUTRAL Jacket £40, Topman, Bullring

august 2019

TAN FOR THE WIN Tribe trainer £85, Dune, Bullring

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HEALTH

CYCLE GOING FULL

INSPIRED TO TAKE UP CYCLING? THESE TOP TIPS BY TOP LOCAL TRIATHLETE LISA MELVIN ARE A MUST-READ BEFORE HITTING THE PEDALS

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HEALTH

oving the Tour de France or maybe the ongoing successes of our British triathletes, now is the time to dust down your bike and get cycling again. From young children on stabilisers, through to adults going for long countryside rides, cycling is for everyone. And it’s one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine.

L

TOP TIPS

1

Use your local bike shop to purchase your machine. It’s not only great to support local businesses but also they are usually happy

to do a deal. You can pick up a well spec’d bike for less than £1,000.

Don’t forget you can use the ‘bike to work scheme ‘ https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/ to spread the cost.

2

Girls… don’t get sucked into to purchasing a ‘ladies’ model – it

BENEFITS OF CYCLING There’s plenty of health benefits from cycling: Low impact, high intensity – Cycling is perfect way of raising your heart rate, but being low impact there’s less risk of injury.

Social/therapeutic – Cycling gives a great opportunity to exercise at the same time as a good natter. And don’t forget the coffee and cake stops to fuel up!

Sense of achievement/fulfilment – There’s no better feeling after conquering your furthest, hardest ride.

Explore the world – Cycling is a great opportunity to find great new places. And rather than travel alone you can always hook up with a local cycling club who will no doubt be very welcoming.

STATIC BIKE If you want to build your fitness up and don’t fancy going out onto the road, try the Zwift.com indoor training app which will give you hours of entertainment! You will need a turbo trainer to put your bike on, or a static bike like a Wattbike will connect up, too.

The advantages of pedalling this way is:

It is safer exercise in your own home You can ride with people across the globe 24hours-a-day You can race Or do organised training programmes And it’s any-weather

Getting a bike set up usually costs around £200 (http://www.velomotion.co.uk/) and it’s well worth doing as cycling is a lot more enjoyable with your bike set up correctly. It makes sense to speak to a

august 2019

actually may not suit your body type and you may even find

yourself paying a premium for female-specific bikes!

3

Invest in a good tyre – Continental Grand Prix GT Folding Road Tyre are geared up to prevent punctures as much as possible. You

could also add a tyre sealant which will help you get home if you do get a puncture and can’t fix it.

4

There’s no need to go crazy on lots of expensive kit. Buy a wellfitting cycling helmet, set of lights – even if you don’t plan to go

out after dark always have a rear light on to make you more visible – make sure you get a good tool kit and a windproof/waterproof jacket.

The brighter the better to be seen!

5

Download the free social App Strava to your phone – it will track your ride and you can compare your progress as well as see how

your friends’ training is going.

bike fit specialist prior to purchasing a machine as they can tell you which best suits your build and requirements.

EVENTS & RACING There’s plenty of organised cycling events in the UK and Europe and it’s a great way to holiday and socialise with like-minded people. See these sites for lots more information: Haute Route https://www.hauteroute.org/ L’Etape https://www.letapedutour.com/en/event/stage-towns UK Cycling Sportive ’s https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/ If you are partial to a spot of racing there’s plenty of opportunities in amateur leagues. Check out your nearest cycling club for more information.

Crit Races (Summer) Cyclocross (Winter) TT Time Trial Racing

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HEALTH

GET FIT WITH THE

LIFESAVERS FEEL FIT AND HEALTHY WITH MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC FAY POLLOCK AS SHE TALKS US THROUGH SOME SIMPLE EXERCISES TO BOOST YOUR FITNESS LEVELS itness is something that you build into your life in order to embrace it fully and, crucially, enjoy it! It’s very difficult to balance work, life and fitness, however there are a few things that I do to keep fit. My first go-to exercise is running, which is a fabulous cardio exercise.

While I am out running, I am away from the pressures of work, housework and all the normal strains of life.

It’s just me and the open air. Exercise is essential for me as a critical care paramedic (CCP) both physically and mentally. It clears my head as I have time to reflect on some of the challenging jobs we attend. Not always being able to land by the side of an incident means

F

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that we have to run with kit and equipment. You have to be fit so that you are still able to look after the patient once you reach them.

FAY’S TOP RUNNING TIPS 1. You can do it anywhere. You can do as much or as little as your time and fitness levels allow you to.

2. All you need is a good pair of trainers! You don’t need expensive equipment or the latest fashionable gym kit.

3. You don’t have to rely on others, but at the same time it’s so easy to find somebody like-minded who you can buddy up with.

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HEALTH

4. You can listen to music or just enjoy the quiet pleasure of a run in our beautiful countryside.

5. You can do it at any time. I always train in the morning. I appreciate how difficult it is to exercise when you have a family, so just work around them – get up half-an-hour earlier than the family and go for a quick run then. Or get the kids to run with you. I occasionally run with my goddaughter and she is 11, so she definitely keeps me on my toes.

6. You can set your own challenges depending on how you feel: sprint to the first lamppost, then jog to the next, sprint to the one after, and so on.

POINTS TO REMEMBER Warm up with just a few stretches and warm down with a few more.

If you are going to train outside wear highly visible clothing such as reflective bands, lights and tell somebody what route you are going to take.

If you get injured rest for a few days, use ice if necessary and get medical help if the injury persists.

Do something that you enjoy. You don't have to be good at it, just do it for your own self-worth, selfbeing and self-satisfaction.

Start off gently, don’t go too hard to begin with. If you’ve never run before, you will hate it and so won't do it again. I

WARM UP EXERCISES

For more information on Midlands Air Ambulance Charity visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com/

august 2019

GROIN STRETCH

LEG SWING

HAMSTRING STRETCH

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

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ng il viHOMES

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SPACE AGE

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR GARDEN LONG AFTER SUMMER HAS GONE WITH A POSH POD OR PIMPED-UP SHED

ROUND HOUSE Luxury summerhouse garden pod £16,995, Cuckooland

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HOMES

RUSTIC CHARM Hideaway pod £2,999, Burford Garden Company

f you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space to play with, a garden pod or summerhouse could be just the job for making the most of the garden well beyond BBQ weather. Man-cave, she-shed, home office, art studio, yoga haven… whatever its purpose, a garden structure is a great way to add extra space to your home, hassle free.

The chances are you don’t need planning permission provided the structure is one storey, a moderate size and a particular distance from your garden’s boundary. Always check before you embark on a project though as rules can vary.

Cost varies widely depending on what you’re after.

A bespoke luxury pod might set you back £20,000 – which is still cheaper than moving – and is a gorgeous addition to your home. Check out local firm Garden Hideouts for some excellent examples.

I

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HOMES

UNDER THE STARS Garden igloo £799, Amazon

If that’s a bit steep, try upcycling an existing structure such as a caravan or shed.

With a bit of imagination and knowledge and a small budget it could work brilliantly and will be totally unique to you.

Here’s some cool ideas, structures and accessories, to get your creative juices flowing…I MONO WOW Accessories from Argos

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HOMES

ATTENTION TO DETAIL1 Anglepoise giant outdoor wall mounted lamp £3,100, nest.co.uk

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HOMES

OUTSIDE IN Cabana two-seater sofa £799, John Lewis

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HOMES

POD SQUAD Luxury pod by Garden Hideouts

BOXING CLEVER1 Rowlinson Carmen summer house £1,095, Cuckooland

august 2019

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HOMES

PROPERTY JACOBEAN STUNNER

THIS MONTH’S PICK OF TOP HOMES FOR SALE ON THE MARKET

The Marble House, Warwick Guide price: £3million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 01926 455950 Wow! Magnificent and charming, this six-bedroom Jacobean Grade II listed property has been lovingly restored to incorporate modern living. There are some stunning reception rooms, four en-suites and even a detached annexe.

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HOMES

COUNTRY ESTATE Wannerton House and Farm Estate, Kidderminster Guide price: £3.69million Agent: Andrew Grant, tel: 01905 734735 A superb three-storey, country property in a ring-fenced estate comprising farmhouse, woodland, arable, pasture and deer park – in all, totalling around 273 acres. There’s also a swimming pool and further detached four-bedroomed cottage.

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HOMES

REGENCY SPLENDOUR Leam Terrace, Leamington Spa Guide price: £1.6million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 01926 455950

A stunning five-bedroom, Grade II listed Regency villa within a short walk of the town centre. Spread over four floors, this lovely home has been completely refurbished to create an immaculate place to live and also boasts a beautifully landscaped, walled garden.

GEORGIAN SQUARE St Paul’s Square, Jewellery Quarter Guide price: £525,000 Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520

Beautifully designed with cracking features that include oak flooring, wall panelling, high ceilings and a hi-spec kitchen – all situated in a wonderful Georgian square. This brilliant two-bedroom, first floor apartment also has two bathrooms and a defined secure parking space.

BRICKS&BITS

From the industry’s movers and shakers to the latest groundbreaking developments… email your property news and pictures to shelley@brumliving.co.uk

TEAM BUILDING

AFFORDABLE HOMES

OLD LIBRARY, NEW LIFE

Law firm Stone King has boosted its commercial

One-hundred-and-fifty affordable homes

Grade II listed Carnegie library, Stourbridge has been converted into 22 apartments as part

property team with the appointment of

a year will be built in the Midlands due to

construction law specialist Paul Wilson who has

a partnership between Midland Heart

of a multi-million-pound residential

joined from Lodders. Paul will act nationally for a

housing association and housing specialist

development. Claremont Property Group

wide range of clients, including contractors,

Partner. The developments, aimed at helping

completed work on the Edwardian building

funders, universities and schools. He said: “Stone

first-time buyers get on the property ladder,

following a two-year project with architects

King is forward-thinking and I am looking forward

will include rented homes and shared

Costerphine + Wright and interior designers

to helping grow the construction department.”

ownership properties.

Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership.

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HOMES

EXCLUSIVE LOCATION George Road, Edgbaston Guide price: £360,000 Agent: James Laurence, tel: 0121 604 4060

This lovely two-bedroom duplex apartment is set in an exclusive part of leafy Edgbaston. There’s more than 1,180 sq ft of luxurious accommodation, including spacious lounge, separate kitchen, family bathroom and en-suite, with the bonus of a secure underground parking space.

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday www.facebook.com/bhamliving

august 2019

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MOTORING

MISSION CONTROL

SUE COOKE TESTS THE NEW MERCEDES CLS COUPE – COMPLETE WITH MOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Mercedes CLS Coupe AMG Line Price: £61,215 on the road (not including options) Engine: 400d 4MATIC, producing 340hp Performance: 0-62mph in five seconds and on to electronically limited top speed of 155mph CO2 emissions: 156 g/km Combined fuel consumption: 41.5-37.7mpg

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MOTORING

Mercedes-Benz, in whatever form, has an immediate effect on my senses. From its elegant looks, to the gorgeous aroma of the leather interior. Add in the typical quality, luxury and comfort and the new CLS Coupe I road tested this week became my bubble of happiness.

My driving pleasure was enhanced with a new energising comfort control package which sees various systems work together to boost the mood of both driver and passengers. First unveiled in the S-Class, there are six programmes to choose from – freshness, warmth, vitality, joy, comfort and training.

Each adjusts the climate control, seats (heat, ventilation, massage), lighting and music settings.

The intriguing training programme provides muscle relaxation and activation and comes with several exercises. Ok, I admit I didn’t road test all of them! And whatever makes you happy do more of it, I say. But it’s not just the interior that is attractive and clever.

A

NEW GRILLE This third generation CLS pioneers the new exterior design idiom of Mercedes-Benz, which is recognisable by a new grille. Other features include wide, low-set headlamps and two-section LED tail-lights which have a beautiful three-dimensional crystalline appearance.

Technology includes a huge choice of 64 ambient lighting colours and illuminated air vents which are reminiscent of jet aircraft turbines.

My road test car had a high-resolution, widescreen cockpit with two, 12.3inch displays beneath a shared, continuous glass cover – so the centre console appeared to be free-floating. CLS drivers can also use office

functions and access important data. Calendar entries are automatically transferred to the car’s navigation system and you can even dial into a telephone conference if you so desire.

GOOD HEADROOM There’s plenty of space in the rear – particularly for headroom despite the car’s rakish side profile. For a coupe, boot space is huge too. When the backrests are folded down in a 40/20/40 ratio, the luggage compartment expands to a generous 520 litres. There is also a useful net for holding small items and a large under-floor space for hiding away more valuable ones.

There were torrential storms in the Midlands during my week of road testing and I was particularly glad of the many safety features, which include electronic stability programme with acceleration skid control – ideal for roads which are very slippery.

ENGINE CHOICES Power-wise, there’s a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines and a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission comes as standard across the range. The new 400d, 3.0-litre diesel engine accelerates to 62mph in five seconds and is very quiet. Any noise at all in the cabin is negligible, so on a long four-hour journey to our summer holiday destination, my friends and I were able to hold a meaningful conversation.

And four hours passes very quickly in this Mercedes with the elegance and dynamism of a coupe and the comfort and functionality of a saloon, which was a completely new vehicle segment when launched in 2003.

With luxury and comfort, the CLS Coupe is the ideal grand tourer for summer. I

SHOWROOM Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, 235 Lawley Middleway, Birmingham B4 7XH. Tel: 0121 514 0523 lshauto.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

CHARLOTTE RIGG The talented City of Birmingham swimmer is part of the Team GB squad hoping to make a big splash at this month’s World Junior Championships in Budapest

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

harlotte Rigg is 17 and holds both junior and senior county and regional 200m breaststroke records – and this month she is off to Budapest as part of a squad of 10 elite youngsters hoping to come home with medals for Britain.

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She earned her GB place on the back of a blistering performance at the British Swimming Championships in Glasgow earlier in the year where she secured the times she needed to compete against the world’s best juniors.

Thrilled to be part of the team in the Hungarian capital, Charlotte had already been selected for the European Juniors in Helsinki last year and representing Swim England in Nice this year. There’s no doubt her star is rising!

Charlotte began club swimming aged just five, where she progressed quickly and was soon scouted by City of Birmingham. By the age of 11 she was training six times a week.

She said: “I developed a passion for swimming when I was in Year Five.

It’s hard and it pushes me to my limits but it’s always worth it. I find it really rewarding and the successes always drive me forward.”

TOUGH TRAINING Currently she trains a whopping nine times a week, including pool and gym sessions with coach Carl Grosvenor, as well as studying for Alevels. Her teachers at Solihull School have been very supportive and encouraged her every step of the way. She explains: “I get time off during the day to go to the gym and when I miss school due to competitions abroad, the teachers see me after school to help. They have been really good.”

Director of sport at Solihull School, Steven Thompson, says: “Charlotte is extremely dedicated to her sport and her recent successes and GB recognition are testament to that.

Everyone at Solihull School will be keeping a keen eye on results from Budapest and we wish Charlotte and the team the best of luck.”

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As always, behind every superstar youngster there are parents who have also put in the hard yards supporting, fetching, carrying, picking up the pieces when things don’t quite go to plan and Charlotte’s parents are no different.

“My parents have always been 100 per cent supportive,” says Charlotte. Not just with the practical ferrying around the country, but the emotional stuff. She adds: “Mum and dad have been there through the setbacks too. They’re always there to encourage me to take a step back, take a breath and regroup. Dealing with the knocks is an important part of sport.”

The level of commitment is extraordinary and there are sacrifices, such as socialising with friends that are necessary to fit in the training. So what is it about the sport that Charlotte enjoys? “I just love racing,” she says. “It brings out another side of me. And I Iove pushing myself to the limit and seeing the rewards.”

LONG LEGS Breaststroke is Charlotte’s strength which she in part puts down to having long legs. “It’s where the power comes from,” she explains. Competing for Team GB in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events in Budapest is a bit of a dream, but there’s another goal not too far from home that she would relish too – the Commonwealth Games in Brum in 2022.

“A home Games is always awesome, but this would be a ‘home’ home games if you see what I mean! It would mean my friends and family can come and support too.”

She also says the swimming facilities in Birmingham currently aren’t brilliant, but plans for the new aquatic centre look great which is an added bonus of the Games.

In the short term, Charlotte has her sights set on making the finals in Budapest. We’ll be watching eagerly and cheering her on…I

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BEST TEACHER

Abed Ahmed from Washwood Heath Academy has been crowned New Teacher of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards. He was presented with his award by comedian Harry Hill at a gala evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. Known on Twitter as @stammer_teacher, Abed was told he could never be a teacher due to his stammer. Now in his third year of teaching, he’s not only producing good results in his maths department but he also runs stammer support groups to help pupils.

FUND-RAISING EFFORT Pupils from Bromsgrove School have raised £5,000 for children’s cancer charity Kidscan.

Throughout the year, pupils in Oakley House

SCHOOL REPORT

have organised fund-raising events, including raffles, non-uniform days, sports day and even a park run. Houseparent Victoria Adams said: “This is a phenomenal amount raised for a very worthwhile cause.” Kidscan funds and manages research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer.

FASHION WITH PURPOSE A Birmingham fashion student is producing protective streetwear with the aim of reducing the number of people falling victim to knife crime. Shelana Morton, who studies at Birmingham City University’s School of Fashion and Textiles, has created the Pierce Resistant gilet, pictured, as part of her final year project after losing loved ones to knife crime. Shelana’s unisex gilet features a layer of Kevlar, used in uniforms worn by military and police officers to prevent slash and puncture wounds.

ART COMPETITION Local artist Chris Salmon was invited to judge this year’s Norfolk House Art exhibition. The event held at Ryland Place was attended by children, parents and residents who were all impressed by the art on show. Chris said: “I was delighted to be asked and it was a real pleasure seeing all the wonderful artworks. It was very difficult to choose, a very high standard.”

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GROWING PLACES

RADIO CONGA Winterfold School, Chaddesley Corbett has launched its own radio station. Ed James from Heart FM’s drivetime took time out from his schedule to help the pupils with

MUSIC FOR ALL

their first podcast which was broadcast to the school playground. After the ribbon

The Department for Education has approved

cutting ceremony, a group of talented Year 7 pupils interviewed Ed, creating some

funding for a new, non-selective and non-fee

amusing and entertaining content. Children listening in the playground danced to a playlist that included She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult, David Bowie’s Heroes and Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake – resulting in a giant conga!

paying specialist music school which will be run by Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust in partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Called Shireland CBSO School, it will serve students of all backgrounds from across Sandwell, providing a rounded academic secondary education with a strong musical focus. Academy Trust chief executive Sir Mark Grundy, pictured, said: “We feel privileged to be creating a school with a curriculum focussed around music in collaboration with the CBSO.”

NEW LIBRARY Best-selling author Curtis Jobling visited Hallfield School to officially open the new library. As well as cutting the ribbon, the author spent the day at the school providing workshops, talking about his career and inspiring pupils – as well as showing the children how to draw his most famous character, Bob the Builder.

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CLOSE WITHÁ

HANNA SEBRIGHT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE UK’S LARGEST AIR AMBULANCE, MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY, LEADS A TEAM THAT DELIVERS LIFE-SAVING EMERGENCY CARE TO MORE THAN 2,000 MIDLANDERS EACH YEAR BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I grew up in an RAF family in Cyprus, so gained a lifelong interest in flying and travel. After university, I joined British Airways cabin crew on long haul 747s. I left to start a family and then joined Capio Healthcare Hospital Group as business development director. In 2004, I founded my own company which developed a network of hospital screens across the UK. In 2008, I sold the business and joined Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

IT’S WHAT I DO As well as chief executive for MAAC, I am a board member of Air Ambulances UK and former chair of the Association of Air Ambulances. I proudly lead a dedicated team who raise more than £9million each year with generous support from our volunteers and the communities we serve, as well as local businesses. This enables us to deliver advanced patient care via our three air ambulance helicopters, three rapid response vehicles and critical care car.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE? With changing patient needs and a year-on-year four per cent increase in demand for our service, it is imperative we don’t stand still. I am committed to tailoring our service to meet demand – for example, to cope with the rising number of stabbings we are called to and the increase in ‘silver trauma’ as the over-50s become more active. To achieve this, we will continue to reinvest donations into clinical care and build resilience to future-proof our charity.

BIGGEST SUCCESS In 2011, I oversaw the charity’s demerger from the NHS

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which has allowed us to recruit the right people and then develop a clear set of values and culture that we all aspire to achieve. This in turn has created a team culture enabling innovation and development. We have great people working at MAAC. This is my tenth year and in this time I am proud that we have purchased two of our three helicopters, renovated all three of our airbases and invested heavily in state of the art specialist medical equipment.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED Never forget your roots, personally and professionally. We are a regional charity funded by our donors, volunteers and supporters in the communities we serve. I remain humbled by the selflessness of these people who give to us without having a huge amount themselves. I have also learned that when there is a problem, deal with it head on and don’t push it down the road hoping it will go away – it never does!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM It’s wonderful to have all the city has to offer on your doorstep, yet within 15 minutes you can find yourself in the peace and beauty of the countryside.

DOWNTIME? Exercise is the best way to wind down – I love my spin classes and body pump. My sons have left home now, but my greatest joy is when my husband and sons are all together. I also enjoy canal walks and cycling outside – it’s good for the soul!

www.midlandsairambulance.com/donatenow

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WESTFIELD

IN WHAT IS AN AMAZING BUSINESS STORY, THE MIDLANDS MAKER OF SOME OF THE FINEST SPORTS CARS HAS ALSO BECOME THE UK’S LEADING MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRIC AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES f you’re into your cars, the name Westfield will need no introduction. The company based in Kingswinford has been making specialist sports cars since 1982 – either as complete vehicles or ‘kits’ that buyers can build up themselves.

What will come as a surprise to most is that Westfield is also the UK’s leading provider of autonomous vehicles – cars, or rather PODs – that drive themselves. Looking at the company’s high performance, traditional sports cars and then its rounded, sci-fi-looking PODs, it’s hard to conceive that they are part of the same business. But thanks to the company’s vision of catering for the traditional driving enthusiast while developing into cutting edge transport solutions for now and the future, Westfield Technology Group is proving hugely successful.

I

MIDLANDS POWERHOUSE What’s more, the success is truly home-grown, with 86 per cent of the supply chain located in the Midlands, rising to 99 per cent in the UK. “Being clearly British, and especially from the heart of the traditional motor manufacturing region that is the Midlands, is extremely important to us,” said CEO Julian Turner. “As we have grown and developed, we have worked extremely hard

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to bring all the people with us from the car side of the business. So they have grown and developed with us.”

The POD was first developed eight years ago in conjunction with Heathrow Airport and has completed more than five million kilometres in the live commercial environment serving Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 POD Parking. PODs have featured on national TV news when trials were successfully run on a 3.4km route around London’s Greenwich Peninsular using advanced sensors and state-of-the-art autonomy software to detect and avoid obstacles as they picked up and dropped off passengers at designated stops.

GLOBAL REACH PODs are also in use in Birmingham, Manchester, the Lake District National Park, West of England University and across the world in Australia, Germany, Canada, South Korea and Dubai. There are also plans to run vehicles in China and Taiwan. The rate of growth meant that last year the company split its business under the Westfield Technology Group umbrella into Westfield Sportscars Limited and Westfield Autonomous Vehicles. “Both are doing very well,” said Julian, revealing a 35 per cent increase in Westfield car sales so far this year – bucking the general

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COMPANY TO WATCH

IN THE DRIVING SEAT: Westfield CEO Julian Turner and, above, one of the company’s hugely successful POD autonomous vehicles (Main picture: Richard Berry Film & Photography)

decline across the motor industry. Westfield’s performance saw Julian named West Midlands Director of the Year 2019 by the Institute of Directors.

The IoD praised the company’s modern development, aided by its ‘acceleration towards electrification and autonomous technology’. The Institute added: “A genuine disruptor, Julian has taken a traditional manufacturing business and shown real entrepreneurship by transforming a kit car producer into the UK’s leading POD manufacturer, directly targeting clients from across the globe.”

CUTTING-EDGE TECH Westfield is continuing to push the technology boundaries with the likes of its Project Synergy which aims to accelerate the deployment of ‘platooning’ technology – two or more PODs following each other in controlled formation – for road transport in the UK. Platooning has the potential to increase the efficiency of road use and improve safety and the environmental performance of vehicles.

Since 2015, Westfield has been researching the application of graphene supercapacitors in vehicle tests to enable faster charging while also extending battery life. The work has been conducted with Zapgo Ltd

august 2019

(Zap&Go), Heathrow Enterprises, Hyperdrive Innovation, Potenza Technology and the University of Warwick. Westfield is also currently collaborating with companies and universities in the UK, US and China on the use of metallic Microlattice – an ultra strong and light synthetic metallic material developed by Boeing – in its future vehicles.

“The state of the market and the general climate is to be more sustainable,” said Julian. “This is reflected in the work we are doing in our business. We are developing new software, control systems, the use of new materials and new battery systems. We are working on a new rotary hybrid engine for our sports cars, as well as pure electric power.”

BACK TO THE FUTURE It’s all a far cry from the day in spring of 1982 when historic grand prix competitor and engineer, Chris Smith decided to design and build a replica of one of his alltime favourite race cars, the 1956 Lotus XI Le Mans car.

Such was the accuracy and beauty of the car he produced in his home garage at Westfield House, Armitage he was inundated with requests from enthusiasts wanting one for themselves. By the following Easter, the company Westfield Sportscars had been created. Demand for the new Westfield XI replica kit meant bigger premises and staff were required and the fledgling sports car company was under way.

With changing times have come new challenges for Westfield, but thanks to brilliant invention and business skills, the company has managed to sustain and grow its traditional business while developing exciting new transport propositions that will ultimately impact all our lives and the environment for the better. I

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BUSINESS

DROPPING OFF AT THE BANK Staff from HSBC threw caution to the wind as they abseiled down the 50metre central atrium of their new head office in Birmingham to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Ninety-nine daredevils made the leap to boost the charity’s coffers to the tune of £20,000. They chose the charity on behalf of Mike Lowe, who works in the financial crime team, following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease last year.

NEWS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS

BUSINESS

JAY CELEBRATES IN STYLE Celebrity stylist and salon owner, Jay Birmingham has reached the finals of the UK’s top hair awards.

Jay – owner of Jay Birmingham Hairdressing – is shortlisted in the Extentionist of the Year category of Hair Magazine’s awards, which celebrate excellence in hair products and hairdressing professionals in the UK. Winners will be announced at a showcase ceremony at London’s Shakespeare Globe Theatre on 16 September.

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Local kitchen business Classic Interiors ‘did the double’ when it scooped two top titles at the industry’s leading awards.

Hundreds of professionals saw the family-run business named Omnichannel Kitchen Retailer of the Year before being honoured in the Best Customer Service category at the BKU Awards held at the Pavilion at the Tower of London. The BKU Awards recognise the finest retailers, brands, people and services in the kitchen and bathroom markets.

THEATRE’S NEW DIRECTORS Birmingham Hippodrome has appointed two new directors. Laura Smith, pictured, and Chilina Madon will drive forward the theatre’s marketing, sales, communications and fund-raising teams. Director of external relations Laura, joined the Hippodrome in 2016 as head of communications and has helped deliver award-winning campaigns.

Chilina is the new director of marketing and sales having worked in the arts for 18 years, most recently as the head of marketing and sales at the theatre.

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BUSINESS

AUCTIONS APPOINTMENT JOINING THE UNION Contemporary arts venue, Grand Union Galley and Studios, has announced new appointments to its board of trustees.

Rob Valentine, director of Bruntwood Birmingham and Merle Wray, partner at Fieldfisher, Birmingham, join the board of Grand Union based at Minerva Works, Digbeth.

Grand Union is currently working with Homes England to raise funds to develop the derelict, historic Junction Works, Digbeth into a new contemporary art gallery, events space and artists’ studios.

ON THE BALL: Richard Griffiths, partner at Higgs & Sons and tournament organiser, with Rita Tonks from WINGS

CASH OF THE DAY

Bond Wolfe Auctions has recruited one of the most experienced land and development surveyors in the Midlands as its business continues to thrive six months after launching. Colin Totney has joined the Birmingham-based business as land and development surveyor after nearly 40 years of experience in the industry. Bond Wolfe Auctions was launched in January by chief executive Gurpreet Bassi and managing director Ian Tudor, formerly of Bigwood auctions.

WELCOME: Colin Totney, centre, with Gurpreet Bassi and Ian Tudor

BEAUTIFYING BRUM Retail BID is continuing its mission to ‘Beautify Birmingham’ by installing specially built decorative features on 16 public protection barriers across the city centre. The steel structures, known as National Barrier Assets (NBAs), have been re-painted by the BID in gloss black, replacing the previous bright yellow. Most UK cities have NBAs in busy areas but Birmingham is the first to ‘dress’ the barriers with planters to enhance the visual appeal of the city centre.

LIFT FOR TRUCK FIRM A husband and wife team are marking

More than 380 players representing West

the tenth anniversary of their forklift

Midlands businesses raised £12,000 when

truck business with plans for major

they took to the pitch at the annual Higgs &

growth at their new Midlands base.

Sons charity football tournament. The money

Kevin and Georgina Ryan have seen

helps organisations supported by Higgs

more than 400 per cent growth at Easy

Charitable Foundation, including charity of

Truck Materials Handling over the last

the year WINGS of Wombourne Special

two-and-a-half years, meaning their

Needs Support Group. The event saw 48, sixa-side teams battle for the title with Hexagon Commercial Property taking the trophy after beating Butcher Woods in the final. Lambert

TOP CHARITY AUDITOR

Hampton Smith took third place.

business had outgrown former premises in Alcester, leading to the move to new facilities in Bromsgrove. “We have expanded our team by seven or eight people to 19,” said Kevin.

Audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has been named the top charity auditor for the eleventh year in a row in Charity Financials’ annual Charity Audit Spotlight report. Crowe, with offices in Birmingham, maintains its leading position in the report which examines the audit services provided to the top 5,000 charities in the UK. Naziar Hashemi, pictured, head of non profits at Crowe, said: “We are proud to have maintained our leading position as the top charity auditor.”

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS BITES VILLAGE NEWCOMER

PIECE OF CAKE A big ‘thank you’ was given to supporters of Edward’s Trust who helped make its 4 O’clock Cake initiative a success. The Trust launched the fund-raiser as part of its 30th anniversary with 30 separate cake events raising a total of £5,000. After hitting its target, supporters were invited to Audley St George’s Place, Edgbaston for a special afternoon tea celebration. Edward’s Trust provides holistic bereavement care and counselling for bereaved parents and carers.

DANCING ON AIR Birmingham Airport and Royal Ballet are flying high after launching a joint project to bring dance to children. The year-long partnership got underway with an exclusive event showcasing the talent of one of BRB’s most long-standing and impactful programmes, Freefall Dance Company. The tie-up will focus on both Freefall and BRB’s Dance Track talent identification programme, which aims to identify and train young participants showing a potential for ballet and

YODELLERS HIT HIGH NOTE

instill a passion for dance at an early age.

Calthorpe Estates has welcomed retail and leisure real estate agents Wright Silverwood to Edgbaston Village. The specialist consultants provide lettings, disposals and acquisitions advice across all sectors, including high streets, shopping centres, out of town/roadside and leisure.

REP REVAMP

APEC Architects has submitted a planning application on behalf of Birmingham Rep for an ambitious remodelling of its front of house areas. The £2.5million scheme would include a new entrance, first-floor restaurant and create more opportunities for performance outside the traditional theatre space.

FRIEND’S HELP

Brindleyplace business and financial advisers, Friend Partnership, has given a fourfigure donation to the neurology department of Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Founder and partner Denise Friend, pledged the donation when Friend Partnership launched a study into the challenges facing women in business last year.

All hail the Wednesbury Warriors! The team from parcel carrier Yodel’s hub near Willenhall took on the peaks of Cumbria, raising thousands of pounds for military charity Walking With The Wounded. Four teams from Yodel took on three separate routes as part of the charity’s annual Cumbrian Challenge in the Lake District, hiking a combined distance of 98km. The Wednesbury Warriors team completed the toughest route, a grueling 32km climb of nine peaks.

WARRIORS: Jordan Holden, Peter Harrop, Emma Morrey and Nikki Osborne

SOCCER STARS BACK NURSES BID England football manager Gareth Southgate, BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster are backing Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia charity’s plans to expand its network of specialist research nurses across the UK. They each recorded a video message of support which was shown to guests at the launch event for Cure Leukaemia’s plans at KPMG’s offices in Birmingham. The specialist research nurses will be funded for a minimum of three years in 12 centres across the country.

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Nachural event attended my more than 500 raises £10,000 for children’s charity ore than 500 people attended the Nachural Summer Business Awards held at Wolverhampton Racecourse to celebrate the achievements of individuals and companies across the West Midlands. Winners at the event, sponsored by Investec Wealth and Investment, included TPL media (overall business of the year), James Wong (recognised for his work in the community) and Stewart Towe who was presented with a lifetime achievement award. More than £10,000 was raised for local children’s charity, Acorns.

Host for the evening was the BBC’s Tommy Sandhu. I

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1 Entrepreneur of the year, Mark O Sullivan. 2 Businesswoman of the year, Farhana Sheikh and Amina Hussain. 3 Business of the year, TPL Media.

4 Business person of the year, Jaya Nayyar. 5 Lifetime achievement award, Stewart Towe. 6 Community excellence awards, James Wong.

7 Best business start-up, Fluoro Tech. 8 SME of the year, Dunton Environmental.

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HOTELS GROUP HOLDS NETWORKING EVENING

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Local attractions join IHG Midlands to showcase the best of Birmingham

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HG Midlands hosted a networking event bringing together seven IHG Hotels and six local Birmingham attractions. Held at Harvey Nichols, goody bags and fizz were given out on arrival and music was provided by Elegant Entertainment. The evening showcased IHG Hotels – Crowne Plaza NEC and Solihull, Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre and Airport, Birmingham Conference and Events Centre, Voco St Johns Solihull and Hotel Indigo Birmingham – and attractions, Sea Life Centre, Legoland Discovery, Cadbury World, Resorts World, BBC Tours and the Land Rover Experience. I

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1 Kayleigh Swift, Sarah Brown. 2 Sophie Boulton. 3 Clare Galvin, Nicola Corfield. 4 Ruth Bennet, Ewelina Tomiszczak. 5 Christie Gaskin. 6 Penny Dyer. 7 Debbie Jaura.

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Castle Fine Art opens UK flagship with headline-grabbing collections eading fine art retailer Castle Fine Art opened its new biggest gallery to the public at the Mailbox, showcasing the best contemporary artists from around the world. It is the latest in the company’s network of 38 galleries across the UK and is home to some of the biggest names in art – from Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood and Lorenzo Quinn to Marvel, Billy Connolly Pop Art movement pioneer, James Francis Gill. The gallery will host headline-grabbing collection launches and welcome famous names for personal appearances and events. I

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1 Arron Foster, Kate Morley, Matt Roden. 2 Becky Weaver, Phil Ellis, Alev Dervish. 3 Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim and Lady Mayoress Ms Bushra Bi with Castle Fine Art founder Ian Weatherby-Bythe, left. 4 Chrissie Wolfe, Tamlyn Jones. 5 Emiliano Muco, Katey Macallister. 6 Mat Lovell, Fraser McGee. 7 Madaline Bourne, Beth Gordon-Taylor. 8 Olly Attfield, Jack Soars, Laura Soars. 9 Linda Quinton, Paul and Michelle Newman.

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TOP BUSINESSWOMEN LAUNCH NEW REPORT

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Challenges in the workplace in focus at Friend Partnership research unveil

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irmingham business and financial advisors Friend Partnership hosted an event at its Brindleyplace offices to launch a new report entitled Women in Business – Can We Truly Have It All? The research was commissioned to uncover and understand the difficulties faced by women in the workplace and the businesses looking to employ skilled female colleagues. The event brought together a group of inspirational, successful women from a range of professions and organisations. Guest speaker was Sarah Cooper-Jones, regional director for RBS Corporate & Commercial Banking. I

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1 Ann Clark, Adelaide Bailey, Sarah Cooper-Jones. 2 Sarah Evans. 3 Sheri Hughes, Hannah Kassimi. 4 Saranne Jones, Denise Friend.

5 Marianne Daniels, Toni Palmer. 6 Julia Gracheva, Judy Dyke. 7 Janette Rawlinson, Alyson Poulson, Denise Friend.

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Exclusive drinks reception heralds Tap & Tandoor’s birthday weekend ap & Tandoor Solihulll kicked off its first birthday celebrations with a drinks reception for more than 80 guests. The independent Indian gastro pub at Warwick Road invited loyal customers, local businesses and community members to join them. Guests enjoyed prosecco, cocktails, craft beers and canapes at the private event, held ahead of a weekend of anniversary celebrations which included a discounted fizz Friday, birthday beer festival in association with Solihull Round Table and a fullybooked Father's Day. I

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1 Rav Sohal, Amanda Copsey, Jane Goodwin. 2 Anthony Gillespie, Ajay Kenth, Tony Elvin. 3 Cap and Tandoor’s Ajay and Shivani Kenth.

4 Andy and Marian Moore. 5 Karen Jackson, Julie Gilronan. 6 Kate Derrick, Mick Marshall, George Etherington, Burak Alpar.

7 Rebecca Barton, Samantha Harrison, Sophie Houghton, David McDonnell.

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A DELICIOUS WAY TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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PR agency hosts popular Phoenix lunch to mark 12th anniversary

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o help celebrate its 12th birthday, leading Midlands PR agency, Delicious PR, hosted the popular Phoenix networking lunch at Fazenda in Colmore Row. More than 100 guests enjoyed great food and wine and making connections at the Brazilian rodizio where they use the traditional gaucho way of cooking meat. I

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1 Dan Walton, Anita Champaneri, Alex Tross, Hannah Floyd. 2 Jamil Shabir, Prem Ahark, Anup Soker. 3 Sophie Cassidy, Kiran Hayre, Taylah Catlow. 4 Sayne O'Malley, Lesley Wilde. 5 Rebecca Young, Kirsty Nicholls. 6 Rene Williams, Paul Brown. 7 Navneet Mangat, John and Beth Toovey. 7 Eleni Constantinou, Anita Champaneri. Photography by Edwin Ladd

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Property professionals’ annual spoof awards raise record £46,000 irmingham’s commercial property professionals raised more than £46,000 for charity at the annual spoof awards event organised by Property for Kids – the biggest single amount raised in the event’s 15year history. The BRENDAs brought together a sold-out audience of 380 influential people from Birmingham’s property sector to raise cash for disadvantaged young people across the West Midlands. Held at Macdonald Burlington Hotel, the annual lunchtime event saw a series of tongue-in-cheek awards presented to some of the industry’s most talented vocalists. I

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1 Jessica Lees, James Tickle, Amy Clutterbuck, Vicki Wilson. 2 Stephen Mealings, Joe Vale, Richard Whitehouse, Alex Gaworski. 3 Andrew Wood, Amanda Franks, Michele Clifton, Lizzy Sleeman, Chris Mellor. 4 William Higgins, Jonathan Browning, Dominic Lean. 5 Chris Rosier, Alfred Bartlett, Alex Tross. 6 Lydia Ellis, Chris Keye. 7 Sophie Portman, Jo Jones, Billie Frain. 8 Helen Guest, Helen Reilly, Lisa Beaman, Karina Connolly, Andy Bishop. 9 Paul King, Graham Haydon-White, Martin Taylor, Neesha Gopal, David Sharp.

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WHAT: The Girl On The Train WHEN: 26 to 31 August WHERE: Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham Adapted from Paula Hawkins’s novel – an international phenomenon selling more than 20 million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

WHAT: British Science Festival WHEN: 10 to 13 September WHERE: University of Warwick, www.britishsciencefestival.org One of Europe’s largest science festivals arrives in the Midlands. The show regularly attracts the UK’s top scientists and speakers to discuss the latest developments in research and technology. Inspiring stuff with talks, workshops, performances and activities.

WHAT: Annie WHEN: Now until 11 August WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, www.birminghamhippodrome.com

WHAT: The Lovely Bones

The smash-hit production is in Birmingham for just three weeks, starring Jodie Prenger as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan.

With its Tony award-winning book and score, including some unforgettable songs, this is one show you really don’t want to miss.

WHEN: 6 to 21 September WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk A wonderfully creative production brings Alice Sebold’s provoking novel to life in an exciting, emotional and uplifting theatrical experience. With a talented cast, incredible set design and a soundtrack combining 70s’ favourites with original music.

WHAT: Machine Gun Kelly WHEN: 30 August WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute, www.academymusicgroup.com/o2institutebirmingham Fresh from his starring role in Netflix’s The Dirt, Machine Gun Kelly brings his Hotel Diablo tour to town. Age restriction 14-plus.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship WHEN: 6 to 9 August WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk Golf legend Tony Jacklin returns to host this prestigious championship at Nailcote Hall featuring a host of stars from all walks of life, including exEngland cricketers Steve Harmison, Graeme Swann and Mark Ramprakash.

WHAT: Barbara Nice’s Summer Special WHEN: 16 August WHERE: Mac Birmingham, tel: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk Celebrity housewife, motherof-five and now star of Britain’s Got Talent, Mrs Barbara Nice is back with her very special Summer Special for a night of lifeaffirming laughter, top fashion tips and her world famous raffle.

WHAT: Russell Howard WHEN: 18 September WHERE: Resorts World Arena, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Following his record-breaking Round The World shows, Russell returns with his biggest globespanning stand-up tour to date, making sense of a planet that’s spinning out of control.

WHAT: Leamington Food Festival

WHAT: Gwen Wilkinson exhibition

WHEN: 7 and 8 September

WHEN: Until 7 September

WHERE: Royal Pump Gardens, tel: 01926 470634

WHERE: Argentea Gallery,

www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk

www.argenteagallery.com

Hundreds of stalls showcase the best in local food and drink with an action-packed programme across two days. Includes demonstrations, masterclasses and loads of free entertainment.

An exhibition of extraordinary photographic work inspired

by Birmingham’s industrial, political and social history featuring a collection of work by this renowned artist.

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WHAT: The Whirlwind Jimmy White WHEN: 4 September WHERE: Redditch Palace Theatre, tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk One of the most colourful characters in sport reveals all about his life, from the early days of century breaks, through the ecstasy of major wins and 147s to the agony of missing out on the holy grail of snooker – the World Championship.

WHAT: The Black Seeds WHEN: 13 August WHERE: Glee Club, tel: 0871 472 0400 glee.co.uk Described by Clash Magazine as ‘one of the best live reggae acts on the planet’, the eight-piece band from New Zealand puts on a show infused with raw energy and good vibes.

WHAT: Open air cinema: Bohemian Rhapsody WHEN: 16 August WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, tel: 0121 212 3383 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Enjoy this foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, al fresco style, in the stunning Botanical Gardens.

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult and no children under five are permitted.

WHAT: Bianca Del Rio WHEN: 5 September WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com RuPaul’s Drag Race champion brings her irreverent, side-splitting comedy to Birmingham for what will be the biggest-ever solo drag show to hit the UK.

WHAT: Pankaj Udhas WHEN: 23 August WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk With a singing career spanning more than 35 years, Pankaj Udhas continues to be a music icon to millions of fans around the globe with his velvet voice.

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WHAT: Sheku Kanneh-Mason: Elgar’s Cello Concerto WHEN: 21 August WHERE: Symphony Hall, tel: 0121 780 3333 www.cbso.co.uk/whats-on When Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla recorded Shostakovich together the result was a classical best-seller. Now the ‘dream team’ is back together and performing live the most-loved of all British cello concertos.

WHAT: Celeste Barber – Challenge Accepted WHEN: 8 August WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The actor, comedian and social media star is the self-proclaimed queen of everyday sophistication and low budget lifestyle aspirations and has experienced a meteoric rise on Instagram through parodying celebrity photographs.

WHAT: Alice In Wonderland: Summer School 2019 WHEN: 19 to 23 August WHERE: Old Rep, www.oldreptheatre.co.uk Designed for eight to 16-year-olds, this is a wonderful chance to create a performance based on Lewis Carroll’s famous story, featuring acting, dancing and original songs. Open to all young, budding performers as well as experienced actors.

WHAT: The Provoked Wife WHEN: Now until 7 September WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk Director Phillip Breen brings his comedy Midas touch to this outspoken Restoration romp that shocked 17th century society. Lady Brute is tired of her tedious, loveless marriage and her tedious, drunk husband.

When she decides to spice up her love life with a younger man, scandal threatens to ruin her.

WHAT: The Monster WHEN: 16 to 20 August WHERE: NEC Birmingham, www.themonsteruk.com It’s big, it’s bouncy and it’s back! The world’s largest inflatable obstacle course returns and it’s bigger, bouncier and more bonkers than ever before! With more than 40 obstacles, including the 18-metre Mega Slide and terrifying House of Hell.

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IN THE CITY WITH MATT LOUGHREY OF GENTING HOTEL TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m general manager of Genting Hotel at Resorts World, having developed into my current role since being part of our opening team in 2015. I have called Birmingham my home my whole life and I cannot speak highly enough of this city and its amazing people.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? Resorts World is just a few minutes walk from Birmingham International train station so this is my route of choice when I have meetings in the city and for those coming to visit us here.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE? As a proud Brummie, I live in Birmingham and commute via the A45. Depending on my mood, I spend my commute listening to talkSPORT or practising my karaoke voice!

SECRET’S OUT:

Pork crackling and

karaoke in the car for

general manager Matt

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Absolutely! I’m a massive advocate of our beautiful, multi-cultural city and all it has to offer. Development across the city as well as plans for the future over this side of town with the UK Central Hub, makes Birmingham and the West Midlands one of the UK’s most exciting regions to work in.

COFFEE BREAK? I love El Borracho de Oro on Harborne Road – just far away enough from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham to be a quiet retreat, with great drink and tapas-style food.

LUNCHTIME? Usually I eat within Resorts World as there is so much choice but when I do venture further afield I am a big fan of Fumo. Great service and the quality of food is always brilliant, but still quick enough to get in and out again when in a rush.

POWERWALKING? If I have a spare 30 minutes, I take a quiet walk around the beautiful lake on our doorstep offering me a moment of calm from, what can be, a very fast-paced business. We have a variety of wildlife on and around the lake through the seasons.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? The rejuvenation of the Eastside has been brilliant to see, but my favourite area has to be Brindleyplace and the surrounding canals. There is nowhere better to have a chilled pint on a summer’s day.

AFTERWORK PINT? Depending on who I am with, I do enjoy some pork crackling and apple sauce washed down with a craft beer at Purecraft on Waterloo Street, but I equally enjoy a night out in Bierkeller!

Genting Hotel, Resorts World Birmingham, Pendigo Way,

Birmingham, B40 1PU. Tel: 0121 273 1000

www.gentinghotel.co.uk

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HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? Birmingham is becoming a real destination city for both business and leisure and I’m excited to see what the future holds. We have HS2 (hopefully) transforming the transport infrastructure in what is already a well-connected region. If there is one hope for me, it would be that the arterial A-roads that feed the heart of Birmingham can cope with the increase in traffic. august 2019

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