Birmingham Living October 2025 (issue149)

Lifestartsalloveragainwhenitgetscrispinthefall...SowroteFScottFitzgerald inthenovelTheGreatGatsby.Whilewe’vesaidgoodbyetosummerandthe nightsaredrawingin,Iforone,havealwayslovedautumn.Despitethecooler, shorterdaysitisatime,asFitzgeraldsaid,forlookingforward,notback.

ThecountdownisontoHalloweenwhentheyoungandnot-so-youngdonfancydresstobecometheir spookiestforsomeserioustrickandtreating.Bonfirenightdisplaysarepreparingtoburstintotheskies,leaving theairfullofwoodandfireworksmokefloatingontheeveningmist–whilehotdogsandburgerssizzleonthe grillinthefoodwagons.

ThetotallybrilliantBirminghamComedyFestivalreturnsthismonthwithanotherfantasticline-up,featuring bignames,risingstarsandtheverybesttalentfromacrosstheWestMidlands.Amongthetopattractionsthis yearisourfrontcoverstar,JoshPugh,whohasmadeabigimpactonthecomedyscenesincewinningthe Festival’sannualBreakingTalentAwardin2015andlaterbeingnamedEnglishComedianoftheYear.Josh talksabouthisroutetocomedygold,appearingwiththelikesofJoeLycettandRickyGervaisalongtheway. Joshisagreatexampleofthehugewellofcreativetalentthatourcityandregioncontinuestoproduce. Talentthatwillonlygrowandmultiplyfurtherwithmoreinvestmentpromisedinthesector.Leadingthe wayistheBBCwhich,aswereportinournewspages,willbealmostdoublingitsTVproductionspendhere to£40millionayearwithinthenexttwoyears–confirmingBirminghamasoneofthemostexcitingand creativehubsinthecountry.

Coverimage: JoshPugh,photographed byDannyWoodstock

EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS: DavidCarne,AdamKirtland

FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk

ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn.Imagelibrary:shutterstock.com

DESIGNER: TracyDuffy

PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter

RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110

©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560

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News

Bringingyouthebrightest,andspookiest storiesfromthecityinHalloweenmonth

JoshPugh

BirminghamComedyFestivalstartalks stand-up,JoeLycettandRickyGervais

TrevorBeattie

Howandwhythefilmmakerandgalactic gallivanterishelpingsociety’smostneedy

Food&Drink

Chef’sCornerwithJonnyMillsoftheJQ’sSael plusnews,reviews,recipesandtopwinepicks

Health

RaisingawarenessinMouthCancerAction Month,plustheboominReformerPilates

Style

Gorgeouscoatsremainourfirstfashionlove, so,wearedelightedtowelcomeautumn

BestoftheRest

Homes

Lightingisagamechangertoshiftthemood ofaroom.Welookatthelatesttipsandtrends

Young,Gifted&Brummie

WecatchupwithtalentedeventerChloeChan ontrainingwithTeamGBandfuturegoals

DGTorrens

Fromcarehomeabusetobest-sellingauthor andfilm-maker.Astoryofsuccesstoinspire

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BusinessNews

Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity

What’sOn

Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents

UpClose

WithEdShedd,chairofCreateCentral, superchargingtheregion’screativesector

READYTOGLOW

TheWestMidlands’biggestmultiattractionfestiveexperience,Winter Glow,hasannounceda‘kidsgofree’ ticketoffertomakeitslighttraileven moreaccessibleforfamiliesthis Christmas.Whileticketslast,children under10canredeemafreeticketfor theilluminatedlighttrailwhen accompaniedbyapayingadult.The offerappliesforthefulldurationof WinterGlow,whichrunsfrom21 Novemberto31December.Visitorscan alsoenjoyfourothermainattractions, includingtheregion’slargestcoveredice rink,personalisedSantaexperiences,a 120ftbigwheel,andUVminigolf.

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

WONDERFULWEEKENDER SPOOKSATTHEMANOR

Morethan120,000visitorsenjoyedanextravaganzaofmusic,dance andtheatreintheBullringandcitycentreatthethree-dayBirmingham Weekenderfestival.Theprogrammefeaturedfreeeventsand installations,fromhigh-flyingperformancesandsurpriseflashmobsto stilt-walkingjellyfishandvibrantprocessions.MattEvans,headof festivalsandsitesatBirminghamHippodrome,whoproducedtheevent inpartnershipwiththeBullring,said:“Fromtheopeningprocessionto theconfetti-filledfinale,BirminghamWeekenderwasspectacular. Thankyoutoeveryonewhomadeitsuchamemorablefestival.”

Tricks,treatsandthrills!That’sthepromise ofaspooktacularHalloweenatDrayton Manorfeaturingfamilyshows,late-night ridesandtheHauntedExpressexperience. VisitorsonSaturday25Octobercanround offtheiradventurewithaHalloweenthemedfireworksdisplay,withplentyof spooksandsurprises,whileSunday2 Novemberwillseetheskylitupwitha specialshowmarkingtheendofDrayton Manor’smainseason.

BEEBBONANZA

TheBBChasconfirmeditsbiggestexpansionintheWestMidlandsin morethan10years.Themoveseesitstelevisionproductionspend almostdoublefrom£24millionto£40millionayearbytheendof 2027,makingtheareaoneoftheUK’smostexcitingplacestomake content.ItalsobuildsontheBBC’sdecisiontorelocateitsregional MidlandsHQtothenewTeaFactorysiteinDigbeth.TimDavie,BBC director-general,picturedright,said:“Thisisatransformativemoment forthecreativeindustriesintheWestMidlands.”

LAURA’SHOME

Songwriter,composerandrecordingartistLauraMvulaisreturningtoherhomecityto performwiththeCityofBirminghamSymphonyOrchestra(CBSO).Theconcert,at SymphonyHallon10October,marksLaura’sfirstsolocollaborationwiththeCBSOand ispartofBlackLivesinMusic’sclassicalmusicfestival,ClassicallyBlack.Nowinits secondyear,thefestivalcelebratesthedepthandbrillianceofBlackcomposersand musicians–past,present,andfuture–reimaginingclassicalmusicthroughthelensof culture,experienceandcreativity.

VILLA’SPASSMASTERS

Itmayhavebeenatoughstarttotheseason, butpassionateVillafanscanputthe frustrationtoonesidewithachancetospend aspecialeveningwiththreeClaretandBlue legendsthismonth.On27October,Paul Merson,IanHendrieandGabbyAgbonlahor willtaketothestageattheAlexandrato sharestories,banterandbehind-the-scenes insightsintotheircareers.

LEGENDSTEEUP

FouriconsofBritishgolfreturnedtothe sceneofonethesport’sgreatest momentsastheBelfrycelebratedthe 40thanniversaryofEurope’shistoric RyderCupvictory.SirNickFaldo,Ian Woosnam,SandyLyleandSamTorrance onceagaintooktothefamous Brabazoncoursetoplayaspecial fourball,aheadofthisyear’sBritish Mastersevent.ItwasTorrancewho steppeduptothe18thholein1985to sinkthelegendaryputtthatsecuredthe RyderCupwinovertheUS.

BirminghamLiteratureFestivalissettoshowcasethebestwriters,speakers, thinkers,activistsandartistsfromtheMidlands,theUKandbeyondthismonth. Highlightsofthisyear’sprogrammeincludeeventswithlocalnovelistsJonathan Coe(TheProofofMyInnocence),KitdeWaal(TheBestofEverything)andMike Gayle(HopeStreet),whowilltalkabouttheirlatestnovels.Nowinits26thyear, theMidlandslargestliteraturefestivalrunsfrom9to11October.atBirmingham Rep.Fulldetailsatwww.birminghamliteraturefestival.org

CARL’SBEST PARNONE!

Abarrowfulofmoney,atop trophy,plentyofbubblyand congratulationsfromaBritish golfinglegend.Notabadday’s workforSpanishprofessional CarlSunesonwhowonthe FarmfoodsBritishPar3 Championships’Pro-Amat NailcoteHall,Warwickshire. Aftercollectingthe50,000 eurosprizefromTonyJacklin, Carlsaid:“It’sagreatpayday, buthonestly,Ijustloveplaying thisgame.That’swhyIdoit.” Hetoppedtheleaderboard aftertwodaysofcompetition ateightunderpar. SeeSocial Scene

SINGINGTHEBLUES

CRUMBS!WE’RESTARBAKERS

TheMidlandshasbeennamedastheUK’scakeandbakerycapital, withoneinsevenofthenation'sactivebakeriesbasedintheregion. NewresearchbysmallbusinessinsuranceproviderSimplyBusiness placedEastAngliaandtheNorthEastinsecondandthirdspots,while alsorevealingthenumberofindependentbakersintheUKhasgrown bymorethanathirdinthelastfiveyears.Researcherssaytheirresults showthegrowingappealoflocal,handcraftedgoodsandthe entrepreneurialspiritbehindthem

HALLOWEEN HOUSE

BirminghamistheUK’s undisputedhomeofblues music.SosaysJimSimpson, theheadofBigBearMusic andBigBearRecords,and drivingforcebehind BirminghamJazz&Blues Festival,the10-dayevent thatfeatured178 performancesat101venues acrosstheWestMidlands,to anaudienceofnearly65,000 people.Thisyear’sfestival drewworld-widemedia attention,includinginLiving Blues,theUSA’slargestblues magazine.Jimsaid:“Iwant localcouncilsandtourist authoritiestopromote Birminghamastheunrivalled homeofUKblues.”

Europe’slargestHalloweenstorehasreturnedtoMerry Hillforitsseventhyear.HalloweenHousemegastorehas builtareputationasamust-visitdestination,thankstoits jaw-droppingdisplaysandthousandsofspookyitems–fromclassiccostumesandhorrormaskstoboldmake-up, eeriedécor,andquirkyautumnalhomeware.Newfor 2025,there’saHauntedCircus,arefreshedCemetery Zone,plusthereturnoftheButcherShopwithasinister newcrimescenetwist.Alife-sizedreaperonhorseback importedfromtheUSheadlinestheanimatronicline-up.

INSPIRATIONALANSEL

Aremarkable13-year-oldfromBirmingham washonouredatthenationalWellChild AwardsinLondon–andgottomeetits patronPrinceHarry.AnselHaywardwas chosenfromhundredsofnominationsfrom acrosstheUKtowintheInspirationalYoung Person12-14YearsAward,sponsoredby rightvybe,recognisinghisbraveryintheface ofhismedicalcomplexities.Anselisdeafand autisticandliveswithararedisease,severe epilepsyandatracheostomy.Despitethis,he alwaysfocusesonlivinglifetothefullest.

BRUMBASSADORCHRIS

Birminghamishometothebestpeoplein thecountry,says‘Brumbassador’Chris Woakes.TheEnglandcricketingall-rounder highlightedBrum’sstatusasaglobal powerhouseofsportataBrumbassadors eventhostedbyGreaterBirmingham ChambersofCommerce(GBCC)at BirminghamCityFootballClub’sstadium,St Andrew’s.Chris,whomadehisdebutfor Warwickshirein2006asa17-year-old, stressedtheimportanceofcontinuingthe region’slegacythroughmoregrassroots initiatives.Headded:“Birminghamisalways inmyheart.It’swhereIseeashome.”

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

MISSIONMILESTONE

MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharityhasreachedamajormilestonebycompletingits 80,000thmission–morethananyotherairambulancecharityintheUK.The charityoperatesthreeairambulancehelicoptersandafleetofcriticalcarecars, providingrapidpre-hospitalemergencycaretothosemostinneedacrosssix counties.RobDavies,patientliaisonleadandcriticalcareparamedic,said:“We havecomealongwaysinceourveryfirstmission.Withcontinuedinvestmentand unwaveringsupport,wenowoperate24/7.”

WEIGHTFORIT!

Brum’sUtilitaArenawasthescene forastrongmanworldrecord!Giant IcelanderHafþórJúlíusBjörnsson, otherwiseknownasThor,who playedTheMountaininfiveseries ofGamesofThrones,returnedto theOfficialStrongmanWorldTour stageandsweptawayallbeforehimtakingtheStrongmanOpentitleand breakingtheDeadliftWorldRecord.The6ft9incolossuslifted510kg (1,124lb)–breakinghisown505kgrecord–cheeredonbythe7,000-strong crowdattheArenaandthousandsmorewatchingvialivestream.

CHEERSTO OKTOBERFEST

AllthingsBavarianwillbecelebrated atvariousvenuesthroughoutthe citythismonth.TheOktoberfest festivitiesincludesausage-eating contestsatAlbert’sSchloss,oompah bandsandDJsattheButtonFactory intheJQ,andbeer,bratwurstand supersizedpretzelsattheBirmingham Bierkeller.Justenjoyresponsibly,bitte menschen!Skol!

STEPPINGUPWITH JOSHPUGH

PhotographybyDannyWoodstock

TheBirminghamComedyFestivalreturnsthis monthwithanothergreatline-upfeaturing bothestablishednamesandrisingstarsfrom acrosstheUKalongwiththeverybestfromtheWest Midlands.Andoneofthisyear’sstarattractionsislocal ladJoshPughwhowonthefestival’sBreakingTalent Awardbackin2015.

Joshisnowoneoftheregion’smostrespectedand laudedcomedyacts,butwhenhewontheBreaking TalentAwardhewasjustayearintohisstand-up career.JoshwasanofficeworkerinCoventryatthe timeanddescribedhiscomedyas‘alternativebutwith afootinreality’.Hewaspartofatopline-upthat includedJackKirwan,wholatermadeanamefor himselfasGaryPowndland,sothewinwasan incredibleachievementthatheremembersfondly.

“Iwaswellchuffedtowinonthenight,itwasa greatgigandeveryonehadagoodone.Comedy competitionsarealwaysabitweird–it’sartnotsportat theendofthedaysoallsubjective.Atleastwiththe BreakingTalentAwardyou’regiggingwithpeople you’reprobablymateswithsoit’sallabitnicer.”

COMEDIANOFTHEYEAR

JoshwentontoscoopEnglishComedianoftheYear 2016,whilehissoloshowSausage,Egg,JoshPugh ChipsAndBeans,wasnominatedforDave’s EdinburghComedyAward2022.Hesays:“Being nominatedinEdinburghwasobviouslygreat.I’vehad somereallytoughEdinburghs–losingloadsofmoney andgettingnoreviewsorindustryinterest.ButI’mso gladofthemnowbecausetheytaughtmehowtoputa showtogether,sowhenabitofspotlightdidcomeon me,Iwasready.ThenominationwasjustabonusI didn’texpectattheendofagreatmonthofshows.”

Oneofthebestandmostlovedcomediansofthe socialmediaage,Joshdevelopedalargeanddevoted fanbasewhogorgeonhisfrequentviralhitvideos,such as‘Inventingthefourcheesepizza’and‘P***upina brewery’.Hisprofilereallystartedtoflyduring lockdown.Herecalls:“Imadeavideoandputiton Twitter,anditactuallydidokay.ThenIdidanother onemaybeaweeklaterandthenanothertheweek afterthat.Theyalldidwell.So,Imadethedecisionto dooneeveryweekforayeartoseehowitwent.”

Refreshingly,hishugesocialmediasuccessisn’t

downtosomecleverlycraftedstrategy.“Idon’tknow aboutalgorithmsorformattingorediting.Ijusthavea funnyideaanddoit.”saysJosh.“Idon’tgochasing trendsoreverhaveanideaofwhat’sgoingtodowell really.Ifilmitonmyphoneandstickitout–it’sfun.”

MAINSTREAMSUCCESS

Fromsocialmediastardomtomainstreamsuccess, JoshhasnowmadenumerousTVappearances includingLiveattheApollo,QI,Hypothetical, Unforgivable,RosieJones’sDisabilityComedy Extravaganza,andChannel4’sParalympicGames coveragein2024,aswellassitcomsSneakerheadand Parker.Ontourhe’ssupportedthelikesofRicky GervaisandfellowMidlandscomicJoeLycett.

Perhapsevenmoreexcitinglyhe’llbebackonTV soonwithhisownmajorChannel4sitcom,Stepping Up.Thenewsix-partseriesdeliversanoriginaltakeon themodernfamilydynamicandiswrittenbyandstars Joshwhoplays…Josh,anover-enthusiasticstepdad bringingwell-intentionedchaostohisnewand previouslyharmoniousfamilyunit.Onwriting SteppingUp,Joshsays:“I’moverthemoontobedoing somethingthatveryfewpeoplegettodointheirlives andmakeasitcom.Iliveandgrewupinasmalltown withstep-parentsonbothsides,andIthinkit’sahuge untappedwellofcomedy.LotsofpeopleinBritainare navigatingthecomplexitiesofbringingupother people’skidsandIwanttocapturethatinareally funnyandauthenticsitcomthatisalsohopefully financiallylucrative.”

JoshwasborninNuneatonandbroughtupin Atherstone,wherehestilllives.Hesays:“I’velivedin AtherstoneallofmylifeandIloveithere.Ithink Midlandersaregreatandit’ssuchadiverseplace.The middleofthecountryisalsoagreatplacetolivefora comedianasyoudosomuchtravellinganditmakesall thejourneysabiteasier.IthinkifIhadstartedoutin Devon,I’dhaveprobablyonlydonefourgigsbynow!”

ENGLANDCAPS

Offthecomedycircuit,Joshisapassionate footballfanwhoshowedpromisingtalentgrowing upbeforesufferingdifficultieswithhisvisionand eventuallybeingdiagnosedaspartiallysighted. Reluctantlyhegaveupthegamehelovedsomuch

JoshwillbeperformingaspecialsetattheBirmingham ComedyFestivalBreakingTalentAwardatGleeon 3October.TheFestivalrunsfrom3to12Octoberatvarious venuesacrossBirmingham.Visitbhamcomfest.co.uk

beforeafriendshipwithJohnMcDougall(thecurrent captainofEnglandPartiallySightedMen’sfootball team)provedmassivelyimportant.Heintroduced Joshtopartiallysightedfootballandthepassionwas rekindled.Hehassincewonmorethan60caps playingforEnglandandevenplayedinthreeWorld Championships.Joshoftenattributeshissuccesson thecomedycircuittothedetermination,discipline andworkethichelearnedfromfootball.

Lookingforwardtohisappearanceatthismonth’s ComedyFestival,weaskedJoshwhataudiencescan expect.“Erm,essentiallyIwillbefillerattheendofthe nightwhilethejudgesdeliberateonwhoshouldwinthe competition,buttheycanexpectittobegoodquality filler,”hejoked.“BirminghamGleeClubhasalways beenoneofmyfavouritegigs,Idon’tknowexactlywhat setI’llbedoingonthenightreally,butmysetsare usuallyamixofoldthingsthatworkandnewthings I’mtryingtomakework.” ■

MANONA MISSION

TREVORBEATTIEMIGHTNOTBETHEMOSTRECOGNISABLEPERSONWE’VEINTERVIEWEDBUT HE’SHANDSDOWNONEOFTHEMOSTINTERESTING.THROUGHACHARITABLEFOUNDATION HONOURINGHISMUMANDDAD,TREVOR’SHELPINGSOMEOFTHEMOSTNEEDYINSOCIETY –ANDCRUCIALLYSENDINGTHESIGNALTHATSOMEONEOUTTHERECARES

MEETINGOFMINDS: Trevorhasmetmanyfamouspeoplearoundtheworld,nonegreaterthanthelegendarySouthAfricanleaderNelsonMandela

Adman,filmmakerandgalacticgallivanter… TrevorBeattieleadsanextraordinarylife.As wellasthedayjobcraftingexcellentfilms,he’s trekkedtotheSouthPolewithBuzzAldrin,rubbed shoulderswithNelsonMandelaandMuhammadAli andfulfilledhisboyhooddreamofflyingtospace–the firstBrummietodoso.Oneofhismostcherished achievementsistheJackandAdaBeattieFoundationhe createdinhonourofhisparentsin2011.

TheFoundationawardscashgrantstopeople whoneeditmostandisabouttolaunchanew initiativecalledTonsofHelp.It’sasimplenotion. Startwithapileofmoney,chopitupinto£100 portionsandgiveitaway.Ifyou’reinneed,apply.If youcanhelpout,contribute.

Trevorsays:“We’vedonealotofresearchandthe unitof£100feelsimportant.Forsomeit’snothing, forothersit’safortune–aweek’senergybill,the foodshop,Christmaspresents.”Headds:“Things aretough.Grocerieshaverisen20percentsince lockdown.It’sstaggering.”WithChristmas approachingandtheadditionalpressurepiledonto

peoplewhoarealreadystruggling,Trevorsetabout wonderingwhattheFoundationcoulddorightnow whichiswheretheTonsofHelpideacamefrom.

FIGHTINGYOURCORNER

Asoneofeightchildreninafamilythatdidn’t havemuchmoney,Trevorsaysheknowswhatit’s liketohaveatoughChristmas.TheFoundation’s taglineis,knowingthatsomeoneisfightingyour cornerishalfthebattle.Hesays:“Thecrucialthing isknowingsomeoneouttherecaresandthe Foundationsendsthatsignaltopeople.” BeneficiariesmustberesidentsofBirminghamand applicationsmustbesubmittedbyasafeguarding refereesuchasasocialworker,healthcare professional,educationprovider.

Aswellascashgrants,theFoundationhasfunded thereturnofD-DayveteranstoNormandyforyears. Itstartedwith800veterans,lastyeartherewasone andnow,sadlytherearenone.AlthoughJackand Adaweren’tinthemilitary,theylivedthroughthe secondworldwarandhadhugerespect.

LIFELONGDREAM: Trevorpreparesfor hisflightintospacewithVirginGalactic

Aswithallbigfamilies,Trevor’shomelifein BalsallHeathwasbusy.HeattendedMoseleySchool ofArtfollowedbyWolverhamptonPolytechnic wherehestudiedGraphicDesignleadingtoa sparklingcareerinadvertising.Trevormadeaname forhimselfinLondonwithstrikingcampaignssuch asWonderbra(HelloBoys)andFrenchConnection (FCUK)aswellasmastermindingthreegeneral electioncampaignsandcontributingtotheinvention oftheNewLabourbrand.

TheonlyadsTrevorcreatesnowareforthefilms hemakesanditturnsout,hequitelikesbeingthe client.Trevor’sfirstfilm,MoondirectedbyDuncan JoneswonaBaftaforOutstandingDebutbya BritishDirector.Moreaward-winningfilmsfollowed includingNureyev,Spitfire,LancasterandMidas Man,abiopicofBrianEpstein,themanwho discoveredtheBeatles.Trevorsays:“Therearetwo madprojectsabouttokickoff–dramasinevery

JACKANDADA

Whetheryou’reinneed,abletohelporjustwanttofindoutmore, visitbeattiefoundation.com

sense.”Hecan’ttellusmore,butwe’dputmoneyon whateveritisbeingbrilliant.

DREAMCOMETRUE

Trevor’striptospacewithVirginGalacticwas genuinelyalifelongdream,therealityofwhichblewhim away.Asan11-year-old,Trevorcreatedaspaceprojectat school.Hewassoconvincedthathewouldmakeitto spaceoneday,heleftthebackpageblanksohehadroom toinsertapresscuttingafterhistrip.It’snowcomplete. Histeacher,MrPalmer,gavetheprojectamereB+ butTrevorhaditre-markedbyfamedMoonlanding astronautBuzzAldrinwhogaveitanA+.The batteredprojectmadeittospacetuckedunderachair.I wonderwhatJackandAdawouldhavemadeofhis voyage.Trevorsayshisdadwouldhavelaughedand, whilehismumwasn’tthrilledbytheidea,shewould probablyhavebeentellingallherfriendsaboutit.

OfhishometownTrevorsayswhileithadabadrep overthesummerwiththebinstrikesmakingheadlines, thecityspectacularlycameoutforOzzyOsbourne’s funeralandBirminghamwasupagain.Hesays: “Birmingham’salwayschanging.Ifyoudon’tlikethis one,don’tworry,we’rebuildinganewone.” ■

JONNY MILLS FOOD&DRINK

ChefPatronJonnyMillsopenshisnew, intimateeight-seaterdiningexperience restaurant,SaelintheJewelleryQuarter thismonth.Wewantedtofindout whatmakesthisacclaimedcheftick

Tellusaboutyourcooking

Idon’treallythinkIhaveastyle,I’mclassically trained,butI’velearnedalotofdifferenttechniques overtheyearsandalwayslovetoexperimentandtweak things.Isupposeideasjustcometomeandmybrain worksoutawaytomakeitwork!Seasons,amazingly freshandlocalproducereallyexciteme.Ialsostarted foragingmanyyearsagotohelpwithmymentalhealth andit’snowahugefactorinhowIapproachmy cooking.Ilovebeingoutdoorsandjustappreciating whatisaroundmeandwhatcanbeusedorpreserved.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

MyfirstjobwasasapotwasheratMalloryCourtin LeamingtonunderthewatchfuleyesofSimonHaigh. Iwas15.IthadaMichelinstarandIjustbecame obsessedwithit,thebuzz,theroutine,howregimented itwas.Someofmyoldestfriendsarefrombackthen, andafairfewofthemevencametomyweddingthis year.Properfriends.WithinayearIwasfull-timeand lovinglife.

Thechefswhohaveprobablyinspiredmethemost overtheyearswouldbeSatBains,SimonRogan, DanielCliffordandobviouslySimonHaigh.Thelist could(andis)huge.Fartoomanyformetolist,but certainlythesewerethemostinspiringwhenIwas youngandeager!

Familyhavealwaysbeenahugeinspirationforme wantingtocook,andIhavefondmemoriesof grandma’streacletart,pickingblackberriesfromAbbey Fieldsandmakingcrumbles.WheneverIwasatmy dad’s,Iwasalwaysbeingshownandtaughthowto makethingsfromscratch.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

I’masticklerforbeansontoast,loadsofbutterand somebeautifullyrunnypoachedeggs.Mywifelovesit whenIdoaroastorarisotto.Veryfewchefscook properlyathome–wehatethewashingup!

Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And who’sthebestinBrum?

Intheworld,I’mnotsure.IntheUKatthe moment,IthinkGarethWardisupthere–athirdstar mustcomesoon.BestinBrumisadifficultquestionto answer.IloveAlexClaridge,hisapproachtofoodis

funandintriguing.Krayat670isalsoabitofawizard andIlovehisnodstoBirminghaminhismenu.

Shareacookingtip

Alwaysseasonasyougo,buildlayersofseasoningas youcookandaddthings,don’twaituntiltheend.Also, youcanalwaysaddmore,butyoucannevertakeaway.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

Jacketpotato,tunamayo,beansandcheese, sweetcornrelish.(judgemeallyouwant)fromthe jacketpotatostallonTheParadeinLeamington.Or grandma’ssausagecasserole.Dreamy!

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Ilovereallybuttery,wet,scrambledeggswithloads ofsalt.ButIcanalsositdownatYnyshirandindulge ina30-coursetastingmenu.Foodhell,rawoysters, tripeanddeep-friedbugs.

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?

ThosedeepfriedbugsinThailand.Youhavetotry everythingoncedon’tyou!

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

IthinkifthequestionwaswhatIwouldtella youngerme,thenitwouldbetofindanextremely well-paidjobthatwasbasedaroundtheInternet. Theworldisamuch,muchbiggerplacethanfour wallsandanoffice. ■

Sael,PitsfordStreet,Birmingham,B186FG.sael.uk

BEEFCARPACCIO

Acrackingrecipefromlocalchefandfoodie

BiancaRodrigues-Perry’sgreatnewbook

LocallassBiancaRodrigues-Perryisaselftaughtchefandfoodieandthefacebehind Bia’sKitchenShowthat’sstreamedto audiencesonYouTube,Spotify,Instagramand Facebookandaimstochampionlocalindependent businesses.She’sjustboughtoutanewcookbook withsomefabrecipes,theproceedsofwhichare benefitingthecharity,CoventryandWarwickshire Mind.Towhetyourappetite,here’sonefromthe bookforbeefcarpaccio. ■

INGREDIENTS

■ 50gfilletsteak ■ 1tbspcapers

■ 2tbspextravirginoliveoil ■ 10gParmesancheese

■ Handfulofrocket ■ 2tbspbalsamicvinegar

■ Saltandpeppertotaste

METHOD

Freezebeefuntilveryfirmbutnotrocksolid.(About1-2 hours.)Whilethemeatisinthefreezer,chilltheplatesin thefridge.Oncethebeefisfirm,slicethinlyagainstthe grainandplaceslicesonchilledplates.Topeachserving withahandfulofrocket,capers,tomatoes,andparmesan cheese.Drizzlewithvinegarorbalsamicandoliveoil, andaddapinchoffreshlycrackedblacksaltandpepper Serveimmediately.

Toptip:Addadrizzleofhoneyforextraflavour.

Bia’sKitchenShow:TheCookBook–TheCulinary JourneyofGratitudeisavailablefromAmazonor visitBia’sKitchenShow

SHORTS NI BBLESand

BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHEXCITING,NEWVIBES. HERE’SOURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS

TASTEOFGREECEISFAMILYAFFAIR

AtasteofGreecehasarrivedintheheartofMoseley.GreekAura RestaurantinAlcesterRoadisledbyMiriCelaandhiswifeOlaand aimstobringauthenticGreekcuisinetothelocalcommunity.Miri,whowas bornandraisedinRhodes,spentfouryearsasamanagerataGreekrestaurant intheMidlandsandayearasachef.ThenewrestaurantisarealfamilyaffairwithMiri’s mother,whohasmorethan30years’experienceinhospitality,asitsheadchef.

CAFERACER THINKSBIG

BirminghamrestaurantIndianCafe Racerhasmovedtolargerpremises inBristolStreet.Originally launchedin2022fromtheback oftheWellingtonpub,theeatery outgrewitsoriginalspaceandhas relocatingtoa65-coverhome nearby.FounderAzadKayesgrew upinafamilyofrestaurateursand InspiredbyatriptoIndiahelaunched IndianCafeRacertoshowcasethe energyofthenation’sstreetsthrough food,inarelaxed,modernsetting.

SUPOF THEIRISH

KatieO’BriensIrishTavernhasopenedinTemple Street,Birminghamonthesitethatwasoncehometo TheBotanist.Theopeningweekendsawmorethan 3,500peoplecomethroughthedoors,withover4,000 pintsofGuinnessandMurphy’sserved.JessWalker,the group’ssalesandmarketingmanager,said:“Ithinkthe conceptofthebrandhasbeenwellreceived.Katie’s isatraditionalIrishpub,wearerenownedforour liveacts,fromlocaltalenttoperformers flyinginfromIreland.”

BELFRYFORTHEFUTURE

Twoyearsafterembarkingonamulti-million-poundexpansionprojectto reimagineitsresortforthefuture,award-winningBelfryHotel&Resort unveiledtheresultswhenitopenedthedoorstoitsimpressiveeventsvenue, state-of-the-artfitnessandleisureclubandnewaccommodation.The MastersSuiteandTheClubamplifytheresort’sworld-classleisureand eventsoffering,whilethenewBrabazonHousewingfeatures149bedrooms, includingtheresort’sfirst-evertwo-bedroomsuite.

WENDY’SINTOWN

200DEGREES HOTSUP

Specialitycoffeeroaster200Degreeshas openedanewshopinHarborneHighStreet. Itisthebrand’sthirdlocationinBirmingham, havingsoldmorethan73,500ofitssignature lattestocustomersinColmoreRowand LowerTempleStreetoverthelastyear.The newoutlethas67indoorseatsand16 outdoorandcelebrateditsopeningby offering2,000freedrinkstoHarborne residentsviaaspecialvoucherscheme.

MEAA’SBRUMDEBUT

FullEnglishbreakfastsatanewMediterraneanrestaurant?That’sjust oneoftheoptionsatthenewMeaaeateryinKingsHeath–itsfirst branchinBrum.Butfearnot,there’salsoMediterraneanbreakfastswith beefsujuk,avocado,fetaandhalloumiandvegetarianandvegan options.WithamenuinspiredbySouthernEuropean,MiddleEastern andNorthAfricancuisines,dinnerchoicesincludemeze,smallplates andbigplatesfeaturingdisheslikelambcutletswithchimichurri,shish tawookmarinatedchickenskewers,pizza,pasta,saladsandburgers.

AmericanburgerchainWendy’shasopeneditsfirstrestaurantintheWestMidlandsatSolihull’sTouchwoodshoppingcentre.SituatedinJubileeWalk, therestaurantservesthebrand’ssignatureburgerandfries.FoundedinOhioin1969,Wendy’sisknownforitsBaconatorburgers,SaucyNuggsand Frostydesserts,whichareacrossbetweenanicecreamandamilkshake.TheSolihullrestaurantisthe46thbranchofWendy’sintheUK.

PASSIONFRUITMARTINI

here’saniceeasyrecipeforapassionfruitmartini.Utterly delicious,butpleaseenjoyresponsibly.. ■

INGREDIENTS:

■ 50mlKingmakervodka

■ 50mlpassionfruitjuice

■ 25mlpassoa

■ 25mllimejuice

■ 25mlvanillasyrup

METHOD:

Fillacocktailshakerwithice,addallthe ingredientsthenshakehardandfastfor15 seconds,makingsurethereisfoamonthetop. Strainintoaglassandgarnishwithhalfapassion fruitoradehydratedsliceofgrapefruit.Forextra indulgenceadd25mlofProseccoorhave separatelyasashotontheside.

WarwickshireGinCompany, warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/

SIXBYNICO

WeapproachedSixByNicowithsome trepidation.Asix-coursetastingmenufor £45soundedtoogoodtobetrueandaswe headedintotown,wewonderedwhatthecatchwould be.Spoiler,it’snotthedécor.Blessedwiththehigh ceilingsofaformerbank,therestaurant’scooland comfortablewithgreatlightingandabuzzingopen kitchen.

TheUSPatSixByNicoisthatthemedsix-course tastingmenuthatchangeseverysixweeks,anduntil16 NovemberthethemeisSpace.Therewereoptional extrasoutsidethetastingmenulikeanaperitifcalled LaunchSequence(£11)–azingyelderflower,salted cucumbercordialandprosecconumber,plusacouple ofnibblestokickthingsoff,oneofwhichwasupthere withourfavouritedishofthenight.PommesAnna Chips(£9)–thinkofthe15-hourcrisplayeredpotatoes thatwentviralduringlockdownservedwithparmesan creamandahintoftruffle.Perfection.

Ifwetalkedyouthroughallsixcourses,you’dbe hereallday.Trustustherewerenobaddishes,just somewepreferredmorethanothers.Everycoursewas inventive,excitingandabitofanexperience.For instance,adishcalledBlackHolewaseatenwearing headphonesandaneyemask.Everyonelooked crackersbutitwasgreatfun.Biopack–smokedham hockandchickenterrinewasdeliciousinitsownright,

butthechefspusheditfurtherwith12garnishes rangingfromapunchymojoverdetoanintenseblack garlicketchupandevengrapefruit.Stillnocatch. Wesampledthecocktailpairing(£40)andthewine flight(£30)whichwasfuntotry,andourwaitresswas veryknowledgeableaboutthewinesparticularly,butin truth,nexttimewe’dgofortheaperitiffollowedbya nicebottleofwine.Onthesubjectofstaff,everyonewe metseemedhappytobetherefromthelovelymanager, Dantothepersonthattookourcoats.Itwasinfectious. TherestaurantwaspackedwhichonaWednesday nightdoesn’thappenmuchinBirminghamrightnow. Theclientelewasvariedintermsofagerange–a fatherandyoungson,datenights,groupsofmates, oldercouples.Sincewecouldn’tfindacatch,we concludedthatthispricepointandlevelofexperience mightjustbethehospitalitysweetspot. ■

CELEBRATINGTHEMANYFACESOF SOUTHAFRICANPINOTAGE

PINOTAGEDAYFALLSON11OCTOBER.AUTUMNISWHENMANYOFUSMOVEFROMLIGHTERSUMMER WINESTOSOMETHINGMORESUBSTANTIAL,WHICHOPENSUPPINOTAGEASANOPTION.THAT’SNOT TOSAYPINOTAGECAN’TWORKINSUMMER–AFTERALL,THESOUTHAFRICANBARBECUE(BRAAI)IS EXTREMELYPOPULAR,ANDPINOTAGEISAGREATCOMPANIONTOBARBECUEDFOODS.ITALSOPAIRS BEAUTIFULLYWITHLAMB,GAME,RICHSTEWS,ANDEVENSTRONGCHEESES.

ThegrapeitselfisacrossbetweenPinotNoir andCinsault(chosentocombineelegance withhardiness);however,itsflavourprofile isdistinctfrombothparents.Somewouldsayit sharesmoreflavourandstructuralcharacteristics withgrapeslikeShiraz,MerlotorCarménère.The berriesarethick-skinned,andthevinesthrivein warm,dryclimatesthankstotheirdroughtresistance. Whenfullyripe,itcanreachhighsugarlevels(so expecttypicallyhighlevelsofalcohol–15%isnot uncommon),anditalsohashightanninlevelsdueto thosethickskins.Developedinthe1920sbyAbraham Perold,Pinotagerosequicklyinpopularityafterthe firstwinesappearedinthe1940s.

TRADEMARKVARIETY

AlongwithCheninBlanc,Pinotagehasbecome oneofSouthAfrica’strademarkwinevarieties.And forgoodreason.Pinotagecomesinmanystyles,from light,fruit-forwardreds,throughjammystyles,to complexfull-bodiedwineswithdarkfruit,smoke, chocolateandrobusttannins.Asaresult,Pinotage

doesn’thaveonefixedidentity,butrathermanyfaces, sothere’softenastyletosuiteveryone.Pinotage’s relativeobscuritycaninmanywaysbeattributedto itslackofpresenceoutsideofSouthAfrica.Lookout forexamplesfromStellenboschandPaarlthough, thesetendtobethebestexamples.

OneoftheadvantagesofSouthAfricanwinesis thattheydonotgenerallyattractthesamehighprices astypicalFrenchorItalianwines,soitispossibleto pickupbottlesofdecentPinotageforjustover£10. Tesco’sBellinghamPinotageis£11.50,andeventhe moreexclusiveBeaumontJackal’sRivercanbe pickedupfor£21atTheWineBox.

Thereallygoodexamplescanbeage-worthyand maybeabletolast15ormoreyearswithproper storagedevelopingtertiaryflavours(likeleatheror tobacco)andcomplexityovertime.Expectfullbodied,highalcoholwinescharacterisedbydark fruit,spice,leather,chocolate,coffeeandsilky tannins.Pinotagewinesoftenbenefitfromdecanting, asthishelpssoftenthetanninsandbringoutthe fruit.PinotageisalsousedinCapeBlends,whereitis

blendedwithotherBordeauxvarietiestocreatesome fantasticwines.Andthereisgoodnewsforroséfans aswell,Pinotagemakesanicerosé.

GAININGQUALITY

However,Pinotagecanoftendivideopinion.In the80sand90s,someproducersover-extracted colourbutthinnedflavour,creatingcheap,diluted winesthatputpeopleoff.Sincethen,winemakers haverefinedvineyardandcellartechniques, massivelyimprovingquality.Thevariationinstyles cansometimesalsomeanthatpeopletryonebottle, dislikeit,anddismissthegrapecompletely.

Itcanalsobedifficulttogrowandcandevelop highlevelsofvolatileaciditywhichresultinasortof anail-varnishoracetone-likearomawhichmakesit smelllikepaint,whichisnotapositiveintasting notes!Thisisusuallytheresultofpoorwinemaking ratherthanthegrapeitself.TomakeagoodPinotage takestimeandeffort.Finally,itisraretofind PinotageoutsideofSouthAfrica,somanypeople havejustneverencountereditbefore.

OURRESIDENTWINEEXPERTDAVIDCARNE MAKESHISTOPWINEPICKSFOROCTOBER

SomethingFreshandFruity SantodenoGrilloSiciliaDOCVinoWine–Asda,£6.97. Aromasofcitrus,pineapple,apricotandorangeblossomwithrefreshing acidity.Perfectwithseafood.

SomethingSparkling: MartialRichardCrémantdeLimoux–NakedWines,£18.99. Itastedthisalongsideawell-knownChampagneandthedifferencewas virtuallyimperceptible.Citrus,greenfruitandpeachonthepalatewith acreamy,biscuityfeel.Floralandmineralnotes.

SomethingEnglish:

BrabourneClassicCuvee,2019–www.brabournewine.com,£35. AhiddengemfromasmallKentvineyard.Definitelyachampagnebeater.Citrus,fleshyfruit,honeyednotes,almondandbrioche. Elegantwithastrongfinish.

Somethingbigandbold: i-LatinaLaArmonia,VineyardPetitVerdot,2021–NakedWines, £23.99.

Abigwine!Cherry,blackberry,plum,oakspiceandvanilla,fullbodiedbutbalancedandwithaluxuriousfinish.

Somethingclassic: PaoloLeoPrimitivodiManduria–Waitrose,£14. Full-bodiedbutelegant.Darkfruitsandcherrywithwarmspiceand savourynotes.

Somethingdifferent: DomaineJonesVieillesVignesFitou–LokiWines,£17.99. Complexandconcentratedwithflavoursofhedgerow.Blackfruits, herby-leatheryfinishandsucculentmouthfeel.

AswecelebratePinotageDay,whetheryou’venever triedPinotageorareaseasonedexpert,Ihopeyoufind aPinotageyouliketomarktheoccasion.Youdon’t needtospendafortune–justgoalittleabovethe cheapestbottle.Whicheveroneyoupick,pleasedrink responsiblyandletmeknowifyoufindanyhidden

■ DavidCarneisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwine expert,BirminghamWineSchoolalumniandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine. ■ TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com

TIMETOTALK MOUTH CANCER

NextmonthisMouthCancerActionMonth whichwillseetheMouthCancer FoundationandtheOralHealth Foundationworktoincreaseawarenessofthedisease andhelpraisefundsforgreaterresearchandeducation. Devastatingly,onepersoneverytwo-and-a-halfhours diesfrommouthcancer–that’smoreeachyearthan fromcervicalandtesticularcancercombined.

Mouthcancer,alsoknownasoralcancer,describes oneoftheareaswhereheadandneckcancerscanoccur andincludesvariouskindsoftumoursaffectingthe lips,salivaryglands,tongue,gums,palateandinsideof thecheeks.Cancersfurtherbackaroundtherootofthe tongue,softpalate,tonsilsandtheupperpartofthe throat(thepharynx)arecalledpharyngealcancer. Anyonecangetmouthcancer,buttheriskincreases withage.Mostpeoplearediagnosedbetweentheages of66and70.Theseriousnessofthediseasedependson thetypeofmouthcancer,howbigitis,ifithasspread, andyourgeneralhealth.Itcangrowandspreadvery quicklysoitisreallyimportantthatyouseeaGPor dentistassoonaspossibleifyouthinkyoumayhave anyofthesignsandsymptoms.

SIGNSANDSYMPTOMS

Whenlookingforsignsandsymptoms,rememberthe mouthispronetoallsortsofdamagesodon’tpanicif youspotanyofthefollowing.Webiteourselves,burn ourselveswithhotfoodanddrinkanddamagetheinside ofourmouthswithspicyfoodsorscrapeitwithhard things.Bleedinggumsandlooseteetharecommonly causedbygumdisease.Manypeoplearepronetomouth ulcers(neverlastingmorethanthreeweeks).

WHATTOLOOKOUTFOR

■ Ulcersthatdonothealwithinthreeweeks.

■ Painordiscomfortinthemouth.

■ Lumpsandswellingswithnoobviouscausein themouthorneck.

■ Bleedingfromthemouthorthroat.

■ Redorwhitepatchesinsidethemouth.

■ Changesintexture–hardness,roughness.

■ Teeththatbecomeloose.

■ Difficultyorpainwithswallowing,chewingor movingthejaw.

■ Persistenthoarsenessorchangestothevoice.

FACTSANDFIGURES

■ Morethan10,800peopleintheUKwerediagnosedwithmouth cancerlastyear.

■ Lastyear3,637peopleintheUKlosttheirlifetomouthcancer.

■ Mouthcanceristwiceascommoninmenthanwomen,though anincreasingnumberofwomenarebeingdiagnosedwiththe disease.

■ 53percentofmouthcancersappearonthetongueandtonsils.

■ 78percentofcasesoccurintheover-55agegroup.

■ Theincidenceofmouthcancerhasrisenby49percentoverthe past10years.

■ MorepeopleintheUKdieeachyearofmouthcancerthanof cervicalandtesticularcancercombined.

■ MouthcancercausesmoredeathsintheUKeachyearthanroad trafficaccidents.

■ Persistentcoughingorthefeelingthat somethingis‘stuck’inthethroat.

■ Numbnessortinglingofthelipsortongue.

■ Unexplainedweightloss.

CAUSES

It’snotalwaysclearwhatcausesmouthcancer,but therisksincreaseifyousmokeorchewtobacco,drinka lotofalcohol,havebeenexposedtoalotofsunlightor sunbeds,whichcancauseskincanceraffectingthelips, you’vehadcancerbefore,youhaveaweakened immunesystemortakeimmunosuppressantmedicine. Mouthcancerhasalsobeenlinkedtoapoordietwith socialdeprivationlinkedtoathirdofallcancercase

LOWERTHERISK

Youcannotalwayspreventmouthcancer,butthere arethingsyoucandotoloweryourchanceofgettingit:

■ Eatahealthydiet,includinglotsoffruitand vegetableseveryday.

■ Exerciseregularly.

■ Trytocutdownonalcoholandavoiddrinking morethan14unitsaweek.

■ Trytoquitsmoking.

■ Trytoquitchewingtobacco,betelnutorpaan.

TogetinvolvedinMouthCancerActionMonthandto learnmorevisit:mouthcancerfoundation.org

THE POWER OF REFORMER PILATES

INAWORLDOFHIGH-IMPACTWORKOUTSANDQUICK-FIXFITNESSTRENDS,REFORMER PILATESOFFERSSOMETHINGREFRESHINGLYDIFFERENT–ANDINCREDIBLYEFFECTIVE

Ifyou’relookingforaworkoutthatyoucanenjoy everyday,thatstrengthensyourcore,improves yourposture,tonesyourbody,andclearsyour head–ReformerPilatesmightbeexactlywhatyou’ve beensearchingfor.

It’salow-impactworkoutperformedona specialisedmachinethatusesacombinationofsprings, ropes,andaslidingcarriagetoprovideadjustable resistance,allowingformoredynamic,full-body exercisesthantraditionalmatPilates.Thisfocuson resistance,alongwiththemachine’ssupport,helps buildcorestrength,flexibilityandbalancebymaking movementsmorechallengingandprecise.

Inaworldfullofhigh-impactworkoutsand quick-fixfitnesstrends,ReformerPilateshasbecome hugelypopularasitofferssomethingrefreshingly differentwithlastingresultsthroughmindful, intelligentmovement.Strengthdoesn’thavetomean strain,andflexibilityisn’tjustfordancers.

MattKendrick,founderofMKReformedwhichhas sevensitesacrossBirminghamandtheMidlands, includinginEdgbaston,explainedwhatReformerPilates isallaboutandwhyyoushouldtryit.“Reformedisthe bestofPilates,strengthtraining,andyogacombinedinto onepowerful,accessibleworkout,”hesaid.

WHYPEOPLELOVEIT

■ Postureperfection: Strengthensthemuscles thatsupportyourspine,helpingyoustandtallerand movewithease.

■ Corecontrol: Worksyourdeepstabilisersnot justyourabs,forbetterbalanceandbodyawareness.

■ Lean,tonedmuscles: Expecttofeelstronger, longer,andmoredefined,withoutaddingbulk.

■ Injurypreventionandrecovery: Low-impact andalignment-focused,it’sidealforsafemovement andrehab.

■ Mind-bodyconnection: Everyclassencourages focusandpresence.It’sasgoodforyourmindasitis foryourbody.

Steppingintosomethingnewcanfeelalittledaunting, especiallywhenthere’sunfamiliarequipmentinvolved. Butrememberyouwon’tbealoneandifyouchoose therightenvironmentthenyou’llfeelthesupportofa welcomingcommunity,andimportantly,qualified instructorsthatwillguideyouthrougheverything. Here’showtomakeyourstartaconfidentone:

1.STARTSLOWANDSMART –Youdon’tneedto knowathingabouttheReformerbeforeyouarrive. Everyclassisdesignedtoguideyoustepbystep, whateveryourlevel.

2.WEARWHATFEELSGOOD –There’snoneedfor fancykit.Justcomfortable,fittedactivewearandgrip sockssoyoucanmovefreelyandsafely.

3.FOCUSONFORM,NOTSPEED –ReformerPilatesis aboutcontrol,breathandprecision.Notrushing throughreps.Yourbodywillthankyou.

4.BECONSISTENT –You’llfeelbenefitsfromyour veryfirstclass,buttherealmagiccomeswithregular practice.Twotothreetimesaweekisidealtobuild strengthandconfidence.

5.ASKQUESTIONS –Whetheryouwanta modification,reassurance,orjustalittle encouragement,Instructorswillsupportyou. HOWTOGETSTARTED

WORK HORSE

Gorgeouscoatsremainourfirstfashion love,sowearedelightedtowelcome autumn.ComebackinFebruaryand we’llinevitablybedreamingofditchingthecoatsbut rightnow,we’rehappytobecocooned Soundtheklaxon.It’scoatseasonandwe’recocka-hoop.There’ssomethingwonderfulabout wrappingupandsteppingoutonabriskmorning. Fromastylepointofview,acoatcanelevateyour outfitfromdecenttoshow-stopping.Itcanalsohide yourpyjamasontheschoolrunwhichisabonus.

Admittedly,acoatcanbequitetheinvestment piecesoitneedstoworkhardforyou.Withthat inmindwe’veexploredaneutralpalettethat willgiveyouplentyofbangforyourbuck. We’veincludedburgundyanddeepgreen tonesastheyworkbrilliantlyasneutralsas wellasthemoreobvioustanandstonehues.

Intermsofshapeandstyle,ifyouinvestinone pieceofouterwearthisseasonmakeitaclassic camelwoolorwoolblendlongcoatthatwillnever gooutoffashion.It’saclassicforareason.Thereare detailsthatmightaddanedgelikeanintegrated scarf,statementcuffsoroversizedlapelsbut essentially,don’tmesswithperfection.Marella’s oversizedalpacaversion(pictured)isastunner. Meanwhile,barnjacketshavebecomeanunlikely must-haveitemwiththelaid-backouterweareven rockinghighendcatwalks.NewLookhasa smashingexample(pictured)atareasonableprice. Whenthemercurydropsthepufferjacketisyour friendbutbewareoversizedstylesthatmightswamp you.Itneedstoberoomyenoughtofitlayers underneathbutnottoobig.Trybeforeyoubuy.

STYLE BELT UP

Coatfromthe ANDORrange

£24,JohnLewis

We’renotsurewherewestandwithscarf coatsbecausepartofthejoyofcoldweather isaddingavoluminousscarfinaboldprint orcolour,butsinceintegratedscarvesare havingamoment,we’veincludedacouple ofexamples.Sandro’scamelversion (pictured)isaninvestmentpiecebutit’s beautifullymadeandwilllastalifetimeif lookedafterproperly.Totemehasacute shorterversionwithastatementtrimif you’relookingforsomethingabitdifferent.

Thetrenchcoatisaneasywaytoinject abitofchicintoanoutfitonthosedays thataretoowarmforaproperwintercoat. M&Shasagorgeousbrownsuedeversion (pictured)whileJohnLewishassome greatclassicexamples.

Thebomberjacketoffersabitmoreof anedgeandweparticularlylikethe OliverBonascorduroycoat(pictured) whichhasabitofquiltingforadded interest.Aleatherjacketisalwaysagood idea.Whistleshasafantasticclean bondedleatherjacketthatisalittlebit slouchywithagreatcollar(pictured) whileGuccihasalongoxbloodcoloured jacket(pictured)thatmightbreakthe bankbutisabeautifulpiecethat’llsee youthroughmanywinters.

Whilefauxfurcoatscanaddabitof funandglamtoyourlook,it’softenacase of,yougetwhatyoupayfor.It’snota piecetobuyonline.Youneedtoseeand feelthematerial.Probablymost importantly,weallneedaweather-proof heroandyoucan’tbeattheRainsfishtail rubberisedcoat(pictured)whichwe’ve foundtobeimpenetrabletorain.

Lastly,donateyouroldouterwearto charity.Checkouthomelesscharitiesthat aredoinggreatwork,likeSIFAFiresideor StBasil’stoseewhatthey’reinneedof. Yourcoatmighthaveseenbetterdaysbut tosomeoneinneed,that’sunimportant. ■

IT'SA WRAP

Coat£159,JohnLewis

TWO INONE

Scarfcoat£169, RiverIsland

CLASSIC CAMEL

Sandrocamelscarf coat£659,Selfridges

STYLE SWISH SWISH Coatsand clothingfrom F&F

BE SQUARE

Beattiedouble

breastedwoolcoat

£399,Barbour

WINNING LAYERS

CoatfromVery

INVESTMENT

PIECE

Guccidouble breastedleather

coat£5,660, HarveyNichols

CHOCOLATE BOX

Longlinecoat£45, TUClothing

OH-SOSOFT

Marellaoversized alpacacoat£905, HarveyNichols

Beltedmidlength fauxfur£89, RiverIsland

GO GLAM

FAUX FUR Coat£50,Matalan

BEAUTYUPDATE

Thismonthwebringyounewlaunches,oldfavourites andsocialmediasensationswhichactuallyworkinreal lifethatyoumightwanttoaddtoyourregime.Enjoy!

1.WELEDAEXTRARICHOMEGASERUMDROPS–£12.95,CULTBEAUTY

WhenWeledalaunchsomethingnew,wesitupandtakenote.Therangeof sixserumsfocusesondifferentareasfromanti-ageingtoporerefiningand everythinginbetween.Weoptedfortheextrarichomegaserumdropswith avocadooil.Youcanusethedropsaloneormixthemintoyourmoisturiser. Wedidthelatterandnoticedanincreaseinradianceandadistinctglowthat you’dexpectfromamuchheftierpricetag.Atjustover£12,thisiswellworth addingtoyourregime.

2.NEATFOAMINGSHOWERGEL–£10(REFILLS£3),WAITROSE

Wedidn’thavematchingshowergelandbathroomcleaneronourbingocard,but hereweare.Foamy,delicioussmelling(hibiscusandacai),nourishingandfree fromnasties,theshowergelfromNeatisajoyandthesleekaluminiumbottle looksgreatontheshelf.Onceyou’vegotthepumpbottle,youjustpickuparefill whenneededandaddwater.WegetoursfromWaitrosebutit’swidelyavailable.

3.AMELIORATESMOOTHINGBODYEXFOLIATOR–£18,BOOTS

Ifyoulikeaflowery,perfumedscent,Ameliorateisprobablynotforyou.There’s somethingclinicalaboutthebrand–thebodylotionisthebestwe’vetriedin termsofresultsbutitdoesn’tsmellgreat.Thisexfoliator,however,isfairlyneutral inscent,butpacksthesameclinicalpunch.Supersmoothskinasstandard.

4.MERITTHEMINIMALIST–£34,SEPHORA

Thishasbeenalloversocialmediasowe’renottellingyouanythingnew. HowevernoteverythingthatblowsuponInstagramworks,butwecan confirmthisbeautydoes.It’ssoeasytoapplyandresultsinalovelycoverage that’seasilybuildable.It’sjustaseffectiveasaconcealerasafoundation,in factwehaven’tusedaseparateconcealersincebuyingthis.We’drecommend usingitwiththeMeritNo1taperedblendingbrushwhichhasshortbristles thatworktheproductinbeautifully.It’snotcheapbutlastsages.

5.OLEHENRIKSONSTRENGTHPEPTIDEBARRIERBOOSTMOISTURISER –£33.60(WAS£45),BOOTS

Weallknowpeptidesworkwonderssendingsignalstoyourskintoincrease collagenandelastinproductionresultinginimprovedsmoothnessand firmness.OleHenriksonisabrandweratealot,sowesnappedupthis moisturiserwhichalsobenefitsfromaddedhyaluronicacidandniacinamide. It’sathickrichcreambutdon’tletthatputyouoff.Itsoaksinbeautifullyand hasdefinitelyboostedfirmnessandsmoothness.

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2

3

4

5

STYLEAND SUBSTANCE

DOUBLETROUBLE

SacaiMeltonBlouson doublelayeredwool blendjacket£1,880, Selfridges

WJACKETIN Worthleyjacket£99, CrewClothing

BARNSTORMING

Barnjacket£20, Primark

e’vebeenbusytrawlingtherailstobringyou 10ofthisseason’sbestcoatsranginginprice from£20tojustshyof£3,000.Fromarustic barnjackettosilkandcashmerepuffer,there’ssomething foreverytasteandbudget.

Firstthing’sfirstthough,assesswhatyoualreadyhave inyourwardrobeandifyourwoolcoatshaveseenbetter days,givethemaonceoverwithalintrollerbeforeyou partways.Youmightjustgetanotheryearoutofthem.

Ifwe’restillintransitionstageratherthanfullonwinter whenyoureadthis,amacortrenchisyourfriend.Buyone roomyenoughtofitlayersorasuitjacketunderneathto maximiseitswear.TheJohnLewisAnydayversion (pictured)isagoodieandat£79it’sabitofasteal.Alight quiltedjacketalsofallsintotransitionterritoryandBarbour havenaileditwithacoolkhakihoodedexample(pictured.)

JohnLewishasapareddownquiltedcollarlessjacketthat tickstheminimaliststyleboxtoo.Adouble-breastedpeacoat willnevergooutofstyleandJoeBrownshaveexcelledwith thisnavyversionforjust£100.Speakingofnavy,Crew Clothing’sWorthleyjacket(pictured)isgorgeouslightweight versionperfectforlaidbackweekends.

Attheluxuryendofthemarket,checkoutaclassic parkafromGivenchy(pictured)aswellasaterrificlong checkedcoatbyValentinoGaravani–alsopictured.When we’reinthetrenchesofmid-winter,apufferjacketisspot on,nonemoresothanthehighstyleoftheHernosilkand cashmereblendversion(pictured.)It’sspennybutit shouldlastalifetimeifwellcaredfor.Ifyou’relookingfor abitmoreflair,takealookatSacai’sMeltonBlouson doublelayeredjacketwithchicdetailsanddufflestyle buttons(pictured)foraddedstylepoints. ■

SNUGASABUG Hernopaddedsilk andcashmere parka£2,185, HarveyNichols

GOODHOOD

SMARTCASUAL Sensationalstylecoat £100,JoeBrowns

Re-engineeredhoodedspey quiltedjacket£229,Barbour

PARKALIFE

Givenchytwistedlogo printcottonblendparka £2,450,Selfridges

LESSISMORE Anydayjacket£69, JohnLewis

SHOWSTOPPER

ValentinoGaravani checkedwoven coat£2,950, HarveyNichols

HOMESliving

BIG LIGHT

LIGHTINGCANBEAGAMECHANGERINYOUR HOMEWITHTHEABILITYTOSHIFTTHEMOODOF AROOMWITHAMEREFLICKOFASWITCH

LIGHTENUP

FurnitureandlightingfromNest

Harshstriplightingisathingofthepastinfavourof morethoughtful,gentleoptions.Ambientlighting iswhereit’satandhasneverbeenmoreflexibleor adaptable.Ifyou’restartingarenovation,getyourlighting schemesortedattheoutsetsoyoucannailtheelectrics, positioningsocketsandwiringwhereyouneedthemwhich willensureasuccessfuloutcome.

MAKEAPLAN

Decidewhatyouwantfromeachroom,whatyou’llbedoing inthatspaceandthereforewhattypeoflightingwillworkbest. Manyroomsaremultiusethesedays,socontemplateaflexible schemefortheseareas–perhapsamainlightforworking duringthedayplusmoresubtlelampsorwalllightsforrelaxing intheevening.Makeaplanandbegenerouswithsocketstogive youtheoptiontomovethingsaroundwhenyouwanttochange thingsup.

Loosely,therearethreetypesoflightingtoconsider–backgroundorgenerallighting,tasklightingandaccentlighting.

HOMES

Generally,acombinationofallthreeis themosteffectiveandmostversatile.The morelightsourcesyouhave,themore versatilethespaceisprovidedthey’re controlledseparately.

EASYWINS

Ifyou’renotrenovatingbutyou’dlike tochangeupthespaceinyourhome, considermovinglampsaroundfor differenteffects.Somearechargeable anddon’tneedasocketwhichisperfect ifyou’renotreadytocallintradesbut fancyachange.Pookyhavesome excellentrechargeableversions.The samegoesforrechargablewalllights whichwillgiveyouawholenewvibe withoutthemessandexpenseofan electrician.Wayfairhavesomegreat options.

Ratherthanonemainlightthatfills thewholeroomtrylayeringgentlerpools oflighttocreatemoreinterestand warmth.Italsoallowsyoutoaccent

PERFECTCOMBO

FurnitureandlightingfromJohnLewis

NEUTRALTONES

FurnitureandlightingfromHabitat

COOLCOLLAB

JohnLewisxJohn CooperElliott AdjustableDeskLamp £65,JohnLewis

RIGHTSTRIPES

Trevonestripe ceramictablelamp £125,JohnLewis

OLDSCHOOLGLAM

Highclereantique brass£155(was £185),LeeLonglands

TOUCHES FINISHING

BOHOVIBES

Extravagant palmleaftable lamp£199, JoeBrowns

ALLABOUTTHEBASE

Claralargegreenstripe tablelamp&shade £125,OliverBonas

WE’VEPICKEDOURTOP10TABLELAMPS,RANGINGFROM COUNTRYHOUSECHARMTOSLEEKMINIMALISTCHIC

NIFTYNICKLE

BLACKAND WHITE

Luannebattery operatedlamp £12,B&M

Hanoversmallcordlesslamp £195,Neptune

RAFFIAMAGIC

Diegotallstriped TableLamp&Raffia Shade£75, OliverBonas

CONTEMPORARY COOL

HayAnagram

tablelamp£269, minima

FromthePottingBench withAdam

IT’SAUTUMN,THELEAVESAREFALLING,AND–WHISPERIT QUIETLY–WINTERISJUSTAROUNDTHECORNER!NOW’STHE

Blimey…it’sOctoberalready,wheredid Septembergo?Anddidweeverreallygetthose goldenautumndaysthatwerepromised?The weatherhasbeenamixtureofsunshine,showersand suddenchill,butwhateverithasthrownourway,the factremains.Winterisjustaroundthecorner,andnow isthetimetogetourgardensinorder.

Autumnisaseasonofpreparationasmuchasitis ofcolourandbeauty,andthejobsyoudonowwillset youupperfectlyforthemonthsahead.Ihavepulled togethersomeofmytoptipsforOctober,amixtureof tidying,plantingandprotecting,thatwillrewardyou handsomelyoncespringarrives.

Collectthosefallenleaves

OneoftheunmistakablesightsofOctoberisthe carpetoffallenleavesacrosslawnsandpaths.Aslovely astheylookatfirst,theycanquicklyturnintoasoggy, slipperynuisanceiftheyareleftwheretheyfall.Onthe lawninparticular,theyblockoutlightandair, encouragingmossandbarepatches.Aweeklyrakeor

leafblowermakeslightworkofthejob,andwhileit mightseemlikeachore,thegoodnewsisthatthe leavesareincrediblyusefuloncecollected.

Pilethemintoblackbinbagswithafewholes pokedinforair,thentiethemupandtuckthemout ofsightinashadycorner.Bynextyear,theleaveswill haverotteddownintoleafmould,whichisoneofthe verybestsoilimproversyoucanmakeathome.Itis slowtoform,buttheresultsareworththepatience. Thinkofitasnature’sfreegifttoyourgarden.

Plantbare-rootfruit

Octoberisalsothebeginningofbare-rootseason, whichistheverybesttimetoplantfruittreesand bushes.Apples,pears,plums,raspberriesand gooseberriesareallwidelyavailableasbare-root plants.Theyareliftedfromthegroundonce dormantandsentoutwithoutpots,whichmakes themeasiertotransport,usuallycheapertobuy,and healthierinthelongtermbecausetheyestablish quicklyintheirnewsoil.

Thekeyistogetthemplantedassoonasyoucan. Pickasunny,shelteredspotwithwell-drainedsoil, digaholewideenoughtospreadouttheroots,and givethemagoodsoakinabucketofwaterbefore planting.Firmthesoilbackgentlybutsecurely,water themin,andthenletthemrestthroughthewinter.By spring,youwillstarttoseethefirstsignsofgrowth, andwithalittleluckyoucouldevenbepickingyour firstcropthefollowingyear.Plantingfruitisan investmentthatrewardsyouyearafteryear,and autumnistheperfectmomenttostart.

Bringtenderplantsundercover

Whilemanyhardyperennialswillhappilysit throughfrostandrain,therearesomeplantsthat simplywillnotcopewithacoldBritishwinter. Pelargoniums,fuchsias,salviasandcannasarejusta fewthatbenefitfromextraprotection.Iftheyareleft outside,thefrostwillblackentheirfoliageandlikely killthemoff.Thegoodnewsisthattheyareeasyto saveifyouactnow.

Cutbackanystragglygrowth,checkthemcarefully forpests,andpotthemupiftheyhaveoutgrowntheir containers.Thenmovethemsomewherefrost-free, suchasaconservatory,greenhouseorbright windowsill.Theydonotneedheat,justprotection fromfreezingtemperaturesandwaterlogging.Withthe rightcare,theywilltickoverquietlyallwinterandbe readytoburstbackintolifewhenspringreturns.

Showyourlawnsomecare

LawnscanlookalittletiredbythetimeOctober rollsaround,butthisistheperfectmonthtogive themsomeattention.Alightscarifywitharakewill removethatch,whichisthebuild-upofoldgrassand moss.Spikingcompactedareaswithagardenfork

willimprovedrainage,whichisespeciallyimportant beforetheheavywinterrainsarrive.Ifyouhaveany barepatches,sowinggrassseednowcanstillworkas thesoiliswarmenoughforgermination,though growthwillbeslower.

Anautumnlawnfeedisawiseinvestmenttoo. Unlikesummerfeedsthatarehighinnitrogen, autumnfeedscontainmorepotassiumand phosphorus,whichstrengthentherootsandhelpthe grasswithstandcoldweather.AlittleeffortinOctober canmeanathicker,healthierlawnwhenspringarrives, withoutthepatchystartweoftenseeafterwinter.

Plantspringbulbsforabrighterfuture Octoberisprimetimeforplantingspringbulbs,and itishardtoresistthethoughtofdaffodils,tulips, crocusesandhyacinthsburstingintobloomafterthe longdarkwinter.Bulbsaresimpletoplantandeven simplertocarefor.Chooseasunnyspot,digaholetwo tothreetimesasdeepasthebulbitself,anddropitin withthepointedendfacingupwards.Coverwithsoil, waterlightly,andthenletnaturetakeover.

Bulbsworkbeautifullyinborders,potsoreven tuckedintothelawnforanaturallook.Youcanlayer theminpotstoo,plantingtulipsdeeper,thendaffodils, thencrocusesormuscarinearerthesurface,sothatyou getasuccessionofflowersfromMarchthroughtoMay. Itisaprojectthattakesjustanafternoon,butthe rewardismonthsofcolourwhenyouneeditmost.

So,thereyouhaveit,fivekeyjobsforOctober. Gatheruptheleavesandmakeyourowncompost, plantfruittoharvestinyearstocome,bringtender favouritesindoors,giveyourlawnaboostandfillyour gardenwithbulbsforspring.Formoreideasandtips, keepaneyeonmyInstagramwhereIshareplentyof inspirationastheyearrollson. ■

YoucanfindAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchortuneintotheTales FromThePottingBenchpodcastformoregardeningtipsandstories.Forfurther reading,headovertoviewfromthepottingbench.com

YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE

CHLOE CHAN

WECAUGHTUPWITHTHETALENTEDEVENTER ONTRAININGWITHTEAMGB,JUGGLINGHER STUDIESWITHRIDINGANDHERFUTUREGOALS

ChloeChanisoneofthecountry’stopriders inheragegroupwinningnumeroustitles whichhasplacedherfirmlyonTeamGB’s radarandsawherlonglistedfortheEuropean Championshipsinthesummer.Sheattendedoneof TeamGB’strainingcampsearlierintheyearwith ponyRuby,towhichalonglistofjust20riderswere invited.

Thatnumberwaswhittleddownto10forafinal dayoftrialswhichincludedChloe.Herspecialityis eventingwhichincorporatesthreedisciplines–dressage,showjumpingandcrosscountry.Ofthe three,Chloe’sfavourite(andshesaysmostnerve wracking)iscrosscountry.

SincethefirsttimeChloesatonahorseaged justfour-years-old,shehaslovedriding.Shesays shefindshorses‘quitepeacefulandcalming’and adds:“Iloveditimmediatelyandwaslucky enoughtobeofferedaponyonloan.”Chloe describesthepony,Poppyascheekybutcreditsher withteachinghertoride.EventuallyChloebought Poppyandherentryintothecompetitiveworldof horsesbegan.

ChloebegancompetingagednineintheWorking Hunterclasswhichisjumping.Shestartedworking withrenownedlocaltrainerNikiHorsley-Gubbins andonceshe’doutgrownPoppy,movedontoabigger moreappropriateponyforhersizeandability.This happensfairlyregularlyasyoungridersoutgrow

theirponies.Onchoosingapony,Chloesaysyoujust knowwhenyou’vefoundtheone.Shesays:“Youride someponiesandyoujustdon’tclick.”

SUPPORTNETWORK

HavingjustnavigatedherGCSEyear,Chloe creditsherparentsandschoolwithhelpingherto successfullyjuggleexamswithtrainingand competing.Shesays:“Igetalotofhelpfrom mumanddad.”Sheaddsthathermumis‘onit’ withallthingshorse-relatedorganisingthe logisticsofgettingChloeandherponywherethey needtobe.

BromsgroveSchoolhasalongdaythatfinishesat

5.15pm,butChloeisabletoleaveat4pmtotrain. She’sthankfultheschoolhasofferedlotsofextra supportandshesaysshemanagedGCSErevisionin part,byworkingduringdowntimeatcompetitions. ChloehasstayedatBromsgroveSchoolforhersixth formyearswhichwillbemoreintensethanGCSEs, butwithherworkethicandsupport,they’remaking itwork.

Chloe’sheadmasterMichaelPuntsaysofher achievements:“Fromherveryfirstoutingstonow competingatinternationallevel,Chloehasbalanced hertrainingwithherGCSEstudies,showing impressivedeterminationbothinandoutofthe saddle.”WemarvelathowChloehastimefor

anythingelse,butshealsoplayshockeyforthe schoolwhichgiveshertheteamelementthatyou don’tgetwithanindividualsportlikeeventing.

LIVINGTHEDREAM

ForthenexttwoyearsChloeisfocusedongoing toJuniorU18andYoungRidersU21.Beyondthat, shewouldlovetoridethetopfiveeventsincluding BadmintonandBurghleyintheUKaswellasthe internationaleventsthatmakeupthetopfivespots. Ultimately,Chloewouldliketomakeittothe Olympicsonedayandit’shardtoseeaworldin whichshedoesn’tachievethat.Shesays:“It’sa childhooddreamreally.” ■

GROWINGPLACES

SHININGATSYMPHONYHALL

LearnersfromCockshutHillSchool,ErdingtonHallPrimary andtheOaklandsPrimarySchooltooktothestageof BirminghamSymphonyHallforaballetperformance inspiredbySergeiProkofiev’sRomeoandJuliet.Thelargescaleproductionbroughttogetherpupilsfromacrossthe region,performingwithaliveprofessionalorchestraand dancersunderthedirectionofindustryexperts.Throughout theprojectlearnersworkedwitharangeofprofessional dancetutors,includingthosefromEloquentDance,who broughtthechoreographytolifeandhelpedtheyoung performersgrowinconfidenceandskill.

HEALTHFORLIFE

ARMEDFORCESCOVENANT

BromsgroveSchoolhasbecomearegisteredmember oftheArmedForcesCovenant,committingsupport fortheArmedForcesCommunityincludingtakingpart inlocalcommunityoutreachinitiativestosupportthe RoyalBritishLegion.TheCovenantisanational promisethatensuresthosewhoserveorhaveserved intheUK’sArmedForcesandtheirfamiliesshouldbe treatedwithfairnessandrespect.Theschoolhasmore than160pupilsfromHMForcesandtheFCO,fromall ranksandmilitarydisciplines,acrossthePrepand SeniorSchools.Thesefamiliespay10percentof boardingfees,withthefullCEAentitlement.

SCHOOL REPORT

Localschoolchildrenenjoyedaneventmarkingtheir commitmenttolivingandleadinghealthylifestyles.Healthfor Life‘sannualcelebrationbroughttogetherstudentsandteachers fromnineprimaryschoolswhotookpartininteractiveactivities, includingcreatinghomemadeMexicansalsa,seedbombsand healthyfruitwater,plusatakeonexercisebingo.Asmoothie bikesawpedallersblendadeliciousfruitsmoothie.Sinceits launchin2011,HealthforLife–fundedbyMondelēz InternationalanddeliveredbyServicesForEducationandthe ConservationVolunteers–hasengagedwith229schools, reachingmorethan266,600childrenandadultsinBirmingham.

EHSHITS150

EdgbastonHighSchoolismarkingamajormilestoneasitcelebratesits150thyear –andcelebrationskickedoffwithaworldrecordattempt,someseriousdance movesandagiantaerialphoto!Morethan800studentsandstafftooktothe AstrotodancetheirheartsouttoSoFunk,ledbySharonBrown,ofSharonBrown Fitness,inanattempttosetaworldrecordforthemostpeopledancingtoSoFunk atonce.Theentireschoolthenformedagiant‘150’ontheplayingfields, capturedfromabovebydrone.Furthercelebrationsthroughouttheacademicyear includeEDGfest,afestivalofperformances,artisticflairanddeliciousfood.

INSPIRATIONALBRUMMIES

TwoofBirmingham’sbrightestyoungachievers werecelebratedattheprestigiousInspireAwards, heldattheScottishParliamentinEdinburgh.Diah Patel,14,whoattendsKingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls,wontheFearlessAchieverintheAllRoundercategory,whileVarnikaNuguri,aged eight,ofAcocksGreenPrimarySchool,wonthe BuddingArtistinArt&Creativity.Diahisa publishedauthor,poet,entrepreneuranddedicated charityfund-raiserwhodonates50percentofher candlebusinessprofitstoamentalhealthcharity. Varnikaisawinnerofacard-makingcontestand excelsincrafts,designandmandalaart.

GOLDENGIRL: ImogenwithDan Westwood,salesdirectoratNicol&Co

Thirteen-year-oldImogen Raxterstruckgoldwhenshe wonthebadmintoneventin theWorldTransplantGamesin Dresden,Germany. RepresentingTeamGB,the teenagerfromDroitwichalso pickedupasilvermedalinthe 5kmcyclingroadrace.Imogen receivedalife-savingliver transplantwhenshewasjust fourmonthsoldandhastaken partintheBritishTransplant Gamessincetheageofthree, butthiswasherfirstWorld Games.Thecostofhertripwas helpedbyadonationfromlocal estateagentsNicol&Co.

LYNDONSCOOPSNATIONALAWARD

LyndonSchooliscelebratingnationalrecognition afterbeingnamedaBronzeWinnerinthe prestigious2025PearsonNationalTeaching Awards.Theschoolwashonouredinthe categoryof‘MakingaDifference–Secondary SchooloftheYear’,areflectionoftheschool’s commitmenttochanginglivesthrougheducation andcreatinglastingimpactforlearners,staff members,andthewidercommunity.Judges praisedLyndonforitsholisticapproachto educationandforservingasaninspiring exampletoothersinthesector.

WRITINGFROM THEHEART

WITH27PUBLISHEDBOOKS,WITHMORETOCOME,PLUSABLOSSOMINGCAREERASA FILM-MAKER,BEST-SELLINGAUTHORDGTORRENSHASTURNEDATORRIDCHILDHOOD OFCAREHOMEABUSEANDVIOLENCEINTOANINSPIRATIONALSUCCESSSTORY

DGTorrens,isabest-sellingauthorand filmmakerfromBirminghamwith27 publishedbooks.Sheisbestknownfor writingAmelia’sStorywhichsoldseveralhundred thousandcopiesworldwide,asfarafieldasJapan, MexicoandIndia.

SherecentlypublishedThreeForaGirl,book threeinwhatwillbeaseriesof10domesticthriller storiesthatshinealightonabuse,including domesticviolence,coercivecontrolandnarcissism, throughfictionalstories.It’sasubjectclosetoher heartandwithwhichshesharesgreatknowledgeas asurvivorherselfofchildhooddomesticviolence whoisnowinher50s.

Likemanyleadingauthors,herwritingisfromthe heartandfromexperience.Shesays:“Amelia’sStory, myfirstpublishedbook,isreallymymemoir.Itwas mystoryformydaughter,sowhenshewasoldershe wouldhaveadeeperunderstandingofhermother’s difficultsurvivaljourney.Itisastoryoftriumphover adversity.”

READINGTOESCAPE

DG(herfirstnameisDawn,althougheveryone knowsherasDG)wasbroughtupinthestatecare systemalongwithherthreesiblingsandsaysthe environmentwassoharshthatshetriedtohide behindthecurtainsandshutouteverythingthatwas goingonaroundher.Thehometheywereinhada paedophileringwhichpreyedontheboysincare.The fourchildrenweresplitupandsenttocarehomes scatteredacrossthecountry.Sheremembersrunning awayfromthehomeatnight,wearingjusther pyjamastotryandfindherbrother.

Amidtheturmoil,DGfoundcomfortand escapismthroughreading,withherfirstbooksbeing EnidBlyton’sFamousFiveseries.Shealsodiscovered CharlesDickensandsayssherelatedtohiswriting, particularlyOliverTwist,astorythatwasinsomeways similartoherown.“Dickensbecameakindofmentor forme,”shesaid.

“Ibeganwritingagedninewithpoetryandshort stories,whichwasawelcomedistraction.BythetimeI was30,Ihadseveralhalf-writtennovels–half-written becauseIwasworkingadayjobandtimewasvery limited.Nineyearslater,Ileftmydayjobandtookthe

plungetobecomeafull-timeauthor.Itprovedtobe thebestdecisionIevermade.”

DREAMSCOMETRUE

Amelia’sStorybecameaNumberOnebest-seller onAmazon,andDGsaid:“Thatfirstbookgaveme wings!Iwroteaboutallmyexperiencesincareand howIsurvivedandgrew–toshowpeoplehowyou reallycanfulfilyourdreamsifyoutryhardenough andnevergivein.”

DG’swritingprocessishighlycreativebutalsovery precise.“Iwritewhatisinmyhead,itisthatsimple.” sheexplains.“Imakeaskeletonoutlinewithbullet pointsandtransportmyselftotheemotionalmomentsI amcreating.Iwriteincompletesilence.Iwillbewriting andIdon’thearanythingelsegoingonaroundme.I amtotallyimmersed.IcanevenshedtearsasI’m writing.AndIalwayshaveastorylinedupinmyhead beforeIfinishmycurrentwork.AfterAmelia’sStory, whichasImentionedismybiography,myotherbooks arefictional,althoughtheystilldrawonthemesfrom mylife.”

AMAZINGBRUM

Herworksspandiversegenres,fromdomestic thrillers,militaryromancetoromanticsuspense, drama/suspense,thrillers,contemporaryromance novels,andevenpoetrycollections.DG,wholives withherhusbandanddaughterinGreatBarr,said: “Birminghamhasbeenamazingforme.I’vebeenhere for37yearsandIlovethecityandthepeople.Myfirst chequefromAmazonwasforjust25dollars.Things havechangedsomuchovertheyearsandIamso proudofmysuccess.”

Thatsuccessincludesfilm-makingaftershecodirectedherfirstdocumentarytitledBirminghamA CityRootedinTalent,celebratingthevibrantcity,the remarkabletalentthatithasproducedoverthe decades,andfeaturing45interviewswithleading Birminghamcelebrities.DGteamedupwithcodirector,co-producerandfellowauthor,MartinTracey toformfilmproductioncompanyContraryTrees Productions.ThefilmwasnamedBestDocumentary attheBirminghamFilmFestival2024. ■

DG’slatestbook,ThreeForaGirl,isavailablefromAmazon

STUDIOLAUNCH

Award-winningBrummieagencyTribera haslaunchedB1Studios–astate-of-theartproductionspacedesignedtoputthe MidlandsfirmlyontheUK’screativemap. Locatedonthe23rdflooroftheAlpha Tower,B1Studiosgiveslocalbusinesses, brandsandcreatorsthetoolstoproduce high-qualitycontent–frompodcast recordingandphotographytofull-scale videoshoots.Ithasalreadyattracteda rangeofbignames–includingCosta Coffee,whorecentlyusedthespaceto shootcampaignsforitsSummerDrinks, SpanishLatte,andHotMilkshakeranges.

ROOMTOBLOOM

Alocalfloristhasopeneditsfirstbricksand-mortarstoreinWaterOrton. SamanthaJayeslaunchedtheFlowerGirl in2017,sharingherfloralcreationson socialmediaandgraduallybuildinga loyalfollowing.Thenewstoremarksa milestone,transformingasmall, independent,Instagram-borndreaminto ahubforfloralartistryandcommunity connection.Samanthasaid:“Tobe openingourfirstshopissuchaspecial moment,notjustformebutforeveryone whohassupportedthisjourney.”

BUSINESS

NEIL’SONBOARD

WestMidlandsGrowthCompany’schief executiveNeilRamihasbeenappointedtothe BritishTouristAuthorityboard.Theboardis responsibleforthedirectionofthenational tourismagency,withthestrategicaimstorebuild internationalvisitorvalue;positionBritainasa dynamic,diverse,sustainableandinclusive destination;andleadaresilientvisitoreconomy inEngland.Neilsaid:“Tourismisoneofthis country’slargestandmostvaluablesectors,with hugepotentialforfurthergrowth.Ilookforward toworkingwiththeboardtoensureitremainsa cornerstoneofourcountry’seconomy.”

LEADINGTHEWAY

Healthandwellbeingprovider BHSFhasmadetwosenior additionstoitsexecutive leadershipteam.

GeorginaCallaghanhasjoined theBirminghambusinessaschief operatingofficer,whileClare Enstoneisdirectorofriskand compliance.Georginahasmore than20yearsofexperiencein businesstransformation,digital innovationandoperational leadership,havingheldsenior rolesatKeyGroup,Co-op,PwC andBarclays.Theappointments comeastheorganisation continuestoreshapeitsservice offeringtomeetthechanging needsofthemodernworkforce.

HEALTHY VILLAGE

EdgbastonVillagecontinuestothriveastwo newwellnessandlifestylebusinessesopened forbusinessontheCalthorpeEstatelast month.MKReformed,acontemporary ReformerPilatesstudiobringsitsseventhsite toHarborneRoad,deliveringexpert-led classestobuildstrength,balanceandenergy. GrowingLittleOnes,theUK’sfirstBaby Hamam&Spa,hasmovedintoGreenfield Crescent,offeringpioneeringwellness experiencesforparentsandnewborns.

GROWINGPLACES

Nationalaudit,tax,advisoryandconsultingfirmCrowehasopenedanewoffice inBirmingham,markingasignificantstepinitscontinuedgrowthstrategyinthe Midlands.ThefirmoccupiestheentireeighthflooroftheOneColmoreRow building.RossPrince,managingpartner,said:“Theoffice’sprimelocation positionsusintheheartofthecity’sdynamicbusinesscommunityandenablesus tobeevenmoreconnectedtoourclientsandwiderbusinessnetwork.”

NEWGENERATION

AgroupofnewtraineeshasbeentakenonbyBirminghamlawfirmmfg Solicitorsasitinvestsinthenextgeneration.Thenewcomershavetwoyeartrainingcontractswhichwillseethemgainexperienceacrossdifferent departmentswithinthefirm.TomEsler,partnerandtrainingprincipleat mfg,said:“Everyyearwetakeonanexceptionalgroupoftrainee solicitorsandthisyearisnodifferent.Allninetraineeshaveshowcased theirpassiontocarveoutsuccessfulcareersinthelegalsector.”

BEARSGO

WELCOMEPARTNER

SquirePattonBoggshasappointedPartho ChaudhuriasapartnerinitsCorporatePractice GroupinBirmingham.Withmorethan14years’ experienceasacorporatelawyer,Partho,pictured right,waspreviouslyatDeloitte.Hehasatrack recordforhandlinghighvalueandcomplex domesticandinternationaltransactions.He advisesonallstagesofdomesticandcross-border M&Atransactions,frompre-dealstructuring, restructuring,carve-outsthroughtotransaction negotiationsandpost-mergerintegration.

WarwickshireCountryCricketClub(WCCC)hasformedajointglobalventurewith PakistancricketingfranchiseLahoreQalandars.Thecollaborationispartoftheclubs’ long-termvisiontogrowcricketacrossWarwickshireintheUK,andLahoreinPakistan. Theventurewillfocusontalentandperformancedevelopmentthroughplayerandcoach exchanges,academiesandscoutingnetworks,communityprojects,supportforgrassroot cricket,andcommercialopportunities.AbrahamKhan,financedirectorofWCCC,said: “Thisisaboutcreatingopportunitiesthatwillfurtherenhancethegrowthofthegame.”

FITFORTHEFUTURE

Anindependentfitnessbusinessisexpandingthankstoafreesupportprogramme.Sophie Richardson,picturedsecondright,launchedSJRFitnessfromhergymatWarwickSportsClubin 2024,offeringpersonaltrainingandclassestoindividualsandgroups.Oneofherclients recommendedshespeaktoCoventryandWarwickshireChamberofCommerceaboutsupportto boostherplansforgrowth.AndwiththehelpofbusinessadviserSaffronMedway,Sophiehas builtuphersocialmediamarketingpresenceandcreatedanexcitingnewbusinessplan.

CHANGEMAKERCERYS

PassionatemusicianCerysPurserreceivedtheprestigiousWarwickshire Changemaker2025awardforhercontributioninmakingthecountya betterplacetolive.CerysworkswithWarwick–ASingingTown,which featuresweeklysingingtuitionforlocalprimaryschoolchildrenandSingfor Joycommunitychoirsbasedatlocalcommunitycentres.Shealsoworks withpeopleincommunity,careandhospitalsettingstofeelmore connectedtoandsupported.Ceryssaid:“Iamincrediblyproudtohavethe opportunitytosharethebenefitsofsingingwithsomanypeopleinour community,especiallythosewhoareillorelderly.”

LOOKINGTOTHEFUTURE

LawfirmWilkeswelcomedfivenewtraineesolicitorsaspartofits ongoinginvestmentinthenextgenerationoflegalprofessionals.All ofthetraineeswillbeworkinginvariousdepartmentswithinthe firmwheretheywillgainexperienceacrossarangeofpracticeareas aspartofWilkes’programmedesignedtodeveloptheskillsand confidencetoprogresstheircareersinlaw.TrainingprincipalMark Hodgsonsaid:“Ourtraineesolicitorsarethefutureofthefirm,and weareproudtowelcomethem”.

JEWELLERY’SREBORNGEM

AVictorianbuildinghasbeenrestoredtoprovidenewhomesintheheartof Birmingham’shistoricJewelleryQuarter.MayorRichardParkertouredthefinished GreatHamptonStreetWorksforthefirsttimesinceseeingworkgetunderwayon theproject15monthsago.TheGradeIIlistedbuildinginGreatHamptonStreet hadbeenusedasawarehouseandneededacomprehensiveoverhaultobringit backtolifeandprotectitforfuturegenerations.Theprojectwascarriedoutby GreatHamptonStreetButtonWorksandHanehouseDevelopments.

BUSINESS BITES

FRENCHCONNECTION

AirFranceiscelebrating40yearsofservices fromBirminghamAirport.Thecarrierwhich launchedin1985offersaccesstoParis alongwithonwardconnectivitytomore than180destinationsacrossthewiderAir Franceworldwidenetwork.Combinedwith thenetworkofKLMandTransavia,Air Francecustomerscanreachover320 destinationsacrosstheglobe.

SPORTINGVISION

EdgbastonStadiumhascompletedaworldfirsttrialofGiveVision’sground-breaking assistivetechnology,givingvisually impairedcricketfansanewwaytowatch andexperiencelivesport.Agroupofnine cricketfanswithvaryingvisualimpairments usedthetechnologyduringTheHundred's MidlandsderbybetweenBirmingham PhoenixandNottingham’sTrentRockets.

LEGALLANDMARK

LeadingnationallawfirmClarkeWillmott LLPiscelebratingthe20thanniversaryofits Birminghamoffice.Sinceopeningitsdoors in2005,theBirminghamofficehasplayeda vitalroleinthefirm’sgrowthandcontinues toprovidehighqualitylegaladviceto clientsacrosstheMidlandsandbeyond.

CARECHAMPIONS

ABirminghamnursinghomeiscelebratingaftera summerfilledwithprestigiousawards.Theaccolades forRobertHarveyHouserecognisedoutstandingcare, innovationinresearchandinfectioncontrol.Thehome isknownforitsdementia-friendlydesignandsensory environments,includingatherapeuticgarden,a1950sstylesensorystreetandcalmingindoorspaces.Helen Gore,chiefexecutiveofBCOP,whichrunsthehome, said:“Theseawardsreflecttheteam’sdedicationnot onlytodeliveringexcellentcarebutalsotopushingthe boundariesofwhat’spossibleinacarehomesetting.”

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GOLFSTARSSHINE ATTHEHALL

TheFarmfoodsBritishPar3Championship, nowinits92ndyear,tookplaceatNailcote Hall,Warwickshirewithtopnamesfrom worldofsportonshow

Oneofthebigannualeventsofthesporting andsocialcalendarsawgolfinglegends struttheirstuffattheannualFarmfoods BritishPar3Championship.Thisyear,thesuperstar fieldincludedIanWoosnam,PaulLaurie,Robert Rock,TonyJacklin,AlanMcInallyandGladiator Diamond,akaLiviSheldon.Spanishprofessional CarlSunesonwastheoverallchampion,finishing eightunderparovertwosetsof18holes. ■

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: ThePinkBall WHEN: 4October

WHERE: NailcoteHall,nailcotehall.co.uk

Thestunningannualcharityballreturns forafabeveningofentertainment withTheDreamettesandgreatfood, allwhileraisingvitalfundsfor BreastCancermedicalequipmentfor localhospitals.

WHAT: HorseoftheYearShow2025

WHEN: 8to12October

WHERE: NECBirmingham, hoys.co.uk

Thebiggestweekoftheyearforallthings equestrianisbackinBrumwithfivedays ofthrillingcompetition,familyfavourites andunmissabledisplays.Amust-visit forhorseloversofallages!

WHAT: TreadingWater

WHEN: From3October

WHERE: DigbethArtSpace,digbethartspace.com

Blurringthelinesbetweentextandimage,thispowerfuland immersiveexhibitionisacollaborativeworkfromwriter TommyHolmesandthreadartistImogenMorristhatexplores mentalhealth,vulnerabilityandcreativeexpression.

WHAT: 2:22AGhostStory

WHEN: 13to18October

WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com

WrittenbyDannyRobins,thisedge-of-yourseatsupernaturalthrillerstarsStaceyDooley andKevinCliftoninabrilliantlyfunnyand adrenaline-fillednightwheresecrets emerge.Whatdoyoubelieveanddoyou darediscoverthetruth.

WHAT: MoulinRouge!TheMusical WHEN: 15Octoberto15November

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

Enteraworldofsplendour,ofeye-poppingexcess, ofglitz,grandeurandglory!Aworldwhere Bohemiansandaristocratsrubelbowsandrevelin electrifyingenchantmentasBazLuhrmann’s revolutionaryfilmcomestolifeonstage.

WHAT: MeasureforMeasure

WHEN: Nowuntil25October

WHERE: RSCTheatre, rsc.org.uk,tel:01789331111

Whenherbrotherfallsfoulofthe state’srigidmoralitylaws, Isabellaissenttopleadforhis lifeinShakespeare’srazor-sharp thrillerofhypocrisyand corruption.

WHAT: TheHouseofUsher

WHEN: 26October

WHERE: BirminghamBackTo Backs, nationaltrust.org.uk/birminghamback-to-backs

Afterbeingmysteriouslysummoned byachildhoodfriend,avisitorarrives atacrumblingmanorinableak, desolatelandscape.Thisreadingfrom localtheatre,NeuNoir,ofEdgarAllan Poe’sepicworkofhorrorfictionis perfectforHalloween.

WHAT: Lulu:IfOnlyYouKnew

WHEN: 6October

WHERE: TownHall, bmusic.co.uk

Withthereleaseofherhighly anticipatedmemoir,theGrammynominatedsinger,popsensation andactressisfinallytellingher whole,unfilteredstoryforthe veryfirsttime.

WHAT: SeafoodTasting Dinner

WHEN: 16October

WHERE: TheBoat Lichfield, theboat.restaurant

Thisshouldbeanamazingevening celebratingallthedeliciousnessoftheseawithaglorioussevencourse menufromtopchefLiamDillonthatincludesTartarofLangoustine,Roast HandDivedScallopandLobsterAgnolotti.Yum,yum.

WHAT: SoniaSabriCompany:Roshni WHEN: 12October

WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk

Anintimatecraftingofdanceandlivemusic, inspiredbythestoriesandexperiencesofeveryday peoplethatexploresthehighsandlowsoflife todayandgiveshopeforthefuture.

WHAT: DonaldLocke:ResistantForms

WHEN: From1October

WHERE: IkonGallery, ikon-gallery.org

AnexhibitionfromtheGuyanese-British artistfeaturingceramicsinspiredbynatural formsandthehumanbody,andlarger scalepaintingsandsculpturesexploring issuesaroundhistoryandidentity.

WHAT: Showstopper!TheImprovisedMusical WHEN: 9October

WHERE: WarwickArtsCentre, warwickartscentre.co.uk

Spontaneousmusicalcomedyatitsfinest!Afully improvisedmusicalcreatedonthespotfromaudience suggestions.Sogood,it’sevenwonanOlivierAward.

WHAT: BlackistheColorofmyVoice WHEN: 15and16October

WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk

InspiredbythelifeofNinaSimoneand featuringmanyofhermosticonicsongs performedlive,ApphiaCampbell’s acclaimedplayfollowsthesingerandcivil rightsactivistassheseeksredemption aftertheuntimelydeathofherfather.

WHAT: AnEveningwithFreddieFlintoff WHEN: 14October

WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk

Jointhelegendarycricketingall-rounder andTVpresenterashesharesthedefining momentsthatshapedhisextraordinary lifeandcareer–inhisownwords.

(c)AlexBrenner

CLOSEWITHÁ

EDSHEDD

THECHAIROFCREATECENTRAL–WHICHLOOKSTOSUPERCHARGETHE CREATIVESECTORINTHEWESTMIDLANDS–ISCELEBRATINGTHEBBC’S DECISIONTOCREATEEVENMORECONTENTINBIRMINGHAM,ADDINGTO AWARD-WINNINGPRODUCTIONSSUCHASSILENTWITNESS,MASTERCHEF ANDPEAKYBLINDERSWHICHAREALREADYMADEHERE

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

Ihavealwaysbeenfascinatedbythosewhocantell agreatstoryandwhocanmakeanideafeelasrealas reallife.Ihavespentmywholecareerwiththose people,thestorytellers,thecreatives,thosewhowantto changetheworldthroughideas,workingwiththe likesoftheBBC,ITV,Google,Activision,Fox,Sony andmanyotherstohelptheminvestinandenable storytellers.

IT’SWHATIDO

IamChairofCreateCentral,whoseroleissimple:to growthecreativesectorintheWestMidlandsasrapidlyas possible.Thatmeanshelpfundingandbuildingtangible thingslikeTVstudios,suchastheBondinDigbeth, whereJoeLycettfilmshisdoubleBAFTAawardwinning Channel4chatshow,alongsidetheBBC’sSilentWitness, itsneighbourDigbethLoc,StevenKnight’sveryown studios(wherehefilmsyouknowwhat!),andhis neighbourtheBananaWarehousewhereMasterChefis made.Italsomeansrunningskillstraining.Wehave trainedmorethan500apprenticeswhoarenowworking inthecreativesector,whileDigbethhasgonefromhaving tensofpeopleworkinginthesectortoover1,000.

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

Myambitionistohelpbuildacreativesectorwhichis globallyrecognisedasoneofthegreatestplacesfor anyone,fromanywheretotellastory,andforthestories wetelltheworld.Withover100languagesspokenin Birminghamalonewehavesomanystorieswaitingtobe told,andIwanttoenableustotellthem.Igrewup

listeningtoBenjaminZephaniahandbeingamazed. Wouldn’titbegreattofindthenextone,10or100 Zephaniahs!

BIGGESTSUCCESS

Professionally,itisbuildingamediaconsulting businessalmostfromscratchtobethelargestintheworld. Workingwithsomanybrilliantpeopletodosome extraordinarythings,suchashelpingtheBBClaunch iPlayer.MorerecentlyworkingwiththeMayorandBBC toagreeapartnershipwhichwillbringevenmore productionsintotheregion.Personally,it’sbeenbeing abletolivethelifeIwanted.Imetmywifeatschooland havetwolovelyandspiritedchildren.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Treateveryoneasafriendandtheywilldothesame.

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

Ourdeadpanhumour.WalkingthroughNewtown duringthebinstrike,IpassedanoldBirminghamCity Council‘Cleaner,Greener,Safer’sign,andsomeonehad piledbinbagsandputasofaontop,andchangedone wordonthesignsoitread:BirminghamCityCouncil ‘Cleaner,Greener,Sofa’.

DOWNTIME

EverytwoweeksIstandandsingintheHolteEndat AstonVillawithmyson.Inthesummer,Iplaycricket increasingbadlyastheyearscatchupwithme.AndIam alsoabigproponentofrewilding,whichmywifesaysis justanexcusenottocutthelawn… ■