Birmingham Living February 2023 (issue 120)

oveisintheairthismonthand,boy,doweneeditwithallthestrugglesandstrife athomeandinthewiderworld.So,let’scelebratebeingromanticandhavingfun asweallgetlovey-doveyforValentine’sDay.

Februaryistraditionallythemonthwhenguys,orgirls,popthequestion,getengagedandstartthe processofplanningthewedding.It’salsoabigmonthfortheBigDayitselfwithvenuesseeingawelcome spikeinbookings.

Thisissueisfullofideasforbridesandgrooms,ledbyourStylesectionwhichlooksatthelatesttrendsandbest optionsinbridalwear,whateveryourbudget.Weshowthatit’snotnecessarytospendthousandsonthedress–eventhoughit’sarealtreattodosoifyouhavethemoney,ofcourse!

ThegoodnewsisthatBrumhasahugeselectionofplacestochooseeverythingyouneedfortheperfectwedding, whetheryouwantavintagevibeoramodernmood.Andevenifyou’venotactuallypoppedthequestionyet,there areloadsofshops,restaurantsandromanticdestinationswhereyoucanindulgetheloveofyourlife.

Growingup,ChristineEdwardswasterrifiedofgoinginthewater.Sheexplainsinourfeaturethatherterrorwas compoundedbyseeingthefilmJaws.Shedideventuallyovercomeherfearandhassincecompletedmorethan 1,200dives,swimmingwithsharks.Now,shehaswrittenabookinwhichshetriestorebalanceourperceptions ofsharksasrandomkillers.Thebookisaimedatyoungstersaged12andabove.It’sagreatreadandrevealshow thesemagnificentcreaturesareactuallyindangerofbeinghuntedtoextinction.

@brum_living/bhamliving

Coverimage: MimShaikhbyDavidReiss

EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk

FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk

DESIGNER: TracyDuffy

CONTRIBUTORS: SueCooke,KatieGardner,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn

JonathanCarter

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

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Highlights

MimShaikh

Thebroadcasterandactortalkshisnew rom-comfilm…andonedayplaying007

SwimmingwithSharks

HowactorandauthorChristineEdwards beatherfearofJawstowriteanewbook

Food&Drink

HeadchefDiveshAnand,plusromantic foodanddrinkideas,recipesandnews

Health

Birminghamishostingtopsquashevents –butit’sasportforall,notjustthepros

Style

Loveisintheairaswereviewthatlatest trendsinweddingwear,plusbeautypicks

Homes

Bolsteryourchancesofagreatnight’s sleepwithourtipsforadreamybedroom

BestoftheRest

46 48 52 56 64 66

Motoring SueCooketakestheFunkyCatforaspin. No,we’renotkidding…we’repurring!

Young,Gifted&Brummie Talentedteenagerwholovestopaint isearninginternationalcommissions

FokaWolf Theguerillastreetartistwhokeeps hisidentityaclosely-guardedsecret

Business Newsandviewsfromthecommercial community,plusourSocialsround-up

What’sOn

Latestfromthecity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthismonth’smainevents

UpClose

WithDrLinziStauvers,theactingartistic directorofeducationatIkon,Brindleyplace

SLEEP WITH LIONS

Fancysleepingawhiskerawayfromlions?West MidlandSafariParkhasopenedbookingsforitsnew luxuryLionLodges.Thefourlodgesallowgueststo experienceanovernightstaywithinthebrand-new lionhabitat.OpeninginJuly,eachlodgecan accommodateuptosixpeople.Floor-to-ceiling windowsgiveagreatviewofthebigcatsfromthe bedrooms,livingspaceandprivategardenareas.

NEWS

SLAMDUNKPLEDGE

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

OrganisationswhoholdaCovenant recognisethevalueservingpersonnel, veteransandmilitaryfamilies contributetotheirbusinessandthe country.TheNechells-basedRockets have16men’s,women’sandyouth teamscompetingnationallyandan educationalacademyprogramme.

DATEWITHTHEKING

Themulti-TonyAward-winning productionofRodgers&Hammerstein’s TheKingandIarrivesatTheAlexandra Birminghamfrom28Februaryto4

March.Broadwaystarandfilmactor DarrenLeewillplaythetitleroleofThe KingofSiamoppositeHelenGeorge, knowntomillionsasTrixieinthehitBBC OneseriesCalltheMidwife,whowill starasAnnaLeonowens.

BLUESLEGEND

TheUK’slongestestablishedindependentrecord company,Birmingham’sBigBearRecords,has releasedalong-awaited,newCDalbumbyoneof America’sblueslegends.ThelaunchofThingsIUsed toDobyChickWilliswasheldatHenry’sBlueshouse atVelvetMusicRooms.ChickWillis,borninCabaniss, Georgiain1934,isknownthroughouttheblues worldasTheStoopDownManthankstohis1950s hitsingleofthesamename.

THESINGINGBUSMAN MAGICOFMOG

BusdriverRanjitSinghhasbecomeanunlikelysingingstaronYouTube.The59year-oldwhoisbasedatNationalExpressWestMidlandsdepotinWest Bromwich,createdthefeel-goodmusicvideoabouthisjob,combininghislovefor drivingandsinging.Thevideo,whichhasbeenviewedthousandsoftimes,was filmedinPunjabiandpublishedsothatRanjitcouldsharewithhisfamilyand friendsinIndiawhathedoesforwork.

BIKINGBOOST

TransportforWestMidlands(TfWM)hasbeen awardednearly£3.5millioninfundingto supportthedesign,planninganddevelopment ofcycling,wheelingandwalkingschemesin theregion.ThegrantfromActiveTravel England’sCapabilityFundwillbeusedby TfWMtodelivertheregion’sambitiousactive travelplans,greenjobsandtoensureitsnew cycleroutes,lanesandprojectsareofthe highestqualityanddesignstandards.

ThefirststageadaptationofJudithKerr’s best-sellingMogpicturebooksiscoming toBrum.MogtheForgetfulCatfeatures originalsongs,livemusicanda menagerieofcreatureslittleandlargeto bringtheiconicstoriestolife.Amust-see forallthefamily,thetourproductionhas addedextradatesandwillnowlandat theRepfrom13to15April.

ONTHE BALL NEWYEARFEAST

Getreadytobebowledover!TheBullringandGrandCentralissettowelcome Lane7thissummerasthecentre’sleisureofferingcontinuestogrow.The boutiquebowlingvenuewillopenatLinkStreetandofferawiderangeofgames, late-nighttradingandarooftopterracebarwithviewsacrossthecitycentre.It willalsohouseretroarcadegames,beerpongstationsandkaraoke.

TAPANDCAP SAVINGS

Researchbytwolocal studentshasrevealedthat aLondonOyster-style ‘tapandcap’fare-paying systemwouldprovide savingsforyoungpeople intheMidlandsaswellas amassiveboostforbus andtramoperators.The study,forMidlands Connect,byCharlie GoddardofStourbridge andSamuelIslamof GreatBarrrevealedthat smartticketingcouldcut students’travelcostsby upto£50ayear, dependingontheir commute.

GAMEON!

RoxyLeisureissettoopenitssecondBirminghamsitethis month.ThenewRoxyBallRoomisontheVictoriaSquaresite previouslyoccupiedbyKong,whichfailedtoreopenafterthe pandemic.Thecompetitivegamingconceptwillfeature activitiessuchasAmericanpool,basketball,beerpong,ping pong,shuffleboard,ten-pinbowlingandmore,alongsidea menuofcraftbeer,premiumspiritsandRoxy’ssignaturefood anddrinksoffering.

CommitteeBirminghamput onastunningshowto celebratetheLunarNew Year.Thefestivitiesincluded singing,dancingandmusic, highenergydrum performancesandShaolin KungFudemonstrations. ChrisSudworth,the Hippodrome’sdirectorof artisticprogramme, said:“Theeventshonea spotlightonthefantastic talentwithinourlocal communitieswhilebringing visitorstogetherto welcomeintheYearofthe Rabbit.”

WONDROUSWIN

TheopeningshowoftheBirmingham2022Festival haswontheprestigiousAccessAllAreasAwardinthe DiversityandInclusioncategory,ataceremonyheldin London.ThefreeWondrousStoriesoutdoorshowwas createdanddirectedbyKevinFinnan,artisticdirectorof Motionhouse,andproducedbyfemale-ledproduction company,OutdoorPlacesUnusualSpaces(OPUS).The showfeatured250performersandwasseenbymore than22,000peopleoverfournights.

MOONMISSION

AnewshowatBirminghamHippodromeis beingbilledastheperfectintroductionto contemporarydanceforyoungpeopleand families.Starchitectsisavisualspectacleusing dance-circusfusionanddigitalprojectionswith aneasy-to-follow,funandimaginativestoryline featuringfivechildrenwhodreamofreaching themoonfromtheirbedroom.Youcanseethe showon3and4February.

IAN’SWORLDFIRST

Anewplaywrittenbyandstarring Solihull-bornIanHallard,pictured, makesitsworldpremierethismonthat BirminghamRep.TheWayOldFriends Dofollowstwoschoolpalswhoreunite toformtheworld’sfirstABBAtribute band–indrag!ThecastincludesDonna BerlinofTV’sDoctorsandRose ShallooofCalltheMidwife.The production,whichrunsfrom17February to4March,alsofeaturesthevoicesof twooftheUK’sbest-lovedperformers, MiriamMargolyesandPaulO'Grady.

DREAMTREAT

MillenniumPointhostedaspecialperformanceforitsVIPguestsfeaturing principalmembersofthecastfromthemulti-award-winningWestEnd productionofDreamgirls,duringitsmonth-longrunatTheAlexandra, Birmingham.NicoleRaquelDennis,HollyLiburd,PaigePeddieandBrianna Ogunbawotreatedinvitedgueststoashowcaseofshowtunes,includingthe classicAndIAmTellingYouandOneNightOnly. WhatdotheCockerSpaniel,Welsh Terrier,StandardPoodleandIrishSetterall haveincommon–besidesbeing caninesofcourse?They’rethetopdogs whenitcomestopickingupthemost BestinShowtitlesinthelonghistoryof Crufts.So,willoneofthemwinagain whentheshowreturnstotheNECfrom 9to12March?Fortherecord,theCocker Spanielisthebiggestwinner,claimingthe titleseventimes.Findoutmoreaboutthis year’seventandticketsatcrufts.org.uk

WHOWILLBETOPDOG?

PARKTHERIDE

AnewParktheRideschemeispromisingtoreduceemissions andcongestionwhilemakingvisitingBirminghamcitycentre shopsandattractionseasier.TheinitiativebyCalthorpe EstateswilloperatealongHagleyRoadatDuchess Place–60metresacrosstheroadfromthe EdgbastonVillagetramstop.Theschemeuses theRingGoapp,(locationnumber33633), withthetariffstartingat£4forupto 3hours,and£7for24hrs.Monthly schemesarealsoavailable.

THENAME’S MIM…

WECAUGHTUPWITHBROADCASTERANDACTORMIMSHAIKHINTHERUNUPTOTHERELEASEOFHISMOSTHIGH-PROFILEFILMTODATE–ABEAUTIFUL MULTICULTURALROM-COMMADEBYTHEPEOPLEBEHINDLOVEACTUALLY.

AFARCRYFROMHISABSOLUTEDREAMROLETOONEDAYPLAY007…

What’sLoveGotToDoWithIt?isdueoutnextmonth andstarssomeseriouslybignames–Emma Thompson,LilyJamesandShazadLatif.Madeby StudioCanalofLoveActuallyandBridgetJonessuccess,youcan expecttears,laughter,feelgoodvibesandgoosebumpsgalore.It’s gotthelot.

TheplotfollowsZoeplayedbyLilyJames,anaward-winning documentarymaker,asshefollowsanewsubject–herchildhood friendKazplayedbyShazadLatifasheprogressesthroughthe processofanarrangedmarriage.MimplaysKaz’sbrother Farooq,andhe’sthankfulforthefilmfortworeasons.Mainly becauseitrepresentsashiftindiversityinmainstreamfilmbut alsobecauseitcamealongatatimeduringlockdownwhenthe abilitytomakemoneyjuststopped,sothiswasa‘bigrescue’.

WORKETHIC

You’llknowMimfromBBCOnecrimedramaInformerwhich alsostarredPaddyConsidine,NabhaanRizwanandBelPowley, buthe’sbeenworkinginTVandradioconsistentlyforthelast decade.Hemadehisscreendebutinthe2014shortfilm DaytimerdirectedbyactorRizAhmedandwasaregularon BBC1XtraandBBCAsianNetwork.

Heappearedin2016shortfilmShiaSunniwhichwona BAFTAChildren’sAwardandplayedtheleadingroleinBritish comedyhorrorFreeholdalongsideMandeepDhillonandJavier Botet.HealsoappearedinPilgrimage:TheRoadtoIstanbulon

Photography:DavidReiss

Styling:CharlotteMalley

Grooming:FiryalArneil

BBC2alongsideaneclecticbunchofcelebrities includingAdrianChiles,FatimaWhitbread,Edwina Currie,AmarLatif,PaulineMcLynnandDomJoly whotookonahistoricalpilgrimageandwere encouragedtochatabouttheirfaithalongtheway.

In2018,hefoundhisfatherwho’dbeenabsenthis entirelifeinBBCThreedocumentary,FindingDad inwhichMimspent18monthstrackingdownhis biologicalfathertakinghimultimatelytoPakistan viahisbirthplaceinCradleyHeath.Whilehedidn’t gettheDisneyendinghecravedandtherewerelots ofunansweredquestions,Mimdidfindhisfather andaresolutionofsortsandunexpectedlyfelta strongconnectiontoPakistanfeelingathome instantly.It'sbeenawhirlwind.

SILVERLINING

WhenMimgotthescriptforWhat’sLoveGotTo DoWithIt?hewaswonderinghowhewould continuemakingalivingduringlockdown.Mim said:“Workstoppedcompletely.I’mnotfroma privilegedbackgroundandcouldn’tseeawayof makingmoney.Myagentsentthescriptthroughand Ireallyconnectedwithit.Itwasasilverlining.”The auditionneededtobedoneathomethanksto lockdownandMimdulyrecordedandsentoffatape hopingtohearpositivenews.

Hegotthepartandstartedshootingduring lockdown.FiveCovidtestsaweek,plusmasksand faceshieldsbetweenfilmingbecamethenorm.The castandcrewjustcrackedonwithitgratefultobe abletowork.Mimisoverthemoonwithhowthe film’sturnedoutanddescribesitas‘absolutely beautiful’andanimportantstoryexploringarranged marriageandparticularlyhowthataffectstheman.

STORYTELLER

GoingbacktoMim’slackofprivilege,heglossed overgettinghisfirstjobattheBBCinitiallyas thoughitwasnothing,buthe’sbeingmodest.He studiedBroadcastJournalismatLeedsUniversity thenworkedhardtogethisfootinthedoor. CompetitionforBBCjobsisfierceandhedidn’t havetheluxuryofbeingfromthatworldorhaving connectionsinbroadcasting.Hardwork,talentand determinationgothimthroughthedoorandhaskept himworkingandadaptingconstantly.

He’sversatileasdemonstratedbyhisbroadmixof workandlovestellingstorieswhateverformthat takes,sowritingduringlockdownfeltlikealogical nextstepalongsideacting.Likelotsofpeople,Mim hadtimetoevaluatelifegenerallyduringthe pandemicandhebeganwritinginearnest.Hewon’t saywhathe’swritingyet.Hecouldtellme,buthe’d havetokillmewhichleadsnicelyontoMim’sdream role–JamesBond.Whilehereckonshe’sabityoung rightnow,we’dwatchthisspacebecausehonestly, anythingispossible. ■

CatchWhat’sLoveGotToDoWithIt?incinemasfrom27February.

SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

ActorandauthorChristineEdwardswasterrifiedofgoingintothewater afterwatchingthefilmJaws.Afterfinallybeatingherfear–andnow withmorethan1,200divesunderherbelt–shehaswrittenanew children’sbookchampioningthismost-misunderstoodofseacreatures

Asayoungster,ChristineEdwardswasscaredof swimminginthesea.Shewouldn’tevenventureto paddle.Thatfeargrewintoterroraftershewatchedthe legendaryfilmJawsaboutaGreatWhiteSharkthatbrought deathtoholidaybeaches.

“Thethoughtofwhatmightbelurkingunderthesurfaceof thewaterwastoomuchforme,”shesaid.“Thethoughtthat sharksmightbewaitingtopounce.Iwaspetrified,andastime wentbymyterrorgrewworse.”

EverythingchangedforChristineaftershewasdaredby friendsintotryingascubadivein2006.Morethan1,200dives aroundtheglobelater,shenowadoressharks.Somuchso,that shehaswrittenanewbook,herfirst,aboutsharks.Thebook, titledSharksAreScaryAren’tThey?isaimedprimarilyat teenagersasChristinelookstochangetheperceptionwitha youngaudienceoftheseacreaturesasmaraudingkillers.

HUMANIMPACT

Alsoagoodreadforadults,thebooktacklesthemessuchas thehumanimpactontheenvironmentandtheprotectionof sharksandtheirhabitats,aswellassomeofthe‘badpress’that sharkshavesufferedovertheyearsasaresultoftheoriginalJaws movieandfollow-upsequels.

Christinesaid:“Conqueringadeep-rootedfearoftheseaand terrifiedofthesharksthatroamedthere,thedecisiontotryascuba divechangedmylife.ThemomentIsankbeneaththewavesand glimpsedattheworldbelowthesurface,Iwaswellandtruly hooked.WheneverIwoulddescribemysharkencounterstofriends orfamilytheyinvariablyexpressedconcernandquestionedwhy anyonewoulddivewithsuchadangerousspecies.Mybookcame outoftheneedtoredressthebalanceforthiswonderfulfish.

“Sharkshaveexistedfor450millionyears,wellbeforethe dinosaurs,andstillexisttoday.Theyarebeinghuntedand cruellykilledfortheirfinsandareprobablyoneofthemost misunderstoodcreaturesonourplanet.Theknock-oneffectof theirdemisewillbecatastrophic.Oceanswithoutsharkswill causenegativechangestootherspecies–withoutthispredator keepingotherfishincheck,ourcoastlinesandreefswill ultimatelysuffer.Theoceansneedsharks!”

CAREERCHANGE

BorninChester,Christine,wholivesinWythall, Worcestershire,readpsychologyatWarwickUniversitybefore workingasateacherfor20years.In2004,shemadethedecision

tochangecareersandtrainedatBirmingham TheatreSchooltobecomeanactor.Whenwespoke shehadjustplayedMrsClausatWarwickCastle’s Christmascelebrations.

HerbookfollowstheemotionaljourneyofCharlie Parker,afearful12-year-oldboy,andJaneJones,a retireddentistandscubadiver,whomeetbychance onabeach.Despitetheyearsthatseparatethem,they discovertheyhavemuchincommon.

Hearingaboutthestrugglesanddangerssharks faceandhowtheyareonthebrinkofextinction, bringsthetwofriendsclosertogether.Thereare storiesofsharkencounters,themajestyofthe underwaterworldandhowtheimpactofhuman

SharksAreScaryAren’tThey?ispublished bytheBookGuild(www.bookguild.co.uk) at£8.99andisavailableonlineandfrom allgoodbookshops.

activityandplasticpollutionisaffectingtheirhabitat. Mostofall,thetwocharacterslearnaboutthepower ofthehumanspirittochangeinthefaceofadversity.

GREATWHITE

“Istartedwritingthebookonaboatin2017,”said Christine.“I’dbeenonadiveinIndonesiaandasI wrotethefirstchapter,Icouldseethebookandwhat Iwantedtosayinmymind.Ieventuallyfinishedit in2021.”Christinecandivetoaround30metres(120 feet)andhasseenahugevarietyofsharks.“They don’twanttoattackatall,”shesaid.“Ifyouthinkof sharkslikedogs–mostaren’thappytobiteatall.”

Christinehopesherbookwillgointoschoolsasshe wouldlovetomakethatconnectionasanex-head teacherherself.She’salsopromotingthebookonradio. Evenforsomeonewhoadoressharks,Christineadmits shestopsshortofwantingtomeetaGreatWhite.

“I’venotencounteredaGreatWhiteandfrankly Idon’twantto.Theyarejusttoounpredictable,” sheadmits. ■

UNDERWATERMISSION: Christineononeofhermanydivesforsharks.Picture:JaneDaviesPhotography

DIVESH ANAND

TheheadchefatFiveRiversALaCarte, WalsallisobsessedwithIndianfoodbut alsoenjoysexploringworldcuisine.

He’lleventrybeansontoast–aslong asthey’respicedupwithmasala…

Tellusaboutyourcooking

Mystyleisinnovativeandcontemporary.Ihavea vastknowledgeoftraditionalIndiancookingmethods andrecipesandbringanexcitingfusioninmarrying authenticIndiancuisinewithcontemporaryplating that’sontrend.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

Ihavealwayshadapassionaboutgreatfood fromayoungageandwasencouragedtofollowthis bymyfamily.Ipursuedmyhobbyandinstantly knew–whenIenrolledforaninternshipatthe OberoiHotelGroup–thatIwasbornfor hospitality!Youhavetobecutfromacertaintype ofclothtosucceedinthissector,andespecially avibrantkitchen.Irapidlygrewthroughthe ranksandhavehadthepleasureofcateringfor manycelebrities,governmentofficialsandVIPsin mycareer.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

IamobsessedwithIndiancuisinebutenjoy exploringandbroadeningmyknowledgeonworld cuisine.IparticularlylikeThaiandItalianandwill experimentathomefromtimetotime.

Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?Andwho’s thebestinBrum?

Therearemanygreatchefsintheworld,but GagganAnand,forme,isthebestamongthe modernIndiancuisinesector.AsforBirmingham,I haven’tbeenherelongasIarrivedfromUAEin summeroflastyear,butworkingverycloselywith

executivechefRashpalSunnerhereatFiveRivers,I understandwhyhehasbeensohighlyacclaimedin theBirminghamscene.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

Nobrainer…NihariGosht,servedonthebone, whichwillbeanewadditionandfeatureonournewa lacartemenu–amusttry!

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Heavenisblackdaalbecauseit’swholesome, flavoursome,affordableandremindsmeofmy childhoodandhomecomforts.Asforhell,whenI cametothiscountryIdiscoveredbeansontoast–it's soplain!ButifyouspiceitupwithmasalaImightbe willingtogiveitanothergo…

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?

WheninParis,Ihadtotrysnails.Theywerewell marinatedinafreshgarlicpuree.Veryunusualforme, butIwaspleasantlysurprised.

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

Toughquestion!Ireallycan’timaginelifedoing anythingelse,althoughIdoenjoytravelling–so maybeapilot?IamveryluckythatIcansharemy passionandloveforfoodandtravelwhiledoingit. ThisismyfourthcountrywhereIcanshowcasemy culinarystyleafterIndia,QatarandtheUAE. ■

FiveRivers,11VicaragePlace,Walsall,WS13NA. fiveriversalacarte.co.uk

CHOCOLATE LOVE-IN

Ourindulgentchocolatemoussecakewillmelt theheartofthatspecialpersoninyourlife

INGREDIENTS

Forthechocolatecake

■ 25gcocoapowder,plusextrafordusting

■ 3tbspboilingwater

■ 100gcastersugar

■ 100gself-raisingflour

■ 1leveltspbakingpowder

■ 2largefreerangeeggs

■ 100gmargarine,plusextraforgreasing

■ 2tbspbrandy

Forthemousse

■ 300gdarkchocolate(nomorethan40to 50percentcocoasolids),brokenintosquares

■ 450mlwhippingcream

METHOD:

Preheattheovento180C/160CFan.Grease an8-inchcaketinandlinethebaseandsides withbakingpaper.

Firstly,forthecake,addthecocoapowderto alargebowl,addtheboilingwaterandmix toapaste.Addtherestofthedry ingredients,thentheeggs,followedbythe margarineandbeatuntilsmooth.Spoonthe mixtureintothecaketin,levelthesurface andbakeintheovenfor20to25minutes,or untilaskewerinsertedintothecentreofthe cakecomesoutcleanandthecakefeels springytothetouch.Whilethecakeisstill hot,brushthebrandyoverthetopofthe cake.Leavethecaketocoolinthetin.

Next,forthemousse,placethechocolate inabowlandmeltoverapanofgently simmeringwater.Stircontinuously,taking carenottoletthechocolategettoohot. Setasidetocoolalittle.Whipthecream untilsoftpeaksandthencarefullyfoldin themeltedchocolateuntilsmoothand notstreaky.

Whenthecakehascooled,andwhileitisstill inthetin,spoonthechocolatemousseon topandlevelwithapaletteknife.Coverthe caketinwithclingfilmandchillinthefridge foraminimumof4hours,andpreferably overnight,untilthemousseisfirm.Dustwith cocoapowderandthenaddanythingyou likeontop,butyoucan’tgowrongwith someberriesandsomemorecream.

It’sValentine’sDayandloveisintheair.You’vebeenplanningtopopthe questionforagesbutstillalittlenervousthatyoumaynotgetayes.Ease thingsalongbyservingupthisgorgeouslittlepieceofchocolateheaven… youcanthankuslater! ■

SHORTS NI BBLESand

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

FESTIVAL PLEDGE

ColmoreFoodFestivalwillcelebrateits10thanniversaryinJuly.Theannualfreeevent,thisyeartobeheldinthe groundsofStPhilip’sCathedral,isorganisedbyColmoreBIDandfeaturesthebestofthelocalfoodanddrinkscene, attractingmorethan30,000visitors.Michelin-starredchefGlynnPurnellsaid:“It’saone-of-a-kindevent,andwe’re excitedtoannounceitwillbebetterthaneverforits10thyear.”ThefestivalisonFridayandSaturday,20and21July.

HOTELSBOUNCEBACK

ParkRegis,BirminghamandtheHolidayInnExpressBirminghamSoutharereportingastrong post-pandemicperformance.Bothhotelsareshowingsalesfiguresexceedingthelevelsof figuresbeforethecrisisstruck–withParkRegisexpectedtogrowitstotalrevenueforthecurrent financialyearby41percentcomparedto2019.JohnAngus,CEOatownersSwitchHospitality, said:“It’sbeenanexceptionalandhugelyencouragingyearforourWestMidlandshotels.”

BOO BALLYHOO

ThreecheersforBoo…the newfastfoodrestaurant that’sprovingahitwith hungrysoulsinMoseley.The eatery–Boo’sfirstvenuein Brum–serveshandcrafted burgers,breakfastandcoffee, allfreshlymadeonsiteusing thebestBritish,Irishand locallysourcedproducts.The 1,500sqftvenueisBoo’s sixthoutletandseats40 dinersinsidewithspaceforan additional50outdoors, weatherpermitting!

BRAD’S STARBAR

Michelin-starchefBradCarterissettolaunch hisOneStarDönerBarinBirminghamthismonth. Thebaristheculminationofaplannedcollaboration betweenBradandthepub’sowner,DJandpromoter AdamRegan.Theopeningseesthepairmake Brad’scookingaccessibletoawideraudience. Theduosharebackgroundsindanceand raveculture,andmorerecently hospitality.

BUN&BARREL

HOTELFEEDSNHS

BRUMLEADSWAY

Birminghamhasbeennamedasthecitywith thesecondhighestnumberofrestaurantsina prestigiousUKtop100ranking.Leadingthe wayisAdam’sinWaterlooStreetwhichisrated inthetop20intheannualHarden’sguide whichisbasedonfeedbackfromdinersrather professionalinspectors.Alsointhetop100are OpheeminSummerRowandTheWildernessin theJewelleryQuarter.Guideco-founderPeter Hardensaid:“Birminghamishosttosometop playerswhenitcomestokitchentalent.”

CHEAL’SMAKESMOVE

Anewfine-diningexperienceislaunchinginKnowlethis month.JacquesRestauranthasteamedupwithCheal’sof Henleytoopentheexcitingeatery.Jacques,whichhas beenastapleintheKnowlecommunityfor30years,closed itsdoorsattheendof2022tomakewayforthenew Cheal’sfrom3February.LeadingtheventureisawardwinningchefMattChealwhosaid:“Finefoodandelevated serviceisattheheartofournewrestaurant.”

TheBun&Barrel,anewburgerrestaurantandbrainchildofHarborneKitchen’sJamieDesogusandRobHennebry, hasopenedinHarborneHighStreet.Jamiesaid:“It’sasupercasualconcept,wewantpeopletoreallykickback andrelax,grababurgerandabeerorcocktail,andmaybeagameofpool.Weareusingtheverybestingredients, withmypastryteamatHarborneKitchenmakingthedemibriochebunsfromscratch.”

TheteamatEdgbastonParkHotelfilledmorethan100bagswithbreakfastitemsforhard-workingnurses,doctorsand carestaffattheUniversityHospitalsBirmingham(UHB)NHSFoundationTrust.Thehotel’sheadofcommercial,Billy Harris,andbusinessdevelopmentmanager,KrishnaPastakia,deliveredthebreakfaststotheTrusttohelpfueltheNHS’ busiesttimeofyearandbooststaffspirits.Previously,thehotelprovided1,000front-linestaffwithsomewheresafeand securetostaythroughoutthepandemiccrisis.

SMOKE+ASH

Wouldyoulikeacocktailwithyourpizza?Don’t mindifwedo.WevisitedSmoke+Ashnine weeksafteropeningandit’sfairtosayit’sgoing well.OverChristmas,thechefscouldn’tmakeenoughdough tofeeddemandandtheycompletelysoldoutnumerous times.They’vejusthadtheirbusiestweektodateinJanuary whenhospitalityisusuallyintumbleweedterritory.

So,what’sallthefussabout?Well,it’snotrocket science,morelikehardgraft,vision,attentiontodetailand nodoubtdeeppockets.Openingarestaurantrightnowis notforthefaint-hearted.Theplaceissmallbutmighty focusingonexcellentreasonablypricedpizzaandsharing boardsplusacrackingdrinksmenuwithsomequality cocktails.Werecommendgettingyourlipsarounda rhubarbandgingerbrambleonaFridaylunch-time.

Thepizzafeaturesgloriouslypuffed-upblisteredcrusts fordunkingintoachoiceofdips–wewentforapunchy aiolipackedwithgarlic.There’salsochimichurriandsalsa verde.Toppingsareplentiful–theNapoletanawasloaded withcreamyFiordiLattemozzarella,anchovies,olives,

capersandfreshbasil.Noteveryone’scupofteabutright upourstradawhilethebestseller,SalamiNapoliwith freshchilliandmozzarellasang.

Sandwichedbetweenthedelicioustoppingsand brilliantbasewasasubstantialflavour-packedtomato sauce–noinsipidwaterynonsensehere.There’salsoa choiceofbiancapizzaswithouttomatoifthat’syourbag. Meanwhile,mymatesaidtherocketsaladwasthebest he’devereaten–asurprisingsentenceforhimtoutter,but still,Iknewwhathemeant.Rocket’srocket,butthesweet balsamicdressingandcheekyparmesanshavingsgaveita significantbitofoomph.Attentiontodetailagain.

Thelocation’sinterestingtoo.Acoupleofdoorsdown fromLokiandoppositeChapter,Smoke+Ashisnestledin whatisbecomingafoodiehotspot.There’sacollectivefeel aboutthestreet,asupportnetworkandpleasingchatterof fullpedestrianisationthatwillonlyaddtothegoodvibesof theareaandprovideafurtherboosttobusiness.

Ifyoulovepizza,go.Ifyoudon’tlovepizza,wecan’tbe friends. ■

12GreenfieldCrescent,Birmingham,B153AU.Tel:01214549544smokeandashpizza.co.uk

WE’REFEELINGSPICY

Youwilltoo,withthiscrackingnon-alcoholicrum, mulledspicedsyrupandapplejuicecocktail

ManagedtoenjoyadryJanuary?

Goodforyou–mostimpressed givenwefailedon2January!So, whynotmaintainyourimpressivehealth drivebycuttingdowntheboozeinFebruary too.We’remakingitabiteasierwiththis spicylittlenumberfromthemixologistsat Andalusian-inspiredtapasbar,Alioli.You’ll needtomakeamulledspicedsyrupfirstbut it’swellworththeeffort.

INGREDIENTS:

FORTHEMULLEDSPICEDSYRUP

Mixupthefollowingandpoptooneside

■ 150mlpomegranatejuice

■ 25mlcinnamonsyrup

■ 200mlcanesugarsyrup

■ 25gpomegranatemolasses

FORTHEMAINEVENT

■ 50mlLyre’sdarkcanenon-alcoholicrum

■ 25mlspicedwinesyrup

■ 15mllimejuice

■ 50mlcloudyapplejuice

METHOD:

Pouringredientsintoashakerwithcubedice. Shakeanddoublestrainintoanold-fashioned glassfullofice.Garnishwithanorange wedgeandtwogreenolives.

Alioli,25JubileeWalk,Touchwood Solihull,B913HT.alioli.co.uk

Weallknowtheoldadage–whitewine withwhitemeatandfishandredwine withredmeat.Butitisreallysomuch morenuancedthanthat.Themostimportantfactor iswhetheryouenjoythepairingornot.

Anexperiencewithwineisverypersonaland matchingwithfoodcanbesubjective.Perhapsyou enjoythecombinationofsweetandsalty,suchasaPort andstilton,butforsomeoneelseit’sacompleteturnoff.Let’sgetintosomethingstothinkaboutwhen findingtheperfectpairingjustforyou!

Firstoff,weneedtoconsidertheintensityofflavour ofthedishyouarecooking,thenmatchwithawineof similarintensity.Forexample,ifyouarecookingwith lotsofherbsandspiceswithstrongflavours,youneed anaromatic,intensewinetopairwithit.Ilovepad thaiwithanoff-dryRieslingorGewurztraminerfor thisreason.

FIZZANDFIRE

Alcoholintensifiesthesensationofheatfromchilli, whichdependsonpersonalpreference.Iwouldusually goforalightandfizzylagerwithacurry,butifyou lovethatspicyburnperhapsyouwouldpreferdrinking a14%abvredZinfandeltoturnuptheheat.Thisis anothersituationwhereoff-dryorslightlysweeter winescanworkreallywelltooffsetthespice,asthey alsotendtohavelowerlevelsofalcohol.

Anotherthingtoconsideristheweightofthedish andthebodyofwineyouaredrinkingwithit.Think aboutthedifferenceincookingmethodsandintensity offlavourofaCaesarsaladwithgrilledchickenversus aroastchickenwithgravy.Thefreshnessofasalad canworkwellwithacrispwhitelikeaPicpoulde

Pinet,buttheslowcookingofaroastmeansthatyou needsomemoreintensityandbodyinyourwine, whichwouldworkwellwitharich,buttery Chardonnaytomatchuptothestyleofcooking.

QUICKANDEASY

Aquickandeasywaytopairwinewithfoodisto lookatthecuisineofwherethewinecomesfrom.Food andwinehaveevolvedalongsideeachother throughouthistory.There’sSauvignonBlancwith goat’scheese,bothfoundintheLoireValleyinFrance. OrperhapsyoucouldtryaChiantiClassicowitha

KATIE’S4FOODIEFAVOURITES

■ TasteTheDifferenceGewurztraminer, Alsace,France.Sainsburys,£10

Thisexoticwineisburstingwithflavoursofrosepetals,lychees andspicesbutwithadryfinish.Perfectwiththaifood.

■ TheBestMuscadetSevreetMaineSurLie, LoireValley,France.Morrisons,£8.75

Muscadetisnormallyalight,freshstyleofwhitebutthiswine hassomeaddedbodyduetoasmallamountofageingonthe lees.Greatwithanyseafoodbutparticularlyoysters.

■ EstanciaPinotNoir,Monterey,California, USA.Tesco,£14

AsmoothandsilkyexampleofPinotNoirwithahintofspice,which wouldgobrilliantlywithsalmonteriyakiormushroomrisotto.

■ BrazinOldVineZinfandel,Lodi,California,USA. Waitrose,£14.99

This14.5%abvredreallypacksapunch,withbigboldflavours ofplum,chocolateandspice.It’sgreatwithBBQribsorsome spice(ifyoudare!)

pepperonipizza.Theacidityinthewinematcheswell withthetomatobase.Ifyouarefeelingfancy,youalso can’tbeatoysterswithaMuscadetsurlie,awinewhich comesfromneartheseainNantes.

Oneofthemostdifficultfoodgroupstopairis umami.Thestrongsavouryflavoursofdishes containingmushroomsormisopasteforexample,can oftenjarwithwine.I’vefoundthebestpairingfor somethinglikestuffedmushroomsisalovelyPinot Noir,whichislowintanninsandoftenhasanearthy charactertoittocomplimentthesavouriness.

Finally,oneofourmostpopulareventsat BirminghamWineSchoolisourChampagne,Fizz,Fish &Chipsdinners.Thisismyultimatematchmadein heaven.Champagneandothersparklingwinesarehigh inacidity,whichhasasimilareffecttosqueezingalemon onyourfish.Itbalancesoutthefattystodginessofthe dishandactsasapalatecleanser.Trustmeandtryit! ■

BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwineeducationcompany thatoffersfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&SpiritEducation Trust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwick.Formore information,contactKatieGardneron01212707359,orvisit www.birminghamwineschool.com.

SQUASH THE COMPETITION

BIRMINGHAMISHOSTINGTOPSQUASHTOURNAMENTSIN2023–BUTTHESPORT ISAGREATWAYTOKEEPACTIVEFORALLOFUS,WHATEVEROURAGEORABILITY

Theworldofsquashhadanexcitingstartto theyearastheBritishJuniorOpenSquash tournamentreturnedtoBirminghamat EdgbastonPriorywithmorethan700youngsters from55nations,competinginthegirlsandboys under-11sthroughtotheunder-19s.

Hopefullythismayhaveinspiredsomenew players,bothyoungandold,totakeupthesport.If youfancyhavingago,here’swhattoexpect…

WHYPLAYSQUASH?

Squashisagreatphysicalandmentalworkout,it getsthewholebodymovingandactive.Asquash gamelastsaround30to40minutessocanfitinto busylifestylesandisagreatfamilyactivity.

JUSTSOMEOFTHEBENEFITS

WorksEveryMuscleGroup– Squashcanhelpto buildstrong,shapelylegandbummuscles.Thesports requirelotsofdynamiclungingwhichwillgiveyou thattonedlook.Movingtoandhittingtheballalso helpsstrengthenthebackandshapetheabdominals.

BurnsCalories– Squashisagreatalternativeto runningonatreadmillorpushingitonanexercise bike.Youcanburnaround650caloriesperhouron courtandnotevenrealiseyouaredoingso.

It’sQuick– Youonlyneed30minutesorsotoget agreatall-roundworkout.Soeventhebusiest peoplecanfititinaroundwork,university,family andothercommitments.Youcanevensqueezea gameinonyourlunchbreak!

DevelopsAgility– Leaping,spinning,stopping, bending,jumping,sprintingandrunningarejust someofthemovesthebodyhastomakeinagame ofsquash.Squashteachesquicknessand equilibriumaroundthecourt,especiallythe powerofthefirstexplosivestepandchallenges speedbyforcingyoutomovequicklywhile

maintainingastrongandbalancedpositiontohit theballhardandaccurately.

SharpensHand-EyeCo-ordination– Squash promotesgoodhand-eyecoordinationasrepeatedly seeingtheballandadjustingyourbodyandhandso youcanhititbackundercompetitivestressforces thebodytohone-inontargetanddestination.Since hand-eyecoordinationtendstodecreasewhenwe stopparticipatinginactivitiesthatfosterthistypeof coordination,squashisapremiersporttoensure yourabilitiesarewell-developed.

CompelsFlexibility– Constantmovement (particularlymovementoutsidetypicalrangeof motion)issooftenrequiredinagameofsquash,your jointsandligamentsareabletostretch,promoting elasticityandbloodflowinthebody.Regularlyplaying squashwillimproveyourflexibility,ensuringyour musclesgetthemoststretchoutofeverygame.

It’sSocial– You’llfindathrivingsocialsceneat clubswhoorganiseregularclubnights,leaguesand specialevents.You’llgetasmuchenjoymentoutof thedrinkinthebarafterwardsasyoudofromthe competitiononthecourt! ■

WarwickshireSquashStarsisaninitiativedesignedto introducefive-to-11-year-oldstothisfantasticsport.Forjust £30youreceiveastarterpackcontainingracket,T-shirt, goggles,bagandball,plusfourstarterlessonsataclubof yourchoice.Formoreinformationvisit warwickshiresquash.org/squash-stars/

TheSeniorBritishOpenwillbeinBirminghamforthefirst timeinmorethantwodecadeswhentheworld’sbest playerslineupatBirminghamRepandEdgbastonPriory Clubbetween9and16April.Moredetailsat: edgbastonpriory.com

BECOMEAWARWICKSHIRESQUASHSTAR

Embellishedshoes

£195,Dune

PRINCESS BRIDE

YOU’REENGAGED.THEREAREZEROGLOBALPANDEMICS ONTHEHORIZON.YOUCANHAVETHEWEDDINGYOU’VE ALWAYSDREAMEDOF,BUTWHATTOWEAR?

MAXIMUM IMPACT

RueDeSeine(Collection1)

£4,450,TheWeddingClub, HarveyNichols

Firstthing’sfirst,don’tsuccumbtothe overwhelmofplanningyourwedding –it’llkillthejoy.There’snopressure todoorwearanythingyou’renotutterlyover themoonhappywith.Timeshavechanged. Wearwhatyoulikeanddoitwithconfidence.

Thevastmajorityofbridesstillwear white/ivoryontheirweddingdayandformost, it’sadressofsomesortasreflectedinthese pages.However,therearenorules.Ifyoufancy avelvetburgundytrousersuitoravintage Westwood,knockyourselfout.Yourotherhalf lovesyouandyourvibe.Aimingforthebest versionofyouratherthanabandoningyour styleandlookinglikesomeoneelseentirely isthebestadvicewecangive.Thesame goesformake-up.SeeourBeautypagefor tipsonhowtobeyourglowingbest.

DESIGNERSTYLE

Checkoutbridaldesignerstochat throughyourstyleandvisiontoseeifitworks foryou.Getfamiliarwithdesignersthatshare yourstyleandlookthroughcurrentandold examplesoftheirwork.Thechancesarethere’ll beaatleastcouplethatfitthebill.Youneedto likeyourdesigner.Makesuretheygetyou.A

INYOUR DREAMS

RoseQuartzAphrodite’sHalo £1,100,byVictoriaPercival, HarveyNichols

FUSS FREE Bridalgown£299.99, TKMaxx

STYLE BOHO CHIC

RueDeSeine(Collection2)

£3,250,TheWeddingClub, HarveyNichols

BertaPriveeCollection from£6,500,TheWedding Club,HarveyNichols

greatdesignerwilloffercreativesolutions thatsuityouandwon’tbeoffendedifyou dismissacoupleofoptions.Allowsix monthsfortheprocessalthoughifyou’re gettingmarriedsooner,askthequestion. Also,ifyouhaveafavouritedesignerthat doesn’tspecialiseinbridal,askthemif they’llseeyoutodiscusscreatingsomething justforyou.You’reonlyplanningtoget marriedonce,sodoityourway.Ifyoudon’t ask,youdon’tgetisagoodmantra.

OFFTHEPEG

Trawlingtherailsmightnotseemas excitingassippingChampagnewitha designer,butifyoucanmakethesacrifice, therearesomebrilliantoptions.Topofthe listareFreePeople,NeedleandThread, SelfPortrait,JennyHooandWhistles. Shoparoundandtrylotsofdifferentstyles.

FORHIRE

Youmightnothaveconsideredrenting andit’snotforeveryone,howeverHurris game-changing.Thebreadthofdesigners isincredible–youcanrentagownfor hundredsofpoundsratherthanspending thousandsnew.It’sfoodforthought.

IFTHESHOEFITS

Weallknowtherightshoecanmake youfeelamilliondollarsandcaninjecta bitofconfidenceintoyourwalk.You’ll

TWINKLE TOES

Kate100cracked leathercourts £650,Christian Louboutin

FAB FLATS

Newlieshoe £120,Dune

SUPER SEQUINS

Silversequin wrapdress£80, RomanOriginals

BASE LAYERS

Lacebalcony bra£26,Lipsy

SHOW STOPPER

JACKET

AlexanderMcQueencrystal embellisheddoublebreastedwool blazer£3,990,Selfridges

JUMP TOIT

Decocape sleeve jumpsuit£48, Monsoon

BRILLIANT BODICE

EtOchsHolly corset-bodice£860, Selfridges

STATEMENT SLEEVES

SuzanneNeville Collectionfrom £2,995,Suzanne Neville

FEEL THEJOY

ShonaJoyLaLune openbacknatural woolblendmidi dress£430, Selfridges

DISCO VIBES

Royaslipdress £680,Sarvin

probablybewearingyourweddingshoesforagoodfewhours,sopay attentiontocomfortaswellasstyle.CheckoutManoloBlahnik, ChristianLouboutinandJimmyChooatthetopend.Foravintage vibetakealookatlocaldesignerRachelSimpsonforstunningflatsas wellasheels.Andonthehighstreet,Dunehassomeexcellent examplesthatdefytheprice-tag.

COOLJEWELS

Familyheirloomsareideal,addingsentimentalityandtickingthe borrowedbox,butthat’snotanoptionforallbrides.Birminghamis blessedwithsomeofthecountry’smosttalentedjewellerydesigners, soheadtotheJewelleryQuarterforinspiration.

Avoidanylast-minutepanicsbytryingeverythingontogetherin goodtimetoironoutanythingyou’renothappywith–andmost importantlyenjoytheexperience.It’sprettymagicalandaonceina lifetimeevent. ■

LESSIS MORE LoveandRoses cowlbackmaxi dress£80,Lipsy

WEDDINGGLOWUP

Whencountingdowntoyourwedding,the keyistointroducesmallchangesand productsovermonthsratherthandramatic onesclosetotheday.Youneedtoensureany newproductssuityourskinanddon’tcause breakoutswellbeforethebigday.We’ve pickedoutafewproductsandprocesses that’llhelpyoulookyourbest.

1.FABLEANDMANEHOLIROOTSPRE-WASH STRENGTHENINGTREATMENTHAIROIL£32,BOOTS

Firstly,bookregulartrimsandblowdriesintherunuptothe bigday–itwilltrainyourhairtobepliableandsmooth.Adda treatmentintoyourat-homeroutinesuchasFableandMane’s HoliRootspre-washtreatmentwhichisabitofacultfave.The oilstrengthensrootswhilenourishingscalpandhairresultingin shiny,healthylocks.Formaximumimpactleaveonovernight, butitworksinfiveminutesifyouprefernottosleepinit.

2.CHARLOTTETILBURYBRIGHTENINGYOUTHGLOW PRIMER£40,SELFRIDGES

Anoldiebutagoodiethiscolourcorrectorworkstoenhance yourcomplexion.Theprimerhelpsminimisetheappearanceof discolouration,rednessanddullnessleavingahealthyglow. Useunderneathyourfoundationforasmooth,evenfinish.

3.TALIKAEYEBROWLIPOCILSEXPERT£38,SPACENK

Regularuseincreasesthedensityofyourbrowsencouraging growthinfinerareasgivingyouafullerbrowthatyoucanshape closertotheday.

4.AROMATHERAPYASSOCIATESDE-STRESSMIND BATH&SHOWEROIL£49,HARVEYNICHOLS

Trustusthiswillbenecessary.Evenifyoudon’tthinkyou’re stressed,taketimeforaregularsoakusingthisrelaxingoilto keepyourmindcalmandyourbodynourished.Evenwhennot planningaweddingthisisbeneficial.

OrchidCrystalheadpiecefrom Halo&Co£360,TheWeddingShop, HarveyNichols

WEDDING DAY

LET’SNOTLEAVEALLTHESARTORIALFUNTOTHELADIES.ADMITTEDLY, THEBRIDEISTOPBILLINGINTHESTYLESTAKES,BUTTHERE’SNOREASON WHYYOUCAN’TLOOKAMILLIONDOLLARSONYOURBIGDAY

BLUEYOU Clothingand footwearfrom Matalan

INTHENAVY Herringbonejacket

£40andtrousers

£17,Primark

Yournuptialsareapproachingandwhether you’resaying‘Ido’barefootonabeachor donningtraditionaltailsatthealtar,youwant tolookyourbest.Treatyourselftoasuitthatfitslikea glove,thatyoucanwearagainandagain.Bespokeis obviouslytopofthetreeintermsoffit.InBrum, we’veafewoptions,notleasttheladsatClementsand Churchwhoalwayscomeuptrumps.

Offthepegoptionsvarywildlyintermsofprice dependingonthefabricandfit.Youcanpickupasuit relativelycheaplyifyou’reonatightbudget.Itwon’t lastaswellasamoreexpensiveversion,butit’ll definitelygetyouthroughyourdaylookingsharp. CheckoutJohnLewis,Matalan,PrimarkandM&S forsomegreatexamples.

Atthehigherendofthepricespectrum,Dolceand Gabbana,OswaldBoateng,TomFordandArmani willhaveyoubrimmingwithconfidence.Boatengis particularlygoodifyou’relookingforsomethingabit outoftheordinary,whileTomFord’samasteratthe classicbeautifullycutsuit.

Notallsuitsareequal,soshoparoundandtakeyour time.Youwanttolookbackatyourweddingsnapsand likewhatyousee.Ifyou’retrussedupinacravatand tailswhendeepdownyou’reanavysuitandopen neckshirtkindofguy,youmightnotbeoverjoyed. ■

HAPPYDAY Clothingand shoesfrom JohnLewis

TWOTONE ForbesTailoringblueand navywoolsuit£495(was £1,150),HarveyNichols

THREEPIECE Taylor&Wright Somersetsuit, Matalan

SMARTCASUAL Clothingandshoes fromPrimark

LIGHTFANTASTIC Brownjacket £1,143,TKMaxx

VELVETVERSION KEMvelvetjacket £40,Primark

IFITAIN’TBROKE DolceandGabbanablack stretchwoolsuit£1,550, HarveyNichols

SLEEPTIGHT… HOPEFULLY!

ANDGETTHEFOUNDATIONSRIGHTFORMAXIMUMCALMANDRELAXATION

Unlessyou’vebeenlivingunderarock,you’llbe painfullyawarethatsleeporlackofitaffectseveryarea ofourlives–brainpower,immunesystem,digestion, prematureageingandsomuchmore.Evenourtechurgesusto getmoreshut-eye.Givenhalfthechanceweallwanttowakeup feelingandlookingrefreshed,butlife’snotlikethat,isit?

Youcanbolsteryourchancesofagreatnight’ssleepbymaking yourbedroomacalm,clutter-freezoneandinvestinginadecent bed.Therearenomagicbullets,butit’sworthashot,right?

MATTRESSMATTERS

Thenumberonepriorityisyourmattress.Prioritisethisand you’rewellonyourwaytothedreamyeighthours.Takeagood lookatyourcurrentmattressanddecideifit’sstillgotlifeinit.If it’scomfortableandclean,stickwithitandfocusonotherareas ofyourroomthatmightneedabitofwork.Ifit’sseenbetter days,therearemultipleoptionsatvaryingpricepoints–gofor

thebestyoucanaffordandconsiderwhichsuitsyoursleeping stylethemost.

Memoryfoamconformstoyourbodytypeencouragingproper spinealignment.It’sidealforsidesleepersandforthosewith backpain.Latexislikememoryfoambutslightlyfirmerwithless ofasinkinginfeeling.

Innerspringismadefromsteelcoilsandisahardermattress.If you’reastomachsleeperyoucouldbenefitfromthisasthe increasedfirmnesskeepsthespinealigned.Considercoilcount andgauge.Coilgaugereferstohowthickthesteelis–thelower thenumber,thefirmerthemattress.Coilcountreferstothe numberofcoilsinthemattress–lookforacountofatleast400.

Hybridcombinesfoamorlatexwithcoils.Coilssitonthe bottomforsupportandfoamsitsontopforpressurerelief.They feelverysimilartofoam,butaremoreexpensiveandheavierthan all-foamversions.

SEXYSTORAGE

Nothingisrestfulaboutsteppingoverclutterorlookingatbusy surfaces,sooncethebedissorted,moveontostorage.Effective storageequalsminimumclutterleadingtoincreasedcalm,sobe ruthlessaboutyourstuff.Donateanythingyoudon’tuse/need/love tocharityorsellonline–tryDepop,VintedandeBay.Onceyou’re decluttered,giveeverythingthatdoesn’tmakeyousmileahome andonlydisplaythingsyoulove.Utiliseunderbedstorageand checkoutbuilt-inwardrobesifyourbudgetallows.

BLACKWATCH

Ensureyourwindowcoveringsblockoutalllight.Early sunrisesaren’tanissuerightnow,butyou’llthankusinthe

GROWN-UPGLAMOUR FurnitureandaccessoriesfromLuxDeco

MINIMUMFUSS

Oslobedsidetable£149,CultFurniture

HOMES

summerwhenit’slightat4am.Inthecoldmonths heavycurtainsorwellfittedblindswillkeepyour roomwarmertoo.Contemplatethefocusongetting babiestosleepwell–theroomisabsolutelythe correcttemperatureandcurtainsareblackout ensuringzerodisturbance.Let’saffordourselvesthe sameluxury.

DREAMYDECOR

Thisissopersonal,sogoyourownway,but consideracalmcolourpalette,displayyourfavourite artworkandphotos,acosyrug,squishythrows,soft lighting–seeourFinishingTouchespageforinspo. Andmostofall,banishtechnology.Itcouldbethe biggestfactorinimprovingsleep.Giveitawhirl. ■

SCANDISTYLE

FermLivingArumfloorlamp£669,Nest

BLUEANDWHITE Bedlinen£25, HomeSense

GREENDREAM DoubleManettebedstead £1,795,SohoHome

TOUCHES FINISHING

MAKEITCHIC Almabedside table£219, CultFurniture

UNDERFOOT Adornsoftfaux sheepskinruginhoney£69, CultFurniture

ONCETHEBEDROOMSTRUCTURE’SSORTEDANDYOU KNOWWHATYOUNEED,HAVEFUNWITHACCESSORIES ANDGORGEOUSFURNITURETOACHIEVETHELOOK

NEUTRAL THROW JohnLewis+ MotherofPearl spotthrow£180, JohnLewis

RIGHTCURVES Vueltalamp £185,FermLiving

TOPPRIORITY MillbrookPureTechdivanset £2,699,FurnitureVillage

WRAPUP Knittedthrow£14.99, HomeSense

THINKPINK Duskypink cushion£12.99, HomeSense

TRADITIONAL CHARM Chichester wardrobefrom £3,995, Neptune

GOLDTRIM Laurelcushion£85, LuxDeco

WAKEUPCALLFROMAFUNKYCAT

CHINESEAUTOMOTIVEGIANTGREATWALLMOTORISBEHINDTHE NEWGWMORAFUNKYCAT–BUTTHISUNIQUEELECTRICCARHASITS

HEARTRIGHTHEREINTHEMIDLANDS,SAYSSUECOOKE

AccordingtoroadsafetycharityBrake,fatigue isamajorcauseofcrashesintheUK.One ineightdriversadmittofallingasleepatthe wheel.Yawningapparentlyisoneofthewarning signs.AndifyoudrivethenewORAFunkyCat,you willreceiveawarning.Afacialrecognitioncamera sitsbehindthesteeringwheel,keepingasteelyeye onyourface.AhintofayawnandanEmojiwill popuponthe10.25-inchinfotainmentdisplaywith analertagainstcontinuingtodrive.Forsucha compactcar,thisall-electric,four-seaterhasalong listofusefulsafetyfeatures.

ThepowerhousebehindtheGWMORAisglobal automotivegiantGreatWallMotor,aChinese companythathasfivebrandsandhasbeenaround sinceatleast2012,whenIrecallroadtestingthe

GreatWallSteedpick-up.IntheUK,GWMhasa jointventurewithBMWforthedevelopmentand productionofbatteryelectricvehicles.Distribution oftheGWMORAintheUK,isInternational MotorsGroupinSolihull.

GOLF-SIZED

TheUKisGWM’sfirstEuropeanmarketandthe ORAFunkyCat,whichisaboutthesizeofanewVW Golf,isthefirsttohitdealerships.Largercarswill follow.Salesofaround5,000oftheORAFunkyCatare predictedfor2023anditisexpectedthatoneretailer permonthwillbeappointed.Thefirstretailpartnerin EnglandistheLookersgroupinWolverhampton.

AtthefirstUKdriveformotoringjournalistsI hadtheopportunitytoroadtestthefirstedition

modelinachoiceoffourexteriorcolours.A combinationofthesecolourscontinuesinthe premiuminterior.

Thecabinhasaveryfuturisticlookandtheeyeis drawntotheconstantwatcher–thefacial recognitioncamera–whichbeginsitsworkassoon asyoutakeaseat.Theinnovativetechnology ensuresthatsettingssuchasdisplays,shortcutkeys, driverassistanceaidsandnavigationmeetpersonal requirementswhichyouwouldalreadyhaveset. ‘HelloOra’voicerecognitioncausesanemojitopop uponscreentoobeyanyofseveralcommands, includingfindingthenearestchargingstation, controllingtheair-conditioning,openingthedriver windoworprovidingaweatherforecast.

FIVE-STAR

Thesafetyandsecurityfeaturesofthefirstedition areimpressivewitha5-starEuroNCAPrating, blindspotdetection,fatiguemonitoring,adaptive

FACTSATAGLANCE

Model: GWMORAFunkyCatFirstEdition

Power: 48kwhlithiumionphosphatebatteryelectricvehicle Performance: 0-62mphin8.3secondsandontoatopspeedof 99mph(wherethelawpermits)

Rangeandchargingtime: 85.6mpg

CO2 emissions: Zero

Price: From£31,995otr

cruisecontrolwithstopandgofunctionandarear trafficcrossalertandbrake.Otherspecificationadds a360-degreesurroundcamera,reversingcameraand rearparkingsensors.

PoweringtheORAFunkyCatisa48kwhlithiumionphosphatebattery.Achargefrom15to80per centtakesjustover42minutesusingarapidcharger. Afullchargeprovidesarangeof193miles(WLTP). Thefront-wheel-driveFunkyCatwillaccelerateto 62mphin8.3secondsandhasatopspeedof99mph. Usefullycarfunctionslikepreheatingandcooling, charging,lockingandunlockingcanbecontrolled usingamobileapp.

TheGWMORAFunkyCatcostsfrom£31,995otr andhasafive-yearunlimitedmileagewarrantyanda residualvalueof83percent.Theall-electricvehicle hasanimpressivespecificationandwithitsvibrant andenergeticpersonalityisahead-turnerbecause therereallyisnothingelselikeitonUKroads. ■

SHOWROOM

Lookers,GWMORAWolverhampton,MerridaleStreet, Wolverhampton,WV24HD.Tel:01902393407

Email:gwmorawolverhampton@lookers.co.uk

ELLA EVENSON

Atjust13yearsofage,EllaEvensonproduces artthatshe’sabletosellthroughasocial enterprisecalledArtRabble–an organisationspecialisinginsellingartworkbyartists withdisabilities.EllahasMosaicDown’sSyndrome –araretypewhichmeansthingscantakelongerfor hertocomplete,butshe’sbrimmingwithpositivity.

Shesays:“IwasbornwithadiagnosisofMosaic Down’sSyndrome.Itmakesmedetermined.I startedpaintinginmysummerholidaysin2019at ourkitchentableandnowIhavemyownartstudio. Ihaveabigtableandallmyartmaterialsinthere. TheotherweekIputmummy’soldradioinmyart studio,sonowIlistentomusicwhenIpaint.”

Ellahadherfirstexhibitionin2020intheArt RoomsinKingsHeathwhichshedescribesas‘a reallygreatexperience’.Herworkisupliftingand optimisticusingboldcoloursthatraiseasmile.Ella experimentswithnewtechniquesandstylesusing acrylics,watercoloursandalcoholinksandenjoys abstractart,lookingparticularlytoJacksonPollock andWillemdeKooningforinspiration.

Shesays:“Myfavouritepaintingisabstract paintingbecauseIloveusingdifferenttoolstocreate withlikeasponge,tinfoil,aplasticknifeorfork.It’s

reallyfunexperimentingandexploringwithpaints andobjectsIhaveathome.”

Ellagetsherideasfromwhatsheseesontripsand holidayspainting‘abstractflowers,plants,trees, birdsandtheseaside’.Ella’smumisabigsupport. “Mummyalwaysencouragesmetopaintbecauseit relaxesme.Iamcalmandhappy,”saysElla.She alsosaysthatLisaLim,founderofArtRabbleis encouraging‘becauseshebelievesinme’aswellas CristinaBowmanfromagroupcalledDiffability. Ellasays:“CristinareachedouttomeandnowIdo onlineartworkshopsforchildrenwithspecialneeds. Ilovepaintingwiththem.”

FUTUREAMBITION

Ella’salsospurredonbypeoplebuyingherwork andhassoldmanycommissionsaroundtheworld. Shesays:“MyclientsintheUKandinternationally encouragemebecausetheybelieveinme.It’s everyoneencouragingme,believinginme!Ilovemy colourfulpaintingsbeinginhomesaroundtheworld!”

EllaistheyoungestartistsoldthroughArt Rabble.She’shadarealconfidenceboostfrom sellingherworkandfeelsgoodaboutthedonations she’sbeenabletomaketoDown’sSyndrome

ARAREFORMOFDOWN’SSYNDROMEMEANSELLA’SARTWORKTAKES LONGERTOCOMPLETE,BUTTHETALENTEDTEENAGERJUSTLOVESTO PAINTANDISALREADYTAKINGONINTERNATIONALCOMMISSIONS

AwarenessmonthandtheAustralianBushFire Appeal.Shesays:“Thiswasgreatbecausemy paintingshelpedothers.”

CurrentlyEllajugglespaintingwithschool, generallycreatingaftercompletinghomeworkona TuesdayandSundaymorning.Inthefuture,she wouldliketomakeacareerofit.Shesays:“I wouldliketokeeppaintingwhenI’manadult.I wouldliketopaintlikeIamnowandhavean onlineshop,doartworkshopsandchildren’sart parties.IwouldlovetodesignT-shirtsandhave

mydesignsonclothes!”Thebig-heartedartistalso says:“IlovebeingwithpeopleandIthinkIwould alsoliketoworkinanursery,doingartwithlittle childrenorinacarehome,doingartwithelderly people.Ialsoliketheideaofworkingina supermarket.” ■

SOCIALENTERPRISE

Ella’sworkisavailabletobuythroughArtRabbleandpricesrangefrom £3foragreetingscardto£69.99foralargecanvas.Visitart-rabble.org

STEMSUPPORT

WINNER: KingSolomonInternationalBusinessSchool,a previousgrantrecipient

MillenniumPointTrusthasgivenmorethan£3.25millionin STEMsupporttoorganisationsintheWestMidlandsoverthe last12months.Thisincludedover£360,000inSTEMgrants toschools,not-for-profitsandcharitiesinGreaterBirmingham andthewiderregion.Inaddition,thetrustfundsSTEM degreescholarshipsannually,inpartnershipwithBirmingham CityUniversity.AbbieVlahakis,CEOofMillenniumPointsaid: “Weareincreasingtheopportunitiesforthenextgeneration viasomeofthemostexcitingcareerpathsavailable.”

GIFTWRAPPED

BishopVesey'sGrammarSchool’scharityteamcollected morethan2,000Christmasgiftsfortheirthreechosen charities–YMCA,StBasilsfortheyounghomelessand StGilesHospice.Theschool’sGivingTree–Spiritof Christmas,whichisanannualfestivefixture,was situatedinGracechurchCentre,SuttonColdfieldin NovemberandDecember.CharitycaptainHarry Hubbledaysaid:“Theresponseoflocalpeopleaswellas ourcorporatepartners,alumni,studentsandtheir familiestoourGivingTreewaspositivelyastonishing.”

MidlandsArtsCentreisholdingGirlsthatGeek,adaythatbrings togetherindustryprofessionalsforaseriesofinformaldiscussions andacareerspanelthatexploresopportunitiesforwomen workinginartandtechnology.TheeventonFriday10Februaryis designedforthosefromschoolyear7upwardsandwillfocuson futureemploymentindigitalartforms,includingmusic production,photography,virtualreality,televisionandfilm.More detailsfrom:info@macbirmingham.co.uk

SCHOOL REPORT

BOOKPRIZETIE-UP

KingEdward’sSchool,BirminghamandWolverhamptonGrammarSchool havepartneredtocreatetheTwoCitiesBookAwardwhichaimstoget more14to18-year-oldsreadingforpleasure.Hundredsofteenagers acrosstheWestMidlandsvotedforawinningauthorandtitlefroma shortlistoffourfictionalworks.TheeventualwinnerwastheWorldWarII drama,NeverForgetYoubyJamilaGavin.Theauthorwaspresentedwith thefirstTwoCitiesAwardataceremonyhostedatKingEdward’sSchool.

LEO’SLIGHTFANTASTIC

Alightsculpturenamedafterthe AstonVillafootballerTyroneMings hasbeenunveiledatAston Universityaspartofacampaignto helpraiseawarenessofcolour blindness.Youngsupporterswere askedtotakepartintheShininga LightonColourBlindness competitionbydrawingacolourful pictureoftheirfavouritefootballer. Thewinningentryby10-year-old LeoEvansfromErdingtonwasthen madeintoalightfeaturewhichhe helpedunveilwithProfAnthony Hilton,pro-vice-chancellorand executivedeanoftheCollegeof HealthandLifeSciences.

MUSICPLEDGE

Abusinessmanispledging thousandsofpoundstohelpa musiccharityfundchoirsfor schoolchildrenandpeopleliving withdementia.Engineerand captainofindustry,Roger Medwellhaspromisedtomatch fund30pforevery£1donated uptothefirst£100Kofthe EncoreAppeal,launchedby Warwick-basedArmonico Consort,ofwhichheischairman. Theappealwillfundsinging projects–includingthecreation ofschoolchoirsindeprivedareas –benefitingmorethan17,000 peopleacrossWarwickshire, Coventry,Solihulland Worcestershire.

BASECAMP PITCHESIN

SummitLearningTrustinBirminghamand SolihullhasintroducedtheBaseCamp initiativetosupporttheirmostvulnerable children,youngpeopleandfamilies throughthecurrentcostoflivingcrisis.The initiativeoffersfreesupporttoensurethat everyyoungpersonhastheirbasicneeds mettoenablethemtoachievethehighest levelsofacademicprogress.Support includesfreebreakfasts,healthandhygiene products,revisionmaterialsforSATsand GCSEstudents,supportwithuniformand travelandfreeculturalcapitalexperiences

REBELWITH ACAUSE

Titled,WhyAreWeStuckinHospital?anew exhibitionwhichrunsatIkonGalleryfor twoweeksrespondstoaprojectcarriedout bytheSchoolofSocialPolicyattheUniversityof Birminghaminpartnershipwithrights-based organisation,ChangingOurLives.Theresearch raisesawarenessofthethousandsofvulnerable peoplelockedinhospitalsettingswithnoplanned departuredateandnohopeofgettingone.

Onthebackoftheresearch,thetwo organisationsputtheirheadstogethertochoose anartistwhocouldcreatesomethingimpactful andappropriatetohighlighttheplightofthese peopleburiedfromview.CueFokaWolf.Don’t expecttheusualhumourasthesituationisfarfrom amusing,soit’sabitofadeparturefortheartist–whokeepshisrealnameandidentityaclosely guardedsecret.

FOKAWOLF’SGUERRILLASTREETARTISAMUSINGANDEDGY BUTANEWEXHIBITIONOPENINGNEXTMONTHISDIFFERENT, MOREURGENTANDDEFINITELYNOTFUNNY

Iwasn’tawareofthescaleoftheproblemandnor washe.We’velistenedtopoliticiansofallflavours proclaimingthey’veaplantofixsocialcare,but generallythat’sinthecontextoffreeingupbedblockinginNHShospitals–that’sbadenough,but they’venottouchedonthedesperateplightofmore than2,000vulnerablepeopletrappedina dehumanisingsystem.

AglanceattheChangingOurLiveswebsite shinesalightonthepeoplewhoarecapableof independentlivingbutinsteadaretrappedforyears, sometimesdecades,‘living’inlockedwards, voicelessandsometimessedatediftheykickupa fuss.Andthentherearesuccessstoriesforthepeople

who’venavigatedtheirwayoutwithhelpfrom organisationslikeChangingOurLivesandgoonto enjoyfull,contentedlives.

It’stouchedanervewithFokaWolf.Hesays: “Itreallyopenedmyeyes.Ihadn’theardofthe charityorthecause.Thiswasanopportunitytobe thevoiceforthem.”Hedoesn’tusuallyworkina gallerysettingsohe’sinnewterritoryandabit nervous.“Ijustwanttogiveafairrepresentationof whatthecharitywanted.It’simportant.Ithadto bemoreserious.Theemphasisisonalive installationwhichrunsfortwoweeks.Partofthe exhibitionisintheBankVaultsbutit’smostly centredatIKON.”

It’stheworthlessnessofthepeopleinthesystem that’smostshocking.They’reinvisibleanditseems nobodyisfightingtheircorneralthoughtheartist saystheUniversityresearchhasthepowertoforce change.“That’swhyitwasimportanttocreate somethingimpactful.Theworkisquiteliteraland neededtobesomesortofspectacle.”Theexhibition openson7Marchtocoincidewiththepublication ofpolicyguidelinesbasedontheexperiencesof peoplewithlearningdisabilities,theirfamiliesand frontlinestaff.

THESTREET

Althoughhe’sembracedthisproject,FokaWolfis notreadytomovehisusualworkfromthestreetto galleryspacejustyet.Whatbeganasahobby15years agotobreakupthe12-hourdaysworkingon buildingsites,hasbecomeafull-timecareer.He startedcreatingsmallparodyclassifiedadsand stickingthemtolamppostsaroundthecity.

Then,an8ftx4ftposterlampooning4x4drivers suggestingpenisenlargementswentviralandhis notorietygrew.He’snevergotintoanytrouble althoughhehasbeencaughtintheactacoupleof times,whichiswhyhechoosestoremain

anonymous.

“Ilikeitthatway.Idealwithstuffonsocialmedia andthat’sfine,butIdon’twantthatinmyreallife.I likeapeacefullife.” ■

MAKINGASTATEMENT: Fokaisaimingtohighlighttheplightofthosepeopleburiedfromview

WhyAreWeStuckinHospital?runsatIkonGalleryfrom7to19 MarchandisfundedbytheNationalInstituteforHealthandCare ResearchHS&DRprogramme.

Theexhibitionisfreetoattend.Formoredetailsvisitikon-gallery.org

ELECTRICALSWITCH

LeadingMidlands-basedengineeringfirmadi Grouphasappointedanewmanaging directorforitselectricaldivision.SimonConcar bringsawealthofelectricalengineering expertiseaswellasteamleadershipand projectmanagementskillstotherole.Hesaid: “Iamthrilledtohavesuchanexciting challengeaheadofme.Ilookforwardto helpingmyteamtothriveanddeliver effective,innovativesolutionsforourclients.”

COFFEEBOSS

StephenFernhasbeenpromotedtomanagingdirectorof 200DegreesCoffee.Previouslyfinancialdirectorwiththe Midlands-basedcoffeeroastersince2019,Stephentakeson theMDrolefromco-ownerandCEO,RobDarby.The businesshasexperiencedacontinuedperiodofgrowth, celebratingits10thyearinbusiness,reaching200team membersandopeningits18thcoffeeshop.Itcontinuesto expand,drivingforwarditsbaristaschoolnetwork,home subscription,ecommerceandwholesaleoffering.

BUSINESS

LIGHTSPAN-TASTIC!

Afirstlookhasbeenrevealedofanewviaductthatwillbringadramaticlightshowtothe approachtoBirmingham’sHS2CurzonStreetStation.Theuniqueinstallation,designedby BritishartistLizWest,willintroduceadynamiccolourpalettetoa150-metrelong,25-metre highsteeltruss,framingviewsofthecity.TitledOutoftheBlue,theartworkwillestablish thebridgeasafeatureofthecity’slandscapebothduringthedayandatnight,whenthe artworkwillcometolife.

CADBURYGRANTS

Fivecharitieshavebeenselectedbyemployees atMondelēzInternationalsitesintheWest Midlandstoeachreceiveagrantof£5,000.Amy &Friends,SpecialNeedsAdventurePlayground, CardiacRiskintheYoung,andnationalcharities SenseandBarnardo’s,havereceivedthe donationsfromtheCadburyFoundation,aspart ofitsYourCharityYourChoiceinitiative.Kelly Farrell,communityaffairsmanageratMondelēz International,said:“Thesegrantswillhelpenable thecharitiestocontinuetheirvitalwork.”

SENIORHIRE

IrwinMitchellhasexpandedits nationalprivateclientteamwitha seriesofseniorhiresinBirmingham. Thefirm,whichhasthesecond largestprivateclientteaminthe countrybyfeeearnercount,now offersafullprivateclientservice.

IanBond,pictured,bringsdecades ofexperiencetotheteamasit plansitsfutureexpansioninthe Midlands.Hespecialisesintrust formationandadministration, wealthsuccession,estateplanning andmakingwills,andisusedto dealingwithhighvalueand complexestates.

LIFE-LINE: AworkeratCardiacRiskInTheYounglookingafterapatient

HOMESPROJECT

ElevatePropertyGroupisbuilding60newone,two andthree-bedapartmentsatImperialHouse, Solihull.The£18.5milllionlaunchofPhase2of PrincesGatebuildsonthesuccessfulconversionof ConsortHouseandRoyalHouseandboastseasy accesstothetransportnetworktoBirminghamand, onceHS2isfinished,toLondoninjustover35 minutes.DavidHofton,salesandmarketingdirector, pictured,said:“Thisisanopportunitytoenjoya blendofcountrylivingandtowncentrechic.”

GRANDGIFTS

FivecharitiesbasedintheWestMidlandshavereceiveda £1,000giftthankstotheBenefactGroup.Thecharitieswere nominatedtowinashareof£120,000bymembersofthe publicaspartoftheBenefactGroup’sannual12daysofgiving Christmascampaign.MarkHews,pictured,groupchief executiveofBenefactGroup,revealedtheyincludedLittleHearts Matter,acharityofferinghelptoanyoneaffectedbysingle ventricleheartcondition,andtheDog,DuckandCatTrust.

£6.6MSTEMCENTRE

Anew£6.6millionScience,Technology,EngineeringandMaths(STEM) centreatCadburySixthFormCollegeinKingsNorton,willbefocussedon deliveringanewtechnicalcurriculumtomeetagrowingdemandfor specialistteachingfacilitiesandlearningforstudents.Theprojectmarks Phase2ofthecollege’sambitiontopositionitselfasacentrefor ‘aspirationaladvancedlearningforyoungpeople’,followingtheopeningof its£3.5millionScienceCityin2021.

CRITICALHELP

Commercialheatingandventilation specialists,LordCombustionServices ofOldbury,hashelpedMidlandsAir AmbulanceCharitysavelivesby collecting£10,500atarecent charityball.Thefirm’sMD,Stuart Smith,presentedachequetothe charityatitsairbase,pictured.The donationisequivalenttothefunds neededforthreeairambulance missionsandfivemissionsintheprehospitalemergencyservice’sthree criticalcars.

COMMUNITYACTION

Hospices,foodbanksandothergoodcauses receivednearly£25,000lastyearfroma communityfundsetupbyWorcestershireestate agencyNicol&Co.Thefundpledges£100toeach seller’sgoodcauseofchoiceforeveryproperty saletheagentshandle.In2022,morethan £10,000wasgiventoStRichard’sHospiceand £2,500toAcorns,withPrimroseandKemp hospicesalsoreceivingdonations.Fourfoodbanks andWorcestershireHomelessAppealStreet Kitchenreceivedmorethan£2,500betweenthem.

LEGALARRIVAL

RegionallawfirmmfgSolicitorshas expandeditscivillitigationteamwiththe appointmentofanewseniorassociate. SpecialistlawyerDavidLydon,picturedright withpartnerandheadofdepartmentSam Pedley,willplayakeyroleleadingoncases aroundclinicalnegligenceandpersonal injuryclaims.Hejoinsmfgafterfiveyearsat SydneyMitchellLLPandwillbebasedatthe firm’sStPaul’sSquareofficesincentral Birmingham.

INTHEPINK

ROBO-STOP

RoboticsmanufacturerQuicktronhaschosenBirminghamasitsUKHQ, movingtoBruntwoodSciTech’sleadinghubfortechnology businesses,InnovationBirmingham.Themultinationalcorporation, whichisheadquarteredinShanghaiandhasofficesintheUS, Germany,Spain,Japan,KoreaandSingapore,hasacquireda1,000sqft space.Quicktronisthelatestinawaveofinnovativetechanddigital companiestojointheInnovationBirminghamcampus.

RetailgiantMarksandSpenceristoopenanew storethisautumninthevacantDebenhams buildingintheBullring.Themoveispartofa £480millioninvestmentacrosstheUK.M&Schief executiveStuartMachin,pictured,said:“It’sabout makingsurewehavetherightstores,intheright place,withtherightspace.Ourinvestmentnotonlydeliversabetterexperiencefor customersandcolleagues,itbooststhelocalcommunitywithnewjobcreation.”

A22-year-oldbeautytechnicianhasdoubledthesizeofherKidderminster businesslessthanayearaftermovingintoherfirstpremiseswiththehelp ofcommercialpropertyagentsJohnTruslove.HollieBedford,whoruns LashHunseyelashextensionstrainingacademyandbeautysalon,said: “Itwasabigstep,butbusinesshasjustkeptgrowing.Wegotthekeys, redecorated–niceandpink–andit’sprovedagreatmove.”Holliestarted outworkingfromhomeat18.

AnewVIPconciergeservicehasbeenlaunched atBirminghamAirporttotakethestrainoutofair travel–withplanstorollitoutatotherUK airports.VIP-FLYwasfoundedbyVinceEssex,an aviationveteranofmorethan20years,whoruns groundservicesbusiness,ArvinAviation.Hesaid: “Formanypeoplegettingthroughtheairportis themoststressfulpartofflying,beitabusiness triporfamilyholiday.Anyonecannowgetthe VIPtreatment.”

AccountancyandbusinessadvisoryfirmBDOLLPhasstrengthenedits MidlandsofferingwiththeappointmentofIanBennington,pictured,tothe Digital&RiskAdvisoryService’s(DRAS)teamaspartner.Ian,whojoined fromDeloitte,takesonanationalrole,leadingthefirm’sGovernance,Risk andCompliance(GRC)service,helpingtobuildBDO’scapabilitiesinthe areaofethicsandcomplianceandorganisationalculture.

SPLASHINGOUT: HolliewithBenTrusloveofcommercialpropertyagentsJohnTruslove

THENAME’SBOND…

Anewhomeforthebestcreativetalent intheWestMidlandsissettore-launch thismonth.TheDigbethEstate(Oval RealEstate),workingwithGreater BirminghamandSolihullLocalEnterprise PartnershipandCreateCentral,has partneredwithsomeofBirmingham’s bestdesignersandarchitectsto reimagineTheBondinFazeleyStreet, Digbeth,forthenextgeneration.The rebuildingoftheBondseesitbecomea focalpointfortelevision,filmandall digitalcontentproduction.

NEWPARTNERS

Twonewpartnershavebeenappointedat expandingBirminghamestateagency,Davidson Estates.MelissaPetrosandAndrewLoveare responsibleforallstaff,ensuringthatthefirm’s targets,policiesandprocessesareachieved.The agency’sfounderandmanagingdirector,Ben Davidson,said:“Theirenthusiasm,positive attitudeandvastexperiencehasalreadyhelped metodevelopthebusinesstowhereitistoday.”

AWESOMEFOURSOME

TheBelfryHotel&Resortandfourofitsemployeeswere enrolledinthe59club’sEminentCollection–thebenchmarkof excellenceintheglobalgolfandhospitalitysector.Directorof golfcoursesandestatesAngusMacleod,directorofgolf ChristopherReeve,headofgolfretailandoperations,Tom HughesandfoodandbeveragemanagerJacquesHobson, wereallincludedasaresultoftheirperformance.Resort directorChrisEigelaar,pictured,said:“It’soutstandingtobe regardedsohighlyintheindustry.”

PROPERTYPRESENTS

Birmingham’spropertyandconstructionsectorhasdonatedmorethan1,500gifts todisadvantagedchildrenafteroneoftheregion’sbiggestfestivefund-raisers.

TheSnowball,organisedbycharityPropertyforKids,sawgift-wrappedpresents donatedtoBirminghamandSolihullWomen’sAid–thecharitywhichsupports womenandchildrenaffectedbydomesticviolence.ChairmanofPropertyforKids, JillyCosgrove,said:“We’reveryfortunatethattheSnowballcontinuestobeso wellsupported.” Formorepictures,seeoursocialpages

BUSINESS BITES

GOLDSTANDARD

Watchandjewelleryretailer,Goldsmiths Solihull,hasrelocatedtoalarger showroominTouchwoodShopping Centre.Themoveprovidesdedicatedareas foranumberofluxurybrandsaswellasa newhospitalityareaandrepairslounge.

LUXURYDEAL

EstherBroomhall&Partners(EB&P)has startedtheNewYearwithabangafter beinginstructedtomanagetwonew luxuryhomedevelopments–HighTrees, ShuttLaneandTheFirs,Earlswood Common–onbehalfofaward-winning, Solihull-basedpropertydeveloper, HCDDevelopments.

LEADERSEARCH

Thesearchisonforanew,high-profile businessleadertochampionandsupport thehospitalitysectorintheWestMidlands. Thenight-timeeconomyadvisorrolewill workwiththeWestMidlandsGrowth CompanyandthenewWestMidlands HospitalityandTourismAdvisoryBoard.

MENTALHEALTHBOOST

BarrattandDavidWilsonHomesMerciahas donated£1,500toWestMidlandscharityCaring Minds–partofthewiderBirminghamandSolihull MentalHealthTrust(BSMHFT)–aspartofits CommunityFundscheme.Thecharityprovides comprehensivementalhealthcareservicefor residentsofBirminghamandSolihull,andarange ofcommunitiesacrossthecounty.Achequewas presentedtoLouiseJohnandZahraHussain, picturedoutsideCaringMinds.

PINKBALLRAISESVITAL CASHFORHOSPITALS

NailcoteHallownerSueCressman continuessupportforlife-savingkit

APinkBallatNailcoteHallHotelGolf&Country Clubraisedmorethan£15,000forstate-of-the-art cancertreatmentatlocalhospitals.Thepopularevent, inits18thyear,wasorganisedbythehotel’sco-ownerand two-timecancersurvivorSueCressman,whounderwenta mastectomy10yearsago.Suehascontinuedtogivebackby donatingatotal£250,000-worthoflife-savingmedical equipmentsofartolocalhospitals. ■

PhotographybyPeterBlanchflower

1 NarinderKaur,JackRiggs,SueCressman,GregParsons,AmyAshby,ClaireandSophieBonner. 2 SharonGray,MartinReeves,DarrenGray,Hayley Reeves,RayDarby,SteveGammon,JennyandJamesHarrison. 3 SandraNutt,RickandSueCressman,ChrisNutt. 4 SueCressman,LisaDevine. 5 SoultownCollective. 6 RebeccaYazdianpour,MichelleBunn,NatashaRoberts,KatieClarence,MariaMorgan,KatyThomson,DebbieHave. 7 RickCressman,HelenBleakman,RichardManser,BettySmith,MikeCrausaz. 8 MargaretBrent,TerenaandStuartMoore,GaryandSheilaReeves, DavidBrent,PhilandClaireSykes.

SOLICITORSCASHBOOST FORLEARNINGCHARITY

GuestsraiseaglasstosupportEmily JordanFoundationatannualdrinks

awfirmmfgSolicitorshosteditsannual Christmasdrinkswithmorethan100 guestsattendingtheeventatPubDuVin inChurchStreet.Aprizedrawfeaturedavintage bottleofChampagneand£250wasraisedforthe EmilyJordanFoundation,alocalcharitywhich supportspeoplewithlearningdisabilities.

PartnerandmanagingdirectorAndrewDavies said:“Notonlywasitgoodtoseesomanyclients inoneplace,butitwasextraspecialthatwewere abletopromoteandraisefundsforanamazing charity.” ■

1 MatthewBarker,SophieKelly,TomBell. 2 LucyGeorge,LucyHarrold. 3 DavidAllen,AndrasKarpati,BethMargetson,Stephen Moore. 4 TomMcCarthy,ChrisPiggott. 5 KatNolan,ClareLang. 6 BrianFlint,TonyMilner,AvrilLamont-Webster,TerryHalligan. 7 KeithBagby,ClareRegan,AltineElias,NevilleTopping. 8 StephenTallboys,MelindaRice,StephenRoberts.

FromMidlandslocalnewspaperreportertosuccessful rom-comauthorandwifeofaBlackCountryrockstar legend–journalistSuzanHolderrecountedherlife andtimesasguestspeakerataBirminghamPressClublunch heldatEdgbastonGolfClub.Suzan,whohasbeenmarried formorethan30yearstoSladefrontmanNoddyHolder,was madeanHonoraryLifeMemberoftheClubatthelunch, whichwassponsoredbyTipton-basedLet’sSanify.She receivedthetraditionalgiftofabuglecraftedinBirmingham’s jewelleryquarterbyAcmeWhistles.Araffleraisednearly £800fortheFrontlineClub,whichaidsjournalistsworkingin warzonesanddangerousplaces. ■

PhotographybyIanTennant

1 BobWarman,SuzanHolder,MahmudurJaigirdar,AdrianKibbler,MinMangat. 2 Anne-MarieEden,RichardandJayneGrimes. 3 JennyWilkes, DavidDunckley,ValDeeley. 4 FredBromwich,NickHudson. 5 JohnDuckers,HazelHorton-Peppercorn. 6 TrishWillettsJoJeffries,MariaReycores, SimonPitt. 7 SteveEvans,LesleyWilde,HelenToomeyHesk. 8 TaylorRobinson,SteveDyson,FionnualaBourke,LisaWebb.

PROPERTYFUND-RAISER BRINGSCHEERTOKIDS

Disadvantagedchildrenbenefitasguestsat PropertyforKidseventdonate1,500gifts

neoftheregion’sbiggestfestivefundraisers,TheSnowball,organisedby charityPropertyforKidssaw600 professionalsgatherattheJamHouse,StPaul’s Squaretoenjoylivemusicbybands,HotProperty andUnderConstruction,whosemembersallwork inthepropertyandconstructionindustry.Guests donatedmorethan1,500gift-wrappedpresents whichweredonatedtoBirminghamandSolihull Women’sAidfordistributiontoyoungstersthrough itsregionalnetworkofdrop-incentresandrefuge accommodation. ■

1 AmeliaEdwards,AndyWard,LynseyCater,ClareRegan. 2 DanKingdon,PaulKing,RichardBrannigan,AngelaIrvine. 3 AndyPrice,JamesTickle, NeilDodd,ElspethWightman,BeckiAdams,NickGorrie. 4 SteveKidd,DavidBrooks,SteveFischer. 5 AndrewCrowter,StevenHandley, JohnKavanagh. 6 AndyPassmore,OlgaAlokhina,MarkMuckle. 7 DarrenEaton,KarinaConnelly. 8 RupertYoung,JillyCosgrove,JohnBunce.

9 JulieCraig,NickWarwick,MichelleEllerman,RichardFreeman. 10 AnthonyWatson,MatthewHancox,DominicHardy,TomO’Brien.

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: Aladdin

WHEN: 18to26February

WHERE: HattonAdventureWorld, adventure.hattonworld.com

Abrand-newpantomimethatpromisesamagic carpetrideforthewholefamily.Heldindoors,sothere’s noneedtoworryabouttheBritishweather,theall-inclusive priceensuresacarefreedayoutonthe100-acresitewith loadsofanimals,showsandotheractivitiestoenjoy.

WHAT: FatboySlim

WHEN: 3and4March

WHERE: O2Institute2 Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com

FatboySlimremainsoneofthemost in-demandDJs,andhe’sbackwithhis latestalbumRightHere,RightThen, celebratingthe20thanniversaryofthe infamousBigBeachBoutiqueevent.

WHAT: TheBestExoticMarigoldHotel

WHEN: 21to25February

WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com

BasedontheSundayTimesbest-seller,whichinspiredthe hitfilm,thislovelyshowtakesyouonajourneytoIndia withaneclecticgroupofBritishretirees.Ajoyouscomedy starringHayleyMills,PaulNicholasandRulaLenska.

WHAT: KTTunstall

WHEN: 27February

WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk

Followingthereleaseofhernewalbum NUT,theBRITAward-winningandGrammynominatedartistisonherfirstfullUK headlinetoursincethepandemic,witha completelydifferentshowandabrandnew line-upofamazingmusicians.

WHAT: OldSkoolFamilyDisco

WHEN: 19February

WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk

GetyourSundayafternoongrooveonwitha DJbangingoutthetunesplusmascots,glow sticksandbubbles.Fancydressencouraged, thoughnotessential.Soundandlighting levelswillbesuitableforyoungchildren.

WHAT: TheFreddieMercuryShow

WHEN: 4March

WHERE: NailcoteHall,nailcotehall.co.uk

AnightofclassicQueenhitswiththebrilliant BruceGame’stributetoFreddieMercury.Tickets includethree-coursedinnerandafter-showDJ.

WHAT: Soundsofthe60’sLive

WHEN: 1February

WHERE: WolverhamptonGrand Theatre,grandtheatre.co.uk

LegendaryDJTonyBlackburntakeshis Soundsofthe60’sshowontheroadfor aUKtourcelebratingthemusicand memoriesofwhatwasamuch-loved decade.

WHAT: BirminghamRoyalBallet–SwanLake

WHEN: 15to12February

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

Thegreatestofallromanticballetsreturnsin oneoftheworld’sfinestproductionsasthe BRBrevivesPeterWrightandGalina Samsova’sgloriousjourneyintoSwanLake–withtheRoyalBalletSinfoniaperforming Tchaikovsky’ssuperbmusic.

WHAT: Panic!AtTheDisco

WHEN: 3April

WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk

WHAT: TheMurderCapital

WHEN: 21February

WHERE: TheMill,themilldigbeth.com

HailingfromallcornersofIreland,thepostpunkbandhascarvedoutareputationfor effortlesslyblendingintenseaggressionwith unforgettablemelodiessincethecelebrated 2019debutalbum,WhenIHaveFears.

WHAT: HalfTermFun

WHEN: 11to26February

Themulti-platinum,Grammynominatedrockband’sVivaLas VengeanceTouriscomingtojustthree venuesintheUK,includingBrum.Their song,HouseofMemories,hashad morethan2.1billionviewsonTikTok–socomeandcheckthemout!

WHAT: SpittingImageLive

WHEN: Nowuntil11March

WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk

Withaplotmoreimprobablethanthepastyearof Britishpolitics,jointheiconicSpittingImagepuppets inthisworldpremiereastheygracethestageforthe veryfirsttime.

WHERE: BritishMotorMuseum, britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on Discoverapaletteofpossibilitiesthishalf-termwitharangeof colour-themedactivities,includingtheColourCreatorTrail,the chancetobuildacolourfulArtBotandtakepartinScienceofColour showswithresidentscientists,ProfessorPickleandDoctorPumpkin.

WHAT: RobinMorgan:SnipSnip,B*tch

WHEN: 12February

WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham/ Afterthepandemictorpedoedhisdebuttour, theMocktheWeekcomedianandactorisback withanewshowabouthismum,fatherhood, marriage,masculinityandhometowns.

WHAT: Crufts2023&BestinShow

WHEN: 9to12March

WHERE: ResortsWorldArena, resortsworldarena.co.uk

Thegreatestdogshowonearthis back!Watchmorethan20,000canines competefortheworld-famoustitleof CruftsBestinShow,plusbrowse hundredsofshopsfullofproductsfor bothyouandyourpooch.

CLOSEWITHÁ

DRLINZISTAUVERS

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

Ispent10yearsinLondon,studyinghistory ofartandworkingasalecturerattheNational PortraitGallery.AftermyPhD,ImovedtoLeeds whereIcommissionedartiststocreatenewwork forheritagespaces,includingaformercinema, musichallandTVstudio.Irelocatedto BirminghamwhenIstartedworkingatIkonin 2017.

IT’SWHATIDO

IlookafterIkon’seducationwork,placingartists inschools,communitysettingsandaprison.We alsorunaprogrammeforyoungpeopleaged16to 21toexploretheartsandcraftsheritageoftheWest Midlandsviaourcanalboat.Myteamcollaborates withuniversities,rights-basedorganisationsand artiststorespondtosocialissues.Forexample,in Marchwearepresentinganewworkby BirminghamartistFokaWolf,entitledWhyAreWe StuckinHospital?

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

AtIkonourambitionistoshowcasemore contemporaryartinBirmingham.Thisincludes large-scalepublicartprojects,likeHewLocke’s ForeignExchange,whichweproducedforthe Birmingham2022CommonwealthGames,and OsmanYousefzada’sInfinityPattern,thatcovered theentireSelfridgesbuilding.Perhapssomething thatcanbeseenfromspacenexttime.

BIGGESTSUCCESS

Gettingmarriedat40.Assomeonewhomanagesevents foraliving,aweddingalwaysfeltlikeabusman’sholiday. However,myhusbandChasagreedtoaverysmallevent withonly10guests.Wegothitchedinstyleatthe BirminghamRegisterOfficefollowedbyrealalesandpork piesattheCravenArms.Wereturnedtothesceneofthe crimeforourfirstanniversaryandwillcontinuetodoso.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Inmy20s,IwasafanofnovelistJGBallard.Ididn’t havethecouragetowritetohim,butIshouldhave.I’ve sincemethisdaughter,theartistFayBallard,andithas beenwonderfullearningaboutawriterwhohas inspiredsomuchcontemporaryart.Forexample,Ikon’s currentexhibition–HorrorintheModernistBlock–is fullofhighrisesandconcreteislands.

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

MyfavouriteplaceinBirmingham(andprobablythe world)istheMidlandsArtCentre.Iliketocyclealong theRiverReawithmyeight-year-oldson,andpopinto Mactoseeanexhibition,watchamovieortakepartin afamilypotteryworkshop.TheyalsosellAtticBrew’s Intuition,whichistopofmylocalbeerlist.

DOWNTIME

I’mnotgreen-fingered,butenjoyaNationalTrust garden,likeWightwickManorandPackwoodHouse.If Icouldhaveacupofteawithanyoneitwouldbe CapabilityBrown.Idoloveaha-ha. ■

TheactingartisticdirectorofeducationatIkon, Brindleyplacetalksshowcasingcontemporaryart, lovinglocalbeerandcyclingalongtheRiverRea