July issue 2019 (issue 82)

Birmingham g n i liv

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July 2019

BEACH GEAR BEACH BODY

&

NICK O’HARA CARRY ON GLAMPING SARAH MANNERS

STUART

BROAD

BREAK OUT THE BARBIE SMASHING TENNIS TIPS SANDSLIDERS

THE ASHES, POMMIE-BASHING AND ELECTRIC EDGBASTON

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& TWO FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS IF YOU JOIN BEFORE AUGUST 2019

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EDITOR’S VIEW

A

re you ready Australia? Are you ready for the raucous noise and electric atmosphere that is going to greet you when you walk out for the first Ashes test match next month at Edgbaston? All that ball-tampering shame you hoped would have been forgotten, no way! I can hear the boos ringing out already…

Regardless of how the Ashes series goes (and of course, England are going to win it), the ECB has already got one thing right – picking Edgbaston to open this summer’s five-test match encounter. There is no cricket ground in the world that can match the place for creating a pressure cooker of excitement on the big occasions.

As Edgbaston and Warwickshire CCC chief executive Neil Snowball explained: “England have an outstanding record in Birmingham and there is nowhere better for Joe Root’s team to start the Ashes Series than in-front of a full house of passionate fans at Fortress Edgbaston.” Precisely!

Our cover star this month is sure to have a big impact in the series. Stuart Broad is a true Ashes hero – loved by us, hated by them. And he can’t wait to take on the Old Enemy at Edgbaston. As a Midlands boy, he’s well used to the passion the home fans generate and aware, too, that Edgbaston is England’s most successful Ashes ground. “I can’t wait to charge in there against the Aussies,” he says, licking his lips.

If we can tear ourselves away from the cricket, that other great sport, tennis, is equally compelling this month with Wimbledon. As you’ll see in our Health section, tennis is fast becoming one of the most popular sports to get fit, especially with women.

Whatever your sport, have a smashing summer!

s n h o J David

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

/bhamliving

FINALIST

Stuart Broad by Rex Features

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

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

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

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

july 2019

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INSIDE

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Highlights

Stuart Broad

Bring on the Aussies! England paceman ready to deliver in Ashes opener at Edgbaston

Sarah Manners The actress on the Brum legend who convinced her to take a break from ‘just being a mum’

Food & Drink Head chef Francisco Martinez, plus the best eats and drinks for a great picnic

Holiday Style Putting together the perfect wardrobe – wherever in the world you’re heading

Health Top tips to get fit for the beach… and why tennis is this summer’s feel-good smash-hit

Carry On Glamping Whether heading to Glasto or getting back to nature en famille, you’ll need the right kit

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

60 64 66 69 78 82 july 2019

Young, Gifted and Brummie

California dreaming! Artist Anya Butler heads to US to follow in footsteps of Walt Disney

Up Close WithÁ Nick O’Hara, the MD of Thursfields Solicitors, talks law – and dusting off his tennis shorts!

Company To Watch Sandsliders – the product revolutionising beach life for parents while helping vulnerable people in Brum

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

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

In The City With Robert Diaper, general manager of Three Church Road restaurant, Edgbaston

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NEWS

PLAY TIME WITH DARTH A breath-taking concert of iconic music from Star Wars is to be performed live to film at Arena Birmingham. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will see the Novello Orchestra, conducted by David Mahoney, play Oscar-winning composer John Williams’ score as the inter-galactic drama unfolds on the silver screen. The performance on 1 October

NEWS

follows the success of 2018’s arena tour of Star Wars: A New Hope Live with Orchestra.

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

RAW TALENT

Music show Raw Sound TV based in Birmingham is celebrating its twoyear anniversary. Raw has put out more than 45 shows on its YouTube channel featuring over 80 new, local and unsigned bands of all genres. Self-funded, it gives a platform to bands from a small studio in the Jewellery Quarter. Founder Mark Piddington said: “Raw interviews the bands, giving them a chance to promote themselves and we are bringing in new tech like virtual reality camera work that the audience are loving.”

BALLET GOOD SHOW Elmhurst Ballet School, the vocational school of Birmingham Royal Ballet, lifts the curtain on its annual summer shows this month. Awakenings from 5 to 11 July brings to life a diverse programme of dance by world-leading guest choreographers, the school’s artistic staff and its students. The shows at Elmhurst’s studio theatre cover a spectrum from classical ballet to cutting edge contemporary dance. Always a favourite with audiences, flamenco makes a fiery return too!

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BAND AID: Mark Piddington and co-presenter Danielle Clarke

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NEWS

CHEF HARVEY’S DREAM JOB

BUBBLE TROUBLE

Heaps of frothy fun are in store as the world’s foamiest family run comes to Birmingham for the first time this summer. Acorns Bubble Rush at Cofton Park on Saturday 20 July will see hundreds of participants – known as bubblers – make their way around a 5km course through tons of multi-coloured suds. The soapy spectacular will raise funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice and its care for children and their families in the West Midlands. Full details: www.acorns.org.uk/bubbles

IN BRIEF CBSO CASH BOOST The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has received a gift of £250,000 from CBSO Development Trust trustee and former board member John Osborn to support its centenary celebrations. The donation follows previous donations worth nearly £500,000.

MUSEUM AWARD Birmingham Museums Trust has been crowned Overall Winner of Excellence at the Charity Awards 2019 for its Collecting Birmingham project which empowered the people of Birmingham to take an active role in developing the city’s museum collection.

MISSION POSSIBLE Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia has launched its Mission Possible campaign to begin funding specialist research nurses across the UK from January 2020. The nurses will be funded at 12 UK centres with a hub based at the Centre for Clinical Haematology in Birmingham.

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REP IN FOCUS A Birmingham photographer spent a month backstage at Birmingham Rep taking hundreds of pictures which reveal the unseen work that goes into bringing theatre to life on stage. The results of Fraser McGee’s efforts are on show in a free exhibition, titled Production, at Medicine Bakery and Gallery in New Street until 5 August.

His pictures tell the story of a theatre as a manufacturing organisation, highlighting the craftsmanship of the workers and the materials used.

A young chef, who was previously part of a Michelinstar team, has taken the top job at city restaurant, Maribel. Harvey Perttola has been named head chef at the Brindleyplace eatery following the departure of Richard Turner. At 24, Harvey is one of the youngest head chefs in the city and aims to continue the restaurant’s ambition of offering ‘fine dining without the pretence’.

He said: “This really is a dream come true for me.”

VINCE’S HAPPY RETURN Sixties singing legend Vince Hill returned to his home city for a special 85th birthday farewell concert. The multi-million-selling recording star – whose hits include chart-topper Edelweiss and Take Me To Your Heart Again – performed at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre. The event saw Vince reunited with the Nolan Sisters, regulars on his BBC Musical Time Machine show, and raised more than £1,500 towards the Belgrade’s charitable work.

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NEWS

MUSIC AWARDS The cream of the music business turned out for this year’s Birmingham Music Awards at The Mill. Hosted by BBC WM’s Alex Noble, the winners included UB40’s Brian Travers who picked up the Brum Bastion award and founder of The Move, Trevor Burton, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement accolade.

Birmingham Living cover star Lady Leshurr, pictured, caused quite a stir when she took her entire entourage on stage to collect her Best Rap/Grime award.

THE SECRET’S OUT

Following the multi-million pound transformation of the Sky By The Water rooftop bar and restaurant in January, Resorts World has unveiled its latest addition to the venue, the Secret Garden. The outdoor rooftop garden is home to eight cosy covered pods seating between two and eight people and there’s a bespoke Tanqueray butterfly wall which borders an indoor glass bar area. Guests can enjoy drinks and light bites from the Sky By The Water bar menu.

DATE WITH KT Are you ready for nine days of music, theatre, dance, comedy, talks and family events? Multi-arts Lichfield Festival from 5 to 13 July boasts top performers and entertainers, headlined on opening night by BRIT awardwinning singer KT Tunstall, pictured. Festival productions include a celebration of Ivor Novello hosted by TV star Russell Grant, a tribute to Nat King Cole by MOBOaward nominee Cleveland Watkiss and a chance to ‘Come and Sing’ Handel’s Messiah. Full details:

CATCH CRICKET LEGENDS Five ex-England cricketers are swapping bat and ball for golf clubs to take part in the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall next month. Fast bowler Steve Harmison, pictured, spinner Graeme Swann, batsmen Mark Ramprakash and James Taylor and former England captain Mike Gatting will take on the testing Cromwell Course with a number of stars from the world of sport and entertainment between 6 and 9 August.

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www.lichfieldfestival.org

FEST OF STARS Solihull Summer Fest returns for the fourth year running on 27 and 28 July. The twoday festival features a diverse mix of genres with confirmed acts including Bad Manners, the Human League, pictured, Level 42 and many more star-studded names. Each day runs from midday until 10.30pm with live music, street food vendors, bars, entertainment and an exclusive VIP area.

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NEWS

CALLING ALL BRIDES Being a bride just got even more exciting with the news that luxury bridal boutique Feathers has opened at Great Western Arcade. Aiming to make designer brands more accessible, Feathers has partnered with global luxury designers and stocks wedding dresses, separates, jumpsuits and accessories.

Leading bridal and evening-wear designers Dana Harel and avant-garde fashion house Viktor&Rolf have chosen Feathers to be their only UK stockists outside London.

FINE ART UNVEIL CHEERS: Ian Weatherby-Blythe, group managing director of Castle Fine Art, with Lorenzo Quinn beer tap. Picture: Maisie Brown

Leading fine art retailer, Castle Fine Art, has unveiled

MOVE OVER LEWIS!

its biggest gallery in Birmingham. The 6,000 sq ft

The search is on for the next Lewis Hamilton with the opening of the first outdoor

contemporary artists from around the world and is

karting circuit in Warwickshire. The track at Warwick’s 100-acre Adventure Sports

the latest in the company’s network of 38 galleries

outdoor activity centre boasts a fleet of 14 powerful twin-engine 400cc Biz

across the country. It is home to some of the biggest

space at the Mailbox showcases the best

Le Mans karts, fitted with state-of-the-art safety systems and Tag Heuer timing.

There are also 200cc Biz junior karts suitable for younger speedsters at the track, which is a member of the National Karting Association.

names in art – from Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood and Lorenzo Quinn, to Marvel, Billy Connolly and pioneer

SAVING TIME

of the Pop Art movement, James Francis Gill.

Residents and businesses in Cofton Hackett and Longbridge came together to bury a time capsule at the site of a new village hall.

The capsule was compiled by community groups, including Cofton Village Hall Trust, Lickey Primary School, Pride of Longbridge and Cofton Hackett Brownies, along with residents living on the new development with family history linking to the former Austin and MG Rover car plant. Capsule contents include drawings by schoolchildren and posters of cars made at Longbridge.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk 12 birmingham living

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COVER STORY

FAST & FURIOUS

THE AUSSIES ARE COMING TO EDGBASTON FOR THE FIRSTASHES TESTAND LOCAL HERO STUART BROAD IS FIRED UP AND READY FOR ACTION. THE RECORD-BREAKING PACEMAN TELLS DAVID JOHNS WHY THIS MATCH WILL BE EXTRA SPECIAL he countdown is on to one of the Midland’s biggest summer sporting occasions – and local lad Stuart Broad is well and truly fired up and ready to go.

The English pace bowler has his sights set on dishing out some pain to the Aussies when Edgbaston cricket ground hosts the first Ashes test starting on 1 August.

The sight of Stuart is like showing red rag to a bull as far as the Australians are concerned. He’s not only reserved some of his most damaging bowling performance for their batsmen over the years, he’s also earned himself a controversial reputation – prompting the-then Australian coach to urge their supporters to hound him and ‘make his life hell’ when England toured Down Under.

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ELECTRIC EDGBASTON The reception Stuart received was vitriolic and threatening, and while the Edgbaston crowd will give the 14 birmingham living

Aussies some stick for sure, it will be loud and boisterous rather than aggressive and abusive. Edgbaston has been picked by the English Cricket Board for the first of the summer’s five Ashes tests exactly because of the intense, raucous and partisan support the Birmingham crowd always delivers on big occasions.

Stuart said: “Edgbaston is our loudest ground in England. The atmosphere erupts right behind us as a team.

You can never underestimate how much that lifts the team.

You only have to look at our record there. I can’t wait to get there and take on the Aussies!”

This Ashes, the chances are that the Edgbaston air will be filled with less-than-polite language from the packed stands for the Australians’ returning batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith, who were banned for a period after the infamous ball-tampering scandal in a test match against South Africa in 2018. “It’s going to be lively, that’s for sure,” july 2019

COVER STORY

“

said Stuart. “The Edgbaston crowd is already raucous and they are going to let Smith and Warner know what they think of them.

They won’t let them forget it for sure.”

EDGBASTON IS OUR

LOUDEST GROUND IN ENGLAND. THE ATMOSPHERE ERUPTS RIGHT

”

BEHIND US AS A TEAM. YOU CAN NEVER UNDERESTIMATE HOW MUCH THAT LIFTS THE TEAM

july 2019

THE BOO BOYS As previously mentioned, Stuart is no stranger to controversy himself. In the 2013 Ashes series he refused to follow cricket’s ‘gentleman’s rule’ of walking when caught off a thick edge while batting. England went on to win the game by 14 runs and Stuart’s action incensed the Australian players, leading to their head coach calling him a cheat and urging crowds Down Under to boo him in all future Ashes games. “It was tough to face all of that, yes, but weirdly enjoyable,” he remembers. “I’d prepared for it and actually felt myself thrive on it. My view was, if they didn’t rate you as a

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player they would just ignore you, so I took it as a compliment.” The episode shows what a fierce and uncompromising competitor Stuart is, while being totally charming off the pitch.

Stuart has no doubt about his best Ashes memory.

“Regaining the Ashes at Trent Bridge in 2015. The Saturday morning, only 40 minutes of play, but the feeling of our team taking that final wicket on my home ground in front of family and friends was special. So that winning moment is ahead of my eight for 15 two days earlier as my greatest Ashes memory.”

Following in the footsteps of his England cricketing father Chris Broad, Stuart’s county career began at Leicestershire in 2005, before he moved to his current home of Nottinghamshire in 2008. His test career highlights include that eight-wicket in an innings haul and scoring 169 in a record-breaking 332-run partnership with Warwickshire batting legend Jonathan Trott against Pakistan.

BELFRY PRIDE Despite not playing for either Warwickshire or Worcestershire his ties with Birmingham and the West Midlands have always been strong. He is brand ambassador for Warwickshire’s famous Ryder Cup home and resort, The Belfry, and has contributed in his role with evening and charity match events and promoting The Belfry’s highly-regarded PGA Golf Academy.

“I am delighted to be a Belfry ambassador given the resort’s unrivalled history and heritage,” he said. “As for the course? It’s history, it’s a challenge. Incredible shots have been played by incredible players and special moments in the history of the game, and we, as amateurs, get the chance to try and replicate them.

Amazing. You’re lying if you say you haven’t tried to hit the tenth green in one. What’s more, it is such a warm, friendly and welcoming place to visit. Every member of staff wants you to enjoy your experience, and they really add to it.

“When I’m on the golf course my mind concentrates on a different skill to cricket. So I escape the pressures of cricket, using new techniques, facing new challenges. The challenge of The Belfry is exciting. It’s my dream for Tiger Woods and my dad to play Phil Mickelson and myself. And Phil & I win,

july 2019

IN THE SWING: Stuart is brand ambassador at The Belfry and a supporter of their golf academy

shaking hands with dad and Tiger on the 18th green at The Belfry after I just got up and down to win.”

A keen fan of football as well as golf, Stuart’s personal heroes include Nottingham Forest and England hardman Stuart Pearce, while he is a big admirer of rugby’s former England and Leicester Tigers legend Martin Johnson. When it comes to cricket, there is only one man – and that’s Australia’s fast bowler Glenn McGrath. “These are my heroes because they all played with a special passion and spirit,” says Stuart.

As for playing his favourite sports, Stuart says: “Golf is definitely the toughest to play! Each sport has its moments. Imagine the pressure being over a six-foot putt to win a Major having worked all your life for that moment? Incredible. Then imagine a 95mph Mitchell Johnson bowling every ball at your head in front of 99,000 at the MCG with a test match on the line.

Every top flight sport tests you to the maximum.”

Right now though, Stuart is fully focused on his cricket in what is a huge summer for England’s players and fans alike with the World Cup preceding the fivetest Ashes series, which runs through August and into mid-September.

It’s our year, it’s written in the stars,” says Stuart.

“Joe Root – Sports Personality of the Year 2019. You heard it here first.” I The first Ashes test against Australia is at Edgbaston from 1 to 4 August. Details: www.edgbaston.com

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FEATURE

GOOD MANNERS SARAH MANNERS TOOK A STEP BACK FROM ACTING TO FOCUS

ON BEING A PARENT UNTIL A VERY SPECIAL JOB ABOUT A VERY SPECIAL MAN PROVED TOO GOOD A ROLE TO TURN DOWN ovely Brummie Sarah Manners of The Bill, Casualty and Doctors fame as well as Circles by Rachel De La Hay, now lives in London with her other half and their daughter. While she is relishing spending time with her little girl ‘just being a mum’ and doesn’t want to miss a thing, there are certain jobs she finds hard to turn down.

A remarkable short film documenting Birmingham legend ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley’s mammoth effort to run seven marathons across seven continents in seven days to raise funds for charity was one of those. Called 7 Days: The Story of ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley produced by another Brummie, Nigel Martin Davey at Pixel Revolution Films and directed by Ian and Dominic Higgins, the film has been gaining a lot of love from the industry picking up numerous awards at festivals in Europe and the US.

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INSPIRATIONAL Sarah plays Dave’s wife Debbie Heeley and says taking on the role was a no-brainer. She says: “I was so happy to do this. What an amazing man. He does things that most ablebodied people can’t.” Sarah got to know Dave’s family

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FEATURE

Photography by Michael Shelford

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FEATURE

including his ‘lovely’ daughters and was staggered by his story. “Not many people know that as well as raising a huge amount of money for charity, Dave’s a genius at woodwork. He actually uses a circular saw and builds things, blind! It’s astonishing.”

The 45-minute film is a true story of grit and determination starring Jack Lane and Robert Harrison alongside Sarah and premiered in April. A screening at Dave’s beloved West Bromwich Albion – his marathon effort raised funds for the club’s Albion Foundation – was a success.

Dave says: “This doesn’t happen to people like me, I still can’t get my head around it. I feel very

A former Blue Coat and King Edward’s Grammar School for Girls pupil, Birmingham still has a certain pull for Sarah and she says it’s the people she loves the most about the place. “I come away thinking how nice everyone is.” In contrast she feels people get the wrong idea about London where she’s lived since 1993.

REALITY OF TV “Yes, the Tube is cramped and horrible and everyone is squeezed in, but there are pockets of London that are great and Central London is walkable which gives a different perspective.” She adds: “I’ve just done a photo-shoot in Bermondsey

FAMILY OCCASION Sarah with her mum and dad, Kate and David, at the premiere of 7 Days: The Story of ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley

privileged that Nige and the team thought about covering my story. It’s still a dream, a lovely dream at that.” Sarah never expected the film to win awards, so that’s a very nice bonus.

NANNY NO-NO While Sarah’s picky with projects and says she never wants a nanny, she would interrupt her mothering duties for another job should it be offered. Her dream gig The Archers. “It’s such an institution and would allow me to pop home and see the folks regularly!” When Sarah’s in the Midlands there’s plenty of family to catch up with.

“I’m one of four children and all the rest of the family still live in the area. There’s nothing we like better than going for a lovely walk on Lickey Hills or for a meal in the local villages.”

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which was very un-London-like. Warm and friendly with everyone chatting.”

The reality of a regular acting job, let’s say on The Bill would mean a one-and-a-half-hour trip from one end of the Tube to the other and getting home at around 7.30pm. Sarah explains: “I want my daughter to have a normal upbringing. I’m very happy to dip in and out of acting, but she’s my priority.”

Sarah puts her grounded attitude down to being a Brummie. She’s retrained as a pilates teacher which gives her flexibility to work around motherhood and which she credits with her positive outlook.

“I think being fit and taking an interest in fitness makes you a more positive and rounded person,” she explained. “That’s where the pilates comes in.

Looking back, I think I would love to have been a physiotherapist actually…”

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FOOD & DRINK

FRANCISCO MARTINEZ The executive head chef of Fazenda Birmingham brings a creative and rustic flavour to cooking forged in his home country of Spain as well as China, Germany and here in the UK

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CHEF’S CORNER

Tell us about your cooking There are two sides to my cooking. The first relates to my background which means my food is creative, playful and sophisticated. The second is my rustic side – after five years with Fazenda I’m trusted to play with fire and wood, so now my style has evolved into a combination of both aspects.

When it comes to designing dishes for the restaurant my main priority is quality, in both the meat and techniques applied to the ingredients to enhance the textures and flavours.

How did you become a chef?

My family has always been involved in hospitality and eating in a restaurant every day is a main memory of my childhood. I went to culinary school in Alicante when I was 17. After three years in college, I spent a season at El Bulli in Catalunya – a Michelin three-star restaurant – which taught me everything. After that, I had different experiences in Germany, Spain and China before moving to the UK. What do you eat when at home?

My fridge here in the UK is always empty – I travel a lot, so not much cooking at home!

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

In the world it would be Ferran Adria who was my mentor and head chef at El Bulli. Birmingham has many great chefs, but I would have to say Glynn Purnell. Purnell’s is a chic, contemporary fine-dining restaurant.

Is the customer always right?

I use the word right in a different way as I believe our guests always have the right to disagree, give feedback or complain. Dining out is an experience and my job is to make the food as well-received as possible.

Share a cooking tip It’s a buying tip. Spend your money on good quality proteins. If you start your recipe with the wrong ingredient then you probably know the outcome from the beginning.

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What was your favourite food as a kid?

Seafood rice, which we are specialists at in my area in Spain. It comprises a thin layer of rice with Mediterranean seafood, which sounds like paella but it’s not – this is precision in a big pan. I have my own secret recipe that I’ve never shared with anyone.

Food heaven and food hell?

Heaven is seafood rice with my closest family and friends. Hell is seafood rice if I have it on my own because food for me is not just what we eat, it is the whole act of what, where and with who you dine.

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

Being in China for two years gave me the opportunity to have a big, big list of unusual things I’ve eaten…

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

Probably an engineer as I’ve always liked to create and build.

In a way Fazenda highlights that side of me, as we are always implementing new systems.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

Picanha – our signature beef cut. It has the perfect balance on every aspect important of beef: tenderness, flavour and juices. I Fazenda Birmingham, 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2AA. Tel: 0121 728 5656 www.fazenda.co.uk

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SEASON’S EATINGS

HARD TO BEET TREAT Our Beetroot Quiche, served with a green salad, makes for a right-tasty outdoor lunch pparently the fine weather is coming, so it’s time for sun, sand and picnics. Along with the French bread, pies and pates, why not knock up this rather tasty treat that celebrates the glorious marriage of beetroot and goat’s cheese. And as it’s for a picnic, please treat yourself to some shop-bought short crust pastry.

A

BEETROOT QUICHE INGREDIENTS: SERVES 8 5 eggs

250ml milk

Pinch cayenne pepper

250ml cream

400g goat’s cheese

400g cooked beetroot (shredded)

1 onion (peeled, sliced and fried until soft and golden brown) Shop-bought short crust pastry

METHOD: Pre heat oven to 180 degrees C. Roll out the pastry to a thickness of 2½ mm (able to line an individual pastry case). Flour eight pastry cases and then blind bake for 20 minutes. Remove the beans and cook for a further five minutes or until the pastry is crisp.

Mix the eggs, milk, cream and pepper seasoning and pass through a chinois. Cut goat’s cheese into 2cm cubes. Split the goat’s cheese, beetroot and onion between the eight tart cases and fill to the top with the egg mixture. Reduce oven temperature to 150 degrees and cook for 25 minutes.

Serve with a salad of leaves, beans and tender stem broccoli.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

PINT SHOP

38 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5SN. Tel: 0121 236 9039 pintshop.co.uk o, the scaffolding covering the Bennetts Hill favourite that was once emblazoned with a giant banner simply reading, ‘Meat. Bread.

Beer.’ is finally down and there’s a new menu to get your teeth into. Clearly, we don’t need telling twice.

We should say, while we were hot-footing it along Colmore Row like a rat up a drainpipe, there was a slight concern about the menu. One of us has gone meat-free since our first visit during which we gorged on kebabs of the lamb and chicken variety. How would the menu stack up in the fish and veggie arena?

Turns out, despite its beer and meat reputation, the Pint Shop does meat-free particularly well. We don’t mean a couple of token dishes, but really great, well thought out nosh that meant we didn’t have a whiff of food envy when the carnivorous friend tucked into some lip-smackingly good looking flesh.

Firstly, remember the onion bhaji scotch egg that almost broke the Internet when the Pint Shop first opened? It’s gone. I know. We gasped too until we tasted the new spicy kid on the Scotch egg block. A perfect boiled egg with a soft middle encased in Bombay potato and a crunchy outer served with a proper punchy mango chutney. Ta-dah. Onion bhaji who? There’s a classic meat version on the menu too.

The impressive beer list and over a hundred gins was still winking away. A Brummie g&t (Roundhouse gin) and a pint of Sheppys were promptly ordered. It was a Monday after all. We tasted a lot of food, so here’s a whistle-stop tour of some of our faves:

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Halloumi with a tomato salad slicked with chili and garlic oil packed with herbs was summery, light and everything we wanted. Super tender rare roast beef with a tangy salad of crushed chilli cucumbers, avocado, mint, lime and chopped peanuts was superb. The friend tucked into the beef enthusiastically while I found the tartness, heat and zing of the salad just brilliant. It could have been a dish in its own right.

Buttermilk fried chicken with red eye mayo didn’t disappoint my friend. Wings minus the bone were crisp on the outside, melt in the mouth tender on the inside and served with a mayo that packed a punch. There’s a vegan version available made with cauliflower which sounded pretty awesome too.

Sticking with meat for a mo’, the dirty kebab was tasty, if gargantuan. Tender pork belly marinated in Camden Ink dry stout was moreish, pickled white cabbage added a bit of crunch and zing, while hot chilli sauce and garlic yoghurt gave significant heat and coolness in equal measure.

The stand-out dish for us was one of the specials, a bowl of deliciously put together flavours and lots of them. Smokey charred asparagus, Jersey Royals, kale pesto, tangy soft cheese, loads of herbs (parsley, basil, mint) and toasted almonds. This was such a beautiful plate of food. I’d go back for this and a pint of Sheppys in a heartbeat and I might wash it down with a Bombay potato scotch egg. Don’t judge. I

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PICNIC SMASH COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Join us for this non-alcoholic jar that’s the perfect cocktail out in the summer sun he wonderfully-titled Picnic Smash is a truly refreshing little number that’s the perfect, grown-up non-alcoholic cocktail to enjoy in the sun. And we think the jam jar helps give it a nice little festival vibe too!

Tasty but not tipsy, there’s no need to worry about drinking responsibly with this one. Have as many as you like…

T

ALL YOU NEED TO MIX IT UP BEAUTIFULLY INGREDIENTS:

I 50ml Seedlip spice 94 I 20ml pink grapefruit juice

I 3tsps strawberry jam

I 2 basil leaves

METHOD: Fill a jam jar with ice (or just a nice big glass if a jar doesn’t appeal). Add all the ingredients, close the lid and shake. Open and garnish with another basil leaf.

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and SHORTS

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

PIZZERIA HELPS HOMELESS Sourdough pizza pioneers Franco Manca launched their new Birmingham pizzeria in Bennetts Hill by helping local homeless shelters and food banks. They donated one pizza to those in need for every pizza ordered by customers. The move is part of the chain’s on-going initiatives which have seen thousands of pizzas handed out across the UK.

TASTE OF MED

BY CANAL

A new canal-side eatery is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Birmingham.

Noel’s Bar and Restaurant – near Birmingham’s ‘Love Lock’ bridge – combines traditional recipes inspired by the rich flavours of the Med, with exotic cocktails. The 90-cover restaurant boasts a private dining room as well as a 22ft long Italian Picasso marble bar.

Award-winning Wing Wah restaurant has joined forces with cocktail maestro Robert Hall to create Birmingham’s most exotic afternoon tea. Centre-

OOTY STATION AT SELFRIDGES

piece is a traditional English afternoon cake-stand of delicacies crafted by

Wing Wah’s dim sum chefs, served South Indian restaurant Ooty has alongside a cocktail devised by Robert launched a casual dining concept in Selfridges who helped transform Brum’s drinks Birmingham. The restaurant unveiled Ooty Station offering a selection of cocktails, nibbles scenes at the Edgbaston, 40 St Pauls and street food. The menu has been developed and 18/81. by head chef Manmeet Singh-Bali, ANNIVERSARY COCKTAIL MENU previously of Rasoi and Vineet Bhatia Independent gastro pub Tap & Tandoor has London, alongside sous chef celebrated its first anniversary by unveiling a new Niru Palakonda. cocktail menu. The eatery was launched by husband and wife team Ajay and Shivani Kenth and specialises in craft beers, cocktails and Indian food including small plates, mixed grills and home-style curries. The new cocktail menu was designed by Robert Wood, master mixologist at 18/81.

WELCOME TO LAURA ASHLEY TEA ROOM Southcrest Manor, Redditch has partnered with the Laura Ashley lifestyle brand to deliver an exciting new afternoon tea experience.

The new-look Conservatory and Bar area has relaunched as Laura Ashley the Tea Room with a distinctive, uniquely British style, inspired by the history of the former Manor House.

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AFTERNOONS GIVEN EXOTIC TWIST

INDIAN BREWERY ON TAP

The eagerly-anticipated Indian Brewery has opened in Solihull.

The overall vibe matches that of the first venue in Snow Hill with seating for 100, Birmingham brewed craft beers, such as the flagship Birmingham Lager, and spicy Indian street food with fat naans and Indian Fish and Chips on the menu.

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From only ÂŁ25

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LUNCHSPOT

LAURA ASHLEY THE TEA ROOM Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Southcrest, Redditch, Worcs, B97 4JS. Tel: 01527 541511 southcrestmanorhotel.com/laura-ashley-tea-room f your father left you a hotel in his will that you never even knew he owned you might feel pretty confused/petrified. Well, that’s exactly what happened to Simon Chopra, the owner and champion of Southcrest Manor Hotel in Redditch. Since the unexpected inheritance, Simon has spent his time, energy and a significant amount of money beavering away to put life back into the beautiful manor house.

The original part of the hotel is a stunner of a building surrounded by gorgeous gardens and woodland and while there are parts of the hotel that are still ripe for renovation, there’s much to admire already.

Laura Ashley thought so too. The brand and the hotel have joined forces to create the shiny new, Laura Ashley the Tea Room which as you’d expect is decked out in full-on country house loveliness. There’s a fab new bar leading to the conservatory where we nestled in to give the afternoon tea the once over.

We love afternoon tea. Who doesn’t? And its surge in popularity shows no sign of waning. The Southcrest Manor version is a traditional afternoon tea. Don’t go expecting Nocturnal Animals-style wit and wackiness.

While there was no liquid nitrogen or inventive drinking vessels, there were warm scones from the top drawer – both plain and raisin, a pistachio and

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raspberry gateaux that sang (not literally), perfect mini Victoria sponges, a delicate berry cheesecake and a moreish chocolate pot.

The sweet stuff was superior to the savoury in our view. The sandwiches were plentiful and tasty, but not wow-inducing and the smoked salmon to cream cheese ratio was a bit off – a bit mean with the salmon we thought. Presentation was gorgeous and the selection of tea was impressive. There’s a vegan version available too which is apparently even better than the non-vegan.

We’ve had afternoon tea that has been wildly overpriced in the past, but at £20 per head (£26.50 for fizz rather than tea) this was an absolute steal. I

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FOOD & DRINK

BARBIE BREAK OUT THE WINE EXPERT ROB PRICE LIKES NOTHING BETTER THAN A FLAVOURSOME BARBECUE ACCOMPANIED BY A

REFRESHING GLASS OF WINE. HERE’S HIS TIPS AND TOP PICKS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOTTLE…

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e’re going to have a hot summer. At the time of writing the forecast isn’t great, but what do they know? We’re going to have a hot summer… trust me! That means we need to dust off the BBQ – more like scrub and clean it – removing all that old food and grease. I really should have cleaned it before retiring the beast away for the winter.

I do like the whole barbecue experience, opening up a bottle of fizz, lighting the BBQ, waiting for it to reach the right temperature, opening up a bottle of white wine, preparing the food, opening up a bottle of red, carefully laying out the food so it will cook evenly, another bottle of red… Relax, and enjoy the aromas of the food and wine.

W

MEAT AND DRINK Oh, I’d best start thinking about what wines to open to go with the food. Better late than never!

Barbecuing food adds flavour, the charcoal adds a smokey burnt element and wines you choose need to reflect the stronger flavours of the food. Of course, what you decide to cook will matter, here are some of my favourite BBQ foods and which wines I would select.

For burgers, steak and sausages I would go for Shiraz, Malbec, Zinfandel, or a southern French red would work very well. With chicken a new world Pinot Noir, an oaky new world chardonnay or South African oaked Chenin Blanc would be perfect.

SAUCY FOOTNOTE For ribs, pork chops, think about Valpolicella, Barbara, New World Pinot, Rioja or Chianti. For meaty fish, like salmon, tuna and shrimp, then Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Champagne, Cava, and English fizz would be delightful.

The sauce you use will also impact your wine choice. Most sauces won’t generally enhance any wine pairing, sweet sauces will cause some challenges but the more robust wines will stand the challenge, or go for an off dry Riesling for a surprisingly good match. I

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FOOD & DRINK

BRILLIANT WINES FOR A BARBIE

BEGIN WITH A FIZZ Nyetimber NV Classic – I like to start with a fizz, and for me that normally means English fizz or Champagne. Nyetimber is one of the very best English sparking wines and NV Classic is superb.

Refreshing and crisp, but with lovely depth of flavour, to either drink while you cook or with chicken and fish from your barbie.

Quite widely available, including locally at Connolly’s. Expect to pay around £30 MUST-TRY GREAT WHITE Jacques Saumaize, 2016 – I like oaky whites and the additional flavour and body complements BBQ food extremely well, even meat. An absolutely gorgeous wine is Jacques Saumaize from the Saint-Veran region in Burgundy. The 2016 vintage is ripe, soft and buttery, but still quite fresh and fruity.

Available from the Wine Society for £13.95 NEW WORLD-BEATER Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot – I love Pinot Noir, so a new world Pinot with more depth and flavour is perfect. Cono Sur’s 20 Barrels Pinot is full and ripe in style with great depth of flavour and is a very versatile barbecue wine.

Available from Waitrose for £20 MIGHTY FINE RED Ca’ Momi Zinfandel – Finally, a full-bodied powerful red to bring out all those BBQ flavours. Here is a beauty, Ca’ Momi Zinfandel from Napa Valley. A premium Zin with all the flavours and complexity you should expect and a perfect wine for stronger barbecue foods.

Available from Frazier’s for £17

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun, informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Warwick. NEW Café Rouge evenings! More information, contact Rob Price 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

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PRINTS FOR DAYS

Dress from Primark Birmingham

OUT OF OFFICE

THREE LITTLE BLISSFUL WORDS THAT MEAN WE’LL BE MOSTLY SWANNING ABOUT IN WAFTY DRESSES AND SLIDES FOR THE FORESEEABLE. ARE YOU WITH US? 34 birmingham living

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STYLE

GOOD HAIR DAY

Striped headband £8, River Island, The Fort

TOP TIER

Broderie tiered dress £60, Lipsy, Bullring

TIE DYE FOR

Free People Summer of Love tie-dye kimono £325, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

hether you’re staycating or jetting off to faraway climes, we’ve assumed for the purposes of making these pages look pretty that the weather will be glorious wherever you’re headed.

Put your existing holiday clobber where you can see it – a separate rail is a good idea – and decide what’s staying and what’s going. If an item doesn’t fit, get rid of it instead of crash dieting to squeeze into it. That will only make you miserable.

To be clear, we’re not suggesting you chuck the contents of your current holiday wardrobe in the bin and start afresh. We’re all for looking after the planet as best as we can, so let’s buy smarter and reuse. Donate your preloved items to your local charity shop or take them to H&M where you’ll be presented with a £5 voucher to spend in store for your trouble. Or why not sell unwanted items online to boost your holiday fund?

OWN IT

Monogrammed bag £210, Rae Feather raefeather.com

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GET SHORTY

Patterned shorts £28, River Island, The Fort

VERSATILE FLATS

Serenity £65, Office, Bullring

TOTES AMAZING

Stella McCartney striped canvas tote £495, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

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STYLE

Once you’re organised, make a list of what you ‘need’ and go about it methodically. Look for clothing and accessories that will work hard for you at home as well as away, i.e. clever separates that create multiple outfits, dresses that will work with a denim jacket/cardigan back in Blighty, footwear fit for more than the beach, etc. You get the idea.

Mostly, you want to feel great while you’re on holiday (and beyond), so we recommend not watching Love Island, embracing and nurturing your own body and dressing however the heck you want to without any grafting whatsoever.

Here’s a bit of inspo. Happy summer! I

OH SO CHIC

Clothing and accessories from Next, The Fort

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STYLE

BEACH DAYS

Swimwear Collection, H&M, The Fort

SUN’S OUT

Amber sunglasses £65, Hobbs, Grand Central

TANGERINE DREAM

Message mule £39, Office, Bullring

LEAF IT OUT

Wrap cuff £10, Accessorize, Bullring

WELL HEELED

Mules £65, River Island, The Fort

NEUTRAL BAE

Headband £7.99 H&M, The Fort

HELLO SUMMER

I SEE YOU

Leopard print visor £12, River Island, The Fort

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PRINTS CHARMING

Black cow print know dress £35, Dorothy Perkins, Merry Hill

Alicia espadrille £79, Hobbs, Grand Central

COOL MULE

Givenchy 4G black leather mules £540, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

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STYLE

STUD YOU LIKE

Ralentino Garavani studded sandals £320, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

CAST SOME SHADE

Natural trilby £14, Lipsy, Bullring

OUT OUT

Rainbow sequin Alice hair band £19, Accessorize, Bullring

DENIM DAYS

Embroidered denim shorts £16, FatFace, Grand Central

SLIDE INTO SUMMER

Raffia slider £28, V by Very

HATS OFF

Clothing and hat from Hush, John Lewis, Grand Central

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STYLE

HEAD CANDY

Head band from Accessorize, Bullring

OVER THE RAINBOW

Alice + Olivia striped crepe dress £405, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

NEON NIGHTS

Neon drop earrings £8, Accessorize, Bullring

CLASS ACT

Gucci GG Marmont raffia shoulder bag £1,420, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

IN THE BAG

Clothing and Vacay bag from Dorothy Perkins, Merry Hill

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STYLE FOR MEN

COASTING Space DJ tee £18, Joe Browns

SUMMER VIBES

STAY COOL IN THE HEAT WITH SOME CLASSIC PIECES THAT’LL SEE YOU THROUGH

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STYLE FOR MEN

BELT UP Woven blue belt £9.99, TK Maxx PREPPY COOL Polarised round sunglasses £19.50, M&S Longbridge

ABSTRACT TEE Navy tee £18, Burton

MAN BAG Kenzo Homme logo-print shell belt bag £135, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

e love summer but dressing can be a bit tricky. It’s as though we’re confident in our style when rocking a bit of structure in the cooler months but when the warm weather hits, the sense of style disappears with the rain clouds. This year stick to your guns. Shop around, search out pieces that reflect your style, go for quality, not quantity and invest in a great pair of sunnies. Dior’s aviators will make you feel the bomb. I

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BOLD PRINT J Lindeberg shirt £80, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

THE SHORT OF IT Denim shorts £19.50, M&S Longbridge

HAPPY FEET Gucci Pursuit black logo sliders £215, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox ON BRAND Gucci logo-print cotton-jersey T-shirt £340, Selfridges, Bullring

TOP GUN Dior Homme Ultimate1 aviator-style sunglasses £319, Harvey Nichols, Mailbox

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WILD AT HEART Polo Ralph Lauren Sportsmen classic-fit cotton-jersey T-shirt £59, Selfridges, Bullring

CHINO LIFE Linen chino short £45, White Stuff, Cannon Street

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ADVERTORIAL

, IBIZA NOT AS YOU KNOW IT NOT THE PLACE FOR A FAMILY HOLIDAY? THINK AGAIN!...

AND SO EASY TO REACH DIRECT FROM BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT ou’ll know the status of Ibiza: the best party island in Europe. Anyone with hazy memories of a disorderly trip to the island, going to a few clubs and a lot of daytime recovery in the sun on a pool inflatable, might not think of it as an appropriate place for a family holiday. But it’s time to think again…

Y

SANTA EULARIA The clubbing scene is still booming in San Antonio and Ibiza Town but further north, on the east of the Island, an area called Santa Eularia des Riu – better known as Santa Eulalia – is attracting families who want the impressive beaches, pleasant food and the easy-going vibe of Ibiza combined with a warm

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welcome that has absolutely nothing to do with boat parties or dance music.

Just over 20km from the airport, Santa Eularia is home to stretches of beautiful sand. The main beach of Santa Eulalia is entirely smoke-free to keep it pristine for all who visit. The waters are shallow, safe for children and less confident swimmers.

At the southern end of Santa Eulalia, you’ll find Mariner’s Beach – a beach with fine sand at the mouth of the only river in Ibiza. At the river there is a charming harbour, a meeting point for canoeists and sailors. Follow the lovely path that leads along the riverbank to a delightful bridge, and then to the small neighbouring resort of Siesta.

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ADVERTORIAL

ES CANA Although small, Es Cana has a 300-metre stretch of golden sand, with a healthy mix of outdoor activities, eateries and chilled spots. Ibiza is well known for its quirky markets and the Punta Arabi Hippy Market in Es Cana is the most famous of them all. As you’d expect, there’s a focus on hand-made jewellery, colourful bags and souvenirs. So, whether you’re looking for a bargain or just want to soak up the atmosphere, it’s worth a visit.

Open on a Wednesday, it is a magnet for visitors from all over the island, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

PORTINATX Ibiza’s most northern point, Portinatx couldn’t be further from the all-nighters and foam parties that this Balearic Island is famous for. It’s the sort of place you go to get away from it all – a laid-back little resort which deals in pine-forested countryside, sea-view restaurants and cosy bars.

If the countryside is what you’re after, this is your place. There are lovely, leisurely coastal trails to tackle or if you’re up for a challenge, pull on your hiking boots and take on the 10-kilometre cliff walk from Portinatx to Punta de Xarraca. It’s one of the hardest on the island but worth it for the views.

Although Portinatx isn’t a ‘stay-up-all-night’ kind of place, it has plenty of bars and restaurants. The resort has a family-friendly vibe, so kids will be welcome anywhere you go. I

GETTING THERE FLY TO IBIZA DIRECT FROM BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT WITH JET2.COM, RYANAIR, THOMAS COOK AND TUI.

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HEALTH

GET FIT FOR THE

BEACH SUMMER IS HERE AND PANIC SETS IN –

IT’S TIME TO REVEAL THAT BOD TO THE WORLD

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HEALTH

few simple steps of lifestyle changes and knowing the do’s and don’ts of exercise will help to get you that summer beach body you desire. So here’s the low-down on slimming down and toning up.

A

Be prepared to put in the work: Those

celebrity bodies you see in magazines and on TV don’t come easy. You are going to have to be stricter with what you eat and drink and train at the gym at least three times per week.

FIVE POINT QUICK FIT PLAN

1

CARDIO – 30minutes of interval training. Try doing one-minute fast run on the treadmill followed by one-minute walking. Ensure your fast

run is enough to make you want to stop at the one-minute mark.

2

RESISTANCE – Do big compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts and press-ups. These will burn more calories than the

bicep curl and tricep extensions and speed up your metabolism meaning you’ll burn calories faster. Girls, don’t worry, these exercises will not make you muscly.

3

STRETCH – Regular stretching will aid your workouts. You will

Nutrition is key: You don’t have to go on a quick-

fix diet and cut out everything you enjoy, you just need to eat right 80 per cent of the time and the other 20 per cent won’t hurt your progression too much. Reduce your carb intake (especially in the evening) cut down the alcohol and eat plenty of meat, fish and veg. Have your three meals a day and a mid-morning and mid-afternoon healthy snack (fruit, nuts, seeds and raw veg).

feel stronger, your exercises will feel safer and your aches and

pains will be reduced.

4

TRY A CLASS – Classes such as spinning, bootcamp and body pump are sure-fire ways to hit it hard and eat away at those

calories. If you are looking for a bit of fun try zumba to get you in the mood for summer.

5

REST – This is the most important point. No matter how hard you push yourself, your body will not change unless it gets the

rest it requires. Alternating your workout days with a rest day is the

Treat yourself: That’s right… if you find it too

best way to train meaning you come back strong and hit each workout

hard cutting everything out in one go give yourself a healthy challenge. Eat right Monday to Friday, don’t drink and stay away from the sweets and chocolates.

Come Saturday and Sunday you can reward yourself with some of the things you enjoy. Don’t overdo it though, you don’t want to cancel out all of that hard work done in the week do you?

at 110 per cent.

Short but sweet: Exercise doesn’t have to be a

two-hour long slog in the gym, pounding away on the treadmill and cross-trainer. With the right advice you can get a far more beneficial workout done and dusted in 45 minutes. Don’t get us wrong, it won’t be an easy 45 minutes but going at it hard will speed your metabolism up, meaning you burn calories when you’re not even at the gym.

Don’t avoid the weights: This goes for all males and females. The stronger your muscles are the more efficient your body will be at burning fat. And before you girls kick-off, the facts are that weights will not make you bigger. Women do not have enough testosterone in their bodies to be able to build masses of muscle. What lifting weights will do

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is give you a nice shape with feminine curves. (Make sure you get advice from a trainer before you start though to avoid causing yourself any injuries.)

Get help: If you’re serious about getting in shape, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Personal trainers and fitness coaches are there for your benefit and will help you reach your goals faster and safer. Personal training doesn’t have to be expensive and not only will you see the physical benefits you will undertake a lifestyle change to ensure you don’t revert back to your old ways after the summer.

Take a picture: Snap a before selfie in the mirror and keep it accessible (on your phone or tablet) so you can see it daily. When you feel like having that glass of wine or chocolate, look at the picture and remind yourself why you shouldn’t cave in just yet. If you can find a picture of yourself in the past with the body shape you were happy with, keep it handy too. This will help you stay focused – if you have been there before you know you can get there again! I

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HEALTH

ON THE

BALL TENNIS IS PROVING A BIGGER HIT THAN EVER TO GET FIT AND HAVE FUN – ESPECIALLY AMONG WOMEN. HERE’S WHY PICKING UP A RACQUET IS GOOD FOR YOU

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HEALTH

SMASHING TIPS

Make sure you have plenty of fluids on hand and rehydrate regularly.

Don’t overdo it. Mix up your physical activity with other low-impact sports.

Play at a level according to your age and physical condition.

Avoid playing with a pre-existing illness or injury.

If in doubt, talk to a doctor.

Warm up your muscles and joints before hitting the court.

Be careful if the court conditions are wet and especially if the surface is slippery.

ith our beloved Any Murray temporarily out of the spotlight, it’s the successes of our ladies that are catching all the attention with the girls storming performance in the Fed Cup and British number one Jo Konta enjoying a special run to the semi-final at the French Open. So are you inspired to have a go at tennis yourself?

Tennis is a great sport to improve all-round health regardless of your ability – experts say it is twice as good for your wellbeing as cycling, aerobics or swimming. Playing tennis increases aerobic capacities, lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure, boosts metabolic function, increases bone density, lowers body fat, improves muscle tone, strength and flexibility and increases reaction times.

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BODY WORKOUT A session on court is a brilliant workout for the entire body.

You use your lower body for all that running, stopping and starting, jumping and crouching. And the action of hitting the tennis ball, whether it’s single or double-handed, means that your trunk does a lot of work as well, in particular your shoulders and upper back.

Singles tennis can burn between 400-600 calories an hour.

That’s not bad for a recreational sport that’s both fun and can be played by just about anyone. Playing tennis also has a positive impact on your bones. Exercising regularly can increase your peak bone mass and can slow the rate of bone mass loss over time.

According to research, bone mass peaks around age 30 and begins to decline after that. You can maximize your bone mass prior to that age through exercise, and continuing to exercise after 30 can slow the rate of bone loss. Tennis is well suited to building strong bones.

POWER PLAY Tennis requires the cooperation of the whole body as you move your feet, arms and hands to get into the right position and position the racquet to make contact with the ball. You’re then using the torso and legs to provide the power to hit the ball over the net. All these factors come together every time you hit the ball, and each shot takes flexibility, coordination and balance.

Flexibility is great because it can give you a wider range of motion, help prevent injuries and even reduce muscle strain.

And of course, like all exercise, tennis will help boost our mood helping you feel more optimistic, have greater self-esteem and even become less anxious. A word of warning though! If you’re a tennis beginner, haven’t played in a while, or are taking up exercise after a long time of being inactive, be sensible. Follow our top tips and you’ll have healthy, invigorating – and safe – fun!

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ALL THE GEAR PUTTING THE THREAT OF INSECT BITES, ZERO SLEEP AND TRENCH

FOOT ASIDE, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT CAMPING THAT MAKES US FEEL ALL WARM – EMOTIONALLY AT LEAST – AND FUZZY

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TRUSTY TORCH Telescopic torch £8.95, Rex London

CHEAP SEATS Camping chair £8.50, Wilko, The Fort

ALL THE ESSENTIALS Stanley steel pocket flask £23, National Trust

SCRUB UP Bottle travel set £6.99, TK Maxx

amping is an acquired taste, but surely an experience everyone should enjoy/endure at some point. Whether you’re heading to Glasto or getting back to nature en famille, a bit of preparation and the right kit will make a world of difference.

C

BASE CAMP The most important consideration is the tent. Thanks to some leaps in technology, advanced materials and clever ventilation, you might just avoid the extreme British camping states of sodden or sweltering. While we wouldn’t advocate scrimping it’s worth checking out last year’s models. That way you can avoid paying a premium for very minor design updates.

Also, your choice of tent depends where you’re going, what you’re doing and who you’re going with. If you’re trekking, lightweight is a must whereas if you’re camping with a crowd and staying put once pitched, go for size and comfort. Opt for a

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tent you can stand up in if you’re in it for longer than a night. It will transform your trip. Sturdy, roomy and easy to pitch would be our top priorities. Shop around and checkout brands like Vango, Coleman, Terra Nova, Outwell, Hilleberg and The North Face.

SNOOZE CHOOSE You might have to accept that getting your eight hours a night isn’t achievable, but give yourself a fighting chance by getting a decent air mattress or camp bed. They both have pros and cons depending on your situation. For instance, air mattresses are lighter and more compact but they can deflate midsnooze. Camp beds are more comfortable and warmer as they are off the ground, but can be bulky and heavy. Decide what you’re after and shop around. Pack extra blankets and wear layers to keep warm at night and invest in the best sleeping bag you can afford.

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GOOD MORNINGS HELLO WORLD Portable USB charger £9.99, Dotcomgiftshop

Mini portable espresso machine £43.95, Cuckooland

LIGHT UP Hay PC portable lamp £65, Nest

GLOW IN THE DARK Bumbag £6, Primark, The Fort

BE PREPARED Alzea long jacket £130, Regatta

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COOK OFF Lotus grill mini BBQ with fire lighter gel and charcoal £129, Cuckooland

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HOME FROM HOME State of the art portable speakers mean good quality music is on tap which might improve the singing round the campfire. With the latest gadgets on the market, there’s no real need to be cut off from the outside world, unless you want to be isolated of course which for some people is part of the joy. For others, it’s panic inducing.

Pack games – rounders and boules remain firm favourites – and don’t forget essential kit such as duct tape, cable ties, extra batteries and first-aid kit just in case. We’ve pulled a few bits and pieces together that’ll make your trip a little easier.

Word to the wise: If you’re going to a festival please take your tent home with you. There’s a misconception that organisers pack up abandoned tents and donate to charity. In reality, they end up in landfill, so take responsibility even if it feels like a total pain at the end of a heavy weekend. I OLD SCHOOL FUN Sunnylife Malibu badminton set £30, Amara

REAL LIFE GAMING Wooden rounders set £29.95, Rex London

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Image courtesy of White Stuff

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RIGHT STRIDES Bede wellies £64.95, Barbour

TRAVEL SMART Seletti Smartravel bags £11.50 each, Amara

WRAPPED UP Grey and yellow recycled cotton blanket £75, Daisy Park

JUST IN CASE Survival kit, National Trust

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PROPERTY PRIVATE RETREAT

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

Roman Road, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: £2.495million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 272 6900 Welcome to this stunning sevenbedroom, six-bathroom luxury pad nestled in a private gated community. There’s a vast amount of living space, including a beautifully-fitted kitchen that opens onto a breakfast room and family room – all overlooking a beautiful rear garden. Did we mention the games room and gym, too?

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BARN WINNER Friday Street, Pebworth Guide price: £695,000 Agent: Peter Clarke & Co, tel: 01386 770044 A cracking four-bedroom barn conversion set in an attractive village just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. There’s loads of character features, including a lovely sitting room with woodburner, gorgeous kitchen complete with Aga and a whopping 223ft rear garden.

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PRINCES PICK Homer Road, Solihull Guide price: £900,000 Agent: Smarthomes, tel: 0121 744 4144 or email newhomes@smarthomes.co.uk

This 1,600 sq ft penthouse apartment is the flagship of the £30million Princes Court development in Solihull. Finished to a very high standard, the two-bedroomed home boasts an impressive 1,100 sq ft south west-facing roof garden that’s perfect for parties.

TREE-LINED LOCATION The Boulevard, Wylde Green Guide price: £650,000 Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 272 6900

A really attractive five-bedroom detached home, situated on a very pretty tree lined road. Deceptively spacious, it also boasts a generous drawing room that leads into a conservatory with access to the rear garden through double French doors.

BRICKS&BITS

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

OLYMPIC VALUES

NEW APPOINTMENT

HOMELESS RUN

A developer is going for gold to boost the Olympic

Thursfields Solicitors has appointed an additional

St Modwen Charity Run is returning for a third

spirit among local schoolchildren. Persimmon

lawyer in its commercial property department,

year to raise money to tackle youth

Homes has partnered with the British Olympic

working mainly from the company’s Birmingham

homelessness in the region. The 5k and 10k

Association to create and distribute Team GB

office. Parmveer Virdee, who studied law at

events will be held on 13 September in

sports day packs to primary schools across the city

Birmingham University, joins Thursfields from

Longbridge in aid of LandAid. Since the

to encourage pupils in the Olympic values of

Pickerings. Her appointment strengthens the

event’s launch more than £50,000 has

respect, excellence and friendship in the run-up to

team which has seen its turnover grow by 14 per

been raised to fund renovation of homes for

Tokyo 2022.

cent in the last financial year.

young people.

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LOFT LIVING Caroline Street, Jewellery Quarter Guide price: £450,000 Agent: James Laurence, tel: 0121 604 4060

If you like high ceilings and exposed steel and brickwork, this Individually-designed loft apartment has your name on it. It boasts character curved walls and windows, underfloor heating and a stylish kitchen and is brilliantly located for St Paul’s Square.

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

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MOTORING

TURNING OVER A NEW

LEAF?

SUE COOKE LOOKS AT THE POSITIVES – AND NEGATIVES – OF OWNING AND DRIVING THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF long journey with no radio is a very long journey. My mobile phone was belting out the route directions. The heat inside the cabin was stifling hot but I daren’t open the window or put the air-con on. When rain pitter-pattered on the windscreen my heart followed suit as I contemplated the pitfalls of putting the windscreen wipers on. They all use power. What car was I driving? The allelectric Nissan LEAF.

A

When I set out to the car launch which was 74 miles away I quite confidently expected to get to the venue ok as

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173 miles was displayed on the informative screen. I had the sat-nav on, the air-con and the radio. So when I arrived at the venue 55 miles was left. After five hours using their charging point, the figure had only crept up to 106 miles. So with heart in mouth and using no technology I made the 74 miles journey home. I arrived with 20 miles to spare and five per cent juice in the mobile.

CHARGING CHOICE The rest of my week, driving locally, nipping up to the shops and transporting kids to school passed normally. To

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charge overnight using the house socket the LEAF takes 21 hours until there is a comfortable 173 miles showing again. To be fair, if a new owner decides to have a wall box fitted, then the car only takes seven hours and 30 minutes to charge. In and around Birmingham there are loads of places with a 50kW quick charger point which takes 40 to 60 minutes.

But it’s not the need for the infrastructure to be in place, it’s the time it takes to charge. In my busy schedule, I rarely get 10 minutes to myself, so I think I would find even a quick charge a problem. However, this hatchback hasn’t won amazing awards without a lot of driver satisfaction. The first generation Nissan LEAF, launched in 2011, was named Best Green Car in the 2017 Driver Power Survey. In the 2018 survey, it won the Gold Electric Car award. This year the LEAF’s drivetrain achieved highest driver satisfaction

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Nissan LEAF N-Connecta Price: £26,890 (includes Government incentive – plug in grant of 35 per cent, up to a maximum of £3,500, and £55 Government First Registration fee Power: 40kWh electric motor Performance: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 89.5 mph CO2 emissions: Zero

in the 2019 study. An all-electric car future is what we are facing and every manufacturer launch I go to, an electric version is in the offing, if not already here.

INSIDE STORY The new Nissan LEAF looks good with distinctive blue lighting and signature branding around the exterior. Part of the bonnet raises to reveal the charging port. The interior is luxurious and seats are comfortable, while the suspension is firm. There is plenty of advanced technology. I particularly like the Intelligent Around View Monitor which helped me to park in a narrow space with a very clear view of what was going on around the car.

There is an innovative and attractive large button between the seats with a centre P. It took me a few minutes to realise that this is the ‘gear stick’ and there is a very helpful little diagram which shows the position of drive and reverse. Otherwise driving the LEAF is much the same as driving any other hatchback.

I was quite surprised at how powerful the 40kWh electric motor is, giving a surge of instant acceleration and taking just 7.9 seconds to reach 0-62mph. I enjoyed the rest of my week tootling about town in the Nissan, but I’m not sure that I would want to risk a long journey again. The ‘will I, won’t I’ get home is too stressful. I

SHOWROOM West Way Nissan Birmingham South, 884 Warwick Road, Adcocks Green, Birmingham, B11 2ES. Tel: 0121 765 4111 www.westwaynissan.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

ANYA BUTLER The young artist about to live her California dreams for real tells us why the US appealed and how she hopes her career will pan out long-term

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alented Bromsgrove School pupil Anya Butler has successfully bagged herself a place to study animation at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) which has been a dream for years for a number of reasons, not least because of its close proximity to LA, its impressive alumni and the college’s founder Walt Disney.

Anya explains: “Alex Hirsch, the creator of my favourite kids’ TV show Gravity Falls, was the reason I discovered the school but other notable animation alumni include Tim Burton, John Lasseter (founder of Pixar), Stephen Hillenburg (creator or Spongebob Squarepants), Pendleton Ward (creator of Adventure Time) and Pete Docter (director of Monsters Inc). The list goes on!”

T

INTENSE PROCESS On a Californian family holiday aged 15, Anya toured the school and was instantly blown away and two years later the application process began which was pretty intense. “I had to create an online portfolio which demonstrated a variety of skills and ideas – mostly life drawing – which came to 32 pieces. This included a demo reel of my current animations.”

There was also a sketchbook to submit which Anya drew in almost every day from September to December as well as school transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation, a statement explaining her interests and aspirations and a short video introduction. Anya had no free time to speak of, but she says it was worth it.

Since announcing to the careers department in year 9 that she would like to go to CalArts, the school’s backing has been significant allowing Anya to use the art department facilities whenever she needed to, supporting her when juggling homework with portfolio preparation and hiring her to create posters for school events and artwork for the school magazine.

Anya says: “Although I did the research and preparation

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myself, I knew that if I ever had any difficulty the school was right behind me and I had plenty of people to talk to.”

MIDNIGHT MAGIC On hearing she had been offered a place, Anya couldn’t believe it. She remembers: “It was midnight when I found out and I woke up all my roommates because I couldn’t keep the news to myself. I felt ecstatic!” It’s a big move but one that Anya feels prepared for, in part thanks to a summer school she attended at CalArts last year. “It is a little daunting – it’s a big change from the English countryside. The overall feeling is excitement though. I’ve been dreaming to be accepted into CalArts for over five years.”

Anya takes inspiration from many places and often refers to childhood experiences including her upbringing in rural England as well as a Soviet cartoon she used to watch with her Russian mother. As well as her hero Alex Hirsch, she is also a fan of the artist behind the identity of the band Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett. Anya says: “The blending of mediums fascinates me and I love the cartoon members of the band. They are effortlessly able to adapt to changes within the real world and therefore feel as real as you and I.” KIDS TV SHOW While Anya’s focus is animation and she enjoys character design and storyboarding, she doesn’t have a specialism within that field yet and is keeping her options open trying as many different genres and techniques as possible. Her future goals are clear though. Anya says: “In the long run, I’d like to create my own children’s TV show. However, on a grander scale, I hope to inspire as many young people as I can to be better people. I want my work to encourage free thinking and open mindedness. In general, I’d like to create work that has a positive impact on people and society.” I

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GROWING PLACES

FASHION AWARD Students at Birmingham City University (BCU) are celebrating after winning a top British Fashion Council award. The annual awards showcase the portfolios of graduating fashion design students from leading institutions across the country. The WGSN Portfolio Commendation was awarded to BCU for a collection of work which included personal themes based on childhood memories. The British Fashion Council said that winners were chosen for their ‘potential to make an exceptional contribution to the British fashion industry’.

SCHOOL REPORT

BARRISTER INSPO FENCING SUCCESS Thirty-two fencers from nine schools and clubs took part in a pairs fencing event hosted by Bromsgrove at Winterfold School.

Four pairs from Bromsgrove School entered and after 206 fights, Leo Boonnak and Oliver Gowan were placed first in their pool in the U14 foil, with George Ascough and Jasper Page runners-up. Amina Muldasheva (Year 3) and Priya Giles (Year 4) fought much older pupils coming third in their pool, while in the over 14 épée Artem Veprev and Yann Meister finished third.

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Lawyers from Birmingham’s No5 Barristers’ Chambers shared an inspirational insight into their careers with pupils from Christ Church Primary School, Sparkbrook. I Can Be is an educational programme that brings girls into the world of work and the opportunities around them. Barristers Chloe Ashley, Ramya Nagesh and Sam Forsyth welcomed the pupils to the chambers and explained how they could follow a career in law. Chambers’ chief executive Tony McDaid said: “We hope the children were inspired by the barristers.”

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GROWING PLACES

BLADE RUNNER

A teenager who returned to sport after losing a leg to cancer is helping other amputees look forward to ‘a life with no limits’ through her inspirational Instagram feed. Jodie Millard, 19, from West Bromwich had her right leg amputated above the knee but wanted to enjoy sport again and uses an Ottobock C-Leg running blade to achieve her goal. She said: “We need to prove people wrong and change the stereotype that comes with disabilities.” See @missjmillard on Instagram for more.

BUDDING ARTIST

A local pupil has been picked to have his art hung in a Solihull gallery alongside works by music legends Bob Dylan and Ronnie Wood.

Samuel, from Tanworth-in-Arden C of E Primary School, was named the winner of Castle Fine Art’s Young Fine Artist competition, which challenged pupils to produce works inspired by their favourite artist from the gallery’s walls. Samuel’s winning artwork was inspired by sculptor Nic Joly and will be on display at the gallery for a month.

GRACIE WINS NHS PRIZE A student from Edgbaston High School for Girls has been named regional winner of Health Education England’s Step into the NHS secondary schools competition. Gracie Herbert, 14, created a video and poster exploring the field of psychotherapy, impressing the judges and beating more than 200 other entries. The Step into the NHS contest aims to show the breadth of career options in the health service and combat gender stereotypes, while giving students valuable job-seeking skills for the future.

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PERSON TO PERSON

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CLOSE WITHÁ

NICK O’HARA THE MD OF THURSFIELDS SOLICITORS HAS SEEN REVENUES GROW BY 140 PER CENT IN FIVE YEARS AS HE LOOKS TO LEAD HIS TEAM TO A COVETED SPOT IN THE PRESTIGIOUS TOP 200 LIST OF UK LAW FIRMS BEEN THERE, DONE THAT This year I celebrated my 40th year with the company. I qualified as a solicitor in 1981, became a partner five years later and effectively ran the firm’s Stourport office for 25 years. My role as managing partner began in 2008. The traditional law partnership structure didn’t in my view lend itself well to the running of a law firm. I preferred a corporate structure with a small executive board to lead the business forward. So, in 2014, we incorporated into a company and my new role as managing director was created. Five years later Thursfields has grown revenues by more than 140 per cent and our total revenue for the last financial year topped £8.9million.

IT’S WHAT I DO As managing director, I no longer undertake legal work although I do still have plenty of contact with our clients. I lead and manage the business and am the face of Thursfields in the marketplace. It seems to work! We now employ 155 staff across seven offices.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE? My driving ambition is to lead Thursfields into the Top 200 list of law firms across the UK. We don’t have far to go and I am confident the team will achieve this goal in the next 18 months. In my personal life, my ambitions are all around my family. My wife, Michelle is also a director at Thursfields and the support she provides to me in my role is invaluable. Between us we have five children (from previous marriages) aged between 15 and 23.

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BIGGEST SUCCESS My biggest professional success was the moment when I was voted to become managing partner. But it isn’t all about success in business – I was heavily involved in Round Table in my 30s and in my personal life, the renovation of the farmhouse where we live was a significant achievement.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED As a leader you need to be very clear in your communications but you must listen to your staff and partners.

I also believe hard work will get you a long way in life and, to some extent, we make our own luck.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM There’s just so much going on in Birmingham – which is why it’s so important that Thursfields has one of its offices in the heart of the city. Some development is linked to specific events, like the Commonwealth Games. But there is also lots of regeneration going on enabling Birmingham to grow on the national and international scene. If I can just focus on one area, it would always be the food and the exceptional number of top quality restaurants operating in Birmingham. I also love Symphony Hall and feel we’re so lucky to have theatres like Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham REP. DOWNTIME As a youngster I was a keen tennis player. My wife has recently taken up tennis and persuaded me to put my shorts back on and join her on court! We’re now involved in a mixed tennis team and it’s great, sociable fun as well as being good exercise.

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ing livBUSINESS

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SANDSLIDERS SHELLEY CARTER CAUGHT UP WITH SANDSLIDERS FOUNDER LEE COWAN WHO

HAS CREATED A PRODUCT THAT’S REVOLUTIONISING BEACH LIFE FOR PARENTS AND WHOSE STRONG ETHICS ARE HELPING VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN BRUM GET ON ake a tennis coach with a competitive nature mixed with a cracking idea, a can-do attitude and a gauntlet laid down by his pals and you’ve got a business that’s revolutionising new parents holidays across the globe and we’re not exaggerating.

Having been one of those parents dragging a buggy across the sand and going nowhere fast, I appreciate the difference Sandsliders would have made to a beach break. You know the scenario, the harder you pull a buggy with a child in it, the deeper the wheels go until you’re forced to give up and carry both the child and the pram clumsily down the beach.

T

PROTECTION Lee Cowan, the brains behind Sandsliders, came up with the idea three years ago which is so simple it’s incredible no one thought of it before. He noticed multiple sets of parents struggling on the beach in Gran Canaria and told his pals he was going to invent something that would solve the problem.

They poo-pooed his proclamation, but not one to be defeated, Lee came home and got cracking on his idea initially with cardboard, Sellotape and string!

Once he’d perfected the idea and got a proper prototype made, he looked for help bringing it to market. The best friend of Lee’s late father, Dean Mortimer came on board to offer some sound business nouse.

Initially, protecting the product from being copied was the priority. Lee presented Sandsliders to the Baby Product Association in London in a nerveracking Dragon’s Den style pitch. They loved the product and his enthusiasm and agreed it needed

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protection straight away. Dean knew a patent lawyer and they were able to get all the protection they needed.

Made from fully recyclable polypropylene, the Sandslider fits all pushchairs under 50cm and attaches in seconds via two simple hooks resulting in the pram gliding across the beach rather than sinking. It also works on snow, pebble beaches, pea gravel and muddy grass. The fully recyclable element was really important to Lee and Dean who is a keen scuba diver, and a percentage of the company’s profits are donated to the Plastic Oceans Foundation, a charity committed to ending plastic pollution.

FEEL GOOD A percentage of profits is also donated to Cancer Research UK, the disease that Lee’s father died from.

The feel-good aspect of the business that Lee’s so proud of is also evident in their choice of manufacturer. Better Pathways in Digbeth which employs people with mental health issues who otherwise wouldn’t have a job makes the product from start to finish. Dean had worked in mental health while living in Australia, so it was a cause close to his heart.

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COMPANY TO WATCH

Lee is super positive and even with the challenges of Brexit looming which has delayed a couple of larger European companies stocking Sandsliders, he’s focused on the good stuff.

Sales through the website are healthy and growing at a good pace plus Amazon, Mothercare and US juggernaut Walmart now stock the product.

Trade shows have proved successful in the UK and beyond with Sandsliders picking up awards as well as making valuable business contacts. At the International Nursery Fair held in Harrogate Sandsliders won the Baby Product Association’s Concept Innovation Award and at top European trade fair, Kind + Jugend in Cologne, the product was voted top three in the Innovation category.

Lee was surprised by fellow exhibitors at shows and found them to be thoroughly supportive happy to share contacts and give advice which he hadn’t expected.

WHAT’S NEXT The focus is still the baby side of the business, but there’s a natural progression into adapting the design to suit wheelchairs. The challenges are different – the weight and size of wheelchairs is greater than a pram, but Lee has had a lot of e-mails from wheelchair users and parents of wheelchair users saying it is actually impossible to get onto a beach. A prototype is being trialled currently for a child’s wheelchair first with a view to an adult version to follow. I

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WHO NEEDS THE OFFICE? Nearly 160,000 employees in the West Midlands regularly worked from home last year, according to a TUC report to mark Work Wise UK’s National Work from Home Day. The figure accounts for 6.7 per cent of the region’s workforce. In the UK, homeworking is up 27 per cent in 10 years. TUC regional secretary Lee Barron said: “Too many employers in the area are clinging to tradition or don’t trust staff enough to encourage homeworking. They need to catch up.”

NEWS ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

BUSINESS

MEDIA TRIO

Investment management firm Quilter Cheviot marked the 25th anniversary of its city office with an event at Birmingham Town Hall for 200 guests. There were talks from guest speakers, while West Midlands mayor Andy Street discussed his vision for the future of the area. Quilter Cheviot head of office, David Jupp, pictured, said: “We are witnessing a long term growth in the savings and investment industries and Birmingham is ideally placed to capitalise.”

Edgbaston PR and social media firm WPR has boosted its paid search capabilities with a trio of appointments. Emma Nicholls has joined as paid director, Joe Bennett is paid manager and Josh Houghton is search marketing manager. The appointments are in response to rising demand for services. MD Jane Ainsworth said: “As a Google Partner agency we are well placed to deploy targeted campaigns using industry data, research insights and exclusive beta-products to maximise the performance of clients’ projects.”

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SUPERHEROES CASH IN Online spare parts retailer eSpares has raised more than £400 for local children’s charities, including Urban Devotion Birmingham, at its Free Radio Cash for Kids’ Superhero Day. The eSpares office at Small Heath was graced by two Hulks, two Batmen, Captain Underpants and a visit from Free Radio Breakfast duo, Lauren and Ben. Ad Casey, head of brand at eSpares, said: “Superhero Day proved a fabulous event and thanks to everyone who donated.”

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BUSINESS

FEEDING THE HUNGRY

GRAND PLANS Property consultancy Bruton Knowles has made a senior appointment to its Birmingham office to grow client services in its planning and development team. With more than 10 years’ experience in the industry, Suki Kaur has joined as a senior surveyor.

James Bailey, managing partner, said: “Suki has an excellent reputation for delivering exceptional results and her passion and dedication will see her drive considerable growth.”

A Birmingham food charity has saved a record 743 tonnes of fresh, in-date surplus food from waste by giving it to people in need. FareShare West Midlands takes produce from the food industry that can’t be sold in shops and redistributes it to charities and community groups. The Metro Trianglebased depot serves 217 organisations across the West Midlands that in the last year alone used FareShare food to provide nearly 1.8million meals for vulnerable people.

SWEET SIXTEEN Property auction house Bond Wolfe Auctions has appointed its sixteenth staff member within six months of launch. Michelle Laidler, pictured left, joined the Birminghambased business as PA and auction administrator. Welcoming her to the firm, auctions manager Perm Daley said: “We’re delighted that Michelle has joined us.

Our success has surpassed initial expectations and we’re having to quickly expand our staff to cope with growing demand for our auctions.”

FORGING AHEAD

CAR CHIEF NAMED TOP BOSS

Law firm Higgs & Sons has re-

The CEO of Kingswinford sports car maker

affirmed its Black Country roots by

Westfield has been named West Midlands’

partnering with one of the region’s

director of the year by the Institute of

iconic attractions. It has become a

Directors. Dr Julian Turner received the

premier Brass package partner to the

award at a ceremony at Edgbaston cricket

Black Country Living Museum (BCLM).

ground. Westfield Technology Group has

The scheme gives access to the

been making sports cars since 1982 but

museum and facilities to host events

after he became CEO in 2006 embarked on electrification and autonomous technology, making autonomous pods for Heathrow Airport and the Lake District

TAKING THE PLUNGE

National Park.

and seminars. Higgs made use of BCLM’s facilities when more than 100 clients, contacts and suppliers gathered at the Workers’ Institute for the firm’s annual charity quiz.

Businessman Saqib Bhatti jumped at the chance to help a leading charity by leaping out of a plane! The Westside Business Improvement District (BID) leader made the jump from 15,000 feet with six colleagues to help raise £25,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Saqib, who is president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, planned the skydive after Chamber chairman David Waller and past president Greg Lowson were diagnosed with – and successfully overcame – prostate cancer.

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS BITES VILLAGE PEOPLE

JAG VEG GOOD TO GROW Green-fingered Jaguar Land Rover employees are swapping the production line for the vegetable patch with the opening of the company’s first community allotment. Created on waste ground, it will provide fresh produce to people in Solihull and Birmingham who live in food poverty. Dave Owen, operations director at Solihull, said: “This is an ideal opportunity to support the education and wellbeing of our workforce while providing fresh, seasonal produce for 400 meals in its first year.”

HAPPY RETURNS A lawyer who trained at Thursfields solicitors 15 years ago has returned to a senior position at the company’s Kidderminster office. Lorna Tipple went on to work for a number of organisations and ran her own firm, Horizon Family Law, before joining family lawyers Benussi & Co in 2017. She has returned to Thursfields as associate director in the family law

DIGITAL RECRUITS

department. She is also a member of the BBC awardwinning Birmingham Town Hall Gospel Choir.

Birmingham-based digital content agency Tribera has recruited five specialists to join its team. Luke Addis, founder of news website Birmingham Updates, has become social director with Dani Osadicw as creative director and David Bailey as client development manager. Sheridan Okey is senior content manager, supported by content assistant Rebecca Halsey. Managing partner Michelle Ivins said: “We are on the look-out for more of the brightest minds to join us in disrupting the market.”

Retail and leisure real estate agents Wright Silverwood has moved to Edgbaston Village. The firm includes clients such as Tesco and Marks and Spencer, while also acting as landlords for the likes of Hortons Estate, Intu, Aviva and Sovereign Centros.

BEANS MEANS MORE JOBS

Birmingham not-for-profit coffee shop Evolve is pledging to extend its work placements. It has helped more than 20 young people onto the career ladder in the last 18 months and will add another 15 by the end of 2019.

LEGAL SCRUM

Law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, who have offices in Birmingham, is to provide legal advice and services to 1,200 current and former professional rugby players under a new partnership with the Rugby Players Association.

AIRPORT ACCESS BOOST A special assistance system to help those with accessibility issues was launched at Birmingham Airport by aviation minister Baroness Charlotte Vere.

The £100,000 Avtech system features 150 GPS ‘data beacons’ which track customer care agents and their passengers. The system allows the agent to scan boarding passes and capture all the customer information they require for their flight. The scheme is part of a wider £1million plan to improve the airport’s assisted travel service.

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CHEF ALDO COOKS UP ANNIVERSARY TREAT

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Exclusive event celebrates 20 years of kitchen specialists Kuche & Bagno

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ocal kitchen design specialists Kuche & Bagno celebrated its 20th anniversary with an exclusive event featuring a guest appearance from Aldo Zilli. As well as showcasing new ranges from Kuppersbusch & Dornbracht, specially invited guests were able to tuck into some fine Italian culinary delights specially created by the celebrity chef. Lisa Melvin said: “We have had so much fun this year already celebrating our 20th anniversary. We are aiming to do a competition, exclusive interview, new product showcase or event every month of 2019.� I

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1 Fin Birrane, Aldo Zilli, Hannah Davidson, Lisa Melvin. 2 Sara and Stewart Bray. 3 Mathew and Sam Healey, Fin Birrane.

4 James Smith, Tamara Hardman. 5 Barbara and Kevin Mason. 6 Holly, Shelley and Lottie Carter. 7 Simon, Isaac and Rhianne Cottom.

8 Karen nd Ben Ferraby. 9 James Smith, Tamara Hardman.

Photography by Designer Photography

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Business professionals given update on future plans at breakfast meet ore than 40 business professionals attended a breakfast networking event hosted by mfg Solicitors at St Pauls House Hotel. It was the first breakfast event held by the firm since merging with Pearson Rowe last summer. Partner and commercial property specialist Brian Flint gave an introduction to the firm, its services and plans mfg has to build on the good business rapport in the city. I

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1 Charles Dauncey, Pat Dales, Jack Morley. 2 Sarah Cooper-Jones, Paul Breslin, Tom Esler. 3 Fiona Mellow, Andrew Smith, Edward Siddall-Jones, Luke Crane, Steve Lovell. 4 Paul King, Jilly Cosgrove. 5 Stuart Walton, Rachael Cornwell. 6 Lee Gallagher, Ben Rothery.

7 Tina Canon, Tom Morley, Dawn Cox. 8 Clare Lang, Adrian Wood, Nichola Davies. 9 Paul Wright, Chris Piggott, Brian Flint

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LIGHTBOX SWITCHES TO NEW HOME IN JQ

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Fast-growing digital agency marks move with launch event for clients and partners

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igital agency Lightbox celebrated its relocation to the Jewellery Quarter with a launch event for clients and partners. The agency moved to the Counting House, Mary Ann Street to accommodate an expanding team and portfolio of new clients. The move comes after promotions and hires at senior level, including the promotion of Anthony Bisseker to managing director. Lightbox founder Rob Pollard told guests: “After starting this business 10 years ago on a spare desk at a friend’s kitchen fitting company, I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”I

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1 Tracey Parker, Anthony Bisseker, Emma Simkiss. 2 Henry Carpenter, Steve England, Rob Pollard. 3 PJ Ellis, Nicola Fleet-Milne, Conrad Brunton. 4 Liam Thomas, Joanna Seabright, Mark O'Sullivan. 5 Anthony Bisseker, PJ Ellis, Rob Pollard. 6 Rob Bhol, Daniel Dean. 7 Lee Gill, Akil Gordon-Beckford, Anthony Bisseker.

Photography by Edwin Ellis Creative Media

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Cheers! Creative Guinness-themed evening is big hit at the Jam House dge Creative hosted its latest Where Extraordinary Relationships Begin event at the Jam House in St. Paul's Square.

The Guinness-themed event was sponsored by Finance 4 Business and KLO Financial Services with more than 100 guests treated to Guinness and Guinness Espresso Martinis provided by drinks sponsor Diageo. I

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1 David Lloyd, Eleni Constantinou, Matt Hetherington. 2 Anthony Kendall, Shaheen Shah, Pete Hall. 3 Lesley Griffin, Mark Panayides, Nathan Haines, Andrew Griffin. 4 Nigel Pugh, William Taaffe, Martin Hall. 5 Rich Moore, Steven Court. 6 Angie Lewis, Raimund Berens, Paul Lewis. 7 Matthew Lawrence, Paul Varley, Dave Golightly. 8 Terry Michael, Anna Hajilari, Stuart Price, Rupa Parekh.

9 Henrik Court, Sam Adkins, Adam Heard, Sarah Shirley.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY WITH COCKTAILS & CANAPES

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Friends come together to celebrate fine first year of Henrik Court Events

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enrik Court Events Management celebrated its first-year anniversary at the Botanist. Guests enjoyed networking with canapes, cocktails and cake as part of the celebrations. Henrik said: “It was a nice way to mark my first year of running my own business. It was great to invite my business friends and show how much I appreciate their support. I am really looking forward to the year ahead.� The business organises all aspects of a wide range of events on behalf of clients. I

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1 Gayle Kelly, Abby Goldie, Henrik Court, Anna Mitchells. 2 Abby Goldie, Donna Whitbrook. 3 Katrina Halkova, Chantall Herbert.

4 Taylah Catlow, Laura Moore. 5 Hollie Williamson, Jason Jones. 6 Claire Flatt, Henrik Court, Sarah Shirley. 7 Anna Mitchell, Henrik Court. 8 Eric Mitchell, Harj Sandher, Paul Roberts.

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Catching up with The Archers – and a special reunion on the news sofa! he secrets of the sound-room were laid bare when Birmingham Press Club members visited the studios at BBC Birmingham. Guides John Wiley and Emma O’Brien gave an insight into recording The Archers and led a tour of the Midlands Today and BBC WM studios. For Press Club president Bob Warman and chairman Llewela Bailey – who for many years cohosted ITV Central News – there was a ‘déjà vu’ moment as they were re-united on the sofa; albeit the one normally occupied by Mary Rhodes or Nick Owen on Midlands Today! I

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8 A new All About The Archers tour is now available to the public. Booking

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details at http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/the_archers_tour

1 Aurora Bonin, Steve Gracey, Penny Thorp. 2 Bob Warman and Llewela Bailey reunited on the sofa. 3 Chris Mowbray, Fred Bromwich, Sarah Whitticase, Paul Raymer, Pat Raymer. 4 Fred Bromwich. 5 Adrian Kibbler. 6 Hazel Horton-Peppercorn, Bob Warner, Peter Brookes. 7 Debbie Jaura, Jenny Wilkes, John Wiley, Emma O'Brien. 8 Penny Thorp.

Photography: Adrian Kibbler

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WHAT: A Small Person’s Guide to the Orchestra WHEN: 12 and 13 July WHERE: Symphony Hall, tel: 0121 780 3333 www.cbso.co.uk/whats-on This toddler-friendly mini-concert features the CBSO’s special miniorchestra for mini-people playing music specially chosen for small listeners.

WHAT: Little Miss Sunshine WHEN: 16 to 20 July WHERE: The Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham Based on the Oscar-winning film Little Miss Sunshine, this uplifting, modern musical classic celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences

WHAT: Treasure Island WHEN: 10 July WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, tel: 0121 212 3383 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

WHAT: #DXP19 Drag Explosion

A season of special outdoor shows begins with the Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s new adaptation of everyone’s favourite pirate adventure, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Bring a picnic, blanket and friends for a proper awesome evening at the Gardens.

WHEN: 26 July WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute, www.academymusicgroup.com/o2institutebirmingham Hold on to your wig! #DXP19 is the most fabulous tour of the summer and will feature performances from some of your favourite queens, plus so much more!

WHAT: Lichfield Festival 2018 WHEN: 5 to 13 July WHERE: Various locations, tel: 01543 412 121, www.lichfieldfestival.org From big names in comedy, folk and classical music to fringe theatre, free events and family fun… this festival has been smashing it for more than 30 years.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Antiques for Everyone Summer Fair WHEN: 18 to 21 July WHERE: NEC, www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk The largest and most established vetted art, interiors and antiques fair outside of London returns bringing together more than 200 specialist art and antique dealers with beautiful pieces for every budget.

WHAT: The Provoked Wife

WHAT: Russell Howard

WHEN: Now to 7 September

WHEN: 18 September

WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre,

WHERE: Resorts World Arena,

tel: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

tel: 0844 338 8000

Director Phillip Breen brings his comedy Midas touch to this outspoken Restoration romp that shocked 17th century society. Lady Brute is tired of her tedious, loveless marriage and her tedious, drunk husband. When she decides to spice up her love life with a younger man, scandal threatens to ruin her.

www.theticketfactory.com Following the record-breaking success of his Round The World tour, Howard returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up tour to date, making sense of a world that’s spinning out of control.

WHAT: Inner City Live

WHAT: Trevor Horn

WHEN: 28 July

WHEN: 30 July

WHERE: Perry Park,

WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: 0121 345

www.innercitylive.co.uk/

0600 www.thsh.co.uk

birmingham/

Having gained international acclaim following his 1979 hit single Video Killed The Radio Star, written with his band the Buggles, Trevor has since worked with the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Seal and Robbie Williams.

The headline act is one of British music’s rarest treasures, The Doves with special guests including former Smith cowriter Johnny Marr and the cracking Liverpool rock band The Coral.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Solihull Summer Fest WHEN: 27 and 28 July WHERE: Tudor Grange Park, www.solihullsummerfest.co.uk Returning for the fourth year running, this two-day festival in the heart of Solihull features a diverse mix of genres across the weekend with live music, street food vendors, bars, entertainment and an exclusive VIP area.

WHAT: Ruby Redfort WHEN: 15 to 17 July WHERE: The Old Rep, www.oldreptheatre.co.uk Straight from her sell-out 2018 tour, Lauren Child’s superspy lands on the Old Rep stage for her biggest adventure ever! Based on the international best-selling series, this quirky and hilarious spy thriller is a fantastic production.

WHAT: Gwen Wilkinson exhibition WHEN: 25 July to 7 September WHERE: Argentea Gallery, www.argenteagallery.com An exhibition of extraordinary photographic work inspired by Birmingham’s industrial, political and social history featuring a collection of work by this renowned artist.

WHAT: The Black Seeds WHEN: 13 August WHERE: The Glee Club, tel: 0871 472 0400 glee.co.uk Described by Clash Magazine as “one of the best live reggae acts on the planet”, this eight-piece band is one of New Zealand’s best-loved – and their live show infuses raw energy and good vibes.

WHAT: Lucinda Williams, plus support WHEN: 2 August WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The three-time Grammy Award winner has been carving her own path for more than three decades. Her self-titled album became a touchstone for the embryonic Americana movement – helping launch a thousand musical ships along the way.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend WHEN: 11 to 14 July WHERE: Various venues, www.birminghamcocktailweekend .co.uk A jam-packed celebration to excite cocktail-lovers throughout the region.

Featuring some of the finest bars in the city, a pre-purchased wristband allows you to enjoy exclusive signature cocktails and there’s also tastings, master-classes and loads of other events.

WHAT: The Mamma Mia Party WHEN: 26 July WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk The ever-popular Bootleg ABBA return for another abba-tastic evening. Dance the night away to all your favourite hits! Includes an after-show disco.

WHAT: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat WHEN: 2 to 13 July WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, www.birminghamhippodrome.com Re-telling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs. Union J’s Jaymi Hensley dons the Technicolor Dreamcoat for his first major musical role.

WHAT: Scenes from a Brummie Iliad WHEN: 19 and 20 July WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The REP’s Adult Drama and Lightpost companies present the greatest epic poem of all time… in a Brummie accent. Actor Roderick Smith has breathed new life into the classic story of heroes and gods while celebrating the local vernacular.

WHAT: KISS End of the Road World Tour WHEN: 9 July WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Forty-five years, more than 100 million albums and one giant tongue. The legendary rockers are ending their career with one final tour – so this is your last chance to see one of the most iconic live shows in rock ’n’ roll.

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IN THE CITY WITH ROBERT DIAPER OF THREE CHURCH ROAD TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m the general manager at Three Church Road restaurant in Edgbaston and have been working for the company for more than five years now. After moving up from London seven years ago my first introduction to Birmingham was as deputy general manager at Hotel du Vin, which was a great place to start my love affair with Birmingham.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I live in Leamington Spa, which has great connections by rail into New Street, so most of the time I get the train in and then walk over to Edgbaston. It’s a good way to keep fit and take in all the sights of Birmingham.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE? It’s good. Just 30 minutes on the train and then a brief 20minute walk over to leafy Edgbaston.

UNRIVALLED:

General manager

Robert lauds the energy

and passion of the city’s food industry

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Brum is amazing. When I moved from London I was not sure if I could find the same energy and passion for the food industry, but how wrong I was. Birmingham is a fantastic city with so much to offer.

COFFEE BREAK? Has to be Urban cafe on Church Street, great service and brilliant coffee.

LUNCHTIME? This is a tough one. I mainly pop out to the Village Kitchen on Greenfield Crescent for a quick lunch. However, if I have more time I like to visit El Borracho De Oro for the best tapas in the city.

POWERWALKING? My daily commute includes a good powerwalk – I always seem to take a different route from New Street to Edgbaston to see what’s new in the city. However, if it’s green space I’m looking for, the Botanical Gardens are right on our doorstep. I quite like to hold team meetings walking over the grounds as it gets the creative juices flowing.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? I have to be slightly biased and say Edgbaston. With so many quality eateries within a small area it’s easy to spend an afternoon drifting from place to place. With a world-class cricket ground, quality golf course and an abundance of independent shops and restaurants, Edgbaston really has it all.

Three Church Road, 3 Church Road,

Birmingham, B15 3SH. Tel: 0121 238 0803

www.threechurchroad.co.uk

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AFTERWORK PINT? The Highfield is a great place to meet for a drink after work. Just stumbling distance from our restaurant, it’s a lively, friendly place with a great garden for the summer months.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? It’s hard to say, as the city is so unique in many ways. Although, I’m sure easing up on the traffic congestions would help improve the city overall as it tends to be one of the first things people talk about when describing Birmingham.

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