Birmingham Living June 2020 Issue 93

BHAM_ (Page 01) cover0620nospine:Layout 1

27/5/20

20:51

Page 1

BHAM_ (Page 02):Layout 1

27/5/20

09:29

Page 37

BHAM_ (Page 03) edsletter:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:50

Page 03

EDITOR’S VIEW

H

ere at Birmingham Living we always try to support local and independent businesses. These companies, services, shops – often run by people who’ve grown up in and know and love the area and people – are the lifeblood of what makes our city, region and towns unique and special.

As we emerge from lockdown, the big question is how many will have survived and in what shape? Lockdown has changed our way of life more than we could ever have imagined. For three months, high streets and shopping centres have become places of tumbleweed as we’ve all turned to buying everything we need online. In terms of making money, it’s been a particularly profitable experience for the supermarkets and major online players such as Amazon.

With the city and towns starting to re-open, it’s important the ‘new norm’ still has a place for the ‘old way’.

Local businesses need our help and support more than at anytime in living memory. So… let’s shop!

About a mile from where I live, two major development companies are in the midst of building hundreds of new homes. They’re the kind of new-builds you can find all over the region, and the country for that matter. Rows of boxes with little to no outside space and not a tree in sight on their newly constructed roads.

They’re exactly the types of buildings architect and TV presenter George Clarke is on a mission to change – starting right here in Brum. He tells us how in this issue’s fascinating cover interview.

s n h o J d i v a D

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

/bhamliving

FINALIST

George Clarke

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

june 2020

birmingham living 03

g n i liv

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:19

Page 04

INSIDE

10 14 18 26 30 42 04 birmingham living

Highlights

George Clarke

The architect and Ugly House To Lovely House presenter reveals his new ‘masterplan’ for Brum

Ned’s Atomic Dustbin The Stourbridge rockers are set for an emotional homecoming, says frontman Jonn Penney

Food & Drink Focus on the talented chefs looking to reboot the region’s food industry, plus top tips and tipples

Health Stay in shape with a 10-minute home workout from Air Ambulance fitness guru, Aidan Brown

Style Lockdown or no lockdown, a summer dress gives instant swagger and style. Here’s our hot picks…

Staycation anyone?

With holiday plans shattered, camping is summer’s great adventure. We gear up!

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 04) contents:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:19

Page 05

CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

24 48 50 52 56 58 june 2020

Wine: Best online buys

Rob Price looks at the pick of the deals and raises a glass to virtual wine tasting

Schools Update Good news stories as pupils and teachers prepare to return to the classroom Company to Watch As Punks and Chancers approaches its second birthday, Shelley Carter talks to founder Zoe Barry

Business Update How the city’s commercial community is meeting the pandemic challenges – and boosting the NHS

Books and Films From crime thrillers to erotic chillers, it’s our pick of the best spine-tinglers of all-time

Up Close Jessica Wheeler, principal of Elmhurst Ballet school on juggling work, kids… and two dogs!

birmingham living 05

BHAM_ (Page 06)ISSUU:Layout 1

27/5/20

23:02

Page 50

NEWS

FANS SING INTO ACTION A group of Wolves football fans have put together a video montage of supporters in lockdown singing Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. The idea was the brainchild of Punjabi Wolves founder Andy Sahota – who contacted and recovered from coronavirus – and aims to build community spirit while also raising funds for Midlands Air Ambulance. “People sent me some cracking footage – all recorded at home on their phones,” said Andy.

The video had 5,000 views on YouTube in the first 48 hours. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FqO0LrLdaA&t=118s

NEWS

IN THESE MOST CHALLENGING TIMES, WE BRING YOU STORIES TO INSPIRE AND ADMIRE FROM ACROSS THE CITY

SPIKEY SUBJECT Are you a Hedgehog Champion? Nationwide wildlife campaign Hedgehog Street is looking for nature lovers in the West Midlands to join its Hedgehogs After Dark initiative to record the spikey little chaps’ behaviour in their gardens. The results will allow conservationists to better understand the hidden lives of the UK’s endangered hedgehog population. Download the Hedgehog Street app for free or visit: www.hedgehogstreet.org

CASH VISION A Birmingham charity which helps those with visual impairments and disabilities has launched a new fund-raising campaign.

Focus Birmingham has created a weekly schedule of activities for its service users and staff, made a dedicated seven-day a week helpline available and has counselling services on offer for clients. The charity helps more than 2,000 people a year from its Harborne site. Donations of £5 can be made by texting HELPFOCUS to 70085 or donating online at the charity’s website donation page.

06 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 06) news:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:45

Page 07

NEWS

NAME YOUR HERO

Selfridges is looking to deliver gifts to NHS and frontline heroes.

The store’s #KindnessChallenge, in collaboration with +HEROES, is asking people to nominate an NHS or frontline hero from their local communities. Selfridges will share the most uplifting posts on its social media platforms and pick HEROES each week to receive a gift. To nominate a HERO, comment or tag an NHS or frontline worker highlighting their good deed and location on Selfridge’s Instagram page, or post a picture on Instagram or Instagram stories, using #kindnesschallenge.

CHOCS AWAY FOR RUNNERS Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is holding a personal running challenge this summer which rewards participants with chocolatey treats. The Chocolate 5k and 10k Challenge will see participants take part at a time and place to suit them while raising money for

HAVING A BLAST

the charity. The only rule is that they follow government advice on safe social distancing.

Stay-at-home science sessions with Prof Pumpkin and Dr Pickle are proving to be a real

Once completed, the hospice will send

blast for kids, courtesy of the British Motor Museum. While closed, the museum has

goodies and a commemorative medal

been hosting a range of family activities online, which also include quizzes, puzzles,

through the post. Sign up at

cooking and crafts. So, go on… have a go yourself at

www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/the-virtual-

https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/tag/family

chocolate-5k-10k

RUGBY COUNTDOWN International Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas joined the

‘one year to go’ countdown to Europe’s premier LGBTQ+ rugby tournament which is to be held in Birmingham. The Union Cup will see over 60 LGBTQ+ rugby teams from more than 18 countries battle it out in Brum over the weekend of 30 April to 2 May, 2021. Tournament director Alistair Burford said: “Birmingham Bulls RFC will be the host club for the competition.

Bringing the cup to Birmingham has been a dream of the Bulls for many years.”

june 2020

birmingham living 07

BHAM_ (Page 06) news:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:45

Page 08

NEWS

TAKING THE LEAD The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has appointed Romanian-born Eugene Tzikindelean as its new leader. Previously leader of Odense Symphony Orchestra in Denmark, his work includes being a soloist, chamber musician and guest leader with ensembles around the world – including the London and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras. His work with the CBSO has included the Friday Night Classics concert, Sounds of the 1920s, at Birmingham Symphony Hall as well as

OWN ART SCHEME A Birmingham gallery is adapting to the lockdown by offering an affordable interest-free way to buy art, including works by celebrated artist Roxanna Halls. Reuben Colley gallery’s Own Art scheme gives buyers the opportunity to acquire a range of artworks.

Award-winning Roxanna, who works from a studio in a disused bingo hall, is known for her often funny, sometimes sinister, but always thoughtprovoking style. To view all available works visit reubencolleyfineart.co.uk

THANKS A LOT!

HAMMER BLOW

Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Sheku Kanneh-Mason at the 2019 BBC Proms.

You know all those jobs you promised to tackle around the house one day? It seems Lockdown Brummies have finally picked up that screwdriver, drill and hammer – with dire consequences! A report into the boom in home DIY has revealed that nearly half of adults

A Birmingham auctioneers has boosted a bone marrow charity after the sale of a very special necklace. The Little Drop of Strength necklace – sold on behalf of designer,

carrying out home improvements during social distancing admit they

social media influencer and

have no experience or confidence in doing the work. What’s more,

DKMS charity ambassador

according to the Gas Safe Register, unsafe gas DIY has resulted in a

Sally Hurman – went under

sharp rise in emergency engineer call-outs in the city.

the hammer for £520, which Fellows Auctioneers boosted to more than £660 by donating its buyer’s premium. Caroline Richardson at DKMS said: “We’re thrilled that Fellows supported us through the auction which will provide around 16 home swab kits to potential lifesavers.”

LEO’S STAR BILLING Two local ‘boys’ have been named in the hospitality industry’s 30 most talented stars aged under 30. Leo Kattou, head chef at Simpsons, pictured, and Ryan Doyle, director of sales at Park Regis Hotel were recognised among the winners in the 34th Acorn Awards. The annual awards celebrate the achievements of 30 of the industry's brightest stars, with each winner nominated by their peers for outstanding ability and successes in their field.

08 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 06) news:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:45

Page 09

NEWS

POP-UP CYCLE LANES Twelve miles of pop-up cycle lanes could get Birmingham commuters to work safely, according to a report by Cycling UK. The lanes are in 10 locations, including Hagley Road and Queensway.

Duncan Dollimore of Cycling UK said: “The last thing we want when lockdown ends is everyone jumping into their cars to drive to work. Pop up cycle lanes are cheap and easy to implement and allow people to move in safety, not just from the risks of traffic but also from catching

WE WILL, SAYS BIG BEN

coronavirus.”

Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster took time out from the lockdown to back Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia’s ‘We Will’ campaign to fund more specialist nurses across the UK. Leamington-born Ben has been a long-time supporter of the charity, taking part in fund-raising cycling events. He was inspired to back the new campaign to mark International Nurses Day by 24-year-old haematology nurse Brooke Evans who was successfully treated at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital thanks to funds raised for Cure Leukaemia.

GALLERY LANDING Culture vultures can still get their fix of great art thanks to IKON Gallery sharing its exhibitions and activities online. Despite being closed through lockdown, the gallery has shared filmed walkthroughs of exhibitions by Judy Watson and John Newling and interviews with the artists. People looking to get creative at home can also download Ikon’s free Art Explorer Guide or Family Pack. Gallery director Jonathan Watkins said: “Ikon started life in 1965 in a plate glass kiosk, so that when closed it was still ‘open’. During these lockdown days, we have transparency through extensive online activity.”

LOCKDOWN LEGENDS

Inspired by drawings in windows in support of the NHS, illustrator Sabina Gran created a series of hand-drawn colouring-in boards which she has turned into a book to raise money for University Hospitals Birmingham Charity’s NHS Superheroes Fund. The artist teamed up with friend Anna Plotnek, of Coleshill-based branding and web agency PLOTT, to create Lockdown Legends – a book of images, including the Queen and 100-year-old NHS champion fund-raiser Sir Tom Moore. The book costs £12.95 from https://plott.lockdownlegends.co.uk/ and https://www.hospitalcharity.org/

£180K? NO SWEAT! Brummies have helped raise £180,000 for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals Charity – by posting sweaty selfies. Gymshark launched #NHSSweatySelfie on social media with every post generating a £5 donation from the local fitness clothing brand. Over a two-week period nearly 36,000 selfies were uploaded from as far away as Australia and the US, as well as Birmingham. The campaign caught the attention of former model Nell McAndrew and Heart FM’s Ed James who snapped their own selfies to add to the pot.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk june 2020

birmingham living 09

BHAM_ (Page 10)ISSUU:Layout 1

27/5/20

23:03

Page 50

COVER STORY

MY IDEAL HOME, BY GEORGE

ARCHITECT AND PRESENTER GEORGE CLARKE LOVES KNOCKING DOWN WALLS TO TURN UGLY HOUSE TO LOVELY HOUSE ON TV. NOW, HE’S TAKING HIS SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE THINKING BEHIND NEW-BUILDS – AND TELLS DAVID JOHNS HOW HE’S ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF

ARCHITECTS TO DO THE SAME, STARTING IN BRUM!

10 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 10) george:Layout 1

27/5/20

16:22

Page 11

COVER STORY

ave you ever wondered what George Clarke really thinks about some of the homes that feature in his TV shows.

Afterall, how often have you said you love someone’s taste in wallpaper or paint only to feel like throwing up once out of the door? The architect and presenter has an amazing ability to turn your average messedup semi into the coolest dream home on the street.

And where most of us would give up at the thought of knocking down a wall, George absolutely relishes picking up the sledgehammer and getting properly stuck in.

Part of his appeal is his down-to-earth style which has made shows like The Restoration Man, George Clarke’s Amazing Space, Old House New Home and Ugly House To Lovely House hugely popular.

Behind the matey persona though is a serious and passionate professional who has worked with some of the biggest name in the architectural business.

As well as providing the rest of us with great entertainment and thought-provoking ideas, George is also a champion of producing better-designed new homes for people to live in – and better young architects to design them. That’s why he jumped at the chance when offered a visiting professorship at Birmingham City University.

H

FUTURE LIVING The four-year Design for Future Living course began last September and sees students develop knowledge of how new understandings of the home, digital technologies and creative design can help shape the places where we live.

George who will make regular visits to give lectures, work with the students and share advice – via digital link during the coronavirus crisis – says he is honoured by the new role. “Birmingham School of Architecture and Design is a really forward-thinking institution and I know a lot of academics there and they are really like-minded. Birmingham is currently experiencing a massive amount of change and it is great to be part of that in a positive way. The city was at the heart of the industrial revolution, so why can’t it be at the heart of Britain’s housing revolution?”

George is in no doubt that a huge change is needed in the way we design and build our homes.

june 2020

birmingham living 11

BHAM_ (Page 10) george:Layout 1

27/5/20

16:22

Page 12

COVER STORY

He’s hyper-critical of the millions of boring boxes being churned out by the country’s biggest building companies – not just how they look but also the lack of quality and sense of creating a proper community.

And in case you think it’s easy for a celebrity architect to find fault, we should point out that George grew up around building sites – both his grandfathers were builders. “Where other lads were playing with Lego, I was experiencing the real thing.”

DESIGN TALENT He says: “The quality of new-build in this country is shocking, presenting the lowest form architecture. The big house builders have a knack of making Government feel like they are doing them a favour. But in reality, this country has huge home design talent and we should be building truly wonderful new estates.

Instead what we are getting from the big builders is scandalous. Good architecture is good whether it is old or modern. It’s all about what is appropriate for the location and building a proper community.”

As we spoke, George was juggling filming new series of Amazing Spaces, Restoration Man and Ugly House to Lovely House with setting up his own home building company to address the need to produce better, unique new housing in the UK. The move, he explains, is something he has been working on for several years after “deep conversations with a number of landowners”.

While not copying the highest profile builder in the land, George admits he has huge admiration for the new community of Poundbury, created by the Prince of Wales on Duchy of Cornwall land outside Dorchester in Dorset. Due for completion in 2025, Poundbury houses nearly 6,000 people in a new town which also features more than 180 businesses and has been widely praised for reviving low-rise streetscape which also incorporates local design features.

George said: “I just came off the phone to the Prince of Wales Foundation to talk about many things relating

12 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 10) george:Layout 1

27/5/20

16:22

Page 13

COVER STORY

to good quality new homes. These include not just the housing itself, which people must want to live in and enjoy, but also creating a proper community which they feel proud to be part of and care for. Poundbury has fantastic building rules, for example about how many trees must be planted in the landscape. Despite being more traditional in style, it’s all about homes being designed for 21st century living. We don’t live in the past.”

George is adamant that it’s not the size of company that’s the problem with homebuilding in the UK. “Just because a company is big doesn’t excuse it from producing great design and quality.

There are many examples in other areas of big companies which are to be admired for their product design – companies like Apple to name one. House building should be just as high quality and original.”

INFLUENTIAL VOICES Since teaming up with Birmingham City University, George has had conversations with important and influential voices involved in the future direction of Birmingham, including West Midlands Combined Authority and the mayor Andy Street – who he said he met with “over a few drinks”. He added: “Birmingham is a fantastic city and with HS2 approved there will be a staggering demand for new housing. So for me, that housing has to be done well for the area.”

One thing that George says he never wants to hear in any discussion about new house building is the word ‘units’. It sums up everything that is impersonal, mass-produced and poor quality which he is pledged to fight – whether that be on TV, in the lecture room or with his own grand plans to deliver the best homes possible. I

june 2020

birmingham living 13

BHAM_ (Page 14) 2ndfeat:Layout 1

27/5/20

20:43

Page 14

FEATURE

ATOMIC COUNTDOWN AFTER 30 YEARS AWAY, STOURBRIDGE’S VERY OWN ROCKERS,

NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN, ARE SET TO RETURN HOME TO PLAY SELL-OUT

ANNIVERSARY GIGS. FRONTMAN JONN PENNEY TALKS ABOUT THE EMOTION BEHIND THE SHOWS – AND WHY HE’S GOT HIS FINGERS FIRMLY CROSSED! ery un-rock and roll. That’s how Jonn Penney describes his life in lockdown.

The frontman of Nineties’ alternative rock band, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, is known for his all-action stage performances. And – pandemic willing – he’ll be strutting his stuff again with the rest of the guys before their adoring fans in four very special anniversary live

V

14 birmingham living

gigs later this year in November and December.

Right now, though, Jonn is doing what thousands of other parents are doing – lots of home schooling in Stourbridge with his eight and 12-year-olds, as well as carrying on with songwriting lecturing duties (online, of course) at Kidderminster College.

“Fingers crossed for our dates later in the year,” he says. “We ummed and ahhed about whether

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 14) 2ndfeat:Layout 1

27/5/20

20:43

Page 15

FEATURE

we should announce the gigs in the current climate, but then we thought, yeah let’s do it because people want something to look forward in the current climate.” And look forward to it the fans certainly are, with tickets ‘flying out’, says Jonn.

The December dates, on the 4th and 5th, are at Stourbridge Town Hall, a week after the first two gigs at Dingwalls in London. The performances mark the thirtieth anniversary of The Ingredients EP, featuring the tracks Aim, Plug Me In, Grey Cell Green and Terminally Groovie.

“We’ve been trying to come back to Stourbridge since 1988,” Jonn explains. “The last time we played in Stourbridge it was very early days and at the time we still had a female backing vocalist in the band – that’s a line-up that most people never would have seen and wouldn’t even know about. The five original

june 2020

birmingham living 15

BHAM_ (Page 14) 2ndfeat:Layout 1

27/5/20

20:43

Page 16

FEATURE

16 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 14) 2ndfeat:Layout 1

27/5/20

20:43

Page 17

FEATURE

members haven’t been able to get back and play since then, so this is the first time the five of us are going to get back on a stage in Stourbridge since 1988, which is just amazing really.”

The Ingredients EP was released in April 1990, and Jonn describes it being “a turning point in our career. It was the point we realised we were going to have a career because up until that point, until that record was released, we had no idea really what the future might be. There could not have been much of a future, things could have ground to a halt after that.

SUCCESS “So I suppose what sort of happened with Ingredients is that we put it out there, it did way better than we ever imagined it was going to do, and because of that success we were just out and about everywhere else, everywhere but Stourbridge. So we didn’t get the opportunity, I guess, to play the songs from that EP to a Stourbridge audience, and we never have had that opportunity, so that’ll be quite special to come back. We recorded it only a few hundred yards away from the venue. So it’s a celebration of coming full circle.”

The EP was recorded in Enville Street, down the road from Stourbridge Town Hall, in a studio called Wrekless. Jonn explains: “We’d done a previous demo there, but we were so skint when we did that that we had to paint the studios to pay for it, because we didn’t have any money to pay them!”

Once recorded, the band ended up taking it to London to remix. “So, it’s kind of funny that it was sort of representative of the fact that we’ve got our roots in Stourbridge, that we’d written these songs around here, but the next step was always going to be moving away from here. We ended up going to the Greenhouse studio in London and getting it remixed.”

The two shows at Dingwalls revisit where the band played around the release of the EP. “That moment represented that point in our lives where

june 2020

everything took off and we went from being Stourbridge lads to taking that leap into the big bad world and the smoke,” says Jonn. But it’s the return to their roots in Stourbridge which the band is especially looking forward to.

Ticket sales reveal that the audiences will be a mix of people from across the Midands, the UK and from around the world. “There are going to be people who have been with us from the very start, so that will make it a massive nostalgia trip,” said John. “People who he saw the band performing in the local pub when we were snotty nobodies!”

The band has been touring together for the past couple of years and pride themselves on their live performances. Jonn says they’ll need only five or six rehearsals just to fine tune everything, plus he’s running and working out lots because of his high-energy stage presence. “I’m nearly 52 years of age and you have to accept that things do slow down, but I can’t stand or sit still when I perform.

So I need to make sure I am fit enough to have all the stamina I need.”

POT BOILER Jonn and the guys say they are looking forward to getting the feeling of coming home which they’ve never really had. He says: “Our adopted hometown became Wolverhampton, I guess, and the shows we used to do at the end of each touring year, at the Civil Hall at Christmas, they would represent our homecoming show.

Those gigs turned into a bit of a pilgrimage for people from all over the world that we’d been to see that year flying into this country to see us on home turf.

“I want to give a little bit back to Stourbridge now as it’s my hometown, it’s the place I’ve lived for 28 years. It’s a place that has done a lot for the culture of the Black Country, it was a real proper pot boiler of artistic creation in the Nineties, and a lot of that has disappeared over time – there isn’t even an art college anymore. I want people to celebrate Stourbridge a bit.” I

birmingham living 17

living

BHAM_ (Page 18)ISSUU:Layout 1

27/5/20

23:04

Page 50

FOOD & DRINK

Our top restaurants may be in various stages of lockdown at the moment but we still want to celebrate the talented chefs that will help this vital sector of our region’s economy bounce back once the restrictions are relaxed

KRAY TREADWELL

Kray Treadwell is about to open a restaurant in Digbeth named after the birth weight of his premature daughter, 670 grams. Once lockdown has ended, the bijou 16-cover restaurant promises to serve takeaway flavours in a restaurant setting. Just don’t expect white asparagus on the menu…

Tell us about your cooking My style is quite unique. Flavour obviously comes first, but presentation is really important. I like to build the colours up on the plate. There are no swipes across white crockery. It’s a bit different. It’s food that people like to eat. And there are no unusual ingredients for the hell of it. Takeaway flavours in a restaurant setting.

18 birmingham living

How did you become a chef?

I started washing pots at the Asquith in Edgbaston under Glynn Purnell when I was aged 15. I did that for a year then Jason Eaves took on the Asquith and I started doing more and more. Initially I just worked weekends then started going after school too and got more into it. My family didn’t really get cheffing.

They couldn’t understand why I was working 70

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 18) chefscorner:Layout 1

27/5/20

09:19

Page 19

CHEF’S CORNER

hours a week for £600. They work traditional nineto-five jobs, so they just didn’t get it. It was only when I was on TV they understood!

What do you eat when at home?

Takeaways! Peri chicken with wraps and loads of sauces from Peri Lick on Coventry Road.

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

Best in the world is Albert Adria from El Bulli.

Everyone credits Heston Blumenthal with transforming cooking and pushing it to another level, but it was Adria. In Brum, it’s got to be Glynn Purnell for all that he’s achieved. It’s harder to be consistent once you’re well known, but he’s managed it.

How is your restaurant adapting to the current crisis?

We were due to open in June, so actually we’ve been in a much better situation than some. We haven’t got staff to pay yet or any of the other overheads associated with running a restaurant and

june 2020

we’ve had more time to make things perfect rather than rushing to open.

Share a cooking tip Don’t worry if your vegetables aren’t all chopped the same…

What was your favourite food as a kid?

Mini chocolate Weetabix. I think it’s because I was only allowed it at certain times so it made me love it more.

Food heaven and food hell?

Food heaven is grade 5 wagyu beef and food hell is white asparagus – it tastes even more like piss than the green stuff!

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

A footballer. You’ve got to dream…I 670 Grams, Unit 3030, Zellig, the Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AU. www.670grams.com

birmingham living 19

BHAM_ (Page 20) nibbles:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:30

Page 20

FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM’S BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE SHOWING

HOW TO ADAPT TO THESE CHALLENGING TIMES, WHILE HELPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES LIKE NEVER BEFORE

JOIN THE BRUNCH BUNCH

If, like us, you are missing Sunday Brunch at Boston Tea Party due to the lockdown, fear not help is at hand.

Digbeth Dining Club has unveiled a new click + collect service for street food lovers across the city.

The multi-award winning street food event – along with the rest of the hospitality industry – was forced to close in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Each Sunday BTP is sharing its most-loved recipes as part of a Sunday Brunch slot on Instagram. Or you can download BTP's Eggy Bread recipe from their website, bostonteaparty.co.uk

STREET FOOD MOVE

Users of the new service log onto ticketlist.co.uk/ddc, browse the menus and add items they want into a virtual basket before collecting from the venue following social distancing rules.

WE’LL DRINK TO THAT! Award-winning Loki Wine is offering a home delivery

AKTAR BACKS AID CALL

and remote wine consultation service – so you can

Top chef Aktar Islam is backing the #RaiseTheBar campaign to enable

enjoy your favourite bottle of vino or discover new

hospitality, leisure and retail companies to access more financial help

varieties. Place a minimum £40 order before 2pm for

from the government. Aktar, who runs Michelin-starred Opheem in

same day delivery (Monday to Saturday within a five-

Summer Row, opened his new Argentinian steakhouse Pulperia in

mile radius of the store). Alternatively those further

Brindleyplace at the beginning of March – just as the pandemic hit.

away, get free delivery when ordering £70 or more of

Government rules meant he was unable to furlough Pulperia staff. In

wine. More details: 0121 455 0793 or email

response to the crisis, Pulperia now offers a £60 takeaway Sunday

edgbaston@lokiwine.co.uk.

lunch for two of Galician prime rib with all the trimmings.

20 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 20) nibbles:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:30

Page 21

FOOD & DRINK

SPICE OF LIFE Want to spice up your life with some delicious award-winning Indian food?

Praza Indian Cuisine in Edgbaston runs a collection or home delivery service every Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Place your order through Deliveroo or for all collection orders, call direct on 0121 456 4500.

DELI DELIGHT Award-winning family restaurant Laghi’s deli in Edgbaston has launched a weekend takeaway service.

Operating on a first-come firstserved basis, Laghi’s is all about

STADIUM SWITCH Edgbaston stadium has switched from cricket to become a food sorting and distribution centre. Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s official charity, the Edgbaston Foundation, has teamed up with local charity Thrive Together Birmingham to use

traditional Italian handmade

the stadium to support local foodbanks

cuisine, using the highest quality

and community groups. Thrive Together

ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes, as well as cracking pastries, bread and

Birmingham is storing non-perishable food in Edgbaston’s Exhibition Hall which are sorted, repackaged and distributed to

pasta. Order online at

organisations supporting those in need.

laghis.com/restaurant

WCCC staff are also raising funds for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

FARM FRESH IN THE JQ

Charity and the NSPCC’s Childline service in Birmingham.

The heart of the city might seem an odd place to find a farm shop – but Slow Food Hub is no ordinary outlet. The online

LET’S GO GREEK

farm shop operates out of the Jewellery Quarter by Brum Slow Food

A Greek taverna has launched a

which champions local suppliers and growers while also shortening the food chain. Local producers include veg from Top Barn Farm,

delivery service while also supporting Acorns children’s hospice. Lakis

chicken from Grass Fruits Farm and goodies from Sal Cooks.

Greek Kitchen has partnered with

Find out more at hubs.bigbarn.co.uk

Theos Food Company and Street Kitchen Brothers to deliver to customers’ homes in Birmingham

VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY Harborne-based Artisan Epicurean is diversifying from its core business of bespoke events to create virtual dinner party boxes – so you can have a Zoom soiree with your friends all eating the same meal. Artisan Epicurean is run by Suzanne Russell whose career spans nearly three decades in professional kitchens and leading restaurants, giving her plenty of experience and enthusiasm. If you prefer a quiet, private dinner at home, Suazanne can also supply.

and the West Midlands. LGK’s Kleftiko Weekends run until the end of July and see its famous lamb wrapped parcels cooked together with Cyprus potatoes delivered door-to-door. LGK is also supplying the Birmingham hospice with a range of food as part of its charity programme.

HOT NEWS FROM VILLA Hundreds of hot meals are being provided to vulnerable people across Birmingham, cooked at Villa Park. Aston Villa Foundation’s ‘Villa Kitchen’ initiative is preparing 500 dishes every week, with local organisations distributing them to people who need them the most. Funds raised from last year’s Big Villa Sleep Out and a personal donation from Villa CEO Christian Purslow have made the new venture possible.

Villa Kitchen has been running since January with club catering partner Levy UK.

june 2020

birmingham living 21

BHAM_ (Page 22) seasonseats:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:02

Page 22

SEASON’S EATINGS

AS GOO AS IT GETS Head pastry chef Dean Cole reveals how to make fabulous chocolate fondants every time at home ho doesn’t love an indulgent, gooey chocolate fondant? But making them is anything but easy, right? Wrong!

Follow this great recipe from Dean Cole, the head pastry chef at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, and you’ll have the richest fondants this side of Masterchef!

W

Ingredients

Method

(Makes six)

Melt 140g of dark chocolate with 125g unsalted butter over a pan of hot water.

Once melted remove from the pan, add two eggs and whisk the mixture. Add the last two eggs and continue to whisk the mixture before adding 120g of caster sugar. Continue to stir the chocolate mixture. Then add 75g of plain flour and stir the mix until smooth.

Lightly butter your moulds and coat with cocoa powder before transferring the mix (approx 120g).

Place the filled moulds on a tray and bake for eight minutes at 180C. After eight minutes, remove from the oven and leave to rest for two minutes.

Serve as desired. We recommend with berries and whipped cream or ice cream.

I 140g of 85 per cent dark chocolate I 125g unsalted butter I 4 large eggs

I 120g caster sugar I 75g plain flour I Butter

I Cocoa powder

The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Lichfield Road, Wishaw, B76 9PR. Tel: 01675 238600, thebelfry.com

22 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 23) cotm:Layout 1

27/5/20

08:51

Page 23

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

THE TOM COLLINS Meet Robert De Niro’s favourite tipple – the perfect choice for settling down in front of a movie classic

K, hands up we’ve been getting through lockdown with a combination of Joe Wicks, jigsaws and some serious movie binge watching. And while indulging in the classic Meet the Parents trilogy, we were drawn to Robert De Niro’s favourite tipple, the Tom Collins. This timeless and iconic gin cocktail is simple, refreshing and utterly delicious – but as always please enjoy responsibly. I

O

ALL YOU NEED TO MIX IT UP BEAUTIFULLY INGREDIENTS: I 60ml gin

I 60ml lemon juice

I 30ml sugar syrup I soda water

I lemon slices and maraschino cherries for garnish

METHOD: Fill a large glass (preferably a Tom Collins, of course) with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup and stir. Top up with soda water to taste and garnish with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry. For an alcohol-free alternative try swapping the gin for elderflower.

june 2020

birmingham living 23

BHAM_ (Page 24) wine:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:11

Page 24

FOOD & DRINK

ALL THINGS WINE ONLINE IF YOU CAN’T COME TO US, WE CAN COME TO YOU THROUGH YOUR COMPUTER, LAPTOP, TABLET OR MOBILE. WE CAN

EVEN DO VIRTUAL WINE TASTING! ROB PRICE EXPLAINS

24 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 24) wine:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:11

Page 25

ROB’S4

FOOD & DRINK

ne thing is sure, my wine consumption has increased the longer I spend at home, and judging by the demand on wine merchants to deliver wine it seems you’re drinking more also! So why not use some of your time to join an online wine tasting event?

With social distancing here to stay for a while, the opportunities to go out and socialise are reduced.

Now you can socialise at home, using many of the social media tools to meet with friends and family. I think we have all become more adept at using social media to communicate. Move over teenagers, we adults are taking your space! I wonder what they will use now!

O

TO TRY

1. The Crossings, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – From the excellent Awatere valley in Marlborough, this is crisp, elegant and vibrant with aromas and flavours jumping out of the wine, attacking your tastebuds. Difficult not to drink in one go!

2. A Growers Touch, Australian Chardonnay – Rich, oaky (in a good way), with abundant stone and tropical fruit massaging your senses, lulling you into taking just one glass more.

3. Chateau Peron, Bordeaux France – From the superb 2015 vintage, this Lalande-de-Pomerol is a brilliant example of a top Bordeaux wine. Develops in the glass, or decant before, to get an amazing array of complex flavours. One

SESSION LOG-ON The one ‘problem’ with wine tasting at home for me (and I’m not complaining) is that I do get to taste more wine, and without needing to drive my car my normal habit of using a spittoon has been abandoned.

And, of course, instead of the wine I use in tastings being shared out among the attendant group, at home I’m left with the bottle to finish off by myself – although my family are doing their best to help! Even so, a wine lake is beginning to form.

As it appears we are all imbibing more, why not join a wine tasting session online. There are now quite a few companies offering such experiences and you can join one anywhere in the world. The only travelling involved is the few steps to your device.

THIRSTY THURSDAY Birmingham Wine School has a wide range of different online experiences for your pleasure. Starting with free Facebook Live events each Thursday at 8.30pm. You’ll find me there, helped by my rookie son Ben, who actually dislikes wine, so I’ve taken on the job of persuading him of the virtues of vino.

At the moment he’s only allowed small wine glasses with the promise of a larger glass when he shows more commitment to the cause! We taste two bottles of wine each week covering a wide range of topics in what is a cheeky and irreverent look at the world of wine.

Other online sessions, such as meet the wine maker, delve the subject a little deeper. We explore

june 2020

to savour.

4. Gouguenheim, Argentinean Malbec – From one of the best areas in Mendoza, Valle de Uco, a stylish Malbec that offers power and body, but with an underlying elegance.

the best wine regions, taste some of the best wines and have fun learning about wine – and of course this ‘educational experience’ makes you feel better about the alcohol you are consuming.

QUALIFIED SUCCESS If you really want to feel more virtuous, you can also use your time tasting wine to gain a qualification through the online WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) courses. These allow you to study in the comfort of your own home and gain a useful wine qualification along the way.

Having tasted a lot of wines in the last few weeks I have selected four of my favourites. And to save you the task of having to go out and find them, I asked Frazier’s Wine Merchants of Solihull to put four wines together in a handy case you can purchase, costing £50 with free delivery, saving more than 15 per cent. So enjoy, take care, look after your loved ones and stay safe. I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company that offers fun, informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, and Warwick. For more information contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

birmingham living 25

BHAM_ (Page 26) health:Layout 1

27/5/20

09:16

Page 26

HEALTH

THE 10-MINUTE WORKOUT

STAY IN SHAPE WITH THIS NEW HOME ROUTINE FROM

MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE FITNESS GURU, AIDAN BROWN

26 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 26) health:Layout 1

27/5/20

09:16

Page 27

HEALTH

e have all had to adapt to a new way of living. Working from home, educating little ones, not being able to see friends and family and only leaving the house for essential journeys, were among just some of the challenges.

It also meant we had to find new ways to keep fit.

Here, critical care paramedic for Midlands Air Ambulance, Aidan Brown, gives you some tips on exercises to try at home that can help you keep fit and healthy.

Aidan says: “The MAAC aircrew are required to maintain a high level of fitness as on occasion we have to run a distance from a safe helicopter landing site to where the patient is, sometimes tackling difficult terrain or scaling fences for example, and this is while carrying 15kg lifesaving equipment bags. So I adapted what I do in the gym to my back garden and have found some great exercises you can do at home, too.” I

W

TAKE 10 WITH AIDAN AIDAN’S ROUTINE IS A GREAT WAY TO STAY FIT AND THE SETUP IS SIMPLE – DO EACH OF THE FIVE EXERCISES FOR ONE MINUTE, THEN REPEAT, TOTALLING A 10-MINUTE WORKOUT

PRESS-UP There are many variants of the press-up but the most important thing to remember is to make sure you keep you back in line and your bottom down.

TRICEPS DIP Place your hands on a chair with your feet about shoulder width apart on the ground. Bend your arms to around 90 degrees and push back up to the start position.

The closer your knees are to your bottom, the easier the exercise. Do it at a level that suits you, while maintaining good technique.

HIGH KNEES This is an explosive exercise which can really get your heart rate up. Run on the spot as fast as you can, attempting to bring your knees up to 90 degrees. It really helps to swing your arms.

POWER STAR JUMP Another full body exercise, which really burns the calories! From standing, squat until you touch the floor, then jump as high as you can, performing an explosive star jump.

When you land, go back to the squat position to start again.

HALF BURPESS This is a great full body movement. From standing, touch the floor with your hands shoulder width apart, jump your feet back to get yourself into the plank position with straight arms. Then, jump your feet back to your hands. Get into the squat position and powerfully jump as high as you can.

For more details of how to support Midlands Air Ambulance and more tips on keeping fit and healthy visit midlandsairambulance.com

june 2020

birmingham living 27

BHAM_ (Page 28) mental health:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:16

Page 28

HEALTH

PROTECTING YOUNG MINDS

CHILDREN’S LIVES HAVE BEEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN DURING THE PANDEMIC, CREATING INCREASED MENTAL PRESSURE AND ANXIETY. HOW WILL THEY, AND THEIR PARENTS, COPE AS THEIR SCHOOLS REMAIN UNSURE OF HOW, OR WHEN, THEY WILL RE-OPEN

eing a parent is challenging at the best of times. But as all mums, dads and carers of children know, getting the best out of your kids and family life is all about routine. What happens when the accepted norm goes out the window? That’s what parents and their children have been coming to grips with over the past weeks of lockdown.

And even with relaxation of lockdown, the new norm is going to look a whole lot different to anything we’ve been used to in the past. According to YoungMinds, the leading UK children and young people’s mental health charity, the pandemic has turned the lives of many parents and carers upside down creating added anxiety and increased pressure, especially for those with children with existing mental health problems.

YoungMinds asked 1,500 parents and carers what advice they would give to others caring for children

B

28 birmingham living

and young people during the pandemic and what is helping them cope. Here’s their top tips, which is also available in a handy parent-to-parent mental health guide.

Talk to your child

The top advice from parents and carers is to keep talking to your child. This included providing ageappropriate information about what is going on, reassuring them and asking how they are feeling. You don’t need to have all the answers but to try to be calm and be there when your children need you.

Listen to your child

Be patient, not interrupting your child and be nonjudgemental. It can be hard to cope with difficult emotions but listening would help them feel heard. Let them feel their own way through this – so if that means no schoolwork that afternoon and a movie so be it.

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 28) mental health:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:16

Page 29

HEALTH

right balance between home-schooling and wellbeing through the pandemic. Give yourself and your child a break when it gets too much, allowing them to focus on what they need now and prioritise their mental health. Go easy on yourself. Your anxiety will transfer to your child, so take care of yourself and how you are behaving.

Get them to connect with others and lower your restrictions

Boundaries are important but many parents in the survey also stressed that children will need to stay connected with their friends and do things that they enjoy. Helping them stay connected with the people they trust will allow them to retain a sense of normality.

Spend time together but make sure they get alone time

Trying to be a perfect family puts too much pressure on everyone. Giving children, especially teenagers, space so that they can be alone and do what they want to do is important. Try not to put pressure on them to play happy families.

Exercise and get fresh air when possible Routine and structure is important but be flexible

Go with the flow rather than be strict about structure and make sure there is clear variety between what you do together on weekdays and at weekends.

Try and find new ‘anchors’. A strict routine is not especially beneficial but picking a few key things to do at the same time each day or in the same order each day helps young people to be reassured that ‘normal’ things can keep on happening.

Minimise news updates

Youngsters and parents need to keep up-to-date with what’s happening but don’t overload yourselves with news. Stick with watching Newsround daily together for specific factual advice delivered in a way that is suitable for children.

Focus on their mental health and ease the pressure

Lots of parents are finding it tough to strike the

june 2020

It’s important that children get exercise. Keep home life as normal as possible; get fresh air daily and keep everyone active.

Seek help if you need it

Seeking help came up a lot for parents in the survey.

Some said that they felt they were in no position to offer advice and that they were really struggling.

Others stressed how important it is to get help for your child if they need it, either by accessing online support, by calling your GP or contacting a helpline. I YoungMinds’ dedicated Parents Helpline is the only national service of its kind and is operating remotely providing free advice and support to parents and carers worried about the mental health of a young person under 25. Download the guide for parents and carers here athttps://youngminds.org.uk/media/3762/coronavirusparent-to-parent-advice-guide.pdf

birmingham living 29

ing livSTYLE

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:21

Page 30

BELT UP

Dress and accessories, Hobbs

DRESS UP EASY, COMFY, CHIC AND PLAYFUL, WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT A SUMMER DRESS?

30 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:22

Page 31

STYLE

BUDGET FIND

GREAT LENGTH

Poplin shift dress £18, George at Asda

FANCY FLORAL

Dress £40, Next

Tie neck midi dress £120, Pure Collection

HIGH NECK

Rosabella tiered mini dress £55, Lipsy

ockdown or no lockdown we rate a dress for giving us instant swagger and a sense of style. While we might not be holidaying quite as planned this year, we’re absolutely rocking a staycation rail of summer dresses right now. Waste not, want not.

Don’t worry if your only catwalk is a stroll around Cannon Hill… give it some attitude!

The summer dress has a knack of making you look ‘done’ even when you’re barefaced and your barnet’s in a bun secured with a blunt pencil. Still got it bab.

We’ve virtually trawled the rails to bring you our top picks for a chic and easy summer, from short flippy florals to grown-up structured maxis. Wear with a cute cardi or fitted denim jacket if the weather lets you down. Clearly, we’re not recommending you go out to shop unless by the time you read this lockdown has lifted, but everything should be available online. Hopefully, this will be the last time we have to add that disclaimer! I

L

june 2020

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Rixo Brooke floral print maxi £285, Harvey Nichols

BE BOLD

Per Una dress £45, M&S

BOW DOWN

Boho dress £39.50, M&S

birmingham living 31

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:22

Page 32

STYLE

SWISH SWISH

Red dress from Next

32 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:22

Page 33

STYLE

THINK PINK

Coral snow leopard dress £75, Oliver Bonas

TIERS FOR DAYS

Dede daisy print tiered midi dress £99, Monsoon

FLOWER POWER

Rosie dress £179, Hobbs

GOING OUT

Jennie dress £79.95, White Stuff

GREEN DREAM

Val ditsy floral £60, Monsoon

TRUE BLUE

Dress £15, Primark

june 2020

SLEEVES PLEASE

Puff sleeve cotton dress £45, Very

TOP COTTON

Three Graces Clarissa green dress £480, Harvey Nichols

birmingham living 33

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:23

Page 34

STYLE

DELICATE PRINT

Blue and white Bloomsbury print dress £75, Oliver Bonas

HELLO SUMMER

Endless summer dress £285, Seraphina

STRAPPY HAPPY

Dress £39.50, M&S

WINNING LINEN

PDN London Victoria linen dress £295, Selfridges

RIGHT STRIPES

Dress £39.50, M&S

34 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 30) style:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:23

Page 35

STYLE

SHARP SHOT

Dress and accessories, Hobbs

CHEAP FRILLS

Frill sleeve poplin tier midi £20, George at Asda

SHIRT DRESS

Jericho shirt in bare leopard £42, Dancing Leopard

NEUTRAL BABE

Linen wrap dress £35, V by Very

june 2020

birmingham living 35

BHAM_ (Page 36) beauty:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:47

Page 36

BEAUTY SCHOOL LOCKDOWN BEAUTY

1

2

The hour at which we hop into pyjamas during lockdown is getting earlier and earlier which means we’re really eeking out the night-time routine.

From plumping masks to foot peels, when the only option is in-in with a glass of Malbec while binge watching Normal People, we really go for it 1. STARSKIN VIP THE GOLD FOOT MASK £12, LOOK FANTASTIC We are foot mask converts. Nothing is more relaxing. With a face mask we might start pottering around, but with a foot mask we just lie down and enjoy. We’ve tried three so far and this one is top of the tree. It left our feet, which are less than perfect right now, feeling super hydrated and smooth. It delivers results whereas some others are a bit style over substance.

2. HEAVEN SKINCARE VANILLA POD HAND CREAM £19.91, HEAVEN SKINCARE We’ve banged on about the merits of Natura Bisse Essential Shock hand cream just a bit, but this one from Heaven might just rival it at a snip of the price. Super gentle but effective, it includes organic vanilla, coconut and vitamin E to really nourish. And lord knows, our hands have never needed it more.

3. LAURA MERCIER AMBRE VANILLE SOUFFLE BODY CREME (300G) £53, SELFRIDGES This is the silkiest body cream we may ever have tried. It’s packed with goodies – vitamin A, C and E as well as grape seed, rice bran oil, vanilla extract and honey. The whipped texture feels luxurious and when used after the Frank scrub below sinks right in leaving super soft skin.

3 4

4. HEAVEN SKINCARE SILVER BEE VENOM MASK £86.50, HEAVEN SKINCARE We’ve never had more time to pamper ourselves than right now and this feels like the ultimate in self-care. The mask contains Heaven’s unique ABEETOXIN® which is apparently a natural alternative to Botox controlling facial muscles to lift and firm. A lot of effort goes into harnessing the precious bee venom, hence the price tag and it’s well worth a look.

5. THE ORDINARY BUFFET SERUM (30ML) £12.70, CULT BEAUTY Thanks to combination skin, there are times in the year when our skin craves oil and plenty of it, but at the moment oil’s too much. We’re firmly in serum territory and this one, from a brand that we increasingly rate, is superb. It sinks in immediately packing in hydration that’s incredible. It feels a lot more expensive than it is – in fact everything we’ve tried from The Ordinary defies the bargain price tag. We get our’s delivered from Cult Beauty during lockdown.

5 6

6. FRANK COCONUT COFFEE SCRUB £8, SELFRIDGES If you can get over rubbing what is essentially coffee granules all over your body, this is a winner. The caffeine teamed with the scrubbing action works wonders leaving smooth skin even on troublesome elbows and knees.

36 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 37):Layout 1

27/5/20

09:21

Page 37

From only ÂŁ25

june 2020

birmingham living 37

BHAM_ (Page 38) menstyle:Layout 1

27/5/20

09:05

Page 38

STYLE FOR MEN

KEEP IT SIMPLE Clothing from River Island

CUT ABOVE SHORTS. THEY’RE A MINEFIELD THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE YOU’RE BACK AT PREP SCHOOL – OR EVEN WORSE, TRYING TOO HARD

38 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 38) menstyle:Layout 1

27/5/20

09:05

Page 39

STYLE FOR MEN

AQUA MAN Aqua short £24.99, TK Maxx

CHECK MATE Jacquemus check shorts £360, Harvey Nichols DENIM DAYS Slim fit denim short £25, M&S

horts can be a tricky thing to get right. Below the knee and billowy will put you in the male equivalent of ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ camp. This is not Pointbreak and you’re not Patrick Swayze in his heyday. Conversely, short and tight is just a bit unnecessary and try hard. Midthigh or just above the knee is what we’re after – flattering, comfortable and chic. Go mad with colour and print if you want to put your stamp on the look, as long as the cut is good.

Two basics to start with are a great chino short and a slimfit denim. Once you find a chino that fits like a glove, invest in multiple colourways. We like to cut our own denim shorts from jeans that are a bit past their best, but if you’re not confident doing that check out the M&S pair pictured.

They are pretty much the perfect length with a decent turn up and they are a steal. I

S

BRUSH UP Stone Island brushed shell shorts £145, Selfridges

HOT COTTON Billionaire Boys Club blue cotton twill shorts £225, Harvey Nichols CLASSIC Blue shorts £22, Burton

IN THE NAVY Navy lightweight shorts £39.99, TK Maxx

june 2020

CANDY MAN Candy stirpe short £14.99, Topman

birmingham living 39

BHAM_ (Page 41):Layout 1

27/5/20

16:16

Page 40

BHAM_ (Page 41):Layout 1

27/5/20

16:16

Page 41

ng il viHOMES

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:09

Page 42

PLAN C

WITH HOLIDAY PLANS SHATTERED, CAMPING MIGHT BE THIS SUMMER’S GREATEST ADVENTURE. ARE YOU IN?

42 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:09

Page 43

HOMES

AL FRESCO Picnic set and accessories from Next

JUST IN CASE Personalised first-aid kit £14.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk

FOUR MAN Kivu 4-man vis-à-vis e’re getting our heads around the tent £370, Regatta prospect of a summer packed with cancelled trips and pared back plans and are slowly beginning to accept that we might have to embrace the c-word. Camping is endured rather than cherished at Brum Living Towers, however, this year we’re putting the likelihood of zero sleep, cabin fever and trench foot to the back of our minds and warming to the idea that it could be this summer’s saviour.

If SIFA Fireside’s Big Brummie Camp Out taught us anything – apart from Brummies being tremendously big of heart – it’s that camping in your very own garden might be our kind of camping. All

W

june 2020

birmingham living 43

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:10

Page 44

HOMES

LOCKDOWN FESTIVAL Lights from Lights4Fun

44 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:10

Page 45

HOMES

GREAT OUTDOORS Picture courtesy of Cuckooland.com

the fun of the camp site with civilised facilities on tap.

Whether you’re staying in your own back yard or going further afield, investing in the right kit will make it all the more enjoyable.

SEA LEGS Green inflatable kayak £39.99, TK Maxx

GREY DAYS Vango Keswick II 600DLX Ait Tent £899.99, Winfields

BEDTIME Luxury king-size air bed with built-in electric pump £85.99, Active Era

june 2020

TENT TALK You need the right tent if pleasure is going to factor in this experience at all. Advanced materials and clever ventilation mean it’s possible to (a) stay dry in a downpour and (b) not be sweltering in the heat. Pay as much as you can afford, but shop savvy. Check out last year’s models which will be cheaper than 2020 versions that might only have the tiniest design adaptations. Also, consider where you’re planning to pitch. If you’re trekking and moving around, a lightweight tent is a must. If you’re staying put once pitched, go for size and comfort. Always opt for a tent you can stand up in if you’re in it for longer than a night. Shop around and check out brands like Coleman, Terra Nova, Vango and the North Face. ` SLEEP THIEF Let’s get real. Unless you’re one of those people who can sleep on a washing line, accept you’re going to be sacrificing some shut-eye, but you can maximise your chances with decent kit. Whether you go for a

birmingham living 45

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:10

Page 46

HOMES

foam-based mattress which is essentially a foam rectangle or an inflatable air bed depends on your budget. Foam-based beds aren’t as comfortable as inflatable. Having said that, they don’t absorb water, puncture or require pumping up. We’d go for comfort every time, but horses for courses. Go for the best sleeping bag you can afford too – Aldi’s middle isle is not your friend here. Buy cheap, buy twice. Shop around.

GAMES AND GADGETS Portable speakers and the latest gadgets mean good quality music is a given and there’s no need to be cut off from the outside world, unless you want to be of course.

Products with multiple functions or that charge themselves are great such as stoves that double up as chargers, self- charging torches or the trusty Swiss army knife. Pack lots of games – cards, rounders and bat and ball are always winners. The games table pictured is fab and doubles up as your dining room.

Remember the essentials like duct tape, cable ties, extra batteries and first-aid kit and most importantly pack your sense of humour.

We’ve pulled a few bits and pieces together that might make your trip a little easier. I

BAT AND BALL Dolce Vita Sunnylife beach bats £25, Amara

TOP TABLE Classic games folding table £50, Regatta

BEST SEATS Kasbah Sunnylife folding seat £55, Amara

LIGHT UP Ultra bright torch £3, Wilko

BUILD UP Jumbling tower heat wave £85, Amara

MUSIC MAESTRO Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Bluetooth waterproof speaker £59.99, John Lewis

46 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 42) homes:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:10

Page 47

HOMES

GLAMPING VIBE Lights from Lights4Fun

june 2020

birmingham living 47

BHAM_ (Page 48) school report:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:49

Page 48

GROWING PLACES

GIANT RAINBOW Sandwell College is showing support for local NHS staff, key workers and former students with the installation of a large rainbow across the windows of its building. The seven-storey site in West Bromwich is home to the area's largest rainbow display, joining a trail across the country that has become a symbol of kindness, solidarity and courage during the Coronavirus pandemic. With former students working in the healthcare sector, Sandwell College hopes the rainbow will also send a signal of support for alumni on the frontline.

GROW YOUR OWN Families in the region are being encouraged to get their children growing and cooking their own food in a bid to boost health. A report on Health for Life in Primary Schools – a programme designed to improve the lifestyles of children and families in Birmingham – has seen a significant increase in the numbers of

SCHOOL REPORT

children growing and cooking food at school. Now, the organisers are focused on getting families to

MARATHON EFFORT grow, cook and exercise together during lockdown.

Sixth form Moreton Hall student Molly Creaser Ogden is fundraising for St John Ambulance by running a sponsored marathon. Molly joined the charity seven years ago and is currently lead cadet at her unit which means she is responsible for providing weekly training sessions for more than 30 cadets, as well as being their first port of call for pastoral and other issues. Of the marathon effort, Molly said: 'I'm doing this to raise money for St John Ambulance, a charity I am heavily involved in and that I hold very dear.” Molly has achieved just under 90 per cent of her current £500 target.

Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/moll-sja-marathon

PPE PROJECT Schools across the King Edward VI Foundation have been putting their 3D printers to good use producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front line workers.

Aston School has been manufacturing frames for the Prusa RC3 face shield while Camp Hill Girls have been making mask extender clips. Camp Hill Boys have also been assisting with the manufacture of visors and masks, with around 100 being sent to Heartlands Hospital and the QE.

48 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 48) school report:Layout 1

27/5/20

10:49

Page 49

GROWING PLACES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Headmaster of Bromsgrove School, Peter Clague and a small number of remaining boarders and residential staff have produced more than 1,000 face shields by hand in the school’s DT department for frontline NHS staff. The face shields are being used in NHS hospitals and centres across the West Midlands. In addition, 290 pairs of goggles from various school departments have been delivered to County Hall to be distributed across the county where needed.

STORY TIME

A bedtime story-telling initiative introduced by teachers and pupils at Winterfold School has gone global. There have been eight episodes of Winterfold Storytime featured on the school’s YouTube channel. Each week a surprise speaker – pupils and teachers – narrates their favourite story.

Stories such as 5 Minutes’ Peace, the Enormous Crocodile, All the Ways to be Smart and Room on the Broom have featured and story lovers as far away as Australia have been tuning in.

june 2020

birmingham living 49

ing il vBUSINESS

BHAM_ (Page 50) companytowatch ISSUU:Layout 1

29/5/20

09:39

Page 50

BIG HEART WITH ETHICS, QUALITY AND INTEGRITY AT ITS CORE, PUNKS AND CHANCERS

EPITOMISES WHAT MAKES BIRMINGHAM GLORIOUS. AS THE BRAND APPROACHES ITS SECOND BIRTHDAY, SHELLEY CARTER CAUGHT UP WITH FOUNDER ZOE BARRY

50 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 50) companytowatch ISSUU:Layout 1

29/5/20

09:39

Page 51

COMPANY TO WATCH

rom bags made entirely out of recycled material to the softest organic tees stitched in factories that guarantee a living wage, local brand Punks and Chancers seems to have captured the mood of the city where quality, ethics and independence are king. If you follow Punks and Chancers on Instagram you’ll know a lot already. If you don’t, well, where have you been?

Sharing snapshots of family life, new launches, a bucketload of love for Brum and feel good collaborations, there’s much to celebrate.

Zoe describes Punks and Chancers as: “A fun bus travelling at speed strewing bold garments and accessories in its wake. It’s an imperfectly formed small team of one which I run with a DIY punk ethic that’s embedded into my daily life.”

F

CORPORATE ARSE Working life hasn’t always been so feel good mind you.

There was a time pre-Punks and Chancers when Zoe worked as a fashion buyer for high street stores which she describes as ‘bloody awful’. She says: “If anyone’s reading this and thinks, ‘ooh that sounds exciting’ it’s not. It’s a corporate arse.”

Zoe then set up a small interiors company making hand-stitched lighting. She was commissioned by some top interior designers and worked on incredible projects, including one on a yacht moored in Monaco. She designed collaborative ranges for Toast and Anthropologie and taught lampshade-making at the weekend. Zoe recalls: “For several years, I really loved it, but after eight years I began to find the work less enticing and I wanted a change. I’m a big believer in changing stuff up when you get the itch.”

ECO CREDENTIALS Zoe started Punks and Chancers small to minimise risks. She explains: “It freed me up to be able to think.

Financial constraints are the enemy of creativity. I wanted to use my skills in product design, sewing, fabric knowledgeable and I knew I needed to build a brand that could be embedded in my life, so that my life could cross over into my work and vice-versa.”

Company ethics have always been top of the agenda.

As well as being organic and stitched in Fairwear factories, the tees are screen printed with eco-inks in

june 2020

Birmingham and all packaging is recyclable – zero plastic is used. Zoe says: “We don’t bang on about our sustainability as much as we should really; we think it’s just the way things should be anyway.”

Instagram has been incredibly important in getting the brand out, but not all social media has been valuable. Zoe says: “I love Instagram which I find inclusive and positive. I can’t be arsed with Facebook due to finding it the exact opposite. I have a Twitter account which I’d like to use more but honestly, there are only so many hours in the day!”

Rewarding collaborations with local charities have been among the highlights of the first two years. The No Bab tee – a collaboration with The Wilderness – raised £2,000 for SIFA Fireside which provides crucial support for the city’s homeless. A collaborative tee with local independent shopkeepers, the Hedge raised more than £1,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital as well as ongoing projects raising funds for Action for Refugees and University Hospital Birmingham.

COMING SOON Having settled in Birmingham 13 years ago, Zoe loves how the city has developed its independent scene over the past few years and says: “As a relative newbie, I feel privileged to be a part of it and to have been embraced by it.” Zoe developed a soft spot for Brum spending most weekends here as a teen shopping vintage in the rag market and being turned away from clubs for wearing the wrong shoes and says: “To see other people realise what a beauty Birmingham is, is a thing to behold. I’m very proud of my city.”

There’s much in the pipeline to get excited about over the next few months. Zoe says: “New stuff comes all the time. When I feel it, it happens! There’s something on its way in an awesome colour for summer as well as a new yoga range due out in the next couple of months.” It’s also Punks and Chancers second birthday in the first week of July of which Zoe says: “Last year we celebrated spectacularly for a week so this year should be good. Keep your eyes on Instagram!” I

>> SOCIAL LIFE For all the feel-good vibes, check out @punksandchancers on Instagram

birmingham living 51

BHAM_ (Page 52) business news:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:04

Page 52

BUSINESS NEWS

MUSEUM’S NEW BOSS The British Motor Museum has appointed a new managing director following the retirement of Julie Tew – and he’s a very familiar face. Jeff Coope was previously director of operations at the museum, where he has worked since 2002, and was part of the senior management team responsible for building a stable financial platform for the venue. He recently negotiated a long lease which has provided the opportunity to build a hotel on site and a second museum collections building.

PUNK & CAMPERS

Camping out at home has never been so much fun – as our picture of the Punk & Chancers family taking part in the Big Brummie Camp Out shows. The Birmingham clothing brand was among groups of families and friends who enjoyed the camp out in their homes in aid of SIFA Fireside, which supports vulnerable adults in the city. The event backed by the likes of Joe Lycett, Jess Philips MP and SIFA patron Alex Claridge of the Wilderness, raised more than £54,000. See Company to Watch

NEWS

BUSINESS

QUEEN’S AWARD

Precision metal assembly firm Accles & Pollock has won the International Trade category in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise. The Oldbury-based firm, which was established more than 100 years ago, took the award for growth in exports that doubled over two years to £4.7million in 2018/19.

Accles & Pollock specialises in high-spec components for aerospace engines, nuclear submarines and land-based power generation.

The increase in exports was a response to key customers such as Rolls-Royce, extending their

CHARITIES BOOST

manufacturing presence across the globe.

WORLD-BEATERS Birmingham-based engineering firm adi Group has been ranked as one of the most sustainable and socially responsible businesses in the world. The company, which operates nationally servicing brands like Coca-Cola and Jaguar Land Rover, was awarded a Platinum Accreditation in the 2020 global EcoVadis rankings. The award puts adi in the top one per cent of businesses in the world for sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “This award is testament to the continuous improvement culture we uphold,” said group CEO Alan Lusty, pictured.

Local charities have received cash help from Thursfields Solicitors to help them through the pandemic. Donations of £250 have gone to New College Worcester, a residential school for students who are blind or partially sighted, Sight Concern Worcestershire, independent cancer charity Get-A-Head and Black Country Food Bank. Nick O’Hara, MD of Thursfields, pictured, said: “We are all aware that charities have taken a massive hit during this time and are struggling to raise funds.”

52 birmingham living

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 52) business news:Layout 1

27/5/20

11:04

Page 53

BUSINESS NEWS

LIFESAVERS SUPPORT

Life and pensions consolidator Phoenix Group has donated £50,000 to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity as part of a package of community support in response to Covid-19. The cash will fund 17 air ambulance and 34 critical care car missions. Phoenix, which has offices in Wythall, has a long-term partnership with MAAC. Hanna Sebright, CEO for MAAC, said: “The pandemic has led to the most challenging time in our charity’s history. While fund-raising income is being affected, demand for our rapid response pre-hospital service has not faltered.”

FOSTER MISSION

Martin James Network, a key player in the social care industry, is on a mission to make lockdown life easier for foster carers across the UK. FosterTalk, part of the Martin James Foundation – the network’s charitable arm – has successfully lobbied the government for foster carers to be given the same priorities as key workers. Chairman Jim Cockburn, pictured, said: “Now more than ever is the time to support our foster carers and recognise the role they play in caring for vulnerable

VIRTUAL VIEWINGS Residential property firm Centrick has secured 50 new tenancies after launching virtual viewings in the wake of Covid-19. Chairman James Ackrill said the firm was determined to keep the market moving despite the disruption caused by the global pandemic. The video walkthrough tours are hosted on Centrick’s website, as well as major property portals. Familyrun Centrick, which is headquartered in Birmingham, has also devised a contactless way of completing the key handover and move-in process.

children and young people in our society.”

BRUM IN WATERCOLOUR A series of watercolours of Birmingham landmarks is to be sold as a set of postcards in aid of LoveBrum’s #OneBrum campaign. Created by Stacey Barnfield, pictured – former Birmingham Post editor and director of PR and publishing at Edwin Ellis Creative Media – sales of the postcards will help LoveBrum fund citybased charities supporting those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The watercolours depict Birmingham Town Hall, Sarehole Mill, the Custard Factory, Birmingham Cathedral and Snobs nightclub. The postcards cost £5 per set (including delivery) from https://lovebrum.org.uk/shop/

FIRST-AIDERS HONOURED A group of employees at NEC Group Arenas (Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena) have been recognised with an industry award for their work as mental health first-aiders.

The volunteers were awarded the StadiumBusiness Award for Sustainability and Community which praised their efforts in looking after the mental health of the arenas’ audiences.

Their mental health support has helped hundreds of concert-goers – with the service receiving a wealth of positive customer feedback.

june 2020

birmingham living 53

BHAM_ (Page 54) socialsDPS:Layout 1

SOCIAL SCENE

26/5/20

10:19

Page 54

JOIN US ON A THROWBACK TO WHEN LIFE WAS NORMAL

PUTTING ON THE GLITZ AT THE HIPPODROME

1

2

Glam-tastic moments when 130 guests came together for musical celebration

3

4

5

he order of the day was oodles of great street food and plenty of glam when Birmingham Hippodrome threw one of the city’s best parties to celebrate the awardwinning musical Kinky Boots. The event – held before ‘lockdown’ and ‘social distancing’ had entered the everyday vernacular – was enjoyed by 130 guests. Living long in the memory was music from resident drag queen DJ Miss Penny and the MakeUp Central glitter station, which added some real pizzazz to proceedings. Sponsored by The Forum, the event raised more than £2,500 for Hippodrome Projects. I

T

6

7

8

1 Toyan Thomas-Browne, Scarlet Gabriel, Fred Smiley, Kayi Ushe, Portia Harry, Daniel Conway. 2 Jo Smith, Miss Penny. 3 Emma Herritty, Jayne Herritty. 4 Jackie Kelly. 5 Sian Moxon, Kayi Ushe, Jayne Higgins. 6 Laura Smith, Ben Wooldridge, Amy Stutz.

Miss Penny, David Nash, Peter James-Nash. 6 Amelia Ladbrook, Nicola Fleet-Milne, Jennie Green.

54 birmingham living

7 Lawrence Barton,

Photography by Vivienne Bailey

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 54) socialsDPS:Layout 1

26/5/20

10:19

Page 55

... AH YES, THOSE WERE THE DAYS!

SOCIAL SCENE

PLENTY BREWING AT EDGBASTON PRIORY 1

2

Female entrepreneurs in spotlight when afternoon tea was served

h for the return of afternoon tea with friends and colleagues – just like the networking event which was held at Edgbaston Priory club to celebrate female entrepreneurship in the Midlands and the support available to help further future opportunities. The event was run in partnership between Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Women in Banking & Finance and NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator. Speakers included RBS chief financial officer Katie Murray, head of Rose Review Implementation Wincie Wong and the founder of Absolute Collagen, Maxine Lacey. I

3

4

5

O

6

7

8

9

1 Margot Laceby, Maxine Laceby, Darcy Laceby. 2 Pam Sheemar, Laura Foley, Georgina Woodcock. 3 Pooja Raj, Manveer Mann. 4 Sharonjit Clare, Jennie Koo, Laura Suffolk. 5 Honey Ajuwon, Katie Murray. 6 Jaz Rohel, Simone Bell, Steph Watkins. 7 Sukhy Lally, Gemma Hunt, Manjit Kang.

8 Elizabeth Russell, Victoria Platt, Katie Hale. 9 Pam Sheemar, Sarah Cooper-Jones, Wincie Wong.

june 2020

Photography by Jas Sansi

birmingham living 55

BHAM_ (Page 56) books_films:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:28

Page 56

BOOKS & FILMS

THRILLERS & FROM GREAT SPY AND CRIME THRILLERS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EROTIC CHILLERS, HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE BEST EDGE-OF-THE-SEAT BOOKS AND MOVIES TO CATCH UP ON e’re spending more time reading and watching movies at home right now. In the last issue we listed our all-time, must read and must watch book and film classics. This time, we’re focusing our selection

W

on great thrillers and dramas. You’ve likely read or seen some of them before – but like all the best things stories, they’re just as compelling the second or third time around. Buy them or stream them online. I

MUST READ Strangers by Dean Koontz A group of individuals find themselves drawn to a motel in the Nevada desert from thousands of miles apart, united in an escalating sense of terror which manifests differently in each of them.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson A gripping psychological crime thriller film based on the 2005 novel by the late Swedish writer. Centred around a highly emotionally damaged computer hacker caught up in a decades-old missing person’s case.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

First published in 1938, a nameless narrator has married a European playboy and moved into his vast mansion. But she finds herself haunted by the memory of his dead wife Rebecca and her still very loyal servant, Mrs Danvers.

An elaborate murder mystery with lashings of religion, history, art, and conspiracy theories at every turn. Albino monks have never been more menacing.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

by John le Carré

Orient Express by Graham Greene

Now considered one of the greatest spy thrillers ever written, this complicated tale captures the essence of espionage and the futility of the work, even of war itself.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle So popular that it brought about the revival of Sherlock Holmes. Set largely on Dartmoor, this is the compelling story of an attempted murder inspired by the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound of supernatural origin.

56 birmingham living

As the Orient Express hurtles across Europe on its three-day journey, the driven lives of several of its passengers become bound together in a fateful interlock.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Set in a small, posh Australian community, Big Little Lies traces a tangled web of secrets that eventually prove deadly. The book became a hit drama on TV starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 56) books_films:Layout 1

26/5/20

19:29

Page 57

BOOKS & FILMS

CHILLERS MUST WATCH

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE As far away from Mary Poppins as you could possibly get.

Rebecca De Mornay is suitably unhinged as the nanny wreaking bloody havoc on the family she believes responsible for the death of her husband and unborn child.

BASIC INSTINCT

FIGHT CLUB

A pulsating, erotic and pretty

Brad Pitt, Edward Norton

Douglas as a messed-up homicide

violent film starring Michael

and Helena Bonham Carter

cop and Sharon Stone as a

star in an unsettling movie

seriously sexy femme fatale who

that revolves around an

knows just how to cross her legs.

underground club where men who are fed up with their mundane lives find solace in battering each other to bits.

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Jodie Foster is superb as FBI cadet Clarice Starling, while Anthony Hopkins is utterly unforgettable as the chianti-loving cannibal psychiatrist Dr Hannibal Lecter. A near-perfect chiller.

CAPE FEAR We’re talking the original here with Robert Mitchum as the brutal, evil

BREAKDOWN Kurt Russell is quite awesome as a man driven by desperation as he tries to find his wife who has disappeared after their car broke down on a desert road.

ex-con Max Cady waging a campaign of terror on the household of Gregory Peck, the lawyer whose testimony sent him to prison.

DELIVERANCE A fantastic survival thriller

THE SHINING Based on Stephen King’s novel about a troubled man’s slow descent into madness while serving as the winter caretaker of an isolated and haunted hotel.

starring Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds as Atlanta businessmen who get more than they bargained for on a canoe trip through the wilderness.

Starring a menacing Jack Nicholson and directed by Stanley Kubrick.

june 2020

birmingham living 57

BHAM_ (Page 58) upclose:Layout 1

PERSON TO PERSON

27/5/20

09:06

Page 58

CLOSE WITHÁ

JESSICA WHEELER THE PRINCIPAL OF ELMHURST BALLET SCHOOL TALKS HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE DANCE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, PLUS JUGGLING A YOUNG FAMILY – AND TWO LIVELY KING CHARLES CAVALIERS! BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I graduated from full-time contemporary dance training in 1998 from Trinity Laban, London and joined their resident dance company but suffered an injury which meant I had to consider my options. I always enjoyed working with young people so teaching seemed a natural way forward. I started lecturing at London College of Dance and was an artist in residence at Impington Village College, Cambridge before my first teaching job as head of dance at a really challenging school in Islington. It was tough, but by the time I left six years later we had created a new performing arts centre with purpose-built dance studio. Out of the blue I received a call about the role of principal at Elmhurst and couldn’t believe my luck when I was offered it in 2010.

IT’S WHAT I DO I love my job. The students, staff, the environment, the excitement of performance – there is never a dull moment. My role is to lead and manage the school, from learning, dance and academic and health, well-being and boarding. As a business, we have 130 employees and budgets to balance. Funding is a struggle and now with Covid-19 we will have even bigger issues to overcome but I am ready with my brilliant team to face them.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE My ambition for Elmhurst is to be known as one of the top 10 ballet and dance school’s internationally. Not only to serve our students brilliantly but to offer something to our local community; sharing the love of dance as an art form and healthy activity, giving young people the opportunity to engage with dance who might not otherwise have been able to. I want us to be an influencer across the wider dance and education sectors. We reach our 100th

58 birmingham living

anniversary in 2023 and we all know the best birthdays are celebrated over a couple of years so it will be an exciting time. Watch this space!

BIGGEST SUCCESS Juggling my life! I have two gorgeous children aged three and four and I am a single mum, so working full-time and making sure they get enough ‘mummy time’ is a challenge, but one I enjoy. I was really pleased to be nominated in the Ladies First Awards’ Business Woman of the Year category 2020 – it is lovely recognition for the school and as I celebrate 10 years at Elmhurst.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED My parents brought me up on the principle that ‘you make your own luck’ and that hard work and effort are important to carving out your future. I love pace and challenge but I have learnt that taking your time and sleeping on decisions often leads to better outcomes. I also remember mum saying to me ‘jump and the net will appear’, so I think taking risks and being creative can lead to exciting results.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM I am a complete Brummie convert. The city has so much to offer – culturally, socially, food! The people are genuinely friendly too. I feel very much at home here.

DOWNTIME I love to exercise and have to work hard to take the time to push through a short Joe Wicks or Shaun T session, even if the kids and dogs join in! I have two King Charles Cavaliers – Roxy and Ruby – so walking them with the kids is always great. Our local park is Warley Woods in Bearwood which is a real gift! I

june 2020

BHAM_ (Page 59):Layout 1

27/5/20

09:00

Page 68

BHAM_ (Page 59):Layout 1

28/4/20

18:30

Page 68