Birmingham Living May 2022 (issue 112)

Birmingham vli ing

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May 2022

DANCE TRACK JAKOB MYERS

THE REP’S BEN WOOLDRIDGE

BIRMINGHAM

2022 COUNTDOWN GARDENING TIPS ADAM KIRTLAND

BILLY

SHOES GLORIOUS SHOES

MOTIONHOUSE THE GREATEST SHOW

BILLINGHAM LIFE ON THE FRONTLINE WITH SAS: WHO DARES WINS

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EDITOR’S VIEW

I

f like me, you love your sport, this summer in Brum is positively orgasmic!

Apologies for the ultra-sensitive among you, but the coming months will be like no other we’ve experienced in the city before as Birmingham is the focus of not just the UK but also the world.

The BIG one is of course the Commonwealth Games when athletes from 72 nations will compete for gold, silver and bronze. The countdown to the Games is now entering the final lap – with venues getting their finishing touches, rehearsals for the opening ceremony stepping up and an army of 14,000 volunteer ‘hosts’ ready to receive their special new Birmingham 2022 uniforms.

While the centrepiece is the sport itself, there’s a huge programme of other events going on around the Games. Like the incredible six-month-long Birmingham 2022 Festival of arts and culture. So, even if running, jumping, swimming or cycling aren’t your bag, there’s plenty of other exciting entertainment happening in the city.

Moving away from the Games, sport dominates the agenda across the summer in the Midlands in general. One huge occasion promises to be when India arrive to play England at what is sure to be a packed and rocking Edgbaston. There’s no atmosphere to compare in cricket to a test match in our city – an amazing, crazy, fancy-dress wearing, raucous occasion. Edgbaston will also be packing in the crowds for the return of Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred and will host the Vitality Blast finals day in July.

Tennis lovers will again be treated to the world’s top players at the Birmingham Classic at Edgbaston Priory in June – always an exciting curtain-raiser to Wimbledon – while this month sees the popular Great Birmingham Run, as well golf ’s British Masters at the Belfry.

s n h o J d i Dav

visit www.brumliving.co.uk Cover image:

Billy Billingham photographed

by Glyn Dewis www.glyndewis.com youtube.com/glyndewis

@brum_living

/bhamliving

FINALIST

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

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

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

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

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INSIDE

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Highlights

Billy Billingham

In the desert with all-action hero of SAS: Who Dares Wins

Greatest Showman Motionhouse founder Kevin Finnan on Centenary Square’s Wondrous Stories

Food & Drink Mustapha Rahimi, head pastry chef at The Butchers Social, news, reviews wine

Health Commit to Quit: There’s no better time than World No Tobacco Day

Style Shoes Glorious Shoes! It’s time to step out and have fun in the sun

Homes Bathroom Bliss: How to create a haven of relaxation and luxury

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

50 52 54 59 64 66 may 2022

Motoring

Sue Cooke searches for the ideal family getaway car… cue Toyota’s new RAV 4

From the Potting Bench Join Adam Kirtland as he looks at making the most of your garden, small or large Young, Gifted & Brummie Jakob Myers: From BRB’s Dance Track to travelling the world with Ballet Cymru

Business News News, views, comings and goings in the commercial community, plus Social Scene

What’s On News from the city’s top shows and gigs in our round-up of this month’s main events

Up Close With Ben Wooldridge, the head of communications at Birmingham Rep

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NEWS

GALLERIES REOPEN

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has launched a series of pop-up displays and live events at the historic building for the Commonwealth Games and Birmingham 2022 Festival. The Round Room, Industrial Gallery, Bridge Gallery, Edwardian Tearooms, Gallery

NEWS

10 and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Shop have reopened for the first time since October 2020. To mark the return of visitors the galleries are being handed over to some of the city’s most exciting creatives who have responded to the theme of This Is Birmingham.

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

VIKING VISIT Are you ready to bring out the Viking in you? An exciting journey through Norse history awaits at a new action area which has opened at Drayton Manor Resort.

Exhilarating rides feature traditional shields, axes and swords aplenty, mythical theming and exciting adventures at every turn for visitors of all ages. The experience includes the UK’s first Zamperla Nebulaz – a family thrill ride with eight gondolas and four arms rotating in orbit. Better hold on to your helmets!

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FAITHLESS AT THE FORUM Forum Birmingham, one of the UK’s newest venues and club spaces, has announced a series of new shows along with further investment in its historic Dale End building. Artists at the 3,500capacity complex include British electronic music pioneers Faithless, pictured, for a one-off DJ set, plus Ibiza and BBC Radio 1 legend Pete Tong and acid house hero A Guy Called Gerald, along with Ceri and Hilit Kolet, on Saturday 28 May.

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NEWS

FESTIVAL FEATURE Intercultural theatre and arts company Border Crossings is set to present Remembrances, a collaborative new dance performance, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. The piece forms part of the company’s Origins Festival which has been offering a space for Indigenous people to share their cultures in Britain since 2009. Remembrances, which will be performed at City Centre Gardens, Cambridge Street from 24 to 26 June, reflects on the challenging history of colonial injustices.

DAN’S DINNER DATE

CRUISE OUR CANALS Ahoy Birmingham! New electric boats have cast off so you can explore the city’s famed canals on the water. The craft operated by GoBoat are based at Brindleyplace and are the firm’s first venture outside London. Sightseers can choose between one, two, or three-hour self-drive trips, enjoying a leisurely cruise at speeds of 4mph. Dogs and kids are welcome, while full instruction, life jackets and buoyancy aids are provided, so no prior boating knowledge is necessary.

MasterChef: The Professionals champion and Birmingham Living cover star Dan Lee is returning to the kitchens at Edgbaston Stadium to deliver his own catering at one of the biggest fixtures in the cricketing summer. Dan, who worked in the catering team at Edgbaston for three years, will host a special dining experience at the stadium’s 501* Lounge hospitality suite for the England men’s Vitality T20 International versus India on Saturday 9 July. “We’re incredibly proud of everything that Dan has achieved,” said Claire Daniel, operations director at Edgbaston.

BLUES FOR UKRAINE Birmingham’s leading blues venue, Henry’s Blueshouse at Velvet Music Rooms, Broad Street held a special one-off event, Blues For Ukraine, with all proceeds going to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal. More than £3,800 was raised through ticket sales, auctions, raffle and other donations. Among auctioned items was a hand-crafted Cigar Box Guitar made by the ‘Godfather’ of the Cigar Box Guitar, Chickenbone John in the colours of the Ukraine flag. All musicians performed for free.

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NEWS

STARS OF THE FUTURE The outstanding talent of 16 final year students at Elmhurst Ballet School, the associate school of Birmingham Royal Ballet, will be showcased in an evening of dance and film in Birmingham and London. Just weeks before the students graduate and pursue their professional careers in dance, Immerse opens at Elmhurst’s inhouse studio theatre on 20 and 21 May, followed by two performances at Sadler’s Wells, London on 28 May. Immerse will see the company perform excerpts from works by celebrated and award-winning dance-makers.

TIKTOK TICKETS The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced TikTok Tickets, a new partnership with the global entertainment platform to inspire the next generation of theatre audiences.

Developed with the RSC’s Youth Advisory Board, TikTok Tickets gives young people the chance to see RSC shows for £10. The launch coincided with news of three new forthcoming RSC productions, including Richard III directed

by Gregory Doran with Arthur Hughes, pictured, in the title role.

HIP-HOP HIGH JINX

DRESSED TO IMPRESS More than 14,000 volunteers will be playing a vital role in the success of this summer’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games – and this is what they’ll all be wearing. The wraps were taken off the uniforms which will pick out the army of helpers, known as the Commonwealth Collective, from the crowd. The uniforms – produced by Coleshill-based Incorporatewear and featuring polo shirts, trousers, waterproof jacket, gilet, belt, bag and hat – incorporate patterns from iconic buildings across the city with a wave design inspired by local architecture.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival returns in June showcasing the very best in UK and international artists.

The annual festival, in partnership with Bullring and Grand Central, is part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival and opens on Saturday 11 June with a series of online workshops and events. A week later, dancers will compete in Breakin’, Waacking, and all styles HipHop on the Hippodrome main stage. Festival highlights also include live graffiti and street artists and outdoor performances and exhibitions.

LEGENDS ROCK UP Rock legends Jethro Tull have been added to the exciting line-up of big names at this year’s Moseley Folk and Arts Festival. The band are no strangers to Brum, having headlined the festival back in 2009. This time, they will provide a rousing finale to the event, which runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 September at Moseley Park and Pool. Other highlights include ‘punk poet’ legend Dr John Cooper Clarke, The Coral, Midlake, poet Simon Armitage, and Vashti Bunyan.

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NEWS

PEAKY ATTRACTION

The Peaky Blinders are back on the streets of

Birmingham with a new giant art installation. The 50-metre mural has been created outside New Street Station in Hill Street by local artist Jon Jones, who has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery. The work aims to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, with Castle Fine Art donating £1 for every image of the wall posted on social media tagging @castlegalleries and #Brum4BCH. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: “I hope people will come from far and wide to help such a deserving cause.”

WELCOME BACK SNORTY! Great news for kids – Snorty is back! Hatton Adventure World’s popular pig mascot had been tucked away during the pandemic but now he is entertaining young children during term-time weekdays at 11.15am and 2.15pm with special stories and singalongs as well as introducing his friends Scales and Tails, the Guinea Pig Village and Farmyard Favourites. Arabella Arkwright, coowner of Hatton Country World said: “Snorty is so popular with children that we even named Snorties Restaurant after him.”

CLUTTER CHAMPS

Are you one of those people who doesn’t throw away anything? You’re not alone!

Households in the West Midlands have been identified as the country’s most sentimental hoarders. According to a survey commissioned by waste removal experts HIPPO, over half of Brits have rooms in their homes that are unusable due to clutter – with Brummies leading the way! Top of the clutter spots are spare bedrooms, garages and lofts.

CUSTARD DIVE

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a church minister abseiling down the Custard Factory!

Rev Cassius Francis took the sponsored leap of faith to support local bereavement Edward’s Trust. The cleric who became a trustee of the charity last year, braved the 100ft dive despite admitting: “I don’t like heights!” It costs more than £600,000 for the Trust to provide its vital services and support each year.

FRY ON THE RECORD

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

may 2022

Broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry will record the winning entry in a children’s story writing competition launched by Lichfield Festival as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations from 7 to 17 July. Local schoolchildren aged 7 to 11 are being invited to write an original short story on the theme of Green Journeys for the competition sponsored by Equans, who are transforming the Rugeley Power Station site into a sustainable community including 2,300 homes. The winning recording will be released on the festival’s social media channels.

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COVER STORY

THE ALL ACTION HERO

Fans of SAS: Who Dares Wins know Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham as one of the tough, no-nonsense leaders who drive recruits to

the edge of mental and physical exhaustion. David Johns talks to the local man who went from teenage crime to Special Forces high-flier, A-lister bodyguard and TV star f you can’t swim, are afraid of heights and tend to walk the other way when you see a spider, you’ll probably be watching the new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins with me from behind the sofa. Set in the searing heat and brutal terrain of the Jordanian desert, candidates taking part in the ultimate reality TV show are enduring the kind of challenges, physical and mental, that members of the military’s elite Special Forces are trained to deal with and overcome as part of the job.

And driving the civilian recruits to the edge of exhaustion are the Directing Staff (DS) team, including ex-Special Forces instructor Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham. “The show gets harder and tougher for the candidates with every series,” said Billy when we talked shortly before the new series launched on Channel 4. “We take people to the depths of their mental and physical fears, to confront them and deal

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with them – we like to call it turning mass destruction into mass reconstruction, peeling back the layers and as a result making them better people. It is all about the people.”

DARK SPACES Billy, who grew up in Walsall and now splits his time living in Hereford and the US with his American wife, added: “On the show we help people through the dark spaces in their lives. Every person who takes part comes away a better person. Mind you, if someone needs to be told they’re a prat, I will tell them they’re a prat!”

On a scale of one to 10, Billy says SAS: Who Dares Wins is around a seven for its realism to the training that UK Special Forces have to go through. The new series is especially demanding being set in Jordan where Billy underwent Special Ops training himself.

Looking back on his youth, he admits that he “went

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

rogue”. Living on a tough estate in Walsall his mum and dad couldn’t control him and he was in constant trouble with the police and gangs and was even stabbed in the back at the age of 15.

Things started to change for the better, he says, when he tried to steal from an old man who instead of reporting him gave him his time and befriended him.

With encouragement, Billy started boxing which laid the foundation for the resilience and routine required by the military. The experience, he says, proves that everyone needs someone to give them a second chance in life.

HOSTAGE RESCUES Billy joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991 holding various roles, including patrol commander for operational tours in worldwide locations He joined the Special Air Service (SAS) in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and was responsible for planning and executing operations and training in the likes of Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa.

He led a number of hostage rescues and was awarded an MBE by the Queen and received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. Billy is a certified Special Forces instructor. His other skills make for an impressive CV – Counter-Terrorist Sniper instructor, Advanced Evasive Driving instructor, Tracking, Jungle Warfare and Navigation instructor, Demolition and Sabotage instructor, skiing Instructor, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Ice Climbing instructor, Combat Survival and RTI Instructor and Counter-Terrorist instructor.

After serving 20 years in the SAS, Billy became a bodyguard and looked after celebrity A-listers such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sir Michael Caine, Jude Law, Kate Moss, Hulk Hogan, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise.

RELUCTANT STAR He admits his role in SAS: Who Dares Wins almost didn’t happen. For a man who has spent his life taking on new challenges, Billy was reluctant to join the DS team when the first series of the show was being planned. “I had done some bits of previous TV work, but I didn’t like the idea of the show to be honest. As soon as they said the word SAS, I said I’m not

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interested as all the previous stuff on TV which was supposedly based around the SAS was so cheesy. So, I didn’t take part in that first series. The TV people kept approaching me though and sent me copies of the shows – and I thought to myself ‘I wouldn’t mind doing this’. And I’ve kind of grow into it ever since.”

The show has proved a huge hit with viewers and is such compulsive viewing that it has spun off American and Australian versions as well as the hugely popular Celebrity SAS series. Billy stars in all formats and has earned the image of being ultra-tough and competitive but also sympathetic on occasions in the show’s mirror room – the space where the DS confront candidates who are struggling or have other issues.

He says he found the mirror room sessions the most difficult to handle initially because being put in front of the camera and having to talk rather than be out in the thick of the action all felt a bit alien to him. The fact that he is now a recognised face from the show has also been tricky to deal with at times. “People come up to me now and know who I am but sometimes it can be difficult,” he says.

“One thing I don’t like at all is being stared at. I was with my wife at the airport in New York and there was

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COVER STORY

SAS: Who Dares Wins is on Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4 with the final episode in the current series screening on 15 May.

a huge guy staring at me. He didn’t stop, so I went up and confronted him and told him I didn’t like that he was staring. He just said he was sorry but wasn’t I the guy off the TV?” BIGGEST REGRET Life now for Billy couldn’t be more different.

From being in the SAS and not being able to tell anyone, even family, what he was doing around the world, he is now free to show and share who he was, and is, on TV. Of his time in the SAS he says: “Obviously it was tough and I could have died several times and been captured but you just have to push yourself to go that bit further. Everyone is stronger than they think they are.”

Being a TV personality has made Billy’s own children “very proud” he says. He’s not one to dwell on the past but admits that his biggest regret is not having had the time to see his kids grow up. “I was all over the world, in places like the Balkans and the Middle East and the family suffered,” he says. “My kids are wonderful and we get on great – and now I have grandchildren and I am making up for all the time I missed with my own kids by giving them as

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much of me as I can.” Billy was away from home so much during his time with the SAS that he wanted his kids to know why dad had been missing, so he wrote a book. The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win was published in 2019 and quickly became a top-seller. In the book, Billy reveals his ‘no BS’ approach to his time in the military.

‘No BS’ equates to three rules which Billy says everyone should follow. First, tell the truth and accept the truth. “Some people are just too scared to tell others the truth,” explains Billy. Second, take it on the chin and bounce back, but don’t keep making the same silly mistakes over and over.

Third, be a good person. Or as Billy put it: “Don’t be a dick!”

Not surprisingly with his background, Billy says he is “always looking for a challenge”. So, how about breaking the record for the highest-ever parachute jump? “It’s been something I’ve talked about doing for some time as a science project” he says. “And I’m hopeful we will finally go for it this year.”

With the motto ‘Who Dares Wins’, is there any doubt that Billy won’t make the ultimate leap into the record books! I

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FEATURE

GREATEST SHOWMAN

MOTIONHOUSE FOUNDER KEVIN FINNAN TALKS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF A LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION, BRINGING HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TOGETHER

SAFELY DURING A PANDEMIC AND BIRMINGHAM’S HISTORY OF STORYTELLING ou might not think you know Motionhouse but if you witnessed Wondrous Stories in Centenary Square you’ve got Midlandsbased Motionhouse to thank for the goosebumpinducing spectacle that kicked off the Birmingham 2022 cultural festival.

We put it to founder Kevin Finnan that on paper or spoken out loud, some of the show’s inventive concepts would have sounded bonkers. He agrees with a chuckle. Such is Motionhouse’s reputation and experience, a pitch situation never arose and they were approached to do the job – that’s not to say a proposal wasn’t required and budgets grappled with.

Founded in 1988, Motionhouse’s past events include the Olympics among other high profile shows across the globe, so I imagine they felt like a safe pair of hands at a time of uncertainty. Kevin says: “Very few people just give you a large amount of money whoever you are, however, what experience does is get you into the room more often.”

Motionhouse tour all over Europe which, with increased barriers has become more problematic.

Kevin explains: “Brexit has made things unbelievably difficult. We’ve had to increase costs, so we’re more expensive for people. Because we are known, our work is still there as people are prepared to pay. For smaller companies starting out it’s impossible.”

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With Wondrous Stories, the process started a yearand-a-half ago with the organisers making one big stipulation that the event would take place in Centenary Square. Kevin spent hours sitting in the square with a notebook looking at the space, watching how people use it and contemplating how to make the most of it.

He says: “On the content side of things I wanted an everything to everybody ethos. Everybody should have access to culture and the arts. Fundamentally Centenary Square is a square of stories – the Library, REP, Symphony Hall. The Shakespeare collection is owned by the people of Birmingham. So, I had a basic idea, but had to make it appeal to everyone.”

Kevin adds: “I wanted to bring in threads from great stories written in this region. A mixture of personal stories plus a bit of Shakespeare as well as fresh young poets. At that point I thought ‘I know how to deliver this show’.”

LIVE CAMERA With a mass cast made up of groups, volunteers, dancers and performers, the quandary was how to show them at their best. Most mass castings are in stadia – the audience high up looking down, but not so in Centenary Square. It was important to build high and bring the whole square to life which

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FEATURE

© Dan Tucker

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FEATURE

© Dan Tucker

Through the artistic process as the show was evolving, like all shows, Kevin says cracks began to appear and that’s when you work at turning problems into opportunities. An established team including producers, OPUS helps.

While the event was outdoors, rehearsal were indoors, so Covid restrictions provided an extra challenge. There were lots of health concerns to consider with some vulnerable cast members. Kevin says: “The country was isolating and we were trying to bring hundreds of people together to rehearse.

Once allowed we brought smaller groups together in large studios with the doors open and closer to the time used a vast hall at the NEC to mark out the entire space and bring everyone together.”

MOTION MAN: Motionhouse founder Kevin Finnan

brought its own challenges. Kevin says: “Originally, we wanted mass dancers in the fountain, but realised we had people in electric wheelchairs so that wasn’t an option.

“We created aerial stuff, fly-ins, zip lines, innovative lighting. We commissioned a globe structure to come up out of the library well and used the whole square including the library balcony.”

Kevin also used live camera which he’d used successfully before. “With the Olympics for example you’re making two shows in one – one for the live audience and one for TV. We did that with Wondrous Stories and I’m very pleased with the result.”

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FEEL GOOD Kevin says the cast was amazing and just so thrilled to be taking part. “For two years it’s been a dark time in everybody’s life. Bring people together was amazing. The choir for example were nervous and worked so hard and at the end of the last show they just wanted to stay for a while.”

Reflecting on the pandemic Kevin says: “I think the pandemic has forced us to think about priorities.

The first thing anybody wanted to do when restrictions were lifted was to hug friends and family. You can aspire to more – like a nice house, etc. but it’s how you live your life – your relationships that’s the point. You could die leaving a gigantic mansion but nobody cares.” I

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FOOD & DRINK

MUSTAPHA RAHIMI The Great British Bake Off: The Professionals contestant recently joined The Butchers Social as head pastry chef. His career includes cutting his teeth at Le Cordon Bleu to becoming head of pastry at Searcys

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CHEF’S CORNER

Tell us about your cooking I would describe my classic cooking style as both clean and unique. I like to combine unusual flavours to create an unexpected yet tasty dessert. While I always aim to deliver dishes that are both elegant and simple in concept, packing in an explosion of flavour is always a top priority.

How did you become a chef?

I am originally from North Africa and grew up surrounded by spices and different types of mini-pastries.

As a child, I was always baking and experimenting with new recipes with my mum but I never thought that one day I would be a pastry chef! I have also always loved watching cooking shows on TV. One of my biggest inspirations and influences has been chefs like Gary Rhodes – he championed classic cooking and flavours.

What do you eat at home?

Anything simple and flavourful!

Who’s the best chef in the world and why?

Marco Pierre White. He’s my personal hero, I love that he has a strong personality in the industry.

MAKE MUSTAPHA’S DELICIOUS BLUEBERRY AND CINNAMON MUFFINS Here’s a great, easy recipe for you to make at home using items from your store cupboard.

Ingredients:

I 115g plain flour I Pinch of salt I 10g ground cinnamon I 175g whole milk I 120g fresh blueberries

I 15g baking powder I 70g brown sugar I 1 egg I 45g vegetable oil

Method: Sift the dry ingredients. Once fully mixed, add the wet ingredients and whisk the mixture until fully smooth. Fold in the blueberries. Spoon the batter into muffin cases and bake at 175C for 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of the muffin cases.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

Boiled potatoes with a salt and smoked paprika. It’s a very simple dish but always reminds me of home.

Food heaven and food hell?

How has your restaurant adapted to the current crisis?

Heaven would be white chocolate and passion fruit.

Obviously, the pandemic has had a huge impact on Hell is definitely bread and butter pudding. our industry and many businesses are now struggling in lots of different ways. However, maintaining a What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten? strong team culture and working together while Caramelised onion ice cream. remaining both respectful and disciplined is the key to weathering any storm.

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

A personal trainer. I Share a cooking tip Be organised and plan ahead, even if you’re The Butchers Social, 25 Station Approach, Dorridge, Solihull, planning something as simple as frying an egg! Failing B93 8JA. www.thebutchers.social to prepare is preparing to fail in the kitchen.

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

BORN TO RUM

The chaps at Harvey Nicks mix a mean Rum Chocolate Old Fashioned his month’s top cocktail offering is a sophisticated treat from the drinks team at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. Featuring rich chocolate and fruity orange bitters stirred together, they’ve created a perfect post-Easter tipple. As always, enjoy responsibly. I

T

INGREDIENTS:

I 60ml Mount Gay rum

I 7.5ml demerara sugar

I 2 dashes of chocolate bitters I 2 dashes orange bitters

METHOD: Stir together and serve in rocks glass with an ice ball and a slice of orange peel.

Harvey Nichols, Mailbox, 65 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RE. harveynichols.com

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM’S BARS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ARE LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK. HERE’S OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS Bill’s in the Bullring has unveiled a refreshed menu which aims to deliver ‘delicious food with a playful and contemporary twist’. It GOLD includes a new Black Gold Burger, a chargrilled premium beef patty with black truffle fondue and 24 carat gold flakes. For plant-based STANDARD diners, more than a third of the new menu is made up of plant-based options, including a Dirty Vegan Burger with truffle hot sauce BURGERS and Santorini Salad, comprising watermelon, mint, feta, olives, cucumber, red onion, tomato, pumpkin seeds and date molasses.

DIGBETH GOES CRAZY FOR PIZZAS NEW-LOOK LUNA SPRINGS UP Late-night party pizza concept Crazy Pedro’s will open its fourth UK site in a 5,000 sq ft, fourstorey venue in Digbeth’s Custard Factory this summer. Known for its pizza creations such as Crème Eggs on pizza and Chippy Tea with curry sauce, Crazy Pedro’s specialises in all things tequila and mezcal. Jobe Ferguson of owner Liars Group said: “We can’t wait to introduce Digbeth and the rest of Birmingham to Crazy Pedro’s and our late night pizza party concept.”

BELFRY TOPS TOURISM AWARDS

The Belfry Hotel & Resort has been named Large Hotel of the Year at the West Midlands Tourism Awards.

The awards celebrate the innovation, spirit, and resilience of West Midlands tourism businesses in delivering a memorable welcome for the region’s visitors. The Belfry now goes through to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finals.

Other winners included Taste of the West Midlands winner Simpsons; Pub of the Year, The Canal House; and Experience of the Year, Roundhouse Birmingham’s kayak tour.

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TOUCHWOOD’S ALPINE TREAT A taste of the Italian Alps is coming to Touchwood Solihull with the opening this month of a new bar and café. Emporio Artari is the brainchild of the team behind the Lucarelli restaurants in the Mailbox Birmingham and West Bromwich. The new venture has been inspired by one of the oldest coffee houses in Italy – Emporio Artari started life deep in the Alps in 1886 – and brings with it all the style and elegance of traditional Latin hospitality.

Birmingham’s largest outdoor events and music space, Luna Springs Birmingham, has reopened following refurbishments and upgrades. The venue boasts a host of new offerings from yoga, karaoke and West Endthemed bottomless brunches to open-air film screenings and mouth-watering street food with headliners such as Woody Cook, Gok Wan, Fat Tony and 24-Hour Garage Girls.

Capacity has risen from 1,800 to 3,000 and the famous pergola has doubled in size allowing more people to take shelter from the weather.

NEC EXTENDS CIDER DEAL

The NEC Group has announced a multi-year contract extension with Westons Cider, making Stowford Press its official cider. The deal builds on a partnership which began in 2015 and sees bars at Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena being rebranded. It’s been a busy start to the year for the NEC Group’s commercial partnerships team Australian coffee shop chain Gloria Jeans has opened on the with deals with e-hailing upper mall at Merry Hill. Bilal Shafiq, manager at Gloria mobile taxi service UVA, Jeans, said: “Since opening our first coffee shop in the UK in beverage company Molson 2019 we’ve seen demand for our drinks rocket. As one of Coors and audio-visual the leading shopping destinations in the region, we can’t technology specialists think of a better place than Merry Hill to open our new coffee Anna Valley. shop and expand our presence across the West Midlands."

GLORIA JEANS MAKES MERRY

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SEASON’S EATINGS

ORANGE APPEAL Fancy a little slice of late spring pleasure? Try this super orangey, nutty spongeÁ delish!

e asked fine dining chef Richard Bramble, of Warwickshire-based private dining and waiter service Bramble Dining, for a nice, easy recipe to get your tastebuds tingling – and he produced this winner…

Orange and Pistachio Sponge with Crème Anglaise. So, go on, get baking… you know you’ll love it! I

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INGREDIENTS: SERVES 8 For the sponge:

I 150g self-raising flour

I 150g margarine

I ½ tsp vanilla paste I zest of 1 orange

I 150g caster sugar

I 3 medium free-range eggs I ½tsp baking powder

I Small handful of shelled pistachios

METHOD: To make the sponge: Mix all of the sponge ingredients, apart from the pistachios, into a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour into the lined baking

For the Crème Anglaise: I 500ml double cream I 150g caster sugar

I ½tsp vanilla paste

I 100ml full fat milk

I 6 egg yolks

tin and place into a cold oven. Bake at 160c for 25 to 30 minutes. Once golden and bouncy to

You will need a 30x20x4cm Swiss roll tin

touch, remove from the oven and place the tin on a cooking rack. Crush and chop the pistachios, sprinkle on top of the sponge.

To make the Creme Anglaise: Place sugar, vanilla paste and egg yolks in a bowl, whisk together until they become pale and fluffy.

Add your double cream and milk into a saucepan on a low heat to heat through. Do not boil.

Pour the warm double cream and milk into the sugar and egg yolk mixture, steadily whisking the mixture as you pour. Pour the Creme Anglaise mixture into the saucepan and stir on a low heat until you reach your desired thickness.

Be careful to not let it burn the bottom of the saucepan; the thicker the consistency the more likely this will happen.

Serve the sponge with your Creme Anglaise and, if you want to, add dehydrated rose petals or edible flowers for that showstopping dessert!

Bramble Dining, https://brambledining.com/ @brambledining (Facebook & Instagram)

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

CHAPTER

5 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, B15 3BE. Tel: 0121 200 3020 chapteredgbaston.co.uk here are heaps of forgettable restaurants in Brum – loads that make your heart sing too, but an equal number, if not more, that lack that special something that stays put in the memory bank. Not so for Chapter. The Edgbaston eatery is slap bang in make your heart sing territory – buzzing, warm, exciting, seasonal, charming and we’re going back for more.

Sitting at the bar for a couple of cheeky cocktails and snacks is one thing but we urge you to go for lunch or dinner. You’ll not regret it. Firstly, a nod to the staff – joint owner Irene has that natural chatty, ‘I just love people’ sort of vibe that makes her hospitality gold while our happy efficient waitress had a blinder of a first day and chef Nathan’s modesty masked his wizardry in the kitchen.

Secondly, it’s a family affair. For instance, mocktails are named after the staff ’s children, so drinks like the Roaring Rory and Lottie’s Garden feature. We may have been hormonal/tired, but it’s such a nice touch it made our eyes leak a bit.

Thirdly, the food is damn fine. Memorable dishes like a succulent quail breast with a leg ‘lollipop’ made from melt in the mouth shredded meat served with barley, wild garlic and a rich meaty sauce were honestly blooming lovely. Then John Dory fillets cooked beautifully served with gnocchi, a punchy

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green wild garlic velouté and generous mounds of salty caviar looked dreamy and tasted top notch. We’d been recommended the rhubarb and ginger mille-feuille by a trusted source and it was even better than expected. The zing of rhubarb, heat of ginger, richness of sweet custard nestled in between a crisp trio of pastry discs was food heaven. There wasn’t even a dedicated pastry chef when we visited so Lord knows the talent going on in that kitchen.

It’s not cheap but like most people we’re picky about where we spend our hard-earned cash and we’d happily spend it here. I

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

ROUGE

Upper Mall West, Bullring, B5 4BG. Tel: 0121 7961 882 rougebrasserie.com afé Rouge was one of my kids favourites as toddlers – a pit stop for some scrambled eggs or a croque monsieur was their jam. It was more about a quick refuelling in a relaxed environment rather than a grown-up meal. They’re teenagers now and it seems Café Rouge has grown up too.

A new concept simply named Rouge offers Parisian brasserie vibes and a more sophisticated menu than its café cousin. There are some old favourites like beef bourguignon and moules marinière, but also some newbies like cauliflower steak with harissa houmous and pomegranate and a clutch of Champagne cocktails to wet your whistle.

Owners Big Table Group have created two Rouge restaurants so far – one here in the Bullring and one in Haywards Heath, Sussex. The interior feels more grown up and there’s a pleasing noisy hubbub. Word to the wise, if we hadn’t booked we’d have had a bit of a wait for a table – it was the middle of the Easter holidays so that might have had an impact on numbers. A good sign for the new concept regardless.

French onion soup with Emmental-laden croutons was packed with flavour – the kids slurped the lot. Meaty king prawns were messy but delicious served with baguette to mop up the garlicky white wine sauce. Beef bourguignon was the highlight – tender beef and a rich red wine sauce served with herby mash hit the spot nicely while poulet a la Normande – chicken with leeks, cepes and thyme in a decent cider sauce served with winning fondant potatoes was great.

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The main courses were large and a bit overwhelming leaning heavily towards pomme de terre. Sea bass fillet served on a sizeable mound of crushed new potatoes was more tattie than fish. Some people love large portions citing value for money so appreciate that might be a positive.

The teens found room for pud – one enjoyed a refreshing mango sorbet while the other ordered a crepe with chocolate sauce and ice cream and got three! As a group we managed to snaffle the lot but would seriously recommend sharing if you’re having three courses. There’s a cheeky trio of mini desserts including a lemon meringue pie, chocolate tart and crème brulee which we also sampled that would be ideal if you’re hankering after a little something sweet.

The outdoor terrace is about to come into its own over the summer, a good spot for people watching over a glass of something chilled and plate of tasty French-inspired food. In the interest of transparency, our Rouge bill was reduced as a PR gift, but we felt under no obligation to gush. I

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FOOD & DRINK

CHILL OUT WITH THE BEST SUMMER REDS

AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP AND HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, MANY WINE

LOVERS TURN TO WHITE WINES FOR THEIR REFRESHMENT – SO WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE A RED WINE DRINKER? CHILL IT DOWN OF COURSE, SAYS KATIE GARDNER

f you have been on holiday to somewhere hot like Spain, you may have been horrified when they served your Rioja from the fridge, but it’s done for good reason. While being stored, wine hates being disturbed. You want to keep it away from vibration, natural light and most importantly – heat. If temperatures are too high then it can spoil the wine and the rule about room temperature for reds was invented before central heating existed.

You should ideally store your more full-bodied red wines between 16 and 18C and not in the kitchen where the temperature fluctuates a lot during cooking. Somewhere dark and fairly cool like the back of a cupboard or garage is best if your house isn’t equipped with a cellar (one can but dream!).

Some lighter reds are just perfect for chilling down, which can be particularly appetising on a warm summer’s day. Indeed, a young, “joven” style Rioja with little ageing can be very enjoyable. To savour this style, the ideal serving temperature would be between 10 and 15C, or to keep things simple, put your chosen bottle of red in the fridge for about half-an-hour

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before drinking so that it’s lightly chilled.

Not all red wines suit this method, there are a few things to look out for. First of all, you want to look for reds that are lighter in colour and body. They ideally need to have lower levels of tannin, as the drying, bitter effect is emphasised by the cooling process.

Chilling down works best on more straightforward, easy-drinking reds, so focus your search on wines which have more of a juicy, fruity character rather than heavily oaked styles.

With its high acidity, light body and fresh red fruit flavours, the most obvious candidate would be Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is quite a difficult grape, it has a delicate, thin skin that is prone to rot. It suits a cooler climate to allow the red fruit flavours to develop without becoming too jammy and overbearing. It’s grown all over the world and can be extremely expensive. For good value examples, look out for bottles from Chile or Romania.

Beaujolais has suffered a bit of a bad reputation from the glut of cheap wine released into the market back in the 80s when Beaujolais Nouveau was all the

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FOOD & DRINK

TO TRY

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Beaujolais Villages Coteaux Granitiques, France – £9.50 from Sainsbury’s Grown on ancient granitic soils, this wine is refreshing without being too thin, with an elegant finish.

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses online, in Birmingham and Warwick. For more information, contact Katie Gardner on 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

Incanta Pinot Noir, Romania – £7.99 from Majestic A bright and juicy Pinot Noir, with no oak influence and seriously good value. If you are dipping your toe into chilling, this is the perfect place to start.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Marzemino Trentino, Italy – £6.75 from Sainsbury’s A light and fruity Italian red with fresh cherry flavours and a fragrant perfume on the nose.

Lulu L’alouette Organic Cabernet Franc, Chinon, Loire Valley, France – £12.99 from Majestic An approachable, easy-drinking wine from an organic producer with notes of refreshing raspberry and redcurrant.

rage. A lot of the cheaper-quality vineyards have now been abandoned with producers focusing on quality production. For a decent bottle, look for the words Beaujolais Villages as these wines will tend to have a bit more concentration but are still perfect for chilling down. For something a bit more special, try a wine from one of the 10 “crus”, such as a Fleurie.

MOUNTAIN FRESH As we saw last month, Italy has a litany of native grape varieties to try, there truly is something out there for everyone. Marzemino is from Trentino, a cool climate region in the north-east of the country. Try a chilled glass with some antipasti and picture yourself surrounded by the beautiful lakes and Dolomite mountains.

The Loire Valley in France is a cool climate region better known for its crisp and refreshing white wines, from Muscadet to Sancerre. Most of the region’s reds are made from Cabernet Franc, one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike that grape however, it’s much softer, fresher and fruitier. Look for wines with Chinon on the label, one of the few red-dominated sub-regions. I

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HEALTH

COMMIT TO QUIT STILL SMOKING BUT WANT TO STOP? WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET SOME HELP t’s estimated that there are around six million people in the UK who still smoke – and a significant number of those want to quit but struggle to follow it through. World No Tobacco Day on 31 May is looking to help.

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The annual campaign aims to highlight the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organisation is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic and what people can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

If you are smoker what better time to push on with that long-promised commitment to quit? Giving up smoking will add an average 10 years to your life expectancy, according to medical experts. But we all

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need a little help sometimes, so here are some simple steps you can take to change your lifestyle and help you resist the temptation to light up.

AVOID TEMPTATION Make a plan and stick to it – Prepare for the day you quit and avoid temptation. Choose a quit date that’s unlikely to be stressful and make sure you don’t have any cigarettes, lighters or matches on you. Avoid places where people around you might be smoking.

Make a list of reasons to quit – Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision to give up: cleaner lungs, stronger heart, extra money in your pocket.

Identify when you crave cigarettes – A craving can last five minutes. Before you give up, make a list of

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HEALTH

when you are most likely to crave a cigarette and plan five-minute strategies. This could be as simple as getting a change of scene or some fresh air.

Think about your diet – Is your after-dinner cigarette your favourite? You may want to change your routine at or after mealtimes.

Watch what you drink – Fizzy drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So, when you’re out, drink more water and juice.

JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS I Stopping smoking lets you breathe more easily. Lung capacity improves by up to 10 per cent within nine months.

I Stopping smoking gives you more energy. Within two to 12 weeks of quitting, your blood circulation improves. This makes all physical activity, including walking and running, much easier.

I Your immune system gets a boost, making it easier to fight off colds and flu. The increase in oxygen in the body can also reduce tiredness and the likelihood of headaches.

SUPPORT SERVICE Think positive – You might have tried to quit smoking before and not managed it but don’t let that put you off.

Look back at the things your experience has taught you and think about how you’re really going to do it this time.

Get some support – Call a friend or relative to get some support. There’s also support available from your local stop smoking service.

Fresh air – Going for a five-minute walk not only helps clear your head and lungs but helps your brain produce anti-craving chemicals.

Keep your hands and mouth busy – Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can double your chances of success. As well as patches, there are tablets, lozenges, gum and a nasal spray. I

I Stress is reduced. It’s a scientific fact that people’s stress levels are lower after they stop smoking.

I Your sex life will get better: Stopping smoking improves the body’s blood flow, so improves sensitivity.

I Fertility is improved. Non-smokers find it easier to get pregnant. Quitting smoking helps the lining of the womb and can make men’s sperm more potent.

I Smell and taste are heightened. When you stop smoking, your senses of smell and taste get a boost as your mouth and nose recover from being dulled by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.

I Your skin looks younger. Stopping smoking can reverse the sallow, lined complexion smokers often have by boosting nutrients, including oxygen.

I You’ll be protecting your loved ones. Breathing in second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

In children, it doubles the risk of getting chest illnesses, including pneumonia, ear infections, wheezing and asthma.

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HEALTH

IN THE SWING SPECIALIST GOLF THERAPIST TOM GALLAGHER GIVES HIS TOP TIPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN AND IMPROVE YOUR GAME

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HEALTH

TAKE FIVE

Here are Tom’s five top tips on how to stay painfree, potentially increasing how well and how far you can hit the ball.

1 Strengthen your core Core strength is huge for spine health. The muscles around the

he first major of the year is in the books and the famous Green Jacket has been won at Augusta. The start of the golf season doesn’t just bring out the pros, it also encourages part-time players to get into the swing.

Many of those dusting off their drivers are middleaged men emerging from a winter of fitness hibernation, trying too hard, too quickly and predictably injuring themselves.

Golf is a game of muscle memory and its repetitive action can lead to back inflammation and strains which may even affect the discs of the spine, causing pain and impacting your swing. Urban Body’s specialist golf therapist Tom Gallagher says this is the time when more patients seek treatment with golf related injuries at his clinic in Solihull.

Most of the injuries sustained by golfers are caused by the strain on the body during the swing.

An underlying fault in a swing can cause a multitude of stress-related injuries, from the wrist to the spine. During the golf swing, there are a number of movement forces running through the lumbar spine (lower back). These forces, in combination with poor posture, weak core muscles and other existing injuries, can cause damage to this area and surrounding muscles. This often results in pain and weakness through the back area and an inability to perform a good swing. I

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abdomen and back help support the spine, and having a strong core reduces the risk of injury as you swing and bend. Be sure to exercise and strengthen your hips, glutes, lats, and obliques, not just the abs.

Pilates is extremely helpful because it focuses on both flexibility and full body strength, which helps balance out your joints.

2 Warm up before you tee off Studies have shown that golfers who have stiffer back rotation and less joint range of motion have more back pain. Before you practice your swing or play a round of golf, warm up for at least 10 minutes.

I recommend the following:

I Over the head shoulder stretch

I Chest opener with forward bend stretch I Standing quad stretch

I Low-lunge hip flexor stretch I Standing IT band stretch

3 Maintain neutral spine positioning When standing over the ball before swinging, keep your spine in its relaxed position of comfort and bend with your hips and knees rather than your back.

4 Relax into your swing Don’t try to hit the ball as hard as possible when you step up to the tee.

Pushing yourself not only causes erratic ball placement but increases the chance of over-exerting your back and causing injury. Take it easy and enjoy the social and exercise components of your sport.

5 Build up gradually Golf requires serious stamina. If you’re new to golf, don’t start out by Urban Body’s physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic is based at the West Warwickshire Sports Club in Olton, and the team has more than doubled since the beginning of the pandemic. Urban Body offers free assessments to new patients. For more information visit urbanbody.co.uk

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playing 36 holes on your first round. The majority of back injuries from swinging are due to overuse and lack of control. This can lead to extreme soreness and cause you to injure yourself by over-exerting too soon. Build up slowly and strengthen you back over a long period of time to prevent injury.

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SHOES GLORIOUS SHOES CHUCK OFF THE CONSTRAINTS OF HEAVY FOOTWEAR AND SLIP INTO SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE FRIVOLOUS THINK PINK

Mineli sandal £110, Dune

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STYLE

PEEP TOE

Open toe shoe £59, Office

TWINKLE TOES

Silver clogs £39.99, TK Maxx

ello sunshine! In the same way that in October we welcome a chic boot after our dalliance with flip flops over the summer, we love the wardrobe shift in reverse too – one of the sartorial joys of defined seasons surely.

This season in particular we are utterly spoilt for choice with a heady mix of contrasting styles that means there’s something for everyone – chunky flatforms, colourful Mary Janes, silver clogs, delicate mules, vertiginous killer heels.

Find your crowd and dive in.

There’s an edgy nod to high shine with metallics making a big impact from super cute silver clogs to Fendi’s gold slide (pictured) if you’re investing big. Big chunky soles are stacked high and wide for maximum comfort as well as style. Check out the fab M&S Cleated sandal or Chloe’s colourful Lilli flatform (pictured).

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SKY HIGH

Shoes and clothing from River Island

DAY OR NIGHT

Holla tan £69.99, Office

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STYLE

Smile-inducing colour features heavily in all styles – find yourself a pea green mule or tangerine heel for an instant shot of feel-good serotonin. Having said that, if you only buy one shoe this summer make it a versatile tan sandal that’ll go with everything in your wardrobe day or night. The fringed version from TK Maxx (pictured) is a winner and the chunky strappy version from Office will see you through any summer situation from Digbeth to Ibiza. We’re off to book a pedi pronto. I

FAB FLATFORM

Mingle tan sandal £65, Office

WHAT A CORKER

RELAXED VIBE

Luxx sandal £90, Dune

Gladiator sandals and clothing from John Lewis

MADE FOR WALKING

Femme black Rosa sandal £45, Oliver Bonas

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STYLE

SUPER SANDALS

Shoes and clothing from Monsoon

GO BIG OR GO HOME

Cleated sandal £49.50, M&S

COLOUR ME UP

Chloe Lilli orange neoprene flatform £595, Harvey Nichols

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Shoes and dress from M&S

FLATS AWAY

Ochre espadrille sandal £19, TU Clothing

SKYSCRAPER

Dellena 100 Jimmy Choo raffia wedge £575, Harvey Nichols

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STYLE

CLASSIC COMBO

Shoes and clothing from John Lewis

BE SQUARE

Green faux leather square toe mule £15, TU Clothing

TANGERINE DREAM

LOAFING AROUND

Shoes and clothing from John Lewis

Glowin green mule £75, Dune

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STYLE

WELL HEELED

Orange heel £48, River Island

PASTEL POWER

Floral print heel £45, River Island

STRIDE OUT

Shoes from Dune

KHAKI KITTEN

Monte Carlo mule £49.99, Office

COOL MULE

Pink mule £90, Dune

THAT’S A STRAP

THE NEW BLACK March mule £85, Dune

Majesty sandal in ice blue £120, Dune

ON THE FRINGE

Tan heels £49.99, TK Maxx

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REPORT CARD

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We’ve a few excellent launches to report this month as well an old favourite, plus probably the best facial we’ve tried in Brum 1. CLARINS LIP COMFORT OIL £20, CLARINS.CO.UK Super lightweight, glossy and nourishing, there are eight shades with a natural finish in the brand new Lip Comfort Oil range.

There’s none of the sticky finish of some lip glosses. Feels great and will last and last.

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2. LA PRAIRIE FACIAL (45 MINUTES) £100, SELFRIDGES Pampered, glowing and relaxed is surely the dream outcome of a facial. La Prairie’s luxurious Skin Caviar range left my skin feeling terrific and looking more hydrated and youthful, but as well as that, you can expect 45 minutes of blissful relaxation.

You can have a less intense facial sat on the counter in the beauty hall, but we’d say it’s well worth booking in for the more lengthy treatment away from the hustle and bustle of the store.

The cost is redeemable against purchases so it’s a bit of a nobrainer. Well worth it.

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3.WATER JELLY DEW CREAM £35, GOODHABIT A soothing and hydrating gel cream hybrid which is lightweight but packed with enough goodies to nourish skin without the weight of a rich cream. There’s an eye cream too which we haven’t tried but it’s definitely on the wish list.

4. HDX SKIN EXFOLIATING ENZYME MASK, HEDOXCLINIC.CO.UK

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This is straight out of the blocks launching at a trade show this month. Developed by Harley Street doctor Stephen Humble, the mask promises the same results as an in-clinic acid peel in just 30 minutes at home. We’re in. Look out for news on the website for general release.

5. CARMEX SPF15 £2.75, BOOTS AND SUPERDRUG An oldie but goodie. The beeswax, camphor and menthol combo of Carmex has got our lips through many dehydrating hot summers and arctic winters in nourished, flake-free shape – so we’re stocking up on this strawberry version.

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STYLE FOR MEN

FANCY FOOTWORK

WHEN THE MERCURY RISES WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FOOTWEAR?

SMART CASUAL Navy Bucatini shoe £90, Dune

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STYLE FOR MEN

CHAMBRAY HOMBRE Blue espadrille £16.99, TK Maxx

HELLO SAILOR Capstan shoe £89.95, Barbour

here is a moment as the sun starts to shine when some people lose their style heads donning colours and trends they wouldn’t touch with a barge pole in the autumn.

Summer footwear is one of those sticky areas that’s worth considering. Once you’ve ditched the boots and heavy shoes there are four basic types of shoe that’ll get you through summer looking hot whatever the situ – a cool trainer, a trusty Birkenstock, a pair of lightweight loafers and an espadrille or a boat shoe. We’ve picked out some great examples, but remember, the best accessory to summer is a well-loved foot, so get buffing. I

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IN THE NAVY Bingotta shoe £65, Dune

SUMMER TIME Clothing and shoes from M&S

SUPER SNEAKER Match trainer £680, Fendi

DRIVING SEAT Tod’s suede loafers £390, Selfridges

TOP TAUPE Boston taupe Birkenstock £120, Harvey Nichols

BEACH DAYS Christian Louboutin Espadon espadrille £540, Selfridges

CHIC CLASSIC G H Bass & Co Weejuns camel nubuck loafers £150, Harvey Nichols

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BATHROOM GOALS

MORE THAN JUST FUNCTIONAL, THE BATHROOM CAN PROVIDE UTTER RELAXATION AND LUXURY. WITH A BIT OF PLANNING, IT’S ACHIEVABLE WHATEVER SPACE YOU’RE DEALING WITH

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HOMES

hat’s not relaxing is sinking into a bath and staring around a room you’re not in love with. Dripping taps, bad lighting, that Artex ceiling you haven’t got around to changing all nagging at you hardly creates calm.

With good tradesmen and some planning, you don’t need to put up with a second-rate bathroom. Create a mood board and do your research first. If you’ve a budget for an experienced bathroom designer then happy days.

They can take the stress out of the process, hold your hand a bit and come up with designs you’ve never thought of.

Designers are also on top of latest materials and techniques that you might not be aware of.

W

HOT IDEAS Once you’ve got your plumbing and suite worked out, we reckon there are three big things to focus on – heating, lighting and storage.

Bathrooms are quite unique in terms of heating. They are often smaller than other rooms in the house, you’re likely to be naked a lot of the time plus there are high levels of humidity that requires

CLEAN LINES Featuring Geberit Acanto geberit.co.uk

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HOMES

WOW FACTOR Caesarstone Airy concrete, Caesarstone.co.uk

TWINNING IS WINNING Twin shower wall, Merlyn Showering merlynsho

good ventilation. If your bathroom is small, you may get away with a heated towel rail acting as a radiator as well as drying your towels. In a large bathroom you might need another heat source in addition to a towel rail. Underfloor heating is the obvious choice as it’s effective, warms bare feet and dries out wet floors quickly. Underfloor heating is more expensive to buy and install than towel rails and radiators, but it’s more efficient in the long run.

LIGHT UP Ambient lighting works really well in the bathroom. Think about what you use the room for.

An indulgent bath requires soft lighting for maximum relaxation while plucking your eyebrows needs a bright light, so consider a design that incorporates a combination of mood lighting. Toto Bathroom has a fab product that allows you to set the mood – shop around there are lots on the market.

CREATE ORDER Including lots of storage will keep stress and mess to a minimum. Utilise little nooks and crannies with built-in shelving, use attractive baskets and check out what can be a lot of space under the bath for bulky items. I

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HOMES

TRADITIONAL CHARM Lighting by Fritz Fryer

SUPER STORAGE String bathroom shelving system £670, Nest

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BRIGHT LIGHTS Gubi Turbo pendant light £472, Nest.co.uk

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HOMES

AFTER DARK Bathroom by Lisa Melvin Design lisamelvindesign.co.uk

GREAT LIGHTING Stockholm LED illuminated mirror £214.99, Glamour

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HOMES

SIMPLE STYLE Picture courtesy of Christy

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HOMES

TOP POT Glass jar £5, B&M

LIGHT UP Ledbury bathroom light £254.25, Fritz Fryer GOLD RUSH Walter metal planter £18, Cult Furniture

MATTE BLACK Menu soap pump £65, Nest

FINISHING TOUCHES

GREY DAY Striped hand towel £4.99, HomeSense

ADD AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO YOUR DREAM

BATHROOM WITH THESE GORGEOUS ACCESSORIES THINK PINK Pink matte dispenser £5 and tumbler £3, George Home

MIRROR MIRROR Hanging embellished mirror £28, Oliver Bonas

RIGHT STRIPES Carnaby stripe towel £12, Christy

CUTE SHELVING Off white shelving £25, Habitat MONO WOW Spotty bath mat £25, Joe Browns

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MOTORING

PLUG IN AND PLAY M

SUE COOKE WAS LOOKING FOR A CAR FOR A FAMILY

SUMMER ADVENTURE. SHE MAY JUST HAVE FOUND IT!

aking plans for our family summer adventure means having a close ally.

Rather than being just a means of transport, our car becomes a reliable friend that promises to take me and my family on our big holiday and bring us home safely.

The automotive market does not offer a huge choice to fulfil this demanding requirement but I road tested one such car this week. Toyota’s new RAV 4 plug-in hybrid is the most powerful RAV4 yet with standard four-wheel drive, a long list of safety and other features which make long distance driving easier and technology to save money.

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Exterior styling is strong and robust with a few minor changes to denote this is the RAV4 plug-in model. The charging point is concealed beneath a flap on the rear right wing. There is a new body colour – Scarlet Flare with bi-tone black roof and pillars giving the car’s profile a coupé look.

PANORAMIC MUST Step inside the interior and the cabin is impressively spacious. Front sports seats have integrated heating and power adjustment while the driver’s seat has lumbar support as standard. There are three equipment grades, Design, Dynamic and

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MOTORING

Dynamic Premium, and all come with a long list of standard features.

The system which I think should be standard on all cars is what Toyota calls the Panoramic View Monitor. Off-road it helps to negotiate tricky terrain and on-road it picks out potentially unseen hazards with a 360-degree view of the area immediately around the vehicle, including a bird’s eye aspect from above. Brilliant.

The head-up display system shown on the windscreen is also indispensable, giving the speed of the road along with the speed your car is travelling at in very bright letters. Outstanding safety equipment includes systems for avoiding collisions or mitigating the effects of an accident by warning the driver, preparing for optimum operation and, if necessary, triggering automatic braking or steering assistance.

POWER ON TAP This RAV4 operates in total electric mode up to 46 miles in urban driving and could reach speeds of up to 84mph if it was permitted. When extra engine power is needed, the 2.5-litre hybrid engine kicks in.

The power of this system gives quick acceleration

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid Dynamic Price: £43,475 otr Engine: 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine with electric motor and hybrid battery Performance: 0-62mph in 6 seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph (WLTP) Combined fuel consumption: 282.5mpg (WLTP) CO2 emissions: 22g/km (WLTP)

and strong performance which is so convenient for rapid overtaking. The new lithium-ion battery can be charged in 2.5 hours with a fast charger or 7.5 hours using a 10A home power supply.

The fifth generation RAV4 has a small decrease in load space capacity as the floor is raised by 35mm.

But at 520 litres this is plenty enough for the family luggage – volume is competitive with other models in the segment and with a fully flat floor there is room for two 77-litre suitcases or four golf bags.

The dual DNA of the new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid is ideal for any summer adventure from coping with off-road slippery mud to cruising comfortably on-road while ensuring welcome savings in fuel consumption. I

SHOWROOM

Steven Eagell Toyota Birmingham, Fort Dunlop, 6 Wingfoot Way, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9HF. Tel: 0121 386 8700 www.steveneagellbirmingham.toyota.uk

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GARDENING

From the Potting Bench with Adam Summer is here, so how can you get the most out of your green space

this month? Adam Kirtland tells you all you need to know…

B

BALCONY OR SMALL GARDENS Whether, your space is limited or you’re keen to experiment on your balcony – container gardening is the way forward here. Think of variety and what you’d really like to achieve with what you have – do you want to grow what you can eat or are you looking for purely an aesthetic garden? Either way, even the smallest of areas can pack a real punch!

If you’re wanting to ‘Grow Your Own’ then there are tonnes of crops suitable for containers, in fact almost

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y now our gardens and outdoor spaces have a splash more light and the added touch of heat that we’ve come to enjoy from early summer in the UK. Most of our plants will be putting on good growth and your space may well be bustling with colour and wildlife. But if it isn’t how do you go about making it the best it can be? No matter whether its acres or feet, let me take you through my top tips for converting your green space from grey to a kaleidoscopic beauty.

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any fruit or veg can be grown in a big enough pot.

Potatoes, carrots, garlic, chillies... some of the real staples of home-grown edibles can all produce a wealth of ‘fruits’ for you to enjoy straight from the pot. For Potatoes and carrots, think about a deep pot where they can grow longer roots to produce more. Garlic can be grown in a relatively shallow container, while chillies can even be grown indoors.

If you’re more about trying to grow plants that’ll give you colour and zing then you’ll want to think about growing some annual plants (meaning that they complete their lifecycle within one year). There is an almost endless list of annuals you can grow in a container and the joy of growing something that lasts just one season is that you change it up and go for something else next year. Cosmos is a firm favourite with abundant blooms that are perfect for cutting.

MEDIUM GARDENS When you’ve got a little more room to play with then this is where the fun really begins! You’ll likely have some border space to grow directly in the ground – suddenly you can grow taller plants that will trail over any garden buildings you may have. Thinking about vertical growing is a way to create structure and height to take the eye up as well as around your outdoor space.

If you’re thinking of climbing plants, then your options are almost endless! I’ve included some varieties here that are widely available at most garden centres, and luckily, we have an abundance of those across Birmingham and the Midlands.

A classic evergreen climber such as Clematis Armandii will see you through the whole year with its everlasting green foliage and white/pink clusters of flowers to enjoy in spring. For something slightly more exotic to enjoy on those long summer evenings, try Passiflora Caerulea, is a timeless climbing plant with the most beautiful blue/purple flowers.

Finally, how about some highly scented sweet peas (Lathyrus Odoratus)? These are annuals so you’ll want to grow them fresh each year, but they’ll give you the most divine scented cut flowers to pop in a vase on the table when you’re having friends round for a BBQ LARGE GARDENS Chances are that if you’ve got a significant amount of space then you’ll probably have an idea of what

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Carrots

Dahlia

Cosmos Potatoes

Sweet Peas

you’re doing but here are some ideas to try out. The bigger medium gardens and the large spaces give you even more options than you could possibly dream of.

Trees?? Large shrubs? You name it and you can try it!

Of course, you can also do all of what I’ve mentioned but on a larger scale!

In a larger space you’ll want to give ‘sectioning’ a thought – how about having a separate veg plot, or even a cut flower bed or two (you could use this to grow some of the annuals mentioned before)? Try to define the areas you have and create some real zoning between them all. At this size you’re likely to have some areas that catch the sun all day, where you’ll want those sun loving plants, such as dahlias and peonies for huge, beautiful blooms. But on the other hand, you’re likely to have some shadier areas that don’t see as much daylight... but don’t be fooled, these areas can be some of the most interesting! Try hostas, astilbe and the ohso-stunning foxgloves!

MAKE YOUR SPACE YOUR OWN! Hopefully, this has given you the green-thumb and you’re raring to get to work on whatever size space you have. With a little bit of knowledge and a tad of elbow grease, you’ll be out there sipping Pimm’s among your plants in no time. I You can follow Adam on Instagram @viewfromthepottingbench or listen to Adam’s podcast Tales From The Potting Bench for more gardening inspiration. You can also read Adam’s blog at viewfromthepottingbench.com

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

JAKOB MYERS

From BRB’s Dance Track programme to travelling the world with Ballet Cymru, the young dancer is living the dream Sian Trenberth Photography

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

here’s no way Jakob Myers would have chosen to pursue dance as a hobby as a child. Despite living in a household full of music and playing the violin, it just wasn’t on his radar. However, when Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Dance Track programme rolled into his Moseley school, Jakob’s life took an unexpected turn.

Dance Track has been delivering workshops to primary school pupils in the city for 25 years, identifying young talent and encouraging them to dance. Through the programme, many children who wouldn’t have tried dancing have gone on to forge successful careers which is exactly what happened to Jakob.

He was spotted and invited to attend free weekly dance classes, he was gifted ballet shoes and as part of the programme given the opportunity to look behind the scenes at Birmingham Royal Ballet and attend performances. Jakob can’t put his finger on why he was chosen as one of the 80 budding dancers that year other than perhaps he displayed some natural musicality thanks to his violin playing. We think he might be being modest.

T

BIG HIGHLIGHT Jakob took to dance immediately and moved to Elmhurst School of Dance where he studied for eight years as a day pupil and where he began to contemplate dance as a career not just a hobby. He loved his time at Elmhurst, relishing his experience including his first performance in BRB’s Nutcracker at the Hippodrome – his first time performing aside from for friends and family. Undaunted by the experience, he says: “It was a big highlight. It’s very dark in a big auditorium like the Hippodrome which is less nerve-wracking than a smaller venue where you can see the audience’s faces.”

Growing up, ballet was far from ethnically diverse and Jakob didn’t see people who looked like him apart from dance legend and honorary Brummie, Carlos Acosta. He says in lower school he was the only black boy, but that by the time he left Elmhurst that had changed significantly.

Jakob describes diversity in ballet as a ‘slow burner’.

Schemes like Dance Track which have now been adopted by ballet companies all over the country in various forms remove barriers and boost inclusion enriching the scene for everyone.

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Roy Smiljanic 2011

During his second year in the sixth form at Elmhurst, Jakob had an injury which meant he couldn’t dance for a year. The time away from dance cemented his love of the art form missing it so much he knew he didn’t want to do anything else. After attending a summer school at Ballet Cymru, the director was so impressed with Jakob that he offered him a spot in the company without even going through the audition process.

There are 500 applicants for just 15 to 20 spots, so Jakob was delighted. Ballet Cymru is a touring company and Jakob has travelled globally performing both classical ballet and more contemporary productions, so last year they toured a contemporary mixed bill as well as Gisele.

Covid restrictions obviously affected rehearsing and performing and ultimately bonding with the rest of the company. Training and creating content at home wasn’t ideal but Jakob turned it into a positive and found it a good time for reflection. Jakob used to consider his dream casting would be a BRB soloist role like the prince in The Nutcracker, but he’s also started to enjoy pieces that feel more intimate. Watch this space… I

DANCE FEST Find out more about Dance Track at brb.org.uk Birmingham Royal Ballet will return to the city with On Your Marks from 23 to 25 June at Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival 2022.

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GROWING PLACES

UPLIFTING RECORDING

Students, staff and alumni from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire featured in the orchestra which took part in the recording of Your Love Lifts Me Up, a British Sign Language Community Chorus launched for the Birmingham 2022 Festival. More than 150 people from different parts of the world and deaf artists from the West Midlands, including children from Longwill School for the Deaf, took part in the recording. For more information visit yourloveliftsmeup.com

CLIMATE GAME

A group of young people has joined forces with researchers at Birmingham City University to create a new board game to raise awareness of key issues surrounding climate change. The Climate Action Game project brought together 13 teenagers from Balsall Heath who collaborated with researchers and other partners to create CLIMANIA which can be downloaded to print and play for free. The game tasks participants with retro-fitting properties while facing environmental challenges and opportunities. To download go to www.climaniathegame.com

SCHOOL REPORT

FESTIVAL PROJECT TuneUp Arts, the arts education programme at King Edward VI High School for Girls, Edgbaston, will deliver a Creative City Project as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Funded by Birmingham City Council, the project will work with professional artists to develop six workshops covering performance poetry, dance, visual art, music, street theatre and photography. The workshops will be delivered ‘live’ by the artists at a number of Birmingham schools, while digital resources will be created to allow others to take part.

OLYMPIC COACHING Former Olympian, Heather Fisher has joined BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College as its new rugby academy coach. Heather played for England and represented Britain in rugby sevens at the Rio 2016 Olympics. She also had a successful stint with the GB bobsleigh team, as well as appearing on TV’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Heather said: “It’s my goal to bring an all-inclusive framework to the academy and to embrace difference.”

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GROWING PLACES

HEALTH FOR LIFE AWARDS Nine nursery and 10 primary schools from Birmingham were presented with Health for Life awards at a celebration event held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The ceremony saw Lisa Fraser, assistant director of education and early years at Birmingham City Council, present the awards celebrating the achievements of pupils and staff to schools which have participated in the Health for Life programme over the past two years.

EVIE HITS THE RUNWAY New York, London, Milan, Paris and now... Birmingham! Twenty patients from Birmingham Children’s Hospital have had their turn strutting the catwalk at an adaptive clothing fashion show in outfits specially designed to meet their needs by students from South and City College Birmingham. One of the runway models was 15-year-old Evie Jones, pictured, who had her left foot amputated. She said: “Being part of this fashion show was a turning point for me and made me want to celebrate my differences.”

NEXT STOP, FEEL GOOD TRIPS! Avanti West Coast has teamed up with awardwinning spoken word performer and social commentator George the Poet to launch Feel Good Field Trips, a campaign to give 5,000 pupils aged from four to 18 the chance to travel by train to destinations for hands-on learning, fun and culturally diverse days-out. Locally, this included Year 7 pupils from King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy who visited Daniel Lismore’s latest exhibition Be Yourself: Everyone Else Is Already Taken at the Herbert Gallery, Coventry.

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BUSINESS

SHUTTLE FIRST A state-of-the-art self-driving shuttle has hit the roads around Birmingham Airport, transporting passengers as part of ground-breaking trials in Solihull. The Solihull Council-led project tests how Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) might be integrated into the borough’s transport network in the future. Last year, the council became the

BUSINESS

first local authority in the country to purchase its own fully electric autonomous shuttle using a grant from the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. Manufactured by

MAILBOX PERFECT FIT

Coventry’s Aurrigo, the Auto-Shuttle can carry up to 10 passengers.

Made-to-measure tailors, Edit Suits Co,

NEWS

has launched a new store in the Mailbox. Known for offering high quality suits without the hefty price tag, Edit Suits Co has carved out a reputation in London and the Mailbox store is its first launch outside the capital. The business is the brainchild of Swiss-born Patrick Jungo and Reto Peter. “We did a lot of research into where to go next and we saw Birmingham as the most interesting market in the UK,” says Patrick.

NEW LAW PARTNER

TOP DEALMAKER A commercial property agent has been

Leading full service law firm Shakespeare

named as the West Midlands top

Martineau has welcomed new partner

dealmaker. Birmingham-based Siddall

Aasha Choudhary to its family team in

Jones handled nearly double the number

Birmingham. Aasha previously spent eight

of deals of their nearest rival in the annual

years at Mills & Reeve, where she worked

EG Radius On-Demand Rankings. The firm

her way up from associate to principal

founded by Ed Siddall-Jones in 2012,

associate. Prior to that, she spent three years as a solicitor at George Green LLP and four years at Challinors. She has supported clients with significant wealth, including a high-profile pre-nuptial agreement covering assets worth £1.45billion.

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notched up 156 deals including sales and letting in 2021. Managing director Ed Siddall-Jones, pictured, said: “We have a young, energetic team who share an enthusiasm for commercial property and getting deals done for our clients.”

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WELCOME ON BOARD! LoveBrum has made two new additions to its board – Daniella Genas, founder of She’s The Boss International and Anita Champaneri, MD of Delicious PR. The two businesswomen will boost the leadership of the charity’s board and bring their experience and expertise to driving and championing causes close to their values. Becky Simkiss, chair of LoveBrum said: “We are delighted that they are part of the team helping us strengthen our fundraising and communications plans.”

LADY’S LITTER RAP

Birmingham’s own high-flying rapper Lady Leshurr swapped the microphone for a litter-picker to join a campaign to clean up a local park. The Birmingham Living cover star teamed up with more than 40 crew members from McDonald’s restaurants in Solihull, Olton, Kitts Green, Shirley, Stechford and Minworth and collected 20 bags of litter in Elmdon Park, Solihull. The park is near where the rapper learned how to make music at a youth club across the road from her home.

SENIOR HIRES Birmingham change consultancy Entec Si has made two new senior hires – an experienced communications specialist to shape its marketing activity and a managing consultant with a focus

OPENING TIME

on the local government and healthcare sectors.

Justine Howl’s appointment as marketing, PR and

It was a case of ‘watch this space’ when TAG Heuer opened its new store in

communications manager follows a career

Touchwood Solihull. Based in Crescent Arcade, it is the luxury watch brand’s

spanning more than 20 years at Birmingham

only stand-alone store in the area. Housing some of the best UK and

Airport. Sushila Vadukul appointment as a

international brands, designer retailers and independent boutique-style stores,

managing consultant follows six years working

the opening further strengthens Touchwood’s commitment to offering the

as a senior business analyst and requirements

best customer experience, along with comprehensive leisure facilities,

manager at Capita.

ROY’S FREEDOM HONOUR

independent restaurants, events and activities programme.

Proud Black Country businessman, Roy Richardson, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony at London’s Guildhall. The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors, one of London’s Livery Companies, nominated Roy in recognition of the significant economic contribution the Richardson family business has made in London and across the country. Now led by Martyn, Lee and Carl Richardson, with Roy as life president, it has evolved into a dynamic real estate and private equity business with interests around the world.

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BUSINESS

SUMMER TAKE-OFF

BUSINESS BITES

Direct flights are to Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Avignon, Belfast City, Brest, Edinburgh and

A new eco-friendly cleaning system has been rolled out by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District. The all-electric Glutton H2O Perfect vacuum cleaner is equipped with a water jet and 60-litre water tank, alongside a powerful vacuum.

CLEAN AND GREEN

Airline Flybe has confirmed its summer routes and schedules from Birmingham Airport.

Glasgow offering up to 93 flights per week in peak season with more to be announced.

CEO, Dave Pflieger, said: “Our flights will benefit everyone who wants low fares and more flights to go on holiday and visit loved ones. Our new network ensures better regional connectivity inside the UK and between the UK and EU.”

JACO’S DEBT ROLE

Business outsourcing provider Sigma Connected has a new managing director to lead the company’s newly-formed credit services business. Finance and credit expert Jaco

GROWING TEAM

West Midlands Growth Company has bolstered its executive team. Katie Trout, outgoing chief executive of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, joins as director of policy and partnerships, while Helen Lyman Smith is the new director of marketing and communications.

TRAVEL DOUBLE

Staying Cool at Rotunda, Birmingham has

Snyman has been appointed to spearhead the company’s

received recognition from two leading

new Birmingham-headquartered debt collection agency,

international travel organisations. The city centre

McLaren Credit Services. He takes responsibility for the growth and strategic direction of the dedicated brand which will support a range of clients who are looking to outsource their account and debt collection processes.

OZ TIE-UP Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce has signed an agreement with an Australian trade body to bring increased benefits to its members. To coincide with the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay arriving in Australia, the Chamber agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Trade & Investment Queensland – the Queensland Government's dedicated global business agency that helps exporters do business in international markets. More than 1,300 businesses from the region export to Australia to the tune of £350million a year.

apartments and penthouses organisation was awarded the Good Hotel Awards’ Blue Ribbon for Great Getaways and a Gold Award for being in the top 10 per cent of luxury hotels in Europe by

LASER LAUNCH

US News & World Report’s travel team.

Two Solihull-based advanced laser practitioners have launched their own business with the help of a rental agreement with Laseraid for the latest, stateof-the-art Cynosure Elite+ laser treatment system.

Melissa Morgan and Polly Brunn, childhood friends and former colleagues, have opened the Laser Room at Extended Beauty in Rowood Drive. With a combined industry experience of more than 16 years, the duo offers laser hair removal, vascular laser treatment, laser facials, plus tattoo and semipermanent make-up removal.

IT’S A DEAL: Pictured (from left), Stefanie Bowes, the Chamber’s international director; Mandy Haque, outgoing Agent -General for Queensland in the UK; Linda Apelt, and Warren Bartlett

may 2022

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GALA SHOWCASE FOR OPERA RISING STARS

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Sing into Spring gives voice to talented Black and South Asian performers

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he Black British Classical Foundation (BBCF) hosted Sing into Spring, an operatic gala at Birmingham’s St Philip’s Cathedral. The gala, hosted by Classic FM presenter Margherita Taylor, shone a spotlight on rising stars of opera from Black and South Asian communities. Performers mezzo-soprano Julia DaramyWilliams, soprano Natasha Agarwal, tenor Thando Mjandana and baritone Chuma Sijeqa performed a wonderful programme of solos, duos, trios and quartets. They were accompanied on the piano by musical director Beatrice Nicholas. The programme included songs from well-known operas such as Carmen, as well as a unique Mother Tongue section that allowed the singers to perform pieces from their homelands of South Africa, Senegal and India. I

T

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7

8

1 Andy Street, Vincent Osborne, Anita Bhalla, Iqbal Khan. 2 Julia Regis, Nikki Tapper, Tim Pemberton, Satnam Rana, JJ Rana Grindley.

3 Margherita Taylor. 4 Daniella Genas, Monder Ram, Arif Zaman. 5 Jaki Graham, Natalie Graham. 6 Dionne Buckingham Brown, Tom Mallens.

7 Artistic director Vincent Osborne. 8 Julia Daramy-Williams, Natasha Agarwal, Thando Mjandana, Chuma Sijeqa.

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PRESS CLUB HONOURS WAR CORRESPONDENT 2

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Winner of Amnesty Human Rights Award recounts life reporting from the frontline ustralian-born journalist Lynne O’Donnell gave a fascinating insight into her career as a war correspondent when she addressed Birmingham Press Club members at a lunch held at Edgbaston Golf Club. Lynne, the winner of an Amnesty International Human Rights Press Award for her series of stories on Afghan women, was bureau chief in Kabul for Associated Press and French news agency AFP. Lynne, who was made an honorary life member of the Press Club, also signed copies of her book, High Tea in Mosul. A raffle in aid of The Frontline Club, which supports journalists, cameramen and photographers who risk their lives in the course of their work, raised £600. I

A

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5

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1 Beryl Williams, Nick Hudson, Sue Arnold. 2 Tim Andrews, Samantha Faulkener, Phil Oldershaw. 3 (Back) Adrian Kibbler, Tony Adams, Llewela Bailey, Elizabeth Negus, Fred Bromwich. (Front) Bob Warman, Lynne O'Donnell. 4 Hazell Horton-Peppercorn, Suzanne Lazarus, Dianne Hall, Steve Hall. 5 Howard Bennett, John Duckers, David Dunckley, Val Deeley. 6 Pat and Chris Mair. 7 Derek Inman, Andy Skinner, John James. 8 Anita Sharma-James, Anne Harcourt, Sue Green.

may 2022

Photography by Ian Tennant

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WHAT: Would You Bet Against Us? WHEN: 19 May to 4 June WHERE: Birmingham Rep, birmingham-rep.co.uk In 1982, Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich 1–0 to win the European Cup yet no one thought they stood a chance. Forty years on, this hilarious show by Brummie and life-time Villa fan Paul Hunter is all about challenging expectations and proving people wrong.

WHAT: Years & Years WHEN: 21 May WHERE: Resorts World Arena, resortsworldarena.co.uk Olly Alexander’s new tour supports his third album. From its iconic artwork to its euphoric rejuvenated sound, Night Call represents a thrilling new chapter for the pop star with a sound that captures that joy and anticipation of going out and embracing life.

WHAT: Edgbaston Artisan Market WHEN: 14 May WHERE: Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, calthorpe.co.uk Birmingham’s largest artisan market returns featuring independent businesses from across the Midlands showcasing the finest range of artisan food and drink, alongside handmade arts and crafts and farmers’ market produce.

WHAT: Graeme Hall – The Dogfather

WHAT: Craig Revel Horwood – The All Balls And Glitter Tour

WHEN: 28 May

WHEN: 26 May

WHERE: The Old Rep,

WHERE: The Alexandra, atgtickets.com

oldreptheatre.co.uk

Craig talks about his life from Australia to the West End to

The hugely popular and accomplished star

Strictly, reveals a wealth of backstage gossip with his

of Dogs Behaving Badly brings his wisdom,

trademark wit and candour and gives a very special

charm and puppy prowess to Birmingham

performance of some of the music which has been

with a specially crafted 90-minute show

the soundtrack to his career.

full of tips, tricks and memories.

*All information accurate at time of going to press, but please check in case of changes or cancellation

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WHAT’S ON WHAT: Celine Dion WHEN: 25 and 26 May WHERE: Utilita Arena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk The award-winning Canadian singer performs her soft-rock and pop numbers from across her career.

Featuring 31 musicians, consisting of a full orchestra and band, this is

WHAT: Joe Lycett: More, More, More...

WHEN: 3 and 4 June WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com Join the artist formerly known as Hugo Boss as he does what he does best – talking at a room of people in a queer and comedic fashion.

set to be one awesome show.

WHAT: Emeli Sandé: Brighter Days Tour WHEN: 30 May WHERE: Town Hall, bmusic.co.uk Now considered one of Britain’s most successful living songwriters, Emeli received an MBE for services

WHAT: The Baby Show

to music and has written and

WHEN: 13 to 15 May

collaborated with some of the

WHERE: NEC Birmingham, thebabyshow.co.uk

world’s finest artists.

The UK’s best-loved shopping event for new and expectant parents is back, providing everything for bump, baby and you!

WHAT: Ray Quinn WHAT: Travis WHEN: 15 May WHERE: Symphony Hall, bmusic.co.uk

WHEN: 14 May WHERE: Nailcote Hall, nailcotehall.co.uk The X Factor and Dancing on Ice star brings

The boys are back on the road with an extensive UK

his stunning solo show to the Hall,

headline tour on the back of their latest album, 10

showcasing his fantastic vocal ability which

Songs, a critically-acclaimed record that was co-

will see him perform everything from swing

produced by Fran Healey and Robin Baynton.

classics all the way through to today’s top chart hits!

WHAT: Charli XCX WHEN: 18 May WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute, academymusicgroup.com The global pop star has just released her highly-anticipated album Crash and pops in to Brum as part of a huge headline tour.

Age restrictions, 14+.

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PERSON TO PERSON

CLOSE WITHÁ BEN WOOLDRIDGE

From ballet in Japan to indoor skydiving with Peter Pan, how Birmingham Rep’s head of communications first fell in love with theatre as a wide-eyed kid with his parents BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I’ve worked at some of Birmingham’s biggest and best cultural institutions, including Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet and now Birmingham Rep. I also worked on the launch of the Birmingham 2022 Festival – the huge cultural festival that will surround the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The wealth of world-class culture in the city has enabled me to forge a career working on exciting projects and productions – one highlight has to be touring to Japan with Birmingham Royal Ballet and taking the name of the company and Birmingham to the other side of the world! During my time at Birmingham Hippodrome I was involved in some brilliantly crazy PR stunts such as creating living windows in the Bullring with the cast of Kinky Boots, feeding camels at West Midland Safari Park with the cast of Joseph and doing some indoor skydiving with the cast of Peter Pan!

devised here transfer into London’s West End, on to Broadway and beyond.

IT’S WHAT I DO I am head of communications at Birmingham Rep, the city’s only producing theatre and the longest-established of Britain’s building-based theatre companies. In the same theatre building as my office, the huge stage sets are built, costumes are made and new productions rehearsed. It is my responsibility to oversee the PR and communications to spread the word about the wonderful work here both on and off stage.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM As mentioned, my first visits to Birmingham were to go to the theatre – I remember seeing The Wind in The Willows at the Rep and being totally mesmerised. It’s something I haven’t been able to get out my head ever since. We have amazing cultural institutions in our city, not just theatres but the likes of IKON and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and even the RSC just down the road.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE Birmingham to grow more and more as a national and international powerhouse for culture, with the Rep being at the forefront. I would love to see more of the brilliant work

66 birmingham living

BIGGEST SUCCESS It may sound cheesy, but it’s the fact that I get to spend my working day in a theatre with a diverse range of colleagues with a huge variety of skills. I grew up going to the Hippodrome and the Rep with my parents, excitement would keep me awake the night before! Now, I have the pleasure of working in those environments.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED Be confident in what you want to achieve and don’t be afraid to speak up. I believe in conversing with others to solve a problem. However, if something isn’t working for you – change it. We only live once and we have the right to enjoy every day.

DOWNTIME I spend most of my free time at the theatre, locally and travelling into the West End. I also love treating myself to a meal at Harborne Kitchen or Simpsons. I also recently had an incredible meal at Chakana in Moseley. I

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