Birmingham Living October 2023 (issue 126)

Birmingham living

SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN

IT’SAWRAP WINTERCOATS

HENRYWONG

FUSIONCUISINE

FULLOFGLEE RACHELBAKER

KAREN CARNEY

safully-paid-upmemberofthemediaitpainsmetosaythis,buttherehas beensomemightilyill-informedcommentmadeinthepressandonradio aboutthefutureofBirminghaminrecentweeks.Yes,weallhaveto acknowledgethediresituationofBirminghamCouncil’sfinances.Andyes,itwouldappeartobetheresult ofhighlyquestionablemanagementoveranumberofyears.Butthisshouldn’tbeconfusedwiththewider pictureofthecityitselfwhichshowssomeamazingpeople,businessesandorganisationsreallyflourishing. Againstthebackgroundofachallengingnationaleconomy,thisissomethingofwhichweasacityand regionshouldberightfullyproud.Ourbusinessnewspageseachmonthhighlightmorecompaniesopening upinandaroundBirmingham,sothere’sstillplentyofinvestmentcomingin.

AndwhataboutthenewspieceIreadwhichreportedBirminghambeingnamedEventDestinationofthe YearattheEN(ExhibitionNews)SupplierAwardsaheadofloadsofothercitiesandcountries,suchas Miami,Spain,Greece,JapanandDubai.

Ofcourse,theLondon-centricnationalmedianevermissesanopportunitytoknockourcity.Ireadone particularlydamningpiecebyadailypapercolumnist,whowrote:“Birminghamusedtobeemblematicof Britishinnovation.”Notethewords‘usedtobe’.Whatcomplete,uninformedtosh!Birminghamisas innovative,pioneering,entrepreneurialandcutting-edgeasever.Arguablymorethanever.Justlookatthe numberofhi-techpioneersandleadersbasedinthearea,withmorearrivingbythemonth.Thatdoesn’t soundlikeafailingcitytome.

BirminghamtheCouncilmaybeamess,butBirminghamtheCityisdoingjustfine…

Coverimage: KarenCarney

EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk

DESIGNER: TracyDuffy

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter

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

living

10 14 18 28 30 40

Highlights

KarenCarney

Ex-EnglandfootballertalksLionesses, women’ssport…andbeingatrueBlue

BirthdayBull

Alookback–andforward–astheBullring celebrates20yearsastheheartofBrum

Food&Drink

ChefTuckWengLeeofHenryWonggoes full‘fusion’,plusnews,reviewsandwine

Health

Thinkpink!BreastCancerAwarenessMonth highlightshowtodetectanddefeatdisease

Style

Fromschoolruntoswankysoiree,acoatcan transformanoutfitfromordinarytostand-out

Homes

Theonce-trendywhitekitchenisout–and colourfulcarpentryandrichmarblingisin!

BestoftheRest

48 50 52 59 64 66

Gardening AdamKirtlandhunkersdownwithOctober jobs–andplansforabrilliantSpring2024

Motoring Wattacharmer!SueCooketestsSkoda’s newcutting-edgeelectricEnyaqCoupe

Young,Gifted&Brummie

You’vegottolaugh…RachelBakeronbeing recognisedasanemergingcomedytalent

BusinessNews

Thismonth’sstoriesfromcommercial community,plusSocialSceneevents

What’sOn

Latestfromcity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthismonth’sevents

UpClose

DanielBridgewaterofUK’sonlytickets andactivitiessubscriptionserviceBuckt

BALLETGOES HI-TECH

BirminghamRoyalBallethasraised thecurtainonVirtualStage–a tech-focusedprojecttobringdance tolifeinnewways.Developed withCanonandRiVR,itwillallow theBRBteamtodiveintotheworld ofimmersivetechnologies, featuringcontentthatexploresthe differentwaysthatAR,VR,3D mappingandMotionCapturecan enhanceexperiencesand interaction.BRBdirectorCarlos Acostasaid:“Iamexcitedabout thepossibilitiesthisworkhasfor reachingyoungerandnew audiencesacrosstheglobe.”

HOMEDATE FORJORJA

headlineshows,beginninginher homecityattheO2Academyon 7November.Afterclimbingthecharts withhersummersingleLittleThings, JorjareleasedFallingorFlying,a soulfulofferingtakenfromherhighly anticipatedsecondalbumofthesame name.Inadditiontoreleasingthenew single,Jorjaalsounveiledthetracklist forthealbumwhichwillinclude featuresfromBritishrapperJHusand JamaicansingerLilaIke

NEWS

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

RUGBYCHITCHAT

EnglandrugbystarsJamesHaskellandMike TindallaregettingbackonthetourbusforaWorld CupAfterPartyastheybringtheirhitpodcastThe Good,TheBad&TheRugbybacktoBirmingham. TheduowillteamupwithformerSkySports’ rugbypresenterAlexPayneattheAlexandraon Monday,13Novemberaspartofa17-venuetour. TheGood,TheBad&TheRugbyhasbecomethe world’sbiggestrugbyshowwithmorethan 12millionlistensand50millionviewsonline.

OHBOY,IT’SCAPTAINHOOK!

KarmaChameleonlegend,BoyGeorge,istakingonanew roleasCaptainHookinPeterPanatResortsWorldArena from22to24December.TheadaptationofJMBarrie’s talepromisesaspectacularspinonthetimelessclassic adventure.BoyGeorgesaid:“I’mreallylookingforwardto showingoffmyevilside!”Theshowfeaturescirque performers,aerialstunts,agiantbattlewheretheaudience throwcannonballsatHook’sship,andadeath-defying escapefromawatertank.

MELTDOWNINDIGBETH

Feelingbrave?DigbethpartyvenueLunaSpringsislaunchingacustombuiltscaremazethisHalloween.Immersivehorrorexperience

MELTDOWNisdesignedaroundanabandonednuclearfacilityinthe heartofBirmingham’sindustrialdistrict.Alongsidethesoundofdistant alarms,therewillbeliveactorskeepinganyonewhodarestoenteron theirtoes.Preparetobe‘a-mazed’from18Octoberto4November. Strictly18+only.Age14+sessionseverySundaytoWednesday,4pm7pm.Mustbeaccompaniedbyapayingadult.

WEEKENDBONANZA

BirminghamHippodromeandBullringandGrandCentralwelcomed morethan125,000peopletoitsfreefamily-friendlyfestival, BirminghamWeekender.Apackedprogrammefeaturedinstallations, interactiveexperiencesandenergeticperformances.Highlights includedagiantswingsetonCentralStreet,spectacularstage curatedbyyoungpeopleatRotundaSquare,andtheLumini–an inflatablewalk-throughwhichhostedworkshops,includingyoga, sensorysessionsandAfricandrumming.Thefestivalculminated withWeekenderCarnival,amusicalanddancecelebration.

THOMASISTOP OFTHESTOPS

Aspecialconcertwillbepullingoutallthe stopstocommemorateThomasTrotter’s40 yearsasBirminghamCityOrganist.Thomas, whowasawardedtheQueen’sMedalfor Musicin2020,isamongtheworld’smost celebratedorganistsandonlytheseventh toholdthepositioninBirminghamsinceit wascreatedin1834.B:Musicwillhosta concerttocelebratetheanniversaryat SymphonyHallonFriday6October.

BEATINGTHEDRUM: TheWeekenderCarnival,picturedbySanjDassMedia

WALTER’S WHALEOFATIME BEVERLEY’SBIRTHDAYBLAST

AninflatablewhalenamedWalterhastakenupresidenceatMoseleyRoad BathsoverlookingBalsallHeath’sLivingRoomintheGalaPool.Walterhas alongassociationwithBalsallHeath–originally,hewasanenormous sculptureatMalvernStreetAdventurePlayground.ArtistandcuratorTim MillsworkedwiththepublictocreatetheinflatableversionofWalter, referencingtheapparatusofaswimmingpoolandaplayfulnodtothe importanceofwaterinourlives.

MUSICAL MILESTONE

Anaward-winningmusic producerwhohasworked withsuperstarssuchas

RobertPlant,GraceJonesand CelineDion,hasreleasedhis firstsinglein30years. Wolverhampton’sGavin Monaghanisatwo-timewinningBMAProducerofthe YearandStudiooftheYear, whohassoldmorethan20 millionrecordsandbeen awardedover30goldand platinumalbums.Thesingle,I WantWhatIWant,isbynew band,MAMAft.Antonella.A secondsingle,RealGirl,has alsobeenreleasedwitha videofilmedinBirmingham.

KEVIN’SGRANDIDEAS

Alwayswantedtocreateyourowndreampad?KevinMcCloudand theGrandDesignsLiveteamwillhaveideasgaloretohelpyouwhen theUK’stophomedesignandinnovationexhibitionreturnsto Birmingham’sNECfrom4to8October.Thisyear’sshowfeatures exhibitorsinfourdifferentsectors–build,kitchensandbathrooms, gardensandinteriorswithexpertguestshostingstagetalks. Architects,buildingsuppliersandkitchenandbathroomdesignerswill alsobeonhandtogiveadvice.Theexhibitionwillalsoshowcase somewaystomakegreenlivingaccessibleforall.

FUNNYBRUMMIES

BirminghamhasbeennamedastheUK’ssecondwittiestcity. Brumearneditsplacebehindtable-toppingBelfastinasurvey whichlookedattheartofbanteramongthepopulation–encompassingcleverretorts,self-deprecatinghumourand amiablejests.TheresearchwascarriedoutforPreply,a languagesharingplatform.Brummieswererevealedtobebig onusingsarcasmandironyintheirday-to-dayconversations, withoneinfivesayingtheylovedpokingfunatothers!

TheundisputedQueen ofBritishSoul, Wolverhampton’svery ownBeverleyKnight,is comingtotownto celebrateher50th birthday.Beverleywill taketothestageat SymphonyHallon4 Novemberaspartofa special20-dateUKtour. Togetherwithherlive band,shewillperform herclassichitsandfan favouritesalongwith somenewsongs. Beverleysaid:“Thereis nothingliketheenergy ofaliveaudience showingloveinreturn foryougivingthem everythingyou’vegot.”

ROBERTSTRIKESGOLD

GolferRobertRockcarriedoffabarrow-load ofcashafterwinningthe90thanniversaryof theFarmfoodsBritishPar3,heldatNailcote Hall.Robert,whoalsowonthetitlebackin 2001,claimedthefirst-placeprizeof50,000 eurosafteredgingoutJarmoSandelinand MattCourtwithascoreofeightunderpar. Hewasalsopartofthewinningteamevent, partneringLeeGodfreytoa14underpar score. SeeSocialScene

SPOOK-TACULARWALK

Birmingham’sfavouriteHalloweeneventisreturningtoCannonHillPark.Spooky WellyWalkisbackonSaturday28October,conjuringupfang-tasticfunforallthe family.Idealforchildrenagedthreetoeight,awiderangeofHalloween-themed activitiesincludethebugfestbeautyparlour,creepycrafts,spookystorytimeand slimemaking.Ticketsare£6or£20forafamilyoffour,withunder-2sfree.All profitsgototheRoyCastleLungCancerFoundation.

CHARLIE’SPRIZEDRAW

SolihullartistCharlieKirkhamwasselectedaspartof thefirstRoyalBirminghamSocietyofArtists’ DrawingPrizeexhibition.Herinkdrawing,The VillagersDecide,ispartofaseriesofworksonthe themeofStGeorgeandtheDragon,a contemporarytakeonthetraditionalEnglish folktale.Charlieusestraditionalink drawingandlaseretchingtocreate artworkthatmergesoldandnewthemes. TheexhibitionisattheRBSAGalleryin BrookStreetuntil15October.Entryisfree.

TheUK’sbiggestregionalpantomimehas addedmorestarnamestoitsline-upfor thisChristmas.SamanthaWomack,best knownasTVsoapEastEnders’Ronnie Mitchell,andBrummielocalAlexanda O’ReillyjoinBirmingham’sownThis MorningstarAlisonHammondandMatt SlackinJackandtheBeanstalkat BirminghamHippodrome.Thepanto whichwillfeaturesetsandcostumesfrom theLondonPalladium,runsfromSaturday 16DecembertoSunday28January.

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

BULLRINGOFTHEFUTURE

EightWestMidlandsartists createdtheirBullring&Grand Centralofthefuture,bringingto lifehowtheiconicdestination couldlookintwodecades’time. Theretailandleisurecentre collaboratedwithBirmingham DesignFestivaltomarkits20th anniversary.RavnitaRayetwho hasworkedwiththelikesofNike, HarveyNicholsandTimberland, createdTheTakeover,pictured,a digitalillustrationofthecityof Birminghamwithafuturistictwist. SeeBirthdayBull,page14

SAMANTHA’SPANTOROLE

PI TCH PERFECT

THEREAREPLENTYOFHIGH-PROFILEBRUMMIESTO SHOUTABOUT–INDEEDWEDOITFREQUENTLY–BUTNONEMOREIMPRESSIVEORLIKEABLETHAN FORMERENGLANDFOOTBALLERANDCHAMPION

OFWOMEN’SSPORT,KARENCARNEY

If,likeus,youbecamecompletelyobsessedwiththeLionesses’ worldcupcampaign,youcan’thavefailedtonoticeformer EnglandstalwartKarenCarney’ssmartanalysisaswellasher liltingWestMidsaccent.Notonestopassupanopportunityto chattoaninspiringBrummie,wegotintouch.

KarengrewupinSolihullandisalifelongBluesfan–ourMD isaVillansoitwastouchandgowhetherthispiecewouldrun! Sheadmitsshedidn’tgetachoicecomingfromamassive BirminghamCityfamilyandsaysthatfrombirth,hersupportfor theclubwas‘non-negotiable’.“We’reallBirminghamCitythrough andthrough.”

Ofcourse,itwasn’tagiventhatKarenwouldplaythegame–mostpeoplecheerfromthesidelinesafterall,butonceshe’dkicked aball,shewashooked.Shesays:“Iwastotallyobsessed.Iwasthe onlygirlthatplayedandIrememberateachersaying,‘thelittle one’squitegood’.Onthebackofthatpotentialtheschoolstarteda five-a-sideteamandwewonatrophy.”

FAVOURITEPLAYER

Holidaycampsfollowedandherloveforthegamegrew.Every birthday,KarenreceivedanewBCFCkitaswelltheBrazil version.Sheremembers:“Wedidn’thavemuchmoney,soitwasa fakeBrazilkitforawhile!”Agedeightyears,youngKarenwas

treatedtoamascotexperienceandwalkedoutontothe pitchinherbelovedBlueskitwithherfavouriteplayer, SteveClaridgeandratherprophetically,shegottodo somepitchsidepunditrywithbigheadphonesanda microphone.Sherecalls:“Itwaswicked!”Karenmade herdebutforBirminghamCityladiesagedjust14 goingontoplayforArsenal,ChicagoRedStarsand Chelseaaswellasrepresentinghercountryfrom2005 to2019.

Karen’ssuccessistingedwithabitofsadnessasher bigsister,who’s12yearsherseniorlovedtoplay footballbutatthetime,therewasn’taplaceforherto play.Shegotinvolvedwithfootballregardless becomingafantasticambassadorforthesportcoaching andrefereeing,butKarenknowshersisterwouldhave relishedtheopportunitiesshe’senjoyed.Notthatit’s beeneasyforKaren,butatleastplayingthegamewas anoption.

Havingtocontemplateawayofearningaliving whileplayingfootballwastricky.Karenlefthomeat 16onascholarshiptoLoughboroughUniversity. Shesays:“I’mfromaproperworkingclassfamily, notacademic–smartbutnotacademic.University wouldn’thavebeenonthecardswithoutfootball andsport.”

AfterLoughborough,Karenstartedinterviewingin Birminghamcitycentreforreceptionistroles.She remembers:“Icamehomeandsaidtomymom‘Idon’t wanttodothis.IwanttogotoAmerica’.Iworkedhard inthegymandintheparkandgotdraftedtoChicago RedStars.”KarenmovedtotheUSfortwoyearsona professionalcontractbeforecomingbacktoBCFC.

Mediaworkcroppedupquiterandomlyduringa periodofinjuryatBirminghamCity.Shesays:

“Womenweren’treallyinthemediacommentingon football,soIcreditBluesandRadioWMforhavingthe foresight.IstartedtocovergameswhileIwasinjured andlearnedquicklythatpreparationiskeyinliveTV andradio–anythingcanhappen.”

POSTMATCH

Karensaysshe’sattackedeverythingshe’sdonewith ‘passionandhardwork’andthat’scertainlyevidentoff thepitchaswellasonit.Postherplayingcareer,she’s flourished.AswellashervisibleTVworkandsports journalismshe’sgainedamastersandanMBA,she championswomen’ssportateveryopportunity,not leastchairingasignificantGovernmentreviewlooking attheuniquechallengesfacedbygirlsandhowto overcomethose.

Sheworksasabusinessconsultantandaspeaker anddoesitallwithwarmth,humilityandgratitude. She’stheultimatefemalerolemodelofwhich, thankfully,thereareanumberinfootballtoday.Karen says:“Ifyouaskedmysisterwhoherfemalerole modelswereinfootball,shewouldn’thavehadone. My16-year-oldniececouldnamelots.”

DespitenowlivinginLondon(we’lloverlookthat), KarenwillalwayscallBirminghamhome.“I’mjustso proudofthepeopleingeneralandI’dliketodomore stuffinthecity–notnecessarilyfootballrelated.Iwant tohelpBirminghamanywayIcan.Ialwayswantthe citytothriveandwantthebestforit.” ■

BIRTHDAYBULL

TheBullringiscelebratingits20thanniversarywhichhasseen itgrowfromaretailcentreintoamulti-culturalvenuewith oneoftheworld’smostrecognisablepiecesofartatitsheart

BULL’SEYE: BullringgeneralmanagerDanMurphy,right,celebrateswithHammerson’sTobyTait

Nexttimeyou’repassingtheBullinthe Bullring,givehimapatontheheadand wishhimHappyBirthday.It’s20years sincehetookupresidenceinthethennewly-opened Bullring,andwhatstartedoutasverymucha destinationforshoppershasbecomeacentrenot onlyforretailbutforleisure,thearts,food, celebration…andmuchmore.So,wedecideditwas onlyrighttomarkthisimportantanniversary ourselvesthismonth!

WhentheBullringopenedin2003itwasoneof Europe’slargestcitycentreretailregeneration projects,helpingrevitaliseBirminghamcitycentre, connectingimportantstreetswhilespearheadingthe regenerationofbothNewStreetandMoorStreet stationsandthesurroundingareas.Itcreatedanew meetingpointandcivicheartforthecity.

ThedramaticbronzeBull,weighing6tonnesand standing2.2metreshigh,createdbysculptorLaurence Broderick,becamenotonlythesymbolofthenew Bullringlocally,butalsoofthecityitselfnationallyand

globally.Onopeningday,theBullringwelcomed 276,000customers–todaymorethan30million visitorscometothecentreeveryyear.Famousfaces haveincludedVictoriaandDavidBeckham,Peter Andre,GirlsAloud,JLSandMcFlytonamebutafew. TheBullringhasplayedasignificantrolein Birmingham’seconomicgrowthinbothsupporting employmentandattractingvisitorsfromnearandfar.

CULTURALAMBITIONS

TobyTait,directorofassetmanagementofBullring ownersHammerson,said:“We’veevolved considerablyduringour20years.Wesitattheheartof thecity’ssocial,culturalandartsprogrammeand todayyou’rejustaslikelytovisitustoshopinZara andSelfridgesasyouaretoparticipateinBirmingham WeekenderorBSideHipHopFestival.”

ApartnershipwithBirminghamHippodromesix yearsagohasbeeninstrumentalinrealising ambitionsandchangingtheperceptionofthe BullringandGrandCentralfromaplacewhere

customerscomeonlytoshop.“Overtheyearswe havedeliveredsomefantasticevents,including BirminghamWeekender,B-SideHipHopFestival andIt’sCarnivalwhichhaveallcreatednew reasonsforpeopletovisit,”saidToby.

“Apersonalhighlightwasoursponsorshipofthe CommonwealthGameslastyear.Thiswasaproud momentforBirminghamandshowedtheworld howfantasticthiscityis.Throughourpartnership, weprovidedasuiteofchargingpointswithin Bullring’scarparkfortheGames’officialfleetof electricvehicles–supportingtheambitiontobethe mostsustainableCommonwealthGamesyet.”

BIGYEAR

The20-yearlandmarkcomesamidabigyearfor theBullringandGrandCentralwithexcitingnew conceptsandleadingbrandsintheoffing.New entertainmentandleisurebrandsincludeSandbox VR,Lane7andTOCASocial,alongsidehigh-profile retailersincludingM&S,Bershka,Pull&Bearand WatchesofSwitzerland.

Tobyadded:“Thereareplanstore-imaginea former200,000sqftofretailspacetocreateDrum,a newwellbeingdesignedofficespacecomplementing theexistingfoodandsocialhubinGrandCentraland theretailandentertainmentbrandsBullringhasto offer.Withanexcitingselectionofupcoming occupiers,brandpartnersandtherepurposingand introductionofDrum,alongwithourcontinued effortstoinnovate,wearepoisedtoshapethenext chapterofBirmingham’sretaillegacy.Ican’tsayfor certainwhatBullringwilllooklikein20years’time butwedon’tplantostandstillandarealready lookingaheadtoseeingBullringat40.”

Onethingisforsure–theBullringBullwill continuetoguardthecentreandremaintheundisputed emblemofBirmingham.Anddon’tjusttakeourword forit–aprestigiousWorldTop10ofpiecesofpublicart featuredBrum’sBullinitslisting,alongwiththelikes ofNewYork’sEmpireStateBuilding,Florence’s sculptureofDavidbyMichelangeloandLandseer’s lionsinLondon’sTrafalgarSquare.Now,that’swhat wecallmakingamark… ■

TUCKWENGLEE

TheexecutivechefatHenryWongtalks‘fusion cuisine’,nameshischoiceastheworld’sbest chefanddescribesjustwhatit’sliketoeatants’ eggs–andit’snotwhatyou’dexpect!

Tellusaboutyourcooking

Iwoulddescribemystyleas‘fusioncuisine’.This isacuisinethatcombineselementsofdifferent culinarytraditionsthatoriginatefromdifferent countries,regionsorcultures.AsaMalaysian,Igrew upinamulti-culturalcountrywherethefoodreflects themulti-ethnicmake-upofthepopulation.During mytimeinMalaysia,Irealisedthatfoodisa beautifulwaytoconnectpeoplefromdifferent culturesandorigin.Thisinfluencedmydecisionto becomeacheffocusingonfusioncuisine.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

Iwasinspiredbymymothertobecomeachef.I lovedtheinnovativewaythatshecookedwhen creatingnewdishes–blendingdifferentcuisines, experimentingwithnewingredients,spicesand techniquestocreatedishesthatarenotlimitedby traditionaldishes.EveryMalaysian’shomemust haveitsownuniquedishescreatedbythemother whichyoucan’tgetanywhereelse.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

AsaMalaysian-bornChinese,Ican’tlivewithout rice.Ricewithdifferentdishesismydailydiet

Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?

GordonRamsay.Hispassion,workethicandselfconfidencehasnodoubtinspiredtheworld.Heis notonlyachef,butalsoaleader,amentor–manyof hisprotegéshavegoneontoshineontheirownand verybrightly.

Isthecustomeralways,right?

No,butnomatterifthecustomeristechnically rightorwrong,alwayslistentothecustomer feedbackandconcernsandmakesuretheyfeel heard.Everycomplaintisanopportunitytocollect valuablefeedback.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

Alltypesofsnacks.InMalaysia,eventhesnacks aremulti-cultural!

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Myfoodheavenisanythingwithseafood.Food

hellcanbeanythingpreparedbyachefthathaslost passionforcooking.

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?

Anteggs.Theytastealittlebitsourandhavea creamyandnuttyflavour.

Shareacookingtip

Thesecrettechniquetoroastthecrispyporkbelly istoapplyalayerofwhitevinegarontheporkskinto enhanceitscrispiness.Thecriticalpartistoensure thehoneyroastedporkisthoroughlymarinatedby repeatedly‘bathing’theroastporkusingthehoney glazeevery15minutesandreturningtotheoven.

Whatdoyourecommendfromthisevening’smenu?

Ourhouseroastedcrispyporkbellyandhoney roastpork.

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

Iwouldhavelovedtoplaybadmintonforaliving. Istilltrytoplayasoftenaspossible.EventhoughI didnotbecomeabadmintoncoach,mysondid! ■

SHORTS NI BBLESand

BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSARELOOKINGTOBOUNCEBACK.HERE’S OURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS

THAT’S THE SPIRIT!

ShakespeareDistilleryhaslaunchedanewRaspberryandHibiscusVodkaavailableasalimited-editionDistillerySpecial.The independentartisanspiritproducerregularlyreleasesnewspiritsasspecialeditionsinlimitedquantities.Successfulsmallbatchproducers ofginandrum,thisisonlythesecondtimetheteamhasdistilledvodka.Thenewvodka,madebyslowlydistillinghand-peeledoranges andlemons,isavailableonline,atthedistilleryshoporfromNo1HighStreet,Stratford-upon-Avon. SeeCocktailoftheMonth

BRUMTAKESROOFTOPTITLE

Birminghamhasbeennamedthe‘BestUKCityforRooftopBars’.SkyByTheWaterand Henman&Coopercameoutassomeofthetop‘skyhigh’venuesinthecityinastudy conductedforElectricRadiatorsDirect.Thestudylookedatthenumberofvenuesversusthe population,chanceofrain,averagesummertemperatures,costofapint,airpollutionlevels andthenumberofskyscrapers,torevealthetoplocations.Birminghamishometo12 differentrooftopbars.

BLACKSWAN’S NEWLOOK

TheBlackSwanatHenley-inArdenofficiallyopenedits doorswitharibboncutting ceremonybytheHighBailiff ofHenley-in-Arden,Alistair Price.Thenewlyrebranded HeartwoodInns(formerlythe WhiteBrasserieCompany) tookovertheHighStreet eateryearlierintheyear beforerestoringthepub’s Tudor-frontedbuilding,and givingtheinteriora makeover,whileretaining manyofitsoriginalfeatures, includingalargeinglenook fireplace.Theinnboasts120 restaurantseats,60seatsin thebaranda100-seat garden. SeeReview,page24

TAVERN TRANSFORMED

VisitorstoOltonTavern,Solihullaregetting usedtoabrighter,warmernewlookafteran extensiverefurbishment.Changesincludea refreshedbar,newsoftfurnishingsandan improveddiningarea.GeneralmanagerAdrian Batessaid:“Theleveloftransformationwe’ve hadisamazingandthewholeteamhasbeen incrediblyexcitedtorevealtheOlton Tavern’snewlooktoourguests, bothnewandold.”

BANANATREEOPENS

Award-winningPan-Asianrestaurant,BananaTree,has openedaneweateryatStMartin’sWalkintheBullring andGrandCentral,creating10newjobsandproviding newrolesfortheteamfromRouge,whichwaspreviously intheunit.BananaTreepicksthebestdishesfrom Thailand,Singapore,Indonesia,VietnamandMalaysiato featureonitsmenuincludingsoupsandsalads,woktossednoodles,stirfriesandcurries.Morethan40per centofBananaTree’smenuisplant-based.

F1ARCADEREVSUP

Motorracingfansstartyourengines!F1 Arcade–theworld’sfirstofficialFormula1 simulatorracingexperience–islaunching itssecondUKvenueinBirmingham’s ChamberlainSquarethismonth.The experiencefeatures53full-motionracing simulatorsdesignedinconjunctionwithF1. OnGrandPrixraceweekends,theArcade willhostpartyexperienceswithDJshelping tocreateaworldofhighoctane,speedand entertainment.

TRAININGSESSION

AstonVillaCateringClubhaslauncheda freeeight-weektrainingcourseatVillaPark. Uponcompletion,participantswillreceivea HospitalityandCateringPrincipleslevel2 classification,NCAASlevel2foodhygiene classificationandLPGgassafety acknowledgement.Thecourseisbeing deliveredinpartnershipwithDigbethDining Club,South&CityCollege BirminghamandNCASS NationwideCaterers Association.

WOOWOO

Thisintriguingly-namedcocktailhasbeencreatedto celebratethelaunchofanewlocally-producedvodka

TheShakespeareDistilleryin Stratford-upon-Avonhasjust launchedanewRaspberry andHibiscusVodkathathasalight, refreshingcitrusbase.Tocelebrate,the distillery’sexpertmixologist,Sam,has createdthisfreshandfruitycocktail.As always,pleaseenjoyresponsibly. ■

INGREDIENTS:

■ 50mlRaspberryandHibiscusVodka

■ 20mlpeachschnapps

■ 100mlcranberryjuice

METHOD:

Fillahighballorrocksglasswithice.Add vodka,peachschnappsandcranberry juice.Garnishwithfreshraspberriesora limewedgeandasprigofmint.

Formorerecipesanddetails aboutShakespeareDistillery, visit:shakespearedistillery.com

PARADISO

significanceofthebears,butyoucould.

Theinterior’sfreshwithanattractivetiledfloor, foliageandlemonshangingfromtheceilinganda hugeshow-stoppingpizzaoveninanopenkitchen. Staffwerefriendlyandenthusiastic–theplacehad beenopenforsixweekswhenwevisitedsoearlydays, buttherearemoresitesacrossBirminghamsoit’snot completelynew.

Itwouldhavefeltwrongnottosamplethepizza giventheimpressiveoven,soweorderedtwo.The basewasbrilliant–soft,charredandblistered–just howwelikeit.Thebest-sellingParadisopizzawas heavyonthetoppingsrangingfromsweetbeetroot creamandfreshchillitowaferthinchickenand24 caratgoldleaf–yesthat’sright.Allinall,ittasted great.Thesweetbeetrootcreamwhichsoundedodd, workedatreatwiththeheatofthechilli.Therewasa tonneofmozzarellasoifyoulikeanespeciallycheesy pizza,thisisforyou.Thegoldleafisabitgimmicky butperhapsthat’sthepoint–it’sabitoffunand probablyveryInstagrammable.

ThentherewastheCapricciosawithfreshartichoke hearts,punchyolivesandsaltyham.Again,itwas seriouslycheesy.Therewerethreedipsforscoopingup themoreishcrust–garlic,tomatoandchilli.Beware,

thechilliversionmightjustblowyourheadoff!The waitressrecommendedchipsloadedwithgratedtruffle andparmesan.Wewouldn’tnormallyorderchipswith pizza,butwewereconvincedandtheyweregreat, especiallywithadollopofthegarlicdip.

Aswellaspizza,there’spastaandabrunchmenu serveduntil3pmfullofappealingdisheslikeburrata withhotspicyhoney,asupergreenomelettewithfeta, spinachandchilliflakesandcroissantsloadedwith smokedsalmon,poachedeggandmascarpone.

It’sworthmentioningthere’snoalcoholat Paradisoandthere’snobring-your-ownoptionwhich isnotanissuebutit’sgoodtoknowinadvance.We sampledaSoberGinandtonicwhichwasgoodplus there’snon-alcoholicwineandbeer,too.

Inthecontextoftheincrediblepizzaavailablein thecity,theofferingatParadisoisn’ttopdrawer. Havingsaidthat,thedoughisdefinitelyupthere.It’s earlydays–there’stimetopolishtheexperienceand we’llcertainlybebacktosamplebrunch. ■

99WarstoneLane,JewelleryQuarter,B186JR.Tel:01217588721pizzeriaparadiso.co.uk/restaurants/jewellery-quarter/

THEBLACKSWAN

Chocolateboxperfectandbrimmingwithkerb appeal,Henley-in-Ardenisnotshortoffood haunts.Thehighstreetlooksnothinglikeyour currentaverageUKhighstreet,sounsurprisingly, investmentisincoming.

TheBlackSwan,onceacosypubwithamassivecar park,hasbeengivenanextensivemakeover.Theresultisa largerearextensionhousingabeautifuldiningroom,plus agardenareacarvedoutofwhatwasonceparking.There’s stillparkingoutbackbutonalessinvasivescale.Thecosy puboutfrontremainsandwaspackedwithcharacterand punterswhenwevisited.Thediningroom’seasy,relaxed andcoolwithaFrenchbistrovibeoverlookingapatiowith colourfulparasols.

Ourwaiterwasutterlycharming,smileyand knowledgeable.Wedidn’tneedmuchpersuadingtodive intoacarafeofrose–theperfectamountfortwoatlunch orasourwaitersuggested,perfectifyourpreferencesdiffer enablingyoutoindulgeinoneofeachflavour.Wedidn’t butit’sagoodpoint.

Weexpectedthemenutobecomfortingpubclassicsand there’scertainlyanelementofthat,butit’smuchmore inventivethanpubgrub.Forinstance,astarterofperfectly oozingburratawithsweettomatoesandapunchylovage andbasilpestowasservedwithashotofessenceoftomato tobesippedalongsidethefood–itwasintenseand enhancedthedish.Simplebuteffective.

Thentherewasbeetrootdonethreeways–candied, roastedandworkedintoasweetgelservedalongsidecubes

ofdeepfriedgoat’scheeseinbreadcrumbs,guacamoleand balsamiccream.Itsoundsabitconfusedwhenwritten downlikethat,buttastedbrilliantandlookedpretty.

Ourmaincourseswereabitmore‘pubby’intermsof sizeaswelltheme,butstilldelicioussuchastender,rich shortribofbeefwithdauphinoisepotatoes,greensanda tastygravyandaflavourpackedfishcaketoppedwithasoft poachedeggandalovelybutterysaucewithwelcome tartnessfromcapers.Dessertsarenotourthing,buta pistachiosoufflewinkedvigorously.Thewaitergaveusa tipandsuggestedswitchingtheaccompanyingchocolate icecreamwiththehoneycombvarietyanditwassuperb.

Soenjoyablewaslunch,weleftHenleyfeelingenvious ofthelocals.Forcontext,wehaveatiredpubattheendof ourroadwhichisnothingliketheBlackSwansowe’ve caughtourselvesday-dreamingofasimilaroverhaul. There’snosignofitsofar,butweliveinhope. ■

PIP,PIP, HOORAY!

THISMONTHKATIEGARDNEROFBIRMINGHAMWINESCHOOLLOOKSATTHEGROWING POPULARITYOFORANGEWINES–WHICHDESPITETHENAMEHAVENOTHINGTODOWITHORANGES

Inrecentyears,thewineworldhaswitnesseda remarkableshiftinpreferences,withasurgein popularityoforangewinesandabroaderembrace ofthenaturalwinemovement.Thisshiftrepresentsa departurefromconventional,oftenheavilyprocessed, winestoamoreancientandholisticapproachto winemakingthatemphasisesminimalintervention,a returntotraditionaltechniques,andacelebrationof authenticity.

Orangewines,alsoknownasskin-contactwinesor amberwines,arenotwinesmadefromorangesbutare essentiallywhitewinesmadelikeredwines.Whatsets themapartistheextendedcontactbetweenthegrape skinsandthejuiceduringfermentation.Thedurationof skincontactvariesbutcanrangefromafewdaysto severalmonths,dependingonthewinemaker's preferences.Thisprocessnotonlyaddscolourbutalso impartsflavoursandaromasthatareabsentin conventionallymadewhitewines.Expectnotesofdried fruits,tealeaves,andexoticspices,alongwithapleasantly grippytexturefromthetanninsfoundintheskins.

Thepracticeofmakingorangewinesharksbackto ancientwinemakingtraditions.Infact,beforetheadvent ofmodernwinemakingtechniques,thiswasthestandard

approach.Beforethearrivaloftemperature-controlled stainless-steelvats,fermentingwhitegrapeswiththeir skinswascommonpracticeinregionslikeGeorgiaand Armenia,wherethewinewasburiedinclayvesselscalled ‘qvevri’forextendedperiods.Thisprocessallowedthe winetodevelopatannicstructureandanamberhue.

Orangewinesformpartofalargermovementtowards naturalwinemaking,whichessentiallymeansintervening withthewinemakingprocessaslittleaspossible.Oneof thedefiningcharacteristicsofnaturalwines,including someorangewines,istheirminimaluseofsulphites. Sulphurdioxide(SO2)isacommonadditivein winemaking,usedasapreservativetopreventoxidation andmicrobialspoilage.

CLOUDYOUTLOOK

However,manynaturalwinemakerschooseto minimiseoreliminateitsuse.Thisdecisionalignswith thedesiretocreatewinesthataremoreauthenticand lessmanipulated.Whilelowsulphitelevelscanmake naturalwinesmoreapproachableforthosesensitiveto sulphur,theyalsomeanthatthesewinesshouldbe consumedrelativelyquickly.

Anotherdistinctivefeatureofnaturalwinesistheir

lackoffiltration.Conventionallyproducedwinesare oftensubjectedtoheavyfiltrationtoachieveclarity andstability.Naturalwines,however,embracea certaincloudinessorhaze,whichisaresultofnot filteringoutthetinyparticlesandsediment.This minimalinterventionapproachpreservesmoreof thewine’scharacterandcanevenenhancethe overalldrinkingexperience,butitiscertainlyan acquiredtaste!

Naturalwinesareoftencloselylinkedto biodynamics.Thisisaholisticapproachtowine whichfollowstheteachingsofanagriculturalist calledRudolphSteiner.Biodynamicwinemakers believeinpruningandharvestingtheirgrapesbythe phasesofthemoonandburyingcowhornsfilled withmanuretouseasfertiliser!

Sohowaboutsomefoodpairings?Orangewineis certainlyanunusualtastingexperience,butthe flavoursandtexturescanworkbrilliantlywhen pairedwithfood.Trywithautumnalrootvegetables likeroastedbutternutsquash,pumpkinorparsnips tocomplementtheearthyflavoursofanorange wine.ItcanalsoworkwellwithMediterraneanand MiddleEastern-inspireddishessuchasmoussaka, tagine,houmousandfalafel.Forcheeses,trywitha creamyBrieasacontrastorastrongblue,asorange winestendtohavegoodaciditytobalanceoutthe saltiness. ■

KATIE’S4ORANGE/NATURALWINESTOTRY

■ ForzadellaNaturaOrangeWine,Sicily,Italy–Waitrose,£9.99

Agreatentryintobothorangewineandnaturalwinewiththisskin contact,unfilteredwinefromSicily.It’smadefromorganicCatarattograpes whicharenativetotheregionandhasflavoursofmelon,peachand nectarine.

■ TbilvinoQvevrisRkatsitelli,Georgia–Majestic, £13.99or£11.99onmixsix

Wantatasteofhistory?Thiswinetakesusbacktotheancientwayof fermentinginclaypots.ThegrapevarietyRkatsiteliisoneoftheoldest intheworld.It’sanamberstylewinewithnotesofapricotandpear.

■ HeinrichNakedRed,Burgenland,Austria–TheSourcingTable,£17

Thebesttypesofnaturalredwinesinmyopinionarefruityandeasy drinking.Thisbiodynamicwineisablendofthreelocalgrapes,Zweigelt, BlaufränkischandStLaurentandisbright,lightandjuicy!

■ MaceraoNaranjoOrangeWine,Chile–Waitrose,£8.99 Wanttodipyourtoeinfirst?Thisisa“not-too-funky”skin-contact winemadefromMoscatograpes.Ithasalovelybitoftextureanda hintofhoneywithoutbeingtoocomplicatedorheavy.

BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwineeducationcompany thatoffersfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwick. FormoreinformationcontactKatieGardneron01212707359orvisit www.birminghamwineschool.com

WEARITPINK

IT’SBREASTCANCERAWARENESSMONTH–ANDWEMAKENOAPOLOGIESFORTURNING OVEROUROCTOBERHEALTHPAGESONCEAGAINONWHATWECANALLDOTODETECT

ANDDEFEATTHISSTILLALL-TOO-COMMONKILLER

ThismonthwillseethousandsoffundraisingeventstakeplaceacrosstheUK–includingrighthereinBrumandtheWest Midlands–toraiseawarenessandmuch-needed fundstofightbreastcancer.It’satime,morethan anyother,whentheworldturnspink!

Oneofthekeymessagesofthemonthishighlighting thesignsandsymptomsandtohelpyouunderstand whatbreastchangestolookoutfor.Everyone’sbreasts aredifferent–theycanchangewithageandatdifferent timesofthemonth.Whenyouknowhowyourbreasts normallylookandfeel,itwillbeeasiertospotifthere areanyunusualchangesforyou.

Pickingupabnormalitiesasearlyaspossibleis vital,whichmeansit’simportantthatwomenselfexamineregularlyandknowwhattolookfor. Throughoutalifetimethelevelsofthefemale hormonesoestrogenandprogesteronevary,causing thebreaststochange.

Foryoungerwomen,thebesttimetoself-examine thebreastsisaboutthreetofivedaysaftertheperiod startsbecausebreastsarenotastenderorlumpyat thistimeinthemonthlycycle.Womenwho’vegone throughmenopauseshouldexaminetheirbreastson thesamedayeverymonth.

HOWTOCHECK

Toself-examine,placeyourrighthandbehind yourhead.Withthemiddlefingersofyourlefthand, gentlyyetfirmlypressdownusingsmallmotionsto examinetheentirerightbreast.Next,sitorstand. Feelyourarmpit,becausebreasttissuegoesintothat area.Gentlysqueezethenipple,checkingfor discharge.Repeattheprocessontheleftbreast.

Thenstandinfrontofamirrorwithyourarmsby

yourside.Lookatyourbreastsdirectlyandinthe mirror.Lookforchangesinskintexture,suchas dimpling,puckering,indentations,orskinthatlooks likeanorangepeel.Alsonotetheshapeandoutlineof eachbreast.Checktoseeifthenippleturnsinward. Dothesamewithyourarmsraisedaboveyourhead.

WHATTOLOOKFOR

1. Alumponoraroundthebreast.Thismaynotbe seenbutmightbefelteitherinthebreast,upper chestorarmpit.

2. Persistentlumpyareaorunusualthickeningofthe breasttissue.

3. Anyconstantpaininpartofthebreastorarmpit.

4. Changeinsizeorshapeofeitherofthebreasts.

5. Rednessorrashontheskinthatlookslikeeczema.

6. Changeinappearanceordirectionofthenipple onthebreast.

7. Nippledischargefromthebreast. Ifyoudospotanyunusualchangestoyourbreasts youshouldgetthemcheckedoutbyyourdoctor.

Every10minutes,someoneintheUKhearsthe words“youhavebreastcancer”.Bytakingpartin wearitpink,youcouldhelpfundalife-saving researchbreakthrough.Youcouldgivesomeone informationtheycanrelyonwhentheyneeditmost. Ordriveforwardvitalcampaigning,tomakesure everyonelivingwithbreastcancergetsthebest possibletreatmentandcare. ■

FormoredetailsonBreastCancerAwarenessMonthand wearingpinktoraisemoneyandhelpfundlife-changingbreast cancerresearchandsupportvisit,wearitpink.org

COOLCOATS

FROMSCHOOLRUNTOSWANKYSOIREE,ACOATCANTRANSFORM ANOUTFITFROMORDINARYTOSTAND-OUTINAJIFFY

Happiestwhencocoonedincashmereor sportingthepuffiestofpuffers,weare cock-a-hooptobetalkingcoats.Classic andchicorcoolandedgy?Whichareyou?

Realisticallywe’reprobablyabitofbothdepending onthemoodandtemperature.

Ontheclassicside,it’sbeneficialtohaveatimeless camelwoolcoatinyourarmoury–itwillworkwith therestofyourwardrobewhatevertheoccasion. Dressdownwithsneakersorupwithachicbootor killerheels.Ifyoubuyadecentversionandlookafter it,youcouldbewearingitfordecades.Stella McCartneyandMaxmaraarewinningattheluxury endofthemarketwhileyoucanpickupgood cheaperversions(somepicturedhere)ifyou’rehappy toforgoquality,cutandlongevity.Ifyou’refeeling flush(anyone?)afewlongwoolcoatsindifferent colours/patternsisafabwaytoshakeupaclassic lookandaddmoreinterest.

Quiltingisalwayswelcomeinacoldsnapnone moresothanthehighshine,longlengthBarbour Marsett(pictured)servingupstyleandsubstancein spades.Aswellasthestrikingfinish,cinchedcuffsand astatementcollartakeitupastylenotchor10.Ifyou’re intobuyingclothingwhiledoingthebigshop,George

INVESTMENT PIECE

Cattonwaxjacket £389,Barbour

Amalshearling £999,Barbour

TOP CROP

Croppedaviator jacket£59, NewLook

Khakiborg buttonthrough jacket£40,TU

FAUX FUR

TEAL TEDDY Mylahteddy longlinecoat £120,FatFace IsabelMarantEtoile

NOSTALGIA TRIP

Florencehoodedwoven coat£795,Selfridges WRAP UP

atAsdahasamutedgreenquiltedjacketthatdoesn’thavethewow oftheBarbourbutcouldbeacuteadditiontoyourouterwear wardrobe,whiletheshortmetallicversionatTU(pictured)hasan edgydesignervibethatdefiesit’ssupermarketpricetag.

TeddycoatsareabitofaMarmitetrendthatwethought wouldbeaoneseasonwonderbutlookssettostay.Isabel Maranthaselevatedthefluffycoattochicwiththeadditionof oldschoolduffelbuttonsandacutehood.Fromapracticalpoint ofview,getyourselfalongRainswaterproofcoatforthe inevitablegreatBritishdownpour.Ourshasneverfailedus. Greatlength,perfecthood,dryasaboneevenintorrentialrain. Werecommendsizingdownasthey’reparticularlyroomy.

Ifyou’reafterashowstopperratherthanmerepracticality, takealookatstatementsleevesandinventiveshapes.Jacquemus LeManteauCroissantcoat(pictured)isagreatexample.It oozeseffortlesschicandconfidence.Yes,it’saninvestmentpiece butitwilllastalifetime.

There’snogettingawayfromthefactthatreallygreat outerwearispricey.Wetendtoevaluatewhatwehaveeach autumnandperhapsaddonecoatintothecollectionperyear–notnecessarilyaninvestmentpiece.It’sgreattobefrivolousand acceptthatacoatwon’tlastalifetime,butitwasfunwhileit lasted.Nobody’ssuggestingoverhaulingyourentirecoatrack withinvestmentpieceseverywinter.

Finally,considerdonatingyouroldouterwear.Youmight thinkit'spastit’sbestbuttherearemanycharitiesinthecitythat arecryingoutforwarmclothingaswinterapproaches.

SHACKET IN Leathershacket £199,JohnLewis

INTHE NAVY

Leatherjacket £100, CrewClothing

HEAVY METAL Metallicgreenquilted coat£40,TUClothing

CUTE QUILT Quiltedparka£35, George HIGH SHINE PremiumMarsettquilt £369,Barbour

MINIMUM FUSS

Solidlong-lineformal camelcoat£32,George

CAMEL CREW

Woolcoat£199, CrewClothing

COOL KHAKI

CoatfromMatalan

SHAPE SHIFTER

JacquemusLeManteau

Croissantfeltcoat£1,540, HarveyNichols

THINK PINK

Fauxsuedecoat £20,Primark

CUT ABOVE

StellaMcCartney doublebreasted woolcoat£1,550, HarveyNichols

LAPELS FORLIFE

TedBakerRoseanne beltedherringbone woolcoat£325,Selfridges

TERRIFIC TRENCH

Stonecheck beltedtrench £59.99,NewLook

LONG GAME

Papayared checkcoat £48,Matalan

BE SQUARE

Dogtoothlongline formalcoat£20, George

CHECK MATE

NewYork-stylecoat £95,JoeBrowns

EARNYOUR STRIPES

Diagonalstripe bondedcoat£115, OliverBonas

BEAUTY NEWS

THISMONTHWE’RETALKINGTHEPERFECT

EVERYDAYHAIRCAREDUO,AFACEOILTHATPACKS APUNCH,ADREAMYCOLLABANDCALMINGCBD

OILTHATNIPSJANGLINGNERVESINTHEBUD

1.BIOSSANCESQUALENE+VITAMINCROSEOIL,£57BIOSSANCE.COM

WereceivedthisinminiatureformfromCultBeautyaswe’realoyalcustomer.Translation: wespendfartoomuchmoneyonCultBeauty.Thataside,weuseduptheminiatureand we’reontooursecondbottle.It’sfantastic.Youneedthetiniestamount–halforevena thirdofadropper–Isupposemoreifyouhavedryskin.Playaroundwithitandfindyour level.Wewentforafulldropperinitiallyandfeltabitslipperyallday,buthalfunderour usualmoisturisergivesahealthy,youthfulglow,butmorethanthat,skinisgenuinely hydratedandnourished–itdoesn’tjustlookit.Weuseitmorningandevening.

2.ARKIVEALLDAYEVERYDAYSHAMPOOANDCONDITIONER,£12EACHFROM BOOTS.COM

Apartfromthefactthesquarebottleslookstylishonthebathroomshelf,theyoutperformtheir pricetagbyamile.Theshampoodoesn’tlatheruploadsbutdon’tletthatputyouoff.A trichologistoncetoldusarichlatherisasignofcheapnasties,sotakeitasapositive.Baobab oilnourishesthescalpwhiletheBoababproteinstrengthenshairandnaturalbetaineboosts shine.It’sreasonablypricedtoosoyoudon’tneedtohideitfromthekids!

3.TRIPWILDMINTANDCHAMOMILECBDOIL,£18DRINK-TRIPP.COM

Ifyou’repronetoabitoftwitchiness–I’mreluctanttocallitanxietyasthatmightbelittle actualanxiety,morelow-levelstress–thenthisisgreat.We’renotmedicssodoyour research,butwefindhalfadropperfirstthinginthemorningnipsanyjanglingfeelingsin thebud.Potentiallyjusttheroutineofdoingitiscalmingbutwe’refinewiththattoo.If youdon’tknowwhatwe’retalkingabout,youdon’tneedit.

4.BYREDOXSUSANNEKAUFMANNBREGENZERWALDBODYOIL,£75 BYREDO.COMANDSUSANNEKAUFMANN.COM

Ordinarilywedon’twriteaboutproductswehaven’tsampled,butwe’rebreakingthatrule withacollaborationwe’retooexcitedaboutnottoshare.Bythetimeyoureadthis, itwillbealreadyontheshelvesandwereckonyou’llneedtomovefast.Naturalskincare wizardSuzanneKaufmannhasteamedupwithBenGorhamofluxuryfragrancebrandByredo tocreateadeeplymoisturisingscentedoil.Bestmassagedintodampskinpostbathorshower, theoilispackedwithantioxidantsandplantoilsandfragrancedwithjasmineandsweetfigs.

OUTSIDEIN

LOOKINGHOTDURINGACOLDSNAPISADODDLE WITHTHISSEASON’SSTYLISHOUTERWEAR

SUPERSMART

Doublebreasted herringbonecoat£195, JohnLewis

THEBOMB Thermowarmth bomber£59,M&S

We’vetrawledtherailsforsomeofthisseason’sbest coatsranginginpricefromasnipat£59toan investmentat£1,190andhere’swhatwefound.

Alongwoolcoatwillseeyouthroughthecoldweather lookingchicandputtogether.Theherringboneversionfrom JohnLewis(pictured)isslick–detailsliketheoversizedcollar andbeautifulcutmeanitdefiesitspricetag.

Wemayhavepinchedthepeacoatfromthenavyinthe 1800s,butit’sbroughtrightuptodatefor2023.Lessformal thanalongwoolcoat,it’seasiertowearbutstillsuperstylish andpractical.Speakingofpractical,awaxjacketisthe ultimateinwinterouterwear.We’veincludedanexample fromBelstaff,butequally,atrustyBarbourwillseeyou throughmanyawinter.

Acoolbomberjacketisn’tsopracticalalthoughitwill providesomeseriousstylepoints.Thehighshineversionfrom Faces+Places(pictured)istopofthewishlistandwon’t breakthebank.M&Shasintroducedwhatthey’recallingthe Thermobomberwhichdoeswhatitsaysonthetinandkeeps youtoastyaswellaslookinggood,whilelocalladLuke Roper’sWorldyquiltedjacket(pictured)isawinner.

You’llnevergowrongwithawell-cutmacandM&Shas naileditthisseason.Theneutraltanexample(pictured)is versatileaswellassmartandwilllookasstylishoffdutyas wellaswithworkwear. ■

LOCALBRAND

Luke1977Worldy darkcobaltjacket

£145,HarveyNichols

LONGLINEPUFFER

Longlinecoat £120,FatFace

RETURNOFTHEMAC

Shirtcollarmac

£69,M&S

COOLCAMEL Brownwoolblend coat£79.99,TKMaxx

HIGHSHINE

Places+FacesAngel embroideredregular fitjacket£200, Selfridges

CLASSICWAX

BelstaffTour waxjacket

£325,Selfridges

CHICSHAPE

AllSaintsherringbone panelleatherjacket

£399,Selfridges

PERFECTPEACOAT

Burberrywool blendpeacoat £1,190,HarveyNichols

INTERIOR GOALS

GRANDDESIGNS

KitchenbyClassicInteriorsfeaturedinslateblue classicinteriors.co.uk

Whetheryou’reoverhaulingyourkitchenor givingitarefresh,colourwillbeonyour mind.Fromdarkandmoodytobrightand light,colourishavingahotminute.Whiledeepblueis thecolourdejour,considerracinggreen,mustard yelloworonthebrighterside,aprettypastelandif you’refeelingparticularlybouji,goldcabinets.

Also,considerthenaturallight,ceilingheightand sizeofyourkitchen.Apredominantlydarkcolour mightswampasmallspacesouseitinsmalldoses–perhapsgoforanaccentwallorjustlowercabinets ratherthanthewholeshebang.

HOMES

WoudAnnularpendantfromNest

BANGUPTODATE

We’renotsuggestingrippingoutyourexisting whitekitchenunlessofcourseyou’reluckyenoughto bedueanewone,butyoucaneasilyandrelatively cheaplygiveitarefresh.Tryaddingstrikingaccent colours,boldprints,brightappliancesandaccessories tobringtheheartofyourhomebanguptodate. Checkoutpage46forsomeideas.

FUTUREPROOF

Ifyou’replanningabrandnewkitchen,luckyyou, butremembertrendscomeandgo.Futureproofyours bynotbeingtootrendfocusedwiththefixedelements ofthedesign.Kitchensarecomplicatedandcostlywith multipletradesinvolved.Wewouldalways recommendakitchendesignerwhowillcomeupwith solutionsforyourspacethatyouwouldneverconsider withouttheirexperteyeandyearsofexperiencethere’snorealsubstituteforthat.Accessories,rugs, wallcolourandmoveableappliancescanbereplaced easily,butyou’renotlikelytoreplaceyourkitchenfora coupleofdecadesifyougetitright. ■

GREENDREAM NeptuneHenleykitchenhand-paintedinsage neptune.co.uk

GOLDRUSH

HEARTOFTHEHOME

KitchenbyKitchenGallerykitchengallery.co.uk

TOPTRIO

ClearglasspendantsbyFritzFryer

MINIMUMFUSS

TheHadleighinmattanthracitefromTheRange

COPPERTOP BialettiVenusinduction stovetopcoffeemaker £54,JohnLewis

INTOTHE BLUE Colander £4.99,TKMaxx

TOUCHES FINISHING

CUPBOARD OFDREAMS Hewittlarder unit£1,495, FurnitureVillage

FROMRACINGGREENTOBABYPINK,INJECTABITOFCOLOURINTO

THEHEARTOFYOURHOMEWITHTHESEGORGEOUSADDITIONS

BOWLEDOVER Three-piecemixing bowls£9,Dunelm

CAFFEINE FIX Cafetiere £8,Dunelm

RAISE YOURTOAST HaySowden toasterby Hay£99,kin

PASTEL POWER Platesfrom Dunelm

EATTHE RAINBOW Saladservers £7.99, TKMaxx

GOGREEN Avatablerunner £75,Neptune

FromthePottingBench withAdam

YES,IT’SOCTOBER…ALREADY!ANDTHATMEANSSTARTINGTOTHINKABOUT THEDREADED‘W-WORD’,SAYSGREEN-FINGEREDEXPERTADAMKIRTLAND

Gosh,wheredidsummergo?Anddidsummer evengetstartedproperly?Jokingaside,we’vehad suchanoddmixtureofweatheroverthelast seasonbutultimatelyitistimetostartthinkingaboutthe dreadedW-word–Winter,andhowourgardensand

greenspaceschangeovertheseasonsofautumnandwinter. Focusingonautumnhere,I’vecompiledmytoptipsfor planningaheadNOWforafantasticshow-stoppinggarden inthenewyearandsomethingsyoumighthavenot thoughtaboutdoing…solet’sgettoit!

Saveyoursummerblooms!

Nowthatwe’reoutofthesummerseason(sorry tosayit!),you’llwanttocastyoureyeoverthe gardenandthinkaboutwhatyou’vegotandif you’vegrownanythinglikeDahliasthatneedlifting. Dahlias,asyoumayknow,aregorgeousplantswith anabundanceofflowersrightthroughsummer(you mightevenhavesomestillflowering) buttheyaren’tthebestforsurvivinga longcoldwinter,whichissomething wehadlastwinter!You’vegottwo optionswhenitcomestoprotecting themandensuringyou’vegotthemfor nextyearandI’llguideyouthrough thosehere.

Thefirstoptionistoleavetheminthe groundandhopeforthebest!Thisismy leastfavouriteoptionasthereisahigh likelihoodthatyou’lllosethemtothe harshcold,evenifyougivethemathicklayerof mulch(compostisgoodforthis)thenthisisstilla possibility.Iprefertocutthemback,digupthe tubersandhoseallthesoilfromaboutthemand tuckthemawayinacrateofsawdustordrycompost andputthemsomewherefrostfreeandawayfrom sunlight.Thenyoucanbringthembackoutin springandplantthemupagain.

Ifyouknowme,you’llknowIlovebulbs!

AlthoughI’vegotahugeloveforDahlias,myreal passioninthegardenisthespringtime–mainly becauseofspringbulbs!Thankfully,Octoberisa wonderfultimetobuyyourbulbsandplanan almightydisplaycomespring.

Ilovethechoiceyouhavewithbulbs,namely daffodilsandtulipsandifyou’recareful,itneedn’tbe anexpensiveprojecteither.Anothergoodreasontogo withbulbsisthattheyallgenerallyworkexceptionally wellinpotsandcontainers,whichmeansthatyoucan growtheminanytypeofspace,bigorsmall.

Ifthisisyourfirsttimegrowingbulbsthenyou’rein forarealtreatbecausethey’reveryeasytoplantand youlargelyjustgettositbackandwaitforthemto grow.You’llbeabletofindtonsonofferinalmostevery gardencentreandaparticularfavouriteofmineis HillierGardenCentreHampton-in-Arden!Grabafew pots,abagortwoofcompostandafewbagsofbulbs

andthat’senoughtocreateasmallclusterofpotson yourpatioforspring.Makesureyoufollowmy Instagram(@viewfromthepottingbench)forlotsof spring-timeinspiration!

Fancykeepingthevampiresaway?

Unknowingly,I’vegonedownabulbrouteinthis month’scolumnbutit’sonlybecausethey’reallso simple!However,inthissectionI’vegotsomething edibleforyouthatIbetthemajorityofyouhaven’t grown,despitethefactthatwealluseitregularlyand perhapsdon’trealisejusthoweasyitistogrow–garlic! Muchlikethebulbsofspring,itcanbeaseasyas poppingtheminapotwithsomecompostand bidingyourtimeuntilthey’rereadytoharvestnext year.Butnothingreallydoesbeatthetasteof homegrown,andgarlicisnodifferent.Again,you’ll likelyfindtheseinthegardencentretooandnowis abouttheperfecttimetogetplanting.Asaruleof thumb,individualclovesshouldbeplantedaround 5cmbelowthesurfaceofthecompostandina decentsunnyposition.Ifyouplantnow,then dependingonyourvariety–you’llhaveaharvest betweenJulyandAugustnextyear. ■

YoucanfollowAdamonInstagram@viewfromthepottingbenchor listentohisTalesFromThePottingBenchpodcastformore gardeninginspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogat viewfromthepottingbench.com

WATTA CHARMER!

THOUGHTFULDESIGNANDCUTTING-EDGETECHNOLOGYCOME

TOGETHERTODELIVERACARWITHAREALSENSEOFPURPOSEIN

THESHAPEOFSKODA’SENYAQCOUPEIV,SAYSSUECOOKE

Skodaisamostthoughtfulcompany–it’sthe onlymotormanufacturerthatincludesan umbrellainthecarasstandard,forgoodness sake!Usefulforautumnalrainydays.Drivingthe EnyaqCoupethismonthI’vefoundfeatureswhich couldonlyhavebeenintroducedbyonevery consideratedesigner.

Doorsopeneasilyfrominside,asthere’sareally handygripinthecentreofeach.Theboot,witha generouscapacityof570litres,haswidehooksthat pullouteachsidetoattachcarrierbags.AndI’venever seenawidehookcentrebackoftherearseatsbefore–sousefulforhangingalargeritemandkeepingit securewhiletravelling.

TheEnyaqisavailablewith3-Zoneairconditioningthatallowsthedrivertosetadifferent temperatureforrearseatpassengers.Andwhile they’rekeepingniceandcooltheycanalsobe

entertained,thankstoatabletholderthatclipsonto thebackofthefrontseat.

Bothsportyandelegant-looking,theEnyaq boastslargealloywheelsandastrikingrearview. It’salsoequippedwithalonglistofactiveand passivesafetyfeatures.FrontAssistmonitorsthe roadaheadandthetechnologycanapplythebrakes toavoidanaccident.Adaptivecruisecontrol watchesoutforpotentialfrontalimpactsandcan stopthecarcompletelyifnecessary.Thereareboth headlightandrainsensors.

HELPFULLAURA

Thecabinhasmanyusefulstandardfeatures–like gesturecontrolwhichoperatesthe13-inchcentral infotainmentsystemwithawaveofthehand.Skoda saysthattheLauradigitalvoiceassistantcan understand15languages!There’sawi-fihotspotforup

toeightdevices.IntelligentParkAssisthasanew function,wherefrequentlyaccessedparkingspacescan bestoredinthesystemandoncelearnt,theEnyaqwill automaticallyparkinthesespacesondemand.Clever!

FASTCHARGING

Theinteriorisluxuriouswithqualitytrimand feelsairyandspacious.Myrearpassengers commentedonthegenerousamountofspaceinthe backandoncetheOctobersunpeekeditsheadout oftheclouds,saidthereweregreatviewsthrough thedarktintedpanoramicglassroof–it’sthelargest intheSkodarange,spanningtheentireroofand comescompletewithblinds.Thesearepartofthe ‘Clever’package.The‘Plus’packagewhichwas addedtomyroadtestcarincludesanelectrically operatedtailgatewhichcanbeopenedbymakinga kickingmotionundertherearbumper.

Thedriver’ssoftblackleatherseatisextremely comfortableandIfeltasifIwas‘gliding’ratherthan drivingwhichwasgreatforlongdistancejourneys. TheEnyaqcoupeiVisavailablewiththree performancelevels.Idrovetheversionpoweredbyan

FACTSATAGLANCE

Model: SkodaEnyaqCoupeiV

Price: £44,825otr

Power: 82kWh204PSDSG

Performance: 0-60mphin8.2secondsandontoatopspeedof99mph CO2emissions: Zero

EVrange: 339miles(WLTPcombined)

82kWhbattery.Skodahaslauncheditsfirsteverall electricvRSversionwhichwilldeliver220kW.

Theofficiallyquotedrangeis339miles,andmytest confirmedthisfigureasaccurate.Iwasalsoimpressed withtheconvenientfastchargingathome,overnight. (ThebonusofovernightchargingisthatIonlypay fivepercentVAT.)

So,inshort,Skodahasproducedapractical,easyto-driveandattractive-lookingofferingintheshapeof itsEnyaqCoupeiV.Jobdone! ■

SHOWROOM

JohnsonsSkodaBirmingham,585TyburnRoad,Erdington,B249RX. Tel:01213820077www.johnsoncars.co.uk

RACHELBAKER

HavingjoinedthecomedysocietyattheUniversityof Birminghamtherisingstarbegangiggingtwoyearsago andthismonthshe’sperformingatGlee

ComicRachelBakerhasbeenshortlistedfor theBirminghamComedyFestival’s BreakingTalentAwardwhichrecognises thebestnewandemergingcomedictalentfrom acrosstheWestMidlandsandshe’s‘overjoyed’. Naturally,wenabbedRachelforachataheadofthe awardswheretheshortlistedactswillperforminfront ofjudges,includingJoEnright,attheGleeClub.

Growingup,Rachelsaysherbiginspirations wereCarolineAherneinTheRoyalFamily,Victoria WoodandJulieWalters.Racheldescribesherown brandofcomedyas‘hecticinacontrolledway’and says:“IfIhaveathought,Isayit.Igooffscriptand Isupposeit’sabitcheeky.I’mquitephysicaltaking inspirationfromcharactercomicsandI’vebeen likenedtoJenniferSaundersinAbFab.”Rachel occasionallydoesacharactercalledGwenaged47 whorunsamulti-levelmarketingschemeandhasa boyfriendaged23.Itsoundsahoot.

Audienceinteractionisagiven.Shesays:“Ilike findingthefunninessintheroom.I’vedonelotsof newmaterialnightsinBirminghamwhicharefun. TheaudienceisnotexpectingittobeperfectandI

likethefeedbackandchattingtothem.Eachgigis different.I’vejuststartedgettingmorepaidgigsso obviouslythematerialismorehoned.”

MainlygigginginandaroundBrumuntilnow, workisbeginningtocomefromfurtherafield althoughRachelsaysshemightneedtolearntodrive prontoasthetrainiscripplinglyexpensive.Theday jobatMacartsisonesheloves.Rachelsaid:“The programmeiseclecticandit’ssuchanicehubin Birmingham.SometimesI’minthecinema, sometimestheartgalleryandsometimeshelpingkids afterschool.”Itmightalsoprovidematerialasshe saysshehassomefunnyinteractions.“Peoplearejust funnyday-to-dayaren’tthey?It’sfascinatingtothink aboutwhat’sfunny.”

SUPPORTIVECOMMUNITY

OftheBirminghamsceneshesaysit’sa‘reallynice community’withmanyfriendlyandinclusivespaces poppingup.BarbaraNice,akacomicJanice Connolly,hasbeenparticularlysupportive.Rachel says:“She’sbuiltacommunityandchampioned womenparticularly.ThefirstgigIdidinfrontofherI gotsuchbrilliantfeedback.”Nice’stheHareofThe DognightattheHareandHoundsisafavouriteof Rachel.Shesays:“It’sbrilliantandjoyful.There’slots ofdancingandimprovandlargelyreturnaudiences.”

Thisyear’sComedyFestivalwillbeRachel’sfirst timeperformingatGleeandshesays:“I’mreally lookingforwardtoitbutalsoabitscaredand intimidated.Afriendsaidtome‘it’sagreat opportunity,justhaveloadsoffunwithit’whichI will.SometimesI’veperformedtoanaudienceof threeorfourwhichisfun,butitwillbeatreattobe inalovelyvenuelikethis.”Intermsofthefuture, Rachelsays:“DefinitelyIwouldlikecomedynotto beahobby.” ■

ALLTHEFUNNIES

CatchRachelandfellowfinalistsHasanAl-Habib,JoeBingham, JoshReynoldsandChrisYatesattheBirminghamComedyFestival BreakingTalentAward2023attheGleeClubonFriday6October. ThenightiscompèredbyJamesCookandcloseswithaspecialset fromJoshJones.Tickets£12(£10NUS)+bookingfee.Formore informationvisitwww.bhamcomfest.co.uk

VILLAVISION

AstonVillaFoundation’sVillaVisioninitiativehasbegun workwithSummitLearningTrusttoestablishthe programmeintosecondaryschools.Alreadydeliveringin fourprimaryschoolswithintheTrust,theinitiative successfullypilotedtheprogrammewithYear7students fromCockshutHillSecondarySchoolinMay,withplansto expandintoallthreesecondaryschoolswithintheTrustin the2023/24academicyear.Studentsfirsttookpartinan interactivelesson,learningabouttheimportanceofeye healthusingVRheadsetsand3Deyemodels.

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP

LocalcollegeBMetandtheMidcountiesCo-operative haveforgedanewpartnershiptoopen-upmore inclusiveopportunitiesforstudentsintheWest Midlands.Theinitiativeissettowidenthepooloftalent withintheEarlyYearsChildcareandTraveland Tourismsectors,bydevelopingnewlearningmodules andgivingstudentsfromdiversebackgroundssupportin developingtheircareer.

Thiswilltaketheformofpracticalsupportandwork experienceopportunitieswithinMidcounties’YourCoopTravel,YourCo-opHolidaysBusinessandCo-op Childcare’sLittlePioneersnurseries.

SCHOOL REPORT

SMOOTHIESTUDENTS

Level3Business&FinancestudentsatSouthandCityCollegeBirmingham havecombinedhealthylivinghabitswithenterpriseacumentobuilda successfulbusinessbysellingsmoothiesfromafleetofbikes.DalbirKaur, Birmingham-basedentrepreneurandthefounderandCEOofthehealthapp Makemefitclub,hasbeenmentoringthestudentsandteachingthemkey transferrableskills,suchascommunication,problem-solving,andteamwork. Kaurandthestudentshavelaunchedsmoothiebikebusiness,Super Smoothies,toconvertclassroomeducationintoreal-worldopportunities.

PLATINUMAWARD

WarwickSchooliscelebratingreceivingtheArtsmark PlatinumAwardfromArtsCouncilEngland.Theawardisthe onlycreativequalitystandardforschoolsaccreditedbythe ArtsCouncilandsupportsthedevelopmentandcelebration ofartsandculturaleducation,puttingcreativityand wellbeingattheheartofthecurriculum.Awardassessors praisedtheschool’sartsprovision,stating:“Pupilsare extremelyfortunatetobepartofaschoolwhichseesthe valueoftheArtssoclearlyandengageswiththe communitybeyondthesetting.”

SAFARISUPPORT

TheEducationTeamatWestMidlandSafariParkhaswelcomedagroupof studentsaspartofaprogrammetohelpthemprogresswithuniversity applications.Thethree-dayprogramme,namedConservationPioneers,works withcollegesandsixthformstohelpstudentsgainexperienceforuniversity coursesrelatedtoecology,animalscienceandzoology.ThePark’sEducationTeam setuptheprojectfollowingresearchfromTheNuffieldFoundationwhichshows studentswhoseparentsarenotgraduatesarelesslikelytogotouniversity.

HISTORIC MOVE

TherolesofchiefmasterofKing Edward’sSchool(KES)Birmingham andPrincipalofKingEdwardVI HighSchool(KEHS)forGirlsare beingbroughttogethertocreatea newroleofchiefmasterand principalofbothschools.Kirstyvon Malaise,KEHSprincipal,willtake upthenewpositionfrom September2024–thefirsttimein theschools’historiesthatajoint headshipappointmenthasbeen made.ThemovecomesafterDr KatyRicks,KESchiefmaster, decidedtoretireattheendofthe 2023/24schoolyear.

EXCELLENT INSPECTION

AllsectionsofBromsgroveSchoolwererecently inspectedbyateamfromtheIndependent SchoolInspectorateandtheSeniorSchool, PreparatoryandPre-Preparatoryhaveallbeen judgedasdouble‘excellent’bytheinspectors–thehighestpossiblegrading.Headmaster MichaelPuntsaid:“Weareabsolutely delightedthattheinspectionreportsprovide independentverificationoftheexcellent educationandcarethatweareprovidingfor childrenandyoungpeople.”

NEWROLE: KirstyvonMalaise,left, andKatyRicks

FOSTERINGABRIGHTERFUTURE

NEXUSFOSTERINGHASBEENMAKINGADIFFERENCEINTHELIVESOFVULNERABLECHILDRENAND

YOUNGPEOPLEINFOSTERCARESINCE2002.HERE,HALIMAANDADAMTELLTHEIRSTORYOFHOW

WELCOMINGA16-YEAR-OLDINTOTHEIRFAMILYPROVEDTOBE‘WONDERFUL’EXPERIENCE

Halima,32,andAdam,37,arethe pinnacleofa‘modern-dayfostercarer’–fosteringa16-year-oldboyalongside theirbirthchildren,anearlytwo-year-olddaughter andaneight-year-oldson.Theirstoryisabout growingtogetherasafamilyandhowwonderfully successfultheirfosteringjourneyhasbeen,butalso howit’snotnecessarilyyourtypicalstory.Justlike anyfosteringjourney,theyhavehadhighsandlows. Still,theirreflectionontheirpersonalandfamily journeyisinspiring.

Theywereapprovedasfostercarersnearlyfive yearsago,offeringrespitecareforthefirstfewyears.

“Respiteworkedverywelloriginallybecausewesaw ourselvesprovidingthisintense,fun,almostholiday experience,buildingsignificantmemoriesforthese children.”theyexplain.“Wewouldhaveaweekend orweek,anditwouldbeaholiday,andthatwaswhat wefeltcomfortablewith.Therealityisyoucanread itonapieceofpaper,butuntilyouaretryingit,it’s differentwhatcanyoustretchto.”

Afternumerousrespiteplacements,they welcomedtheirfirstlong-termchild.“Youdon’t wanttoletthechilddown;it’ssuchabigprocess butlookatwhatyougetattheend.Yougetanother familymember,”theysaid.HalimaandAdamwere nervousabouttakingonafosterchildandthelifechangingdecisionstheyhadtomake.“Nexus FosteringandourSupportingSocialWorker supportedus,empoweringustomakedecisions.

Wehadnoexperience,butIguessNexusFostering sawwhatwehadthatwedidn'trecognisewehad, anditpositivelypushedus.Itfeltsafeandjust beyondourcomfortzoneintherightway.When ouryoungboymovedin,hewasatherapeutic-led placement,whichwedidn’tknowanythingabout atthetime,otherthanitinvolvesmuchmore support.”

POSITIVESTORY

HalimaandAdamsaytheiryoungboyhasbeen partofthefamilysincedayone.“He’ssoconsiderate andawareofthings,he’samazingwithouryounger children.Escapingthenarrativethatchildreninthe caresystemareseenasscapegoatsastheyhave ‘problemsandissues’.Everypositivestoryalways outweighsthenegatives.Otherwise,wewouldn’tbe heretoday;howeverhardthestoryhasbeen,weare stillhere.Wewentintoitthinking,ofcourse,we’re goingtoadvocateforhim,aswewouldanychild. Butputtingthatintopracticeisverydifferentfrom thinkingaboutitasyoucomeupagainsteveryonein thesystem.

“Beingfostercarersiswhatweweremeanttodo; itfeelsholisticandintegratedforus.Westillwant ourchildrentobearoundotherchildrenthatway; thatisimportantforus.Openingyourselfupto buildingafamilywithyoungpeopleandembracing themaspartofyourlife,givesyouabeautythatisn't normallythere.Thechallengesareawonderful experience,they’rereal,they’reaccessible,andyou canimpactyoungpeopleandtheirlivesaswellas yourown.

“Ifyoucanofferanotherpersonasafespaceand joinyourfamily,thentherewon’tbeamoment whereitfeelsrightmorethannow.Youaresupported throughthatprocess;wecan’timaginedoingitwith anyoneelse.Youcanhaveawonderfullife experiencingjoyanddespair,growing,developing, andformingbeautifulrelationships.” ■

GOLFDAYHITS20K

Halesowen-basedhousebuilder BarrattHomesWestMidlandsraised nearly£20,000atagolftournament foritscharityoftheyear,Midlands AirAmbulance.Morethan90 membersofstaffandsub-contractors tookpartinthecompetitionat RedditchGolfClub,withthewinning teamfromPGHopkins.JonCottrell, thecharity’sseniorpartnerships executive,said:“Theeventraisedthe equivalentof12life-savingmissions, fivebyairambulanceandsevenby criticalcarecar.”

BUSINESS

PROPERTYMOVE

Aleadingpropertyconsultancy issettoopenanewofficein theheartofBirmingham’s businesscommunity.Fisher German’s7,300sqftofficeat 15ColmoreRowwillsee70 staffmovefromexistingsites thismonth.Thefirm,whichhas 27officesacrosstheUK,is lookingtoemploymorepeople overthenexttwoyearsasit lookstogrowitsengagement withthebusinessandproperty communityinthecity.

CYBERPATRONS

ForensicPathways–aBirmingham-based companyrenownedforitsinnovativethreat intelligence,cyberandriskandreputation technologies–hasbecomeapatronofGreater BirminghamGlobalChamberofCommerce.Led

bychiefexecutiveandfounderDebLearyand directorBenLeary,pictured,ForensicPathways hasanaward-winningteamofin-house softwaredevelopers,computerscientists,and investigators.Overthepast22years,the companyhaspioneeredthedevelopmentof darkwebmonitoring,socialmediaintelligence, andinvestigativeservices.

NEWS

CHARLOTTECENTRESTAGE

TheRoyalShakespeare CompanyhasappointedCharlotte Suttonasitsnewheadofcasting.

Charlotteiscurrentlyanartistic associateoftheYoungVicandwas thecastingassociateatChichester FestivalTheatrefrom2017to2023.

“Iamdelightedtobejoiningthe RSCatsuchapivotalmomentfor theorganisation,”shesaid.

“GrowingupinLeicestershire,we maderegularschooltripstosee playsinStratford-upon-Avon,sothe RSCformedakeypartofmy formativetheatre-going experience.”

Businessesarebeingurgedtohelpsaveoneof Birmingham’smosthistoricalbuildings.Theroofof GradeIlistedStPaul’sChurchneedstobereplacedata costof£660,000asthebuildingandcontentsareat riskofbeingdamagedbyflooding.Birminghamglobal trainingcompany,OTD,hasbecomethefirstlocal businesstosupporttheappealwitha£2,500donation. VicarofStPaul’s,DavidTomlinson,said:“Wehave givenourselves250daystoraisethemoney.”Full detailsat:www.stpaulsjq.church/raise-the-roof

SHARONTOTHERESCUE

FASTLANETOFUN CITYSWITCH

BowlingfansarehavingaballatthenewHollywoodBowlMerryHill. The£3.7millioncentrefeatures24state-of-the-artbowlinglanes, includingsixseparateVIPlanes.There’salsoarangeofarcadegames, pooltablesandaloungearea,aswellasanLA-stylebarandAmerican diner.ManagerScottJonessaid:“Alotofworkandenthusiasmhas goneintothisprojectandbeingpartofMerryHillasthefocalpointof theemergingleisurequarteranditsentertainmentofferingisfantastic”.

Abankmanagerishelpingtosolveaspikyproblemawayfromherdayjob. SharonBaker,whoworksatDeutscheBankinBrindleyplacerunsahedgehog rescueservicecalledArray4hogsfromherhome.Shetakesinupto150 hedgehogseachyearsinceconvertinghergardenshedintoananimalrescue centre.Sharon,whohasbeenwithDeutscheBankfor11years,said:“Istarted fosteringhedgehogsoverthewinterperiodandbeforeIknewwhathappenedI wassettingupmyownrescueservice!”

SpecialistHRrecruitmentconsultancyMacmillan DavieshasopenedanewMidlandsofficein Birmingham’sbusinessandfinancialquarter.The officeisledbyassociatedirectorNicolaMorris whohasjoinedMacmillanDaviesafterworkingin bothin-houseHRrolesandwithinrecruitment agenciesandin-housetalentacquisitionteams. DarrenHayman,MDofMacmillanDavies,said: “Birminghamisahiveofeconomicactivitywitha thrivingbusinesscommunityandourcentralcity locationmeansourMidlandsteamisatitsheart.”

TheNECGrouphasappointedMelanieSmithasthecompany’snewchief executiveofficer.ShesucceedsPaulThandiwhobecomeschairmanafter nearly17yearsasCEO.Melaniebringsmorethan25years’experiencein executiveandoperationalleadershiptotheUK’sleadingliveeventsbusiness, mostrecentlyasCEOofOcadoRetail,theonlinegrocerandretailcompany. ShepreviouslyheldseniorpositionsatMarks&Spencer,Bupa,TalkTalkand McKinsey&Coandisanon-executivedirectoratenergycompanySSEplc.

BOXING CLEVER

South&CityCollegeBirminghamhas launchedaboxingfacilityatitsBournville Campustoprovidecoachingcoursesand trainingforlocalpeoplefromtheageof 14upwards.Theinitiativeisbeing supportedbyformerworldmiddleweight championWayneElcock,renowned boxingcoachPaddyLynch,thePaddy BensonBoxingAcademyandthecollege’s seniorambassador,sportsandradio presenterTomRoss.

ANNIVERSARYSHOW

Redditch’sKingfisherCentreiscelebratingits50th anniversarywithafreeexhibitionofphotos,oldadverts andevenpalmtrees!‘Kingfishtory’isaimedatevoking memoriesforthosewhohavevisitedthecentresinceit openedin1973andtellsthestoryofhowithasevolved overtime.Thecentre’smanagementteam,ledbygeneral managerAdrianField,pictured,trawledthearchivesto producetheexhibitionat24WalfordWalk(opposite Clintons)andwhichrunsuntiltheendoftheyear.

DOUBLEBOOST

BrandandwebagencyPLOTTiscelebratingadoubleboostafterbeing nominatedforAgencyTeamoftheYearattheMidlandsMarketingAwardsand addingtwonewteammembers.ManagingdirectorAnnaPlotneksaid:“It’s thrillingtoberecognisedfortheworkwedo.”Thenewteammembersare graphicdesignerAlexSmithandfront-endwebdeveloperEwanLockwood, pictured.Theagencysaysitsgrowthisaresultofconsecutivesuccessfulyears, drivenbycreativeoutputandclientrelationships.

BUSINESS BITES

STADIUMDEAL

ITservicesproviderIntercityTechnology hasannouncedanewpartnershipwith Edgbaston,becomingthecricketstadium’s officialITpartner.Intercitywillsupport Edgbaston’sambitiousregenerationplans andvisionofbecomingaworld-classtechenabledstadium.

TRIBUTESHOW

Aphotographyexhibitionorganisedby ColmoreBID’sOutstandingPlacesWorking GrouphonouredthelateDaveOram,who setupBirmingham-basedphotography website,Brumpic.TheexhibitionatSnow HillSquareshowcasedhiscontributionand legacytothecity’sculture.

INTERNPROJECT

QuilterCheviothaslauncheda12-month InvestmentManagementInternship Programme,whichhaswelcomedtwo internswhoarelookingtobeginacareer withinthewealthmanagementindustryat theirBirminghamoffice.Theinternswill begivenaninsightintospecificareasof thebusinessthroughouttheyear.

MUM’STHEWORD

Abusinessestablishedandgrownbya Warwickshiremumwhilehome-schoolingher daughterhaswonaregionalawardandreacheda keystaffmilestone.KathrynBrooksstarted WarwickHRin2019afterofferingtohelpalocal businessthatpostedforHRsupport.WarwickHR nowhas10staffandhasmovedintomorespace atPureOfficesatTournamentFields–andthe businesswasnamedLeadingOutsourcedHR ProviderattheMidlandsEnterpriseAwards.

SHOWBIZANDSPORTSSTARS

TAKE‘TEE’ATNAILCOTEHALL BritishPar3Championshipcelebrates 90thanniversaryinstylewithtopnames fromworldofgolfandentertainment

Oneofthebigannualeventsofthesportingand socialcalendarsawtheworldofentertainment andgolfcometogetheratNailcoteHallto celebratethe90thanniversaryoftheFarmfoodsBritish Par3Championship.Thisyear,thesuperstarfield includedBobbyDavro,TonyJacklin,AlanMcInally, JasperCarrottandBrianMcFadden.RobertRockwonhis secondtitleattheworld-famousevent,takinghomethe first-placeprizeof50,000euros. ■

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: CharlieandtheChocolate Factory–TheMusical

WHEN: 12Octoberto5November

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

Escapetoaworldofpureimaginationwiththis spectacularstageshowthatcombinesthe memorablesongsfromtheoriginal1970’s motionpicturewithall-newnumbersfromthe multi-award-winningsongwritersofHairspray.

WHAT: SpookyWellyWalk

WHEN: 28October

WHERE: CannonHillPark, roycastle.org/events

Thispopularfamilyevent

returnstoBirmingham.Idealforchildrenagedthreetoeight, yourlittlemonsterswillhavethechancetoditchthescreensand enjoyawiderangeofHalloween-themedfun.Theeventalso raisesfundsfortheRoyCastleLungCancerFoundationcharity.

WHAT: CowboisbyCharlieJosephine

WHEN: 14Octoberto18November

WHERE: RSCSwanTheatre,rsc.org.uk,tel01789331111

WhenhandsomebanditJackCannonswaggersintoasleepy townintheWildWest,theexplosivearrivalinspiresagender revolution–andstartsafireunderthepetticoatofeveryoneof thetown’srepressedinhabitants.

WHAT: TomJones

WHEN: 16December

WHERE: ResortsWorldArena, resortsworldarena.co.uk

OneofBritain’sall-timegreatestvocal talents,theinternationaliconandliving legendbringshisAges&Stagestourto Birminghampromisinganunforgettable performanceofhistimelesshits.

WHAT: ReverendRichardColes: BorderlineNationalTrinket

WHEN: 27October

WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk

Themandubbed‘Britain’smost famousvicar’comestotownwithhis poignanttakeonloveandloss,lifting thelidonhislifeasthenation’s much-treasuredjack-of-all-trades.

WHAT: ELOAgain

WHEN: 24October

WHERE: TelfordTheatre, telfordtheatre.com

Thetoptributeshowisbackwiththe stunningRe-DiscoveryTourcelebratingthe trulyuniversalmusicofJeffLynneandthe ElectricLightOrchestra.

WHAT: StuartBroad

WHEN: 7November

WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk

Freshoffthefieldaftertakinghisfinalwicket, joinoneofEngland’sgreatestcricketersashe divulgesthehighsandlowsofasensational 17-yearlongcareertocelebratethereleaseof hisnewsportingmemoir.

WHAT: DarrenHerriott

WHEN: 24October

WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham/

TheBirminghamLivingcoverboyhas comealongwaysincehisearlydays giggingintheBlackCountry.Hisnew show,Roadman,chartshisrisefrom wannabebadboy,togangmember,toTV mainstay–whichmeanshispopularityat hismom’slocalCo-ophasskyrocketed!

WHAT: EdgbastonArtisanMarket

WHEN: 14October

WHERE: GreenfieldCrescent,Edgbaston, calthorpe.co.uk

Birmingham’slargestartisanmarketreturns featuringindependentbusinessesfromacross theMidlandsshowcasingthefinestrangeof artisanfoodanddrink,alongsidehandmadearts andcraftsandfarmers’marketproduce.

WHAT: TheLion,theWitch andtheWardrobe

WHEN: 14Novemberto 28January

WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk

DirectfromtheWestEnd,thisbreathtakingstageshowofCSLewis’s classicnovelcomestotownforthe mostmagicalofshowsforChristmas.Stepthroughthewardrobeintothe kingdomofNarniaformarvellousmysticaladventuresinafarawayland.

WHAT: MaliMorris

WHEN: Nowuntil22December

WHERE: Ikon,ikon-gallery.org

AsoloexhibitionofMaliMorriswhohasbeen exploringthepossibilitiesofabstractpaintingfor morethan50years.Herrecentpaintingscreatevisual arenas,wherecolourmovesthroughspaceandspace movesthroughcolour.

WHAT: TheChemicalBrothers

WHEN: 3November

WHERE: UtilitaArena,utilitaarenabham.co.uk

Themulti-award-winningduorecentlyreleasedtheirfirst newmusicintwoyears,theunmistakeableand irresistibleacidtrackNoReason.Arguablyoneofthe mostinfluentialelectronicactsofalltime,they’realso famousfortheirmind-bendingliveshows.

WHAT: JamesMartinLive

WHEN: 23October

WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk

Thecelebritychefturnsuptheheatwitha brand-newtourfeaturinglivedemonstrations andcookingtasks.Expectfun,laughter,food andevensomelivemusicinthisexclusive gastronomicexperience.

WHAT: PrettyWomanTheMusical

WHEN: 17to28October

WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com

Bignightout.Big.HUGE.Makea datetoseeHollywood’sultimate rom-com,liveonstagewithablazing rockscorefromGrammywinners

BryanAdamsandJimVallancemaking forasensationalshowthatwilllift yourspiritsandlightupyourheart.

CLOSEWITHÁ

DANIEL BRIDGEWATER

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

I’mveryproudtobethefounderandCEOofBuckt, aBirmingham-bornbusinessandtheUK’sonlytickets andactivitiessubscriptionservice.AstheCEO,I’m responsiblefortheultimatesuccessofthebusinessand ensuringwearegrowingintherightdirectionforour teamandsubscribers.Onaday-to-daybasismyrole varies,fromoverseeingourmarketingactivitytogrowth andbudgetmanagementandsupportingstaff,ensuring theyfeelhappywithintheirroleandabletoperformto thebestoftheirabilities.

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

AlthoughI’mdelightedtoseeBuckt’simpactonthe leisureindustry,Ihaveambitionstotakethecompanyto thenextlevel.Therearesomanypossibilitiesforthe businessandwe’realreadyworkingonsomeamazing things.StartinginBirmingham,Buckthasexpandedto fourkeylocationsnationally(GreaterBirmingham, London,LiverpoolandMerseysideandGreater Manchester).Ourgoalistoseethebusinessgaina presencewithineverymajorcityintheUKandthen expandinternationally.

BIGGESTSUCCESS

SecuringourfirstroundofinvestmentforBuckt wasahugesuccessforme.Fromayoungladwatching TheApprenticeandDragons’Den,I’dalwaysaspired togrowabusinesstoapointwheresomeonebelieved initenoughtoinvestmoneyintoit.AsidefromBuckt, I’vebeenfortunateenoughtoreceivemany opportunities,specificallyrelatedtomyfirstbusiness FourthWallandmyinvolvementinthecommunity. FourthWallisasocialenterprisethatrunsprojects withyoungpeopleindisadvantagedcommunities.As

aresultofFourthWall,andmypositionasatrusteefor leadershipcharityUpRising,Iwasinvitedtomeet KingCharles(then,PrinceCharles)atBuckingham Palace.IalsoreceivedaPointofLightAwardfrom DavidCameronandafollowinginvitationto10 DowningStreetbyTheresaMay.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Asanentrepreneur,youareconstantlylearning.My adviceis,beforestartingabusiness,testasmuchasyou can.Peopleoftenjumpintothingswithoutconsidering theendcustomers’needs.Askyourself,dotheyhavea problemthatyourproductistryingtosolve?Ifthe answerisno,startagain.Oneofmybiggestlessonshas beendecidingwhentosay‘no’ortogivesomethingup, andwhentopushforwardwithanidea.

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

Birminghamwasonce‘thecityofathousandtrades’. NowIseeitasthecityofathousandopportunities.The cityisbigenoughtoofferopportunities,butsmall enoughthatyoucanhavearealimpact.Bigenough thatyoucanalwaysfindwhatyou’relookingfor,but smallenoughthatyoucanbuildmeaningfulcrosssectorrelationships.Moretangibly,Iwasborn,raised, educated,inemploymentandnowrunabusinessin thiscity—Birminghamhasalwaysbeenmyhome.

DOWNTIME

Assomeonewhosebrainisalwaysgoing100-milesan-hour,watchingagoodfilmorTVseriesistheperfect waytohelpmeswitchoffandchillout.I’verecentlygot backintofootballandofcourse…Ilovedoingfun leisureactivities!IparticipateinBucktactivitiesasoften asIcanandI’malwaystryingnewthings. ■

ThefounderandCEOofBuckt,theUK’sonlyticketsandactivities subscriptionservice,outlineshisgoaltoseetheBirmingham-born businessexpandintoeverymajorcityinthecountry–andbeyond