Birmingham living VALENTINE’SDAY CHOCS&TREATS SWEETDREAMS PERFECTBEDS SWIMMINGWITHSHARKS CHRISTINEEDWARDS FOKAWOLF GUERRILLAARTIST BEAUTIFUL BRIDALWEAR PERFECTPIZZA SMOKE+ASH MIMSHAIKH BROADCASTER&ACTORTALKSRADIO,ROM-COMS&007
oveisintheairthismonthand,boy,doweneeditwithallthestrugglesandstrife athomeandinthewiderworld.So,let’scelebratebeingromanticandhavingfun asweallgetlovey-doveyforValentine’sDay.
Februaryistraditionallythemonthwhenguys,orgirls,popthequestion,getengagedandstartthe processofplanningthewedding.It’salsoabigmonthfortheBigDayitselfwithvenuesseeingawelcome spikeinbookings.
Thisissueisfullofideasforbridesandgrooms,ledbyourStylesectionwhichlooksatthelatesttrendsandbest optionsinbridalwear,whateveryourbudget.Weshowthatit’snotnecessarytospendthousandsonthedress–eventhoughit’sarealtreattodosoifyouhavethemoney,ofcourse!
ThegoodnewsisthatBrumhasahugeselectionofplacestochooseeverythingyouneedfortheperfectwedding, whetheryouwantavintagevibeoramodernmood.Andevenifyou’venotactuallypoppedthequestionyet,there areloadsofshops,restaurantsandromanticdestinationswhereyoucanindulgetheloveofyourlife.
Growingup,ChristineEdwardswasterrifiedofgoinginthewater.Sheexplainsinourfeaturethatherterrorwas compoundedbyseeingthefilmJaws.Shedideventuallyovercomeherfearandhassincecompletedmorethan 1,200dives,swimmingwithsharks.Now,shehaswrittenabookinwhichshetriestorebalanceourperceptions ofsharksasrandomkillers.Thebookisaimedatyoungstersaged12andabove.It’sagreatreadandrevealshow thesemagnificentcreaturesareactuallyindangerofbeinghuntedtoextinction.
@brum_living/bhamliving
Coverimage: MimShaikhbyDavidReiss
EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk
FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk
DESIGNER: TracyDuffy
CONTRIBUTORS: SueCooke,KatieGardner,AdamKirtland ACCOUNTMANAGER: JaneMorris jane@brumliving.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn
JonathanCarter
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560
EDITOR’SVIEW february2023 birminghamliving 03
DavidJohns
www.brumliving.co.uk
visit
PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR:
RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110 ©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.
FINALIST L
living
10 14 18 26 28 38
Highlights
MimShaikh
Thebroadcasterandactortalkshisnew rom-comfilm…andonedayplaying007
SwimmingwithSharks
HowactorandauthorChristineEdwards beatherfearofJawstowriteanewbook
Food&Drink
HeadchefDiveshAnand,plusromantic foodanddrinkideas,recipesandnews
Health
Birminghamishostingtopsquashevents –butit’sasportforall,notjustthepros
Style
Loveisintheairaswereviewthatlatest trendsinweddingwear,plusbeautypicks
Homes
Bolsteryourchancesofagreatnight’s sleepwithourtipsforadreamybedroom
february2023
birminghamliving 04
BestoftheRest
46 48 52 56 64 66
Motoring SueCooketakestheFunkyCatforaspin. No,we’renotkidding…we’repurring!
Young,Gifted&Brummie Talentedteenagerwholovestopaint isearninginternationalcommissions
FokaWolf Theguerillastreetartistwhokeeps hisidentityaclosely-guardedsecret
Business Newsandviewsfromthecommercial community,plusourSocialsround-up
What’sOn
Latestfromthecity’stopshowsandgigsin ourround-upofthismonth’smainevents
UpClose
WithDrLinziStauvers,theactingartistic directorofeducationatIkon,Brindleyplace
february2023 birminghamliving 05
CONTENTS
SLEEP WITH LIONS
Fancysleepingawhiskerawayfromlions?West MidlandSafariParkhasopenedbookingsforitsnew luxuryLionLodges.Thefourlodgesallowgueststo experienceanovernightstaywithinthebrand-new lionhabitat.OpeninginJuly,eachlodgecan accommodateuptosixpeople.Floor-to-ceiling windowsgiveagreatviewofthebigcatsfromthe bedrooms,livingspaceandprivategardenareas.
NEWS
SLAMDUNKPLEDGE
BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH
OrganisationswhoholdaCovenant recognisethevalueservingpersonnel, veteransandmilitaryfamilies contributetotheirbusinessandthe country.TheNechells-basedRockets have16men’s,women’sandyouth teamscompetingnationallyandan educationalacademyprogramme.
DATEWITHTHEKING
Themulti-TonyAward-winning productionofRodgers&Hammerstein’s TheKingandIarrivesatTheAlexandra Birminghamfrom28Februaryto4
March.Broadwaystarandfilmactor DarrenLeewillplaythetitleroleofThe KingofSiamoppositeHelenGeorge, knowntomillionsasTrixieinthehitBBC OneseriesCalltheMidwife,whowill starasAnnaLeonowens.
birminghamliving february2023 06 NEWS
BLUESLEGEND
TheUK’slongestestablishedindependentrecord company,Birmingham’sBigBearRecords,has releasedalong-awaited,newCDalbumbyoneof America’sblueslegends.ThelaunchofThingsIUsed toDobyChickWilliswasheldatHenry’sBlueshouse atVelvetMusicRooms.ChickWillis,borninCabaniss, Georgiain1934,isknownthroughouttheblues worldasTheStoopDownManthankstohis1950s hitsingleofthesamename.
THESINGINGBUSMAN MAGICOFMOG
BusdriverRanjitSinghhasbecomeanunlikelysingingstaronYouTube.The59year-oldwhoisbasedatNationalExpressWestMidlandsdepotinWest Bromwich,createdthefeel-goodmusicvideoabouthisjob,combininghislovefor drivingandsinging.Thevideo,whichhasbeenviewedthousandsoftimes,was filmedinPunjabiandpublishedsothatRanjitcouldsharewithhisfamilyand friendsinIndiawhathedoesforwork.
BIKINGBOOST
TransportforWestMidlands(TfWM)hasbeen awardednearly£3.5millioninfundingto supportthedesign,planninganddevelopment ofcycling,wheelingandwalkingschemesin theregion.ThegrantfromActiveTravel England’sCapabilityFundwillbeusedby TfWMtodelivertheregion’sambitiousactive travelplans,greenjobsandtoensureitsnew cycleroutes,lanesandprojectsareofthe highestqualityanddesignstandards.
ThefirststageadaptationofJudithKerr’s best-sellingMogpicturebooksiscoming toBrum.MogtheForgetfulCatfeatures originalsongs,livemusicanda menagerieofcreatureslittleandlargeto bringtheiconicstoriestolife.Amust-see forallthefamily,thetourproductionhas addedextradatesandwillnowlandat theRepfrom13to15April.
february2023 birminghamliving 07 NEWS
ONTHE BALL NEWYEARFEAST
Getreadytobebowledover!TheBullringandGrandCentralissettowelcome Lane7thissummerasthecentre’sleisureofferingcontinuestogrow.The boutiquebowlingvenuewillopenatLinkStreetandofferawiderangeofgames, late-nighttradingandarooftopterracebarwithviewsacrossthecitycentre.It willalsohouseretroarcadegames,beerpongstationsandkaraoke.
TAPANDCAP SAVINGS
Researchbytwolocal studentshasrevealedthat aLondonOyster-style ‘tapandcap’fare-paying systemwouldprovide savingsforyoungpeople intheMidlandsaswellas amassiveboostforbus andtramoperators.The study,forMidlands Connect,byCharlie GoddardofStourbridge andSamuelIslamof GreatBarrrevealedthat smartticketingcouldcut students’travelcostsby upto£50ayear, dependingontheir commute.
GAMEON!
RoxyLeisureissettoopenitssecondBirminghamsitethis month.ThenewRoxyBallRoomisontheVictoriaSquaresite previouslyoccupiedbyKong,whichfailedtoreopenafterthe pandemic.Thecompetitivegamingconceptwillfeature activitiessuchasAmericanpool,basketball,beerpong,ping pong,shuffleboard,ten-pinbowlingandmore,alongsidea menuofcraftbeer,premiumspiritsandRoxy’ssignaturefood anddrinksoffering.
CommitteeBirminghamput onastunningshowto celebratetheLunarNew Year.Thefestivitiesincluded singing,dancingandmusic, highenergydrum performancesandShaolin KungFudemonstrations. ChrisSudworth,the Hippodrome’sdirectorof artisticprogramme, said:“Theeventshonea spotlightonthefantastic talentwithinourlocal communitieswhilebringing visitorstogetherto welcomeintheYearofthe Rabbit.”
WONDROUSWIN
TheopeningshowoftheBirmingham2022Festival haswontheprestigiousAccessAllAreasAwardinthe DiversityandInclusioncategory,ataceremonyheldin London.ThefreeWondrousStoriesoutdoorshowwas createdanddirectedbyKevinFinnan,artisticdirectorof Motionhouse,andproducedbyfemale-ledproduction company,OutdoorPlacesUnusualSpaces(OPUS).The showfeatured250performersandwasseenbymore than22,000peopleoverfournights.
birminghamliving february2023 08 NEWS
MOONMISSION
AnewshowatBirminghamHippodromeis beingbilledastheperfectintroductionto contemporarydanceforyoungpeopleand families.Starchitectsisavisualspectacleusing dance-circusfusionanddigitalprojectionswith aneasy-to-follow,funandimaginativestoryline featuringfivechildrenwhodreamofreaching themoonfromtheirbedroom.Youcanseethe showon3and4February.
IAN’SWORLDFIRST
Anewplaywrittenbyandstarring Solihull-bornIanHallard,pictured, makesitsworldpremierethismonthat BirminghamRep.TheWayOldFriends Dofollowstwoschoolpalswhoreunite toformtheworld’sfirstABBAtribute band–indrag!ThecastincludesDonna BerlinofTV’sDoctorsandRose ShallooofCalltheMidwife.The production,whichrunsfrom17February to4March,alsofeaturesthevoicesof twooftheUK’sbest-lovedperformers, MiriamMargolyesandPaulO'Grady.
DREAMTREAT
MillenniumPointhostedaspecialperformanceforitsVIPguestsfeaturing principalmembersofthecastfromthemulti-award-winningWestEnd productionofDreamgirls,duringitsmonth-longrunatTheAlexandra, Birmingham.NicoleRaquelDennis,HollyLiburd,PaigePeddieandBrianna Ogunbawotreatedinvitedgueststoashowcaseofshowtunes,includingthe classicAndIAmTellingYouandOneNightOnly. WhatdotheCockerSpaniel,Welsh Terrier,StandardPoodleandIrishSetterall haveincommon–besidesbeing caninesofcourse?They’rethetopdogs whenitcomestopickingupthemost BestinShowtitlesinthelonghistoryof Crufts.So,willoneofthemwinagain whentheshowreturnstotheNECfrom 9to12March?Fortherecord,theCocker Spanielisthebiggestwinner,claimingthe titleseventimes.Findoutmoreaboutthis year’seventandticketsatcrufts.org.uk
WHOWILLBETOPDOG?
PARKTHERIDE
AnewParktheRideschemeispromisingtoreduceemissions andcongestionwhilemakingvisitingBirminghamcitycentre shopsandattractionseasier.TheinitiativebyCalthorpe EstateswilloperatealongHagleyRoadatDuchess Place–60metresacrosstheroadfromthe EdgbastonVillagetramstop.Theschemeuses theRingGoapp,(locationnumber33633), withthetariffstartingat£4forupto 3hours,and£7for24hrs.Monthly schemesarealsoavailable.
NEWS february2023 birminghamliving 09
Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk
GOTANYNEWS?
THENAME’S MIM…
WECAUGHTUPWITHBROADCASTERANDACTORMIMSHAIKHINTHERUNUPTOTHERELEASEOFHISMOSTHIGH-PROFILEFILMTODATE–ABEAUTIFUL MULTICULTURALROM-COMMADEBYTHEPEOPLEBEHINDLOVEACTUALLY.
AFARCRYFROMHISABSOLUTEDREAMROLETOONEDAYPLAY007…
What’sLoveGotToDoWithIt?isdueoutnextmonth andstarssomeseriouslybignames–Emma Thompson,LilyJamesandShazadLatif.Madeby StudioCanalofLoveActuallyandBridgetJonessuccess,youcan expecttears,laughter,feelgoodvibesandgoosebumpsgalore.It’s gotthelot.
TheplotfollowsZoeplayedbyLilyJames,anaward-winning documentarymaker,asshefollowsanewsubject–herchildhood friendKazplayedbyShazadLatifasheprogressesthroughthe processofanarrangedmarriage.MimplaysKaz’sbrother Farooq,andhe’sthankfulforthefilmfortworeasons.Mainly becauseitrepresentsashiftindiversityinmainstreamfilmbut alsobecauseitcamealongatatimeduringlockdownwhenthe abilitytomakemoneyjuststopped,sothiswasa‘bigrescue’.
WORKETHIC
You’llknowMimfromBBCOnecrimedramaInformerwhich alsostarredPaddyConsidine,NabhaanRizwanandBelPowley, buthe’sbeenworkinginTVandradioconsistentlyforthelast decade.Hemadehisscreendebutinthe2014shortfilm DaytimerdirectedbyactorRizAhmedandwasaregularon BBC1XtraandBBCAsianNetwork.
Heappearedin2016shortfilmShiaSunniwhichwona BAFTAChildren’sAwardandplayedtheleadingroleinBritish comedyhorrorFreeholdalongsideMandeepDhillonandJavier Botet.HealsoappearedinPilgrimage:TheRoadtoIstanbulon
Photography:DavidReiss
Styling:CharlotteMalley
Grooming:FiryalArneil
COVERSTORY birminghamliving february2023 10
february2023 birminghamliving COVERSTORY 11
BBC2alongsideaneclecticbunchofcelebrities includingAdrianChiles,FatimaWhitbread,Edwina Currie,AmarLatif,PaulineMcLynnandDomJoly whotookonahistoricalpilgrimageandwere encouragedtochatabouttheirfaithalongtheway.
In2018,hefoundhisfatherwho’dbeenabsenthis entirelifeinBBCThreedocumentary,FindingDad inwhichMimspent18monthstrackingdownhis biologicalfathertakinghimultimatelytoPakistan viahisbirthplaceinCradleyHeath.Whilehedidn’t gettheDisneyendinghecravedandtherewerelots ofunansweredquestions,Mimdidfindhisfather andaresolutionofsortsandunexpectedlyfelta strongconnectiontoPakistanfeelingathome instantly.It'sbeenawhirlwind.
SILVERLINING
WhenMimgotthescriptforWhat’sLoveGotTo DoWithIt?hewaswonderinghowhewould continuemakingalivingduringlockdown.Mim said:“Workstoppedcompletely.I’mnotfroma privilegedbackgroundandcouldn’tseeawayof makingmoney.Myagentsentthescriptthroughand Ireallyconnectedwithit.Itwasasilverlining.”The auditionneededtobedoneathomethanksto lockdownandMimdulyrecordedandsentoffatape hopingtohearpositivenews.
Hegotthepartandstartedshootingduring lockdown.FiveCovidtestsaweek,plusmasksand faceshieldsbetweenfilmingbecamethenorm.The castandcrewjustcrackedonwithitgratefultobe abletowork.Mimisoverthemoonwithhowthe film’sturnedoutanddescribesitas‘absolutely beautiful’andanimportantstoryexploringarranged marriageandparticularlyhowthataffectstheman.
STORYTELLER
GoingbacktoMim’slackofprivilege,heglossed overgettinghisfirstjobattheBBCinitiallyas thoughitwasnothing,buthe’sbeingmodest.He studiedBroadcastJournalismatLeedsUniversity thenworkedhardtogethisfootinthedoor. CompetitionforBBCjobsisfierceandhedidn’t havetheluxuryofbeingfromthatworldorhaving connectionsinbroadcasting.Hardwork,talentand determinationgothimthroughthedoorandhaskept himworkingandadaptingconstantly.
He’sversatileasdemonstratedbyhisbroadmixof workandlovestellingstorieswhateverformthat takes,sowritingduringlockdownfeltlikealogical nextstepalongsideacting.Likelotsofpeople,Mim hadtimetoevaluatelifegenerallyduringthe pandemicandhebeganwritinginearnest.Hewon’t saywhathe’swritingyet.Hecouldtellme,buthe’d havetokillmewhichleadsnicelyontoMim’sdream role–JamesBond.Whilehereckonshe’sabityoung rightnow,we’dwatchthisspacebecausehonestly, anythingispossible. ■
birminghamliving february2023 12 COVERSTORY
BOXOFFICE
CatchWhat’sLoveGotToDoWithIt?incinemasfrom27February.
SWIMMING WITH SHARKS
ActorandauthorChristineEdwardswasterrifiedofgoingintothewater afterwatchingthefilmJaws.Afterfinallybeatingherfear–andnow withmorethan1,200divesunderherbelt–shehaswrittenanew children’sbookchampioningthismost-misunderstoodofseacreatures
birminghamliving february2023 14 FEATURE
Asayoungster,ChristineEdwardswasscaredof swimminginthesea.Shewouldn’tevenventureto paddle.Thatfeargrewintoterroraftershewatchedthe legendaryfilmJawsaboutaGreatWhiteSharkthatbrought deathtoholidaybeaches.
“Thethoughtofwhatmightbelurkingunderthesurfaceof thewaterwastoomuchforme,”shesaid.“Thethoughtthat sharksmightbewaitingtopounce.Iwaspetrified,andastime wentbymyterrorgrewworse.”
EverythingchangedforChristineaftershewasdaredby friendsintotryingascubadivein2006.Morethan1,200dives aroundtheglobelater,shenowadoressharks.Somuchso,that shehaswrittenanewbook,herfirst,aboutsharks.Thebook, titledSharksAreScaryAren’tThey?isaimedprimarilyat teenagersasChristinelookstochangetheperceptionwitha youngaudienceoftheseacreaturesasmaraudingkillers.
HUMANIMPACT
Alsoagoodreadforadults,thebooktacklesthemessuchas thehumanimpactontheenvironmentandtheprotectionof sharksandtheirhabitats,aswellassomeofthe‘badpress’that sharkshavesufferedovertheyearsasaresultoftheoriginalJaws movieandfollow-upsequels.
Christinesaid:“Conqueringadeep-rootedfearoftheseaand terrifiedofthesharksthatroamedthere,thedecisiontotryascuba divechangedmylife.ThemomentIsankbeneaththewavesand glimpsedattheworldbelowthesurface,Iwaswellandtruly hooked.WheneverIwoulddescribemysharkencounterstofriends orfamilytheyinvariablyexpressedconcernandquestionedwhy anyonewoulddivewithsuchadangerousspecies.Mybookcame outoftheneedtoredressthebalanceforthiswonderfulfish.
“Sharkshaveexistedfor450millionyears,wellbeforethe dinosaurs,andstillexisttoday.Theyarebeinghuntedand cruellykilledfortheirfinsandareprobablyoneofthemost misunderstoodcreaturesonourplanet.Theknock-oneffectof theirdemisewillbecatastrophic.Oceanswithoutsharkswill causenegativechangestootherspecies–withoutthispredator keepingotherfishincheck,ourcoastlinesandreefswill ultimatelysuffer.Theoceansneedsharks!”
CAREERCHANGE
BorninChester,Christine,wholivesinWythall, Worcestershire,readpsychologyatWarwickUniversitybefore workingasateacherfor20years.In2004,shemadethedecision
february2023 birminghamliving 15 FEATURE
tochangecareersandtrainedatBirmingham TheatreSchooltobecomeanactor.Whenwespoke shehadjustplayedMrsClausatWarwickCastle’s Christmascelebrations.
HerbookfollowstheemotionaljourneyofCharlie Parker,afearful12-year-oldboy,andJaneJones,a retireddentistandscubadiver,whomeetbychance onabeach.Despitetheyearsthatseparatethem,they discovertheyhavemuchincommon.
Hearingaboutthestrugglesanddangerssharks faceandhowtheyareonthebrinkofextinction, bringsthetwofriendsclosertogether.Thereare storiesofsharkencounters,themajestyofthe underwaterworldandhowtheimpactofhuman
SharksAreScaryAren’tThey?ispublished bytheBookGuild(www.bookguild.co.uk) at£8.99andisavailableonlineandfrom allgoodbookshops.
activityandplasticpollutionisaffectingtheirhabitat. Mostofall,thetwocharacterslearnaboutthepower ofthehumanspirittochangeinthefaceofadversity.
GREATWHITE
“Istartedwritingthebookonaboatin2017,”said Christine.“I’dbeenonadiveinIndonesiaandasI wrotethefirstchapter,Icouldseethebookandwhat Iwantedtosayinmymind.Ieventuallyfinishedit in2021.”Christinecandivetoaround30metres(120 feet)andhasseenahugevarietyofsharks.“They don’twanttoattackatall,”shesaid.“Ifyouthinkof sharkslikedogs–mostaren’thappytobiteatall.”
Christinehopesherbookwillgointoschoolsasshe wouldlovetomakethatconnectionasanex-head teacherherself.She’salsopromotingthebookonradio. Evenforsomeonewhoadoressharks,Christineadmits shestopsshortofwantingtomeetaGreatWhite.
“I’venotencounteredaGreatWhiteandfrankly Idon’twantto.Theyarejusttoounpredictable,” sheadmits. ■
birminghamliving february2023 16 FEATURE
UNDERWATERMISSION: Christineononeofhermanydivesforsharks.Picture:JaneDaviesPhotography
february2023 birminghamliving 17
DIVESH ANAND
TheheadchefatFiveRiversALaCarte, WalsallisobsessedwithIndianfoodbut alsoenjoysexploringworldcuisine.
He’lleventrybeansontoast–aslong asthey’respicedupwithmasala…
february2023 FOOD&DRINKliving
birminghamliving 18
Tellusaboutyourcooking
Mystyleisinnovativeandcontemporary.Ihavea vastknowledgeoftraditionalIndiancookingmethods andrecipesandbringanexcitingfusioninmarrying authenticIndiancuisinewithcontemporaryplating that’sontrend.
Howdidyoubecomeachef?
Ihavealwayshadapassionaboutgreatfood fromayoungageandwasencouragedtofollowthis bymyfamily.Ipursuedmyhobbyandinstantly knew–whenIenrolledforaninternshipatthe OberoiHotelGroup–thatIwasbornfor hospitality!Youhavetobecutfromacertaintype ofclothtosucceedinthissector,andespecially avibrantkitchen.Irapidlygrewthroughthe ranksandhavehadthepleasureofcateringfor manycelebrities,governmentofficialsandVIPsin mycareer.
Whatdoyoueatathome?
IamobsessedwithIndiancuisinebutenjoy exploringandbroadeningmyknowledgeonworld cuisine.IparticularlylikeThaiandItalianandwill experimentathomefromtimetotime.
Who’sthebestchefintheworldandwhy?Andwho’s thebestinBrum?
Therearemanygreatchefsintheworld,but GagganAnand,forme,isthebestamongthe modernIndiancuisinesector.AsforBirmingham,I haven’tbeenherelongasIarrivedfromUAEin summeroflastyear,butworkingverycloselywith
executivechefRashpalSunnerhereatFiveRivers,I understandwhyhehasbeensohighlyacclaimedin theBirminghamscene.
Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?
Nobrainer…NihariGosht,servedonthebone, whichwillbeanewadditionandfeatureonournewa lacartemenu–amusttry!
Foodheavenandfoodhell?
Heavenisblackdaalbecauseit’swholesome, flavoursome,affordableandremindsmeofmy childhoodandhomecomforts.Asforhell,whenI cametothiscountryIdiscoveredbeansontoast–it's soplain!ButifyouspiceitupwithmasalaImightbe willingtogiveitanothergo…
What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?
WheninParis,Ihadtotrysnails.Theywerewell marinatedinafreshgarlicpuree.Veryunusualforme, butIwaspleasantlysurprised.
Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?
Toughquestion!Ireallycan’timaginelifedoing anythingelse,althoughIdoenjoytravelling–so maybeapilot?IamveryluckythatIcansharemy passionandloveforfoodandtravelwhiledoingit. ThisismyfourthcountrywhereIcanshowcasemy culinarystyleafterIndia,QatarandtheUAE. ■
FiveRivers,11VicaragePlace,Walsall,WS13NA. fiveriversalacarte.co.uk
february2023 birminghamliving 19 CHEF’SCORNER
CHOCOLATE LOVE-IN
Ourindulgentchocolatemoussecakewillmelt theheartofthatspecialpersoninyourlife
INGREDIENTS
Forthechocolatecake
■ 25gcocoapowder,plusextrafordusting
■ 3tbspboilingwater
■ 100gcastersugar
■ 100gself-raisingflour
■ 1leveltspbakingpowder
■ 2largefreerangeeggs
■ 100gmargarine,plusextraforgreasing
■ 2tbspbrandy
Forthemousse
■ 300gdarkchocolate(nomorethan40to 50percentcocoasolids),brokenintosquares
■ 450mlwhippingcream
METHOD:
Preheattheovento180C/160CFan.Grease an8-inchcaketinandlinethebaseandsides withbakingpaper.
Firstly,forthecake,addthecocoapowderto alargebowl,addtheboilingwaterandmix toapaste.Addtherestofthedry ingredients,thentheeggs,followedbythe margarineandbeatuntilsmooth.Spoonthe mixtureintothecaketin,levelthesurface andbakeintheovenfor20to25minutes,or untilaskewerinsertedintothecentreofthe cakecomesoutcleanandthecakefeels springytothetouch.Whilethecakeisstill hot,brushthebrandyoverthetopofthe cake.Leavethecaketocoolinthetin.
Next,forthemousse,placethechocolate inabowlandmeltoverapanofgently simmeringwater.Stircontinuously,taking carenottoletthechocolategettoohot. Setasidetocoolalittle.Whipthecream untilsoftpeaksandthencarefullyfoldin themeltedchocolateuntilsmoothand notstreaky.
Whenthecakehascooled,andwhileitisstill inthetin,spoonthechocolatemousseon topandlevelwithapaletteknife.Coverthe caketinwithclingfilmandchillinthefridge foraminimumof4hours,andpreferably overnight,untilthemousseisfirm.Dustwith cocoapowderandthenaddanythingyou likeontop,butyoucan’tgowrongwith someberriesandsomemorecream.
birminghamliving february2023 20 SEASON’SEATINGS
It’sValentine’sDayandloveisintheair.You’vebeenplanningtopopthe questionforagesbutstillalittlenervousthatyoumaynotgetayes.Ease thingsalongbyservingupthisgorgeouslittlepieceofchocolateheaven… youcanthankuslater! ■
SHORTS NI BBLESand
BIRMINGHAM’SBARS,RESTAURANTSANDHOTELSAREBUZZINGWITHEXCITING,NEWVIBES. HERE’SOURINSIDERGUIDETOTHELATESTNEWSFROMTHECITY’SEATERIESANDDRINKINGDENS
FESTIVAL PLEDGE
ColmoreFoodFestivalwillcelebrateits10thanniversaryinJuly.Theannualfreeevent,thisyeartobeheldinthe groundsofStPhilip’sCathedral,isorganisedbyColmoreBIDandfeaturesthebestofthelocalfoodanddrinkscene, attractingmorethan30,000visitors.Michelin-starredchefGlynnPurnellsaid:“It’saone-of-a-kindevent,andwe’re excitedtoannounceitwillbebetterthaneverforits10thyear.”ThefestivalisonFridayandSaturday,20and21July.
HOTELSBOUNCEBACK
ParkRegis,BirminghamandtheHolidayInnExpressBirminghamSoutharereportingastrong post-pandemicperformance.Bothhotelsareshowingsalesfiguresexceedingthelevelsof figuresbeforethecrisisstruck–withParkRegisexpectedtogrowitstotalrevenueforthecurrent financialyearby41percentcomparedto2019.JohnAngus,CEOatownersSwitchHospitality, said:“It’sbeenanexceptionalandhugelyencouragingyearforourWestMidlandshotels.”
BOO BALLYHOO
ThreecheersforBoo…the newfastfoodrestaurant that’sprovingahitwith hungrysoulsinMoseley.The eatery–Boo’sfirstvenuein Brum–serveshandcrafted burgers,breakfastandcoffee, allfreshlymadeonsiteusing thebestBritish,Irishand locallysourcedproducts.The 1,500sqftvenueisBoo’s sixthoutletandseats40 dinersinsidewithspaceforan additional50outdoors, weatherpermitting!
BRAD’S STARBAR
Michelin-starchefBradCarterissettolaunch hisOneStarDönerBarinBirminghamthismonth. Thebaristheculminationofaplannedcollaboration betweenBradandthepub’sowner,DJandpromoter AdamRegan.Theopeningseesthepairmake Brad’scookingaccessibletoawideraudience. Theduosharebackgroundsindanceand raveculture,andmorerecently hospitality.
BUN&BARREL
HOTELFEEDSNHS
BRUMLEADSWAY
Birminghamhasbeennamedasthecitywith thesecondhighestnumberofrestaurantsina prestigiousUKtop100ranking.Leadingthe wayisAdam’sinWaterlooStreetwhichisrated inthetop20intheannualHarden’sguide whichisbasedonfeedbackfromdinersrather professionalinspectors.Alsointhetop100are OpheeminSummerRowandTheWildernessin theJewelleryQuarter.Guideco-founderPeter Hardensaid:“Birminghamishosttosometop playerswhenitcomestokitchentalent.”
CHEAL’SMAKESMOVE
Anewfine-diningexperienceislaunchinginKnowlethis month.JacquesRestauranthasteamedupwithCheal’sof Henleytoopentheexcitingeatery.Jacques,whichhas beenastapleintheKnowlecommunityfor30years,closed itsdoorsattheendof2022tomakewayforthenew Cheal’sfrom3February.LeadingtheventureisawardwinningchefMattChealwhosaid:“Finefoodandelevated serviceisattheheartofournewrestaurant.”
TheBun&Barrel,anewburgerrestaurantandbrainchildofHarborneKitchen’sJamieDesogusandRobHennebry, hasopenedinHarborneHighStreet.Jamiesaid:“It’sasupercasualconcept,wewantpeopletoreallykickback andrelax,grababurgerandabeerorcocktail,andmaybeagameofpool.Weareusingtheverybestingredients, withmypastryteamatHarborneKitchenmakingthedemibriochebunsfromscratch.”
TheteamatEdgbastonParkHotelfilledmorethan100bagswithbreakfastitemsforhard-workingnurses,doctorsand carestaffattheUniversityHospitalsBirmingham(UHB)NHSFoundationTrust.Thehotel’sheadofcommercial,Billy Harris,andbusinessdevelopmentmanager,KrishnaPastakia,deliveredthebreakfaststotheTrusttohelpfueltheNHS’ busiesttimeofyearandbooststaffspirits.Previously,thehotelprovided1,000front-linestaffwithsomewheresafeand securetostaythroughoutthepandemiccrisis.
birminghamliving february2023 21 FOOD&DRINK
SMOKE+ASH
Wouldyoulikeacocktailwithyourpizza?Don’t mindifwedo.WevisitedSmoke+Ashnine weeksafteropeningandit’sfairtosayit’sgoing well.OverChristmas,thechefscouldn’tmakeenoughdough tofeeddemandandtheycompletelysoldoutnumerous times.They’vejusthadtheirbusiestweektodateinJanuary whenhospitalityisusuallyintumbleweedterritory.
So,what’sallthefussabout?Well,it’snotrocket science,morelikehardgraft,vision,attentiontodetailand nodoubtdeeppockets.Openingarestaurantrightnowis notforthefaint-hearted.Theplaceissmallbutmighty focusingonexcellentreasonablypricedpizzaandsharing boardsplusacrackingdrinksmenuwithsomequality cocktails.Werecommendgettingyourlipsarounda rhubarbandgingerbrambleonaFridaylunch-time.
Thepizzafeaturesgloriouslypuffed-upblisteredcrusts fordunkingintoachoiceofdips–wewentforapunchy aiolipackedwithgarlic.There’salsochimichurriandsalsa verde.Toppingsareplentiful–theNapoletanawasloaded withcreamyFiordiLattemozzarella,anchovies,olives,
capersandfreshbasil.Noteveryone’scupofteabutright upourstradawhilethebestseller,SalamiNapoliwith freshchilliandmozzarellasang.
Sandwichedbetweenthedelicioustoppingsand brilliantbasewasasubstantialflavour-packedtomato sauce–noinsipidwaterynonsensehere.There’salsoa choiceofbiancapizzaswithouttomatoifthat’syourbag. Meanwhile,mymatesaidtherocketsaladwasthebest he’devereaten–asurprisingsentenceforhimtoutter,but still,Iknewwhathemeant.Rocket’srocket,butthesweet balsamicdressingandcheekyparmesanshavingsgaveita significantbitofoomph.Attentiontodetailagain.
Thelocation’sinterestingtoo.Acoupleofdoorsdown fromLokiandoppositeChapter,Smoke+Ashisnestledin whatisbecomingafoodiehotspot.There’sacollectivefeel aboutthestreet,asupportnetworkandpleasingchatterof fullpedestrianisationthatwillonlyaddtothegoodvibesof theareaandprovideafurtherboosttobusiness.
Ifyoulovepizza,go.Ifyoudon’tlovepizza,wecan’tbe friends. ■
birminghamliving february2023 22 RESTAURANTREVIEW
12GreenfieldCrescent,Birmingham,B153AU.Tel:01214549544smokeandashpizza.co.uk
WE’REFEELINGSPICY
Youwilltoo,withthiscrackingnon-alcoholicrum, mulledspicedsyrupandapplejuicecocktail
ManagedtoenjoyadryJanuary?
Goodforyou–mostimpressed givenwefailedon2January!So, whynotmaintainyourimpressivehealth drivebycuttingdowntheboozeinFebruary too.We’remakingitabiteasierwiththis spicylittlenumberfromthemixologistsat Andalusian-inspiredtapasbar,Alioli.You’ll needtomakeamulledspicedsyrupfirstbut it’swellworththeeffort.
INGREDIENTS:
FORTHEMULLEDSPICEDSYRUP
Mixupthefollowingandpoptooneside
■ 150mlpomegranatejuice
■ 25mlcinnamonsyrup
■ 200mlcanesugarsyrup
■ 25gpomegranatemolasses
FORTHEMAINEVENT
■ 50mlLyre’sdarkcanenon-alcoholicrum
■ 25mlspicedwinesyrup
■ 15mllimejuice
■ 50mlcloudyapplejuice
METHOD:
Pouringredientsintoashakerwithcubedice. Shakeanddoublestrainintoanold-fashioned glassfullofice.Garnishwithanorange wedgeandtwogreenolives.
Alioli,25JubileeWalk,Touchwood Solihull,B913HT.alioli.co.uk
february2023 birminghamliving 23 COCKTAILOFTHEMONTH
february2023 birminghamliving FOOD&DRINK MATCHMADEINHEAVEN 24 WITHROMANCEINTHEAIRTHISMONTH,KATIEGARDNEROFBIRMINGHAMWINE SCHOOLBRINGSTOGETHERHEROWNPERFECTPAIRINGSINFOODANDDRINK
Weallknowtheoldadage–whitewine withwhitemeatandfishandredwine withredmeat.Butitisreallysomuch morenuancedthanthat.Themostimportantfactor iswhetheryouenjoythepairingornot.
Anexperiencewithwineisverypersonaland matchingwithfoodcanbesubjective.Perhapsyou enjoythecombinationofsweetandsalty,suchasaPort andstilton,butforsomeoneelseit’sacompleteturnoff.Let’sgetintosomethingstothinkaboutwhen findingtheperfectpairingjustforyou!
Firstoff,weneedtoconsidertheintensityofflavour ofthedishyouarecooking,thenmatchwithawineof similarintensity.Forexample,ifyouarecookingwith lotsofherbsandspiceswithstrongflavours,youneed anaromatic,intensewinetopairwithit.Ilovepad thaiwithanoff-dryRieslingorGewurztraminerfor thisreason.
FIZZANDFIRE
Alcoholintensifiesthesensationofheatfromchilli, whichdependsonpersonalpreference.Iwouldusually goforalightandfizzylagerwithacurry,butifyou lovethatspicyburnperhapsyouwouldpreferdrinking a14%abvredZinfandeltoturnuptheheat.Thisis anothersituationwhereoff-dryorslightlysweeter winescanworkreallywelltooffsetthespice,asthey alsotendtohavelowerlevelsofalcohol.
Anotherthingtoconsideristheweightofthedish andthebodyofwineyouaredrinkingwithit.Think aboutthedifferenceincookingmethodsandintensity offlavourofaCaesarsaladwithgrilledchickenversus aroastchickenwithgravy.Thefreshnessofasalad canworkwellwithacrispwhitelikeaPicpoulde
Pinet,buttheslowcookingofaroastmeansthatyou needsomemoreintensityandbodyinyourwine, whichwouldworkwellwitharich,buttery Chardonnaytomatchuptothestyleofcooking.
QUICKANDEASY
Aquickandeasywaytopairwinewithfoodisto lookatthecuisineofwherethewinecomesfrom.Food andwinehaveevolvedalongsideeachother throughouthistory.There’sSauvignonBlancwith goat’scheese,bothfoundintheLoireValleyinFrance. OrperhapsyoucouldtryaChiantiClassicowitha
KATIE’S4FOODIEFAVOURITES
■ TasteTheDifferenceGewurztraminer, Alsace,France.Sainsburys,£10
Thisexoticwineisburstingwithflavoursofrosepetals,lychees andspicesbutwithadryfinish.Perfectwiththaifood.
■ TheBestMuscadetSevreetMaineSurLie, LoireValley,France.Morrisons,£8.75
Muscadetisnormallyalight,freshstyleofwhitebutthiswine hassomeaddedbodyduetoasmallamountofageingonthe lees.Greatwithanyseafoodbutparticularlyoysters.
■ EstanciaPinotNoir,Monterey,California, USA.Tesco,£14
AsmoothandsilkyexampleofPinotNoirwithahintofspice,which wouldgobrilliantlywithsalmonteriyakiormushroomrisotto.
■ BrazinOldVineZinfandel,Lodi,California,USA. Waitrose,£14.99
This14.5%abvredreallypacksapunch,withbigboldflavours ofplum,chocolateandspice.It’sgreatwithBBQribsorsome spice(ifyoudare!)
pepperonipizza.Theacidityinthewinematcheswell withthetomatobase.Ifyouarefeelingfancy,youalso can’tbeatoysterswithaMuscadetsurlie,awinewhich comesfromneartheseainNantes.
Oneofthemostdifficultfoodgroupstopairis umami.Thestrongsavouryflavoursofdishes containingmushroomsormisopasteforexample,can oftenjarwithwine.I’vefoundthebestpairingfor somethinglikestuffedmushroomsisalovelyPinot Noir,whichislowintanninsandoftenhasanearthy charactertoittocomplimentthesavouriness.
Finally,oneofourmostpopulareventsat BirminghamWineSchoolisourChampagne,Fizz,Fish &Chipsdinners.Thisismyultimatematchmadein heaven.Champagneandothersparklingwinesarehigh inacidity,whichhasasimilareffecttosqueezingalemon onyourfish.Itbalancesoutthefattystodginessofthe dishandactsasapalatecleanser.Trustmeandtryit! ■
BirminghamWineSchoolisanindependentwineeducationcompany thatoffersfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&SpiritEducation Trust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwick.Formore information,contactKatieGardneron01212707359,orvisit www.birminghamwineschool.com.
february2023 birminghamliving 25 FOOD&DRINK
SQUASH THE COMPETITION
BIRMINGHAMISHOSTINGTOPSQUASHTOURNAMENTSIN2023–BUTTHESPORT ISAGREATWAYTOKEEPACTIVEFORALLOFUS,WHATEVEROURAGEORABILITY
february2023 HEALTH
26 birminghamliving
Theworldofsquashhadanexcitingstartto theyearastheBritishJuniorOpenSquash tournamentreturnedtoBirminghamat EdgbastonPriorywithmorethan700youngsters from55nations,competinginthegirlsandboys under-11sthroughtotheunder-19s.
Hopefullythismayhaveinspiredsomenew players,bothyoungandold,totakeupthesport.If youfancyhavingago,here’swhattoexpect…
WHYPLAYSQUASH?
Squashisagreatphysicalandmentalworkout,it getsthewholebodymovingandactive.Asquash gamelastsaround30to40minutessocanfitinto busylifestylesandisagreatfamilyactivity.
JUSTSOMEOFTHEBENEFITS
WorksEveryMuscleGroup– Squashcanhelpto buildstrong,shapelylegandbummuscles.Thesports requirelotsofdynamiclungingwhichwillgiveyou thattonedlook.Movingtoandhittingtheballalso helpsstrengthenthebackandshapetheabdominals.
BurnsCalories– Squashisagreatalternativeto runningonatreadmillorpushingitonanexercise bike.Youcanburnaround650caloriesperhouron courtandnotevenrealiseyouaredoingso.
It’sQuick– Youonlyneed30minutesorsotoget agreatall-roundworkout.Soeventhebusiest peoplecanfititinaroundwork,university,family andothercommitments.Youcanevensqueezea gameinonyourlunchbreak!
DevelopsAgility– Leaping,spinning,stopping, bending,jumping,sprintingandrunningarejust someofthemovesthebodyhastomakeinagame ofsquash.Squashteachesquicknessand equilibriumaroundthecourt,especiallythe powerofthefirstexplosivestepandchallenges speedbyforcingyoutomovequicklywhile
maintainingastrongandbalancedpositiontohit theballhardandaccurately.
SharpensHand-EyeCo-ordination– Squash promotesgoodhand-eyecoordinationasrepeatedly seeingtheballandadjustingyourbodyandhandso youcanhititbackundercompetitivestressforces thebodytohone-inontargetanddestination.Since hand-eyecoordinationtendstodecreasewhenwe stopparticipatinginactivitiesthatfosterthistypeof coordination,squashisapremiersporttoensure yourabilitiesarewell-developed.
CompelsFlexibility– Constantmovement (particularlymovementoutsidetypicalrangeof motion)issooftenrequiredinagameofsquash,your jointsandligamentsareabletostretch,promoting elasticityandbloodflowinthebody.Regularlyplaying squashwillimproveyourflexibility,ensuringyour musclesgetthemoststretchoutofeverygame.
It’sSocial– You’llfindathrivingsocialsceneat clubswhoorganiseregularclubnights,leaguesand specialevents.You’llgetasmuchenjoymentoutof thedrinkinthebarafterwardsasyoudofromthe competitiononthecourt! ■
WarwickshireSquashStarsisaninitiativedesignedto introducefive-to-11-year-oldstothisfantasticsport.Forjust £30youreceiveastarterpackcontainingracket,T-shirt, goggles,bagandball,plusfourstarterlessonsataclubof yourchoice.Formoreinformationvisit warwickshiresquash.org/squash-stars/
TheSeniorBritishOpenwillbeinBirminghamforthefirst timeinmorethantwodecadeswhentheworld’sbest playerslineupatBirminghamRepandEdgbastonPriory Clubbetween9and16April.Moredetailsat: edgbastonpriory.com
february2023 birminghamliving 27 HEALTH
BECOMEAWARWICKSHIRESQUASHSTAR
Embellishedshoes
£195,Dune
PRINCESS BRIDE
YOU’REENGAGED.THEREAREZEROGLOBALPANDEMICS ONTHEHORIZON.YOUCANHAVETHEWEDDINGYOU’VE ALWAYSDREAMEDOF,BUTWHATTOWEAR?
living
28
SHOULDER
OFFTHE
MAXIMUM IMPACT
RueDeSeine(Collection1)
£4,450,TheWeddingClub, HarveyNichols
Firstthing’sfirst,don’tsuccumbtothe overwhelmofplanningyourwedding –it’llkillthejoy.There’snopressure todoorwearanythingyou’renotutterlyover themoonhappywith.Timeshavechanged. Wearwhatyoulikeanddoitwithconfidence.
Thevastmajorityofbridesstillwear white/ivoryontheirweddingdayandformost, it’sadressofsomesortasreflectedinthese pages.However,therearenorules.Ifyoufancy avelvetburgundytrousersuitoravintage Westwood,knockyourselfout.Yourotherhalf lovesyouandyourvibe.Aimingforthebest versionofyouratherthanabandoningyour styleandlookinglikesomeoneelseentirely isthebestadvicewecangive.Thesame goesformake-up.SeeourBeautypagefor tipsonhowtobeyourglowingbest.
DESIGNERSTYLE
Checkoutbridaldesignerstochat throughyourstyleandvisiontoseeifitworks foryou.Getfamiliarwithdesignersthatshare yourstyleandlookthroughcurrentandold examplesoftheirwork.Thechancesarethere’ll beaatleastcouplethatfitthebill.Youneedto likeyourdesigner.Makesuretheygetyou.A
INYOUR DREAMS
RoseQuartzAphrodite’sHalo £1,100,byVictoriaPercival, HarveyNichols
february2023 birminghamliving 29
STYLE
FUSS FREE Bridalgown£299.99, TKMaxx
STYLE BOHO CHIC
RueDeSeine(Collection2)
£3,250,TheWeddingClub, HarveyNichols
birminghamliving 30 february2023
BertaPriveeCollection from£6,500,TheWedding Club,HarveyNichols
greatdesignerwilloffercreativesolutions thatsuityouandwon’tbeoffendedifyou dismissacoupleofoptions.Allowsix monthsfortheprocessalthoughifyou’re gettingmarriedsooner,askthequestion. Also,ifyouhaveafavouritedesignerthat doesn’tspecialiseinbridal,askthemif they’llseeyoutodiscusscreatingsomething justforyou.You’reonlyplanningtoget marriedonce,sodoityourway.Ifyoudon’t ask,youdon’tgetisagoodmantra.
OFFTHEPEG
Trawlingtherailsmightnotseemas excitingassippingChampagnewitha designer,butifyoucanmakethesacrifice, therearesomebrilliantoptions.Topofthe listareFreePeople,NeedleandThread, SelfPortrait,JennyHooandWhistles. Shoparoundandtrylotsofdifferentstyles.
FORHIRE
Youmightnothaveconsideredrenting andit’snotforeveryone,howeverHurris game-changing.Thebreadthofdesigners isincredible–youcanrentagownfor hundredsofpoundsratherthanspending thousandsnew.It’sfoodforthought.
IFTHESHOEFITS
Weallknowtherightshoecanmake youfeelamilliondollarsandcaninjecta bitofconfidenceintoyourwalk.You’ll
TWINKLE TOES
Kate100cracked leathercourts £650,Christian Louboutin
FAB FLATS
Newlieshoe £120,Dune
SUPER SEQUINS
Silversequin wrapdress£80, RomanOriginals
BASE LAYERS
Lacebalcony bra£26,Lipsy
february2023 birminghamliving 31 STYLE
SHOW STOPPER
JACKET
AlexanderMcQueencrystal embellisheddoublebreastedwool blazer£3,990,Selfridges
JUMP TOIT
Decocape sleeve jumpsuit£48, Monsoon
BRILLIANT BODICE
EtOchsHolly corset-bodice£860, Selfridges
STATEMENT SLEEVES
SuzanneNeville Collectionfrom £2,995,Suzanne Neville
FEEL THEJOY
ShonaJoyLaLune openbacknatural woolblendmidi dress£430, Selfridges
DISCO VIBES
Royaslipdress £680,Sarvin
probablybewearingyourweddingshoesforagoodfewhours,sopay attentiontocomfortaswellasstyle.CheckoutManoloBlahnik, ChristianLouboutinandJimmyChooatthetopend.Foravintage vibetakealookatlocaldesignerRachelSimpsonforstunningflatsas wellasheels.Andonthehighstreet,Dunehassomeexcellent examplesthatdefytheprice-tag.
COOLJEWELS
Familyheirloomsareideal,addingsentimentalityandtickingthe borrowedbox,butthat’snotanoptionforallbrides.Birminghamis blessedwithsomeofthecountry’smosttalentedjewellerydesigners, soheadtotheJewelleryQuarterforinspiration.
Avoidanylast-minutepanicsbytryingeverythingontogetherin goodtimetoironoutanythingyou’renothappywith–andmost importantlyenjoytheexperience.It’sprettymagicalandaonceina lifetimeevent. ■
birminghamliving 32 STYLE february2023
IN
LESSIS MORE LoveandRoses cowlbackmaxi dress£80,Lipsy
february2023 birminghamliving 33
STYLE
WEDDINGGLOWUP
Whencountingdowntoyourwedding,the keyistointroducesmallchangesand productsovermonthsratherthandramatic onesclosetotheday.Youneedtoensureany newproductssuityourskinanddon’tcause breakoutswellbeforethebigday.We’ve pickedoutafewproductsandprocesses that’llhelpyoulookyourbest.
1.FABLEANDMANEHOLIROOTSPRE-WASH STRENGTHENINGTREATMENTHAIROIL£32,BOOTS
Firstly,bookregulartrimsandblowdriesintherunuptothe bigday–itwilltrainyourhairtobepliableandsmooth.Adda treatmentintoyourat-homeroutinesuchasFableandMane’s HoliRootspre-washtreatmentwhichisabitofacultfave.The oilstrengthensrootswhilenourishingscalpandhairresultingin shiny,healthylocks.Formaximumimpactleaveonovernight, butitworksinfiveminutesifyouprefernottosleepinit.
2.CHARLOTTETILBURYBRIGHTENINGYOUTHGLOW PRIMER£40,SELFRIDGES
Anoldiebutagoodiethiscolourcorrectorworkstoenhance yourcomplexion.Theprimerhelpsminimisetheappearanceof discolouration,rednessanddullnessleavingahealthyglow. Useunderneathyourfoundationforasmooth,evenfinish.
3.TALIKAEYEBROWLIPOCILSEXPERT£38,SPACENK
Regularuseincreasesthedensityofyourbrowsencouraging growthinfinerareasgivingyouafullerbrowthatyoucanshape closertotheday.
4.AROMATHERAPYASSOCIATESDE-STRESSMIND BATH&SHOWEROIL£49,HARVEYNICHOLS
Trustusthiswillbenecessary.Evenifyoudon’tthinkyou’re stressed,taketimeforaregularsoakusingthisrelaxingoilto keepyourmindcalmandyourbodynourished.Evenwhennot planningaweddingthisisbeneficial.
OrchidCrystalheadpiecefrom Halo&Co£360,TheWeddingShop, HarveyNichols
birminghamliving february2023 34 BEAUTY
1
2 34
WEDDING DAY
LET’SNOTLEAVEALLTHESARTORIALFUNTOTHELADIES.ADMITTEDLY, THEBRIDEISTOPBILLINGINTHESTYLESTAKES,BUTTHERE’SNOREASON WHYYOUCAN’TLOOKAMILLIONDOLLARSONYOURBIGDAY
february2023 STYLEFORMEN
birminghamliving 36
BLUEYOU Clothingand footwearfrom Matalan
INTHENAVY Herringbonejacket
£40andtrousers
£17,Primark
Yournuptialsareapproachingandwhether you’resaying‘Ido’barefootonabeachor donningtraditionaltailsatthealtar,youwant tolookyourbest.Treatyourselftoasuitthatfitslikea glove,thatyoucanwearagainandagain.Bespokeis obviouslytopofthetreeintermsoffit.InBrum, we’veafewoptions,notleasttheladsatClementsand Churchwhoalwayscomeuptrumps.
Offthepegoptionsvarywildlyintermsofprice dependingonthefabricandfit.Youcanpickupasuit relativelycheaplyifyou’reonatightbudget.Itwon’t lastaswellasamoreexpensiveversion,butit’ll definitelygetyouthroughyourdaylookingsharp. CheckoutJohnLewis,Matalan,PrimarkandM&S forsomegreatexamples.
Atthehigherendofthepricespectrum,Dolceand Gabbana,OswaldBoateng,TomFordandArmani willhaveyoubrimmingwithconfidence.Boatengis particularlygoodifyou’relookingforsomethingabit outoftheordinary,whileTomFord’samasteratthe classicbeautifullycutsuit.
Notallsuitsareequal,soshoparoundandtakeyour time.Youwanttolookbackatyourweddingsnapsand likewhatyousee.Ifyou’retrussedupinacravatand tailswhendeepdownyou’reanavysuitandopen neckshirtkindofguy,youmightnotbeoverjoyed. ■
february2023 birminghamliving 37
STYLEFORMEN
HAPPYDAY Clothingand shoesfrom JohnLewis
TWOTONE ForbesTailoringblueand navywoolsuit£495(was £1,150),HarveyNichols
THREEPIECE Taylor&Wright Somersetsuit, Matalan
SMARTCASUAL Clothingandshoes fromPrimark
LIGHTFANTASTIC Brownjacket £1,143,TKMaxx
VELVETVERSION KEMvelvetjacket £40,Primark
IFITAIN’TBROKE DolceandGabbanablack stretchwoolsuit£1,550, HarveyNichols
SLEEPTIGHT… HOPEFULLY!
HOMESliving birminghamliving february2023 38
ANDGETTHEFOUNDATIONSRIGHTFORMAXIMUMCALMANDRELAXATION
DREAMBIG FrenchConnectionZincdoublebedframe£999,Dfs
Unlessyou’vebeenlivingunderarock,you’llbe painfullyawarethatsleeporlackofitaffectseveryarea ofourlives–brainpower,immunesystem,digestion, prematureageingandsomuchmore.Evenourtechurgesusto getmoreshut-eye.Givenhalfthechanceweallwanttowakeup feelingandlookingrefreshed,butlife’snotlikethat,isit?
Youcanbolsteryourchancesofagreatnight’ssleepbymaking yourbedroomacalm,clutter-freezoneandinvestinginadecent bed.Therearenomagicbullets,butit’sworthashot,right?
MATTRESSMATTERS
Thenumberonepriorityisyourmattress.Prioritisethisand you’rewellonyourwaytothedreamyeighthours.Takeagood lookatyourcurrentmattressanddecideifit’sstillgotlifeinit.If it’scomfortableandclean,stickwithitandfocusonotherareas ofyourroomthatmightneedabitofwork.Ifit’sseenbetter days,therearemultipleoptionsatvaryingpricepoints–gofor
february2023 birminghamliving 39 HOMES
HAPPYPLACE AccessoriesfromGeorgeHome
thebestyoucanaffordandconsiderwhichsuitsyoursleeping stylethemost.
Memoryfoamconformstoyourbodytypeencouragingproper spinealignment.It’sidealforsidesleepersandforthosewith backpain.Latexislikememoryfoambutslightlyfirmerwithless ofasinkinginfeeling.
Innerspringismadefromsteelcoilsandisahardermattress.If you’reastomachsleeperyoucouldbenefitfromthisasthe increasedfirmnesskeepsthespinealigned.Considercoilcount andgauge.Coilgaugereferstohowthickthesteelis–thelower thenumber,thefirmerthemattress.Coilcountreferstothe numberofcoilsinthemattress–lookforacountofatleast400.
Hybridcombinesfoamorlatexwithcoils.Coilssitonthe bottomforsupportandfoamsitsontopforpressurerelief.They feelverysimilartofoam,butaremoreexpensiveandheavierthan all-foamversions.
SEXYSTORAGE
Nothingisrestfulaboutsteppingoverclutterorlookingatbusy surfaces,sooncethebedissorted,moveontostorage.Effective storageequalsminimumclutterleadingtoincreasedcalm,sobe ruthlessaboutyourstuff.Donateanythingyoudon’tuse/need/love tocharityorsellonline–tryDepop,VintedandeBay.Onceyou’re decluttered,giveeverythingthatdoesn’tmakeyousmileahome andonlydisplaythingsyoulove.Utiliseunderbedstorageand checkoutbuilt-inwardrobesifyourbudgetallows.
BLACKWATCH
Ensureyourwindowcoveringsblockoutalllight.Early sunrisesaren’tanissuerightnow,butyou’llthankusinthe
birminghamliving february2023 40
HOMES
SPOTTHEDIFFERENCE Polkadotbeddingfrom£19.99,TKMaxx RUSTICCHARM FestoonlightsfromLights4Fun
GROWN-UPGLAMOUR FurnitureandaccessoriesfromLuxDeco
MINIMUMFUSS
Oslobedsidetable£149,CultFurniture
february2023 birminghamliving 41 HOMES
HOMES
summerwhenit’slightat4am.Inthecoldmonths heavycurtainsorwellfittedblindswillkeepyour roomwarmertoo.Contemplatethefocusongetting babiestosleepwell–theroomisabsolutelythe correcttemperatureandcurtainsareblackout ensuringzerodisturbance.Let’saffordourselvesthe sameluxury.
DREAMYDECOR
Thisissopersonal,sogoyourownway,but consideracalmcolourpalette,displayyourfavourite artworkandphotos,acosyrug,squishythrows,soft lighting–seeourFinishingTouchespageforinspo. Andmostofall,banishtechnology.Itcouldbethe biggestfactorinimprovingsleep.Giveitawhirl. ■
birminghamliving february2023 42
SCANDISTYLE
FermLivingArumfloorlamp£669,Nest
february2023 birminghamliving 43 HOMES SOFTTOUCH AccessoriesfromHomeSense LESSISMORE Motherofpearlorganiccottonmosaicprintduvetset£80,JohnLewis FLOWERPOWER AccessoriesfromGeorgeHome
BLUEANDWHITE Bedlinen£25, HomeSense
GREENDREAM DoubleManettebedstead £1,795,SohoHome
TOUCHES FINISHING
MAKEITCHIC Almabedside table£219, CultFurniture
UNDERFOOT Adornsoftfaux sheepskinruginhoney£69, CultFurniture
ONCETHEBEDROOMSTRUCTURE’SSORTEDANDYOU KNOWWHATYOUNEED,HAVEFUNWITHACCESSORIES ANDGORGEOUSFURNITURETOACHIEVETHELOOK
NEUTRAL THROW JohnLewis+ MotherofPearl spotthrow£180, JohnLewis
RIGHTCURVES Vueltalamp £185,FermLiving
TOPPRIORITY MillbrookPureTechdivanset £2,699,FurnitureVillage
WRAPUP Knittedthrow£14.99, HomeSense
THINKPINK Duskypink cushion£12.99, HomeSense
TRADITIONAL CHARM Chichester wardrobefrom £3,995, Neptune
GOLDTRIM Laurelcushion£85, LuxDeco
february2023 HOMES
WAKEUPCALLFROMAFUNKYCAT
CHINESEAUTOMOTIVEGIANTGREATWALLMOTORISBEHINDTHE NEWGWMORAFUNKYCAT–BUTTHISUNIQUEELECTRICCARHASITS
HEARTRIGHTHEREINTHEMIDLANDS,SAYSSUECOOKE
AccordingtoroadsafetycharityBrake,fatigue isamajorcauseofcrashesintheUK.One ineightdriversadmittofallingasleepatthe wheel.Yawningapparentlyisoneofthewarning signs.AndifyoudrivethenewORAFunkyCat,you willreceiveawarning.Afacialrecognitioncamera sitsbehindthesteeringwheel,keepingasteelyeye onyourface.AhintofayawnandanEmojiwill popuponthe10.25-inchinfotainmentdisplaywith analertagainstcontinuingtodrive.Forsucha compactcar,thisall-electric,four-seaterhasalong listofusefulsafetyfeatures.
ThepowerhousebehindtheGWMORAisglobal automotivegiantGreatWallMotor,aChinese companythathasfivebrandsandhasbeenaround sinceatleast2012,whenIrecallroadtestingthe
GreatWallSteedpick-up.IntheUK,GWMhasa jointventurewithBMWforthedevelopmentand productionofbatteryelectricvehicles.Distribution oftheGWMORAintheUK,isInternational MotorsGroupinSolihull.
GOLF-SIZED
TheUKisGWM’sfirstEuropeanmarketandthe ORAFunkyCat,whichisaboutthesizeofanewVW Golf,isthefirsttohitdealerships.Largercarswill follow.Salesofaround5,000oftheORAFunkyCatare predictedfor2023anditisexpectedthatoneretailer permonthwillbeappointed.Thefirstretailpartnerin EnglandistheLookersgroupinWolverhampton.
AtthefirstUKdriveformotoringjournalistsI hadtheopportunitytoroadtestthefirstedition
birminghamliving february2023 46 MOTORING
modelinachoiceoffourexteriorcolours.A combinationofthesecolourscontinuesinthe premiuminterior.
Thecabinhasaveryfuturisticlookandtheeyeis drawntotheconstantwatcher–thefacial recognitioncamera–whichbeginsitsworkassoon asyoutakeaseat.Theinnovativetechnology ensuresthatsettingssuchasdisplays,shortcutkeys, driverassistanceaidsandnavigationmeetpersonal requirementswhichyouwouldalreadyhaveset. ‘HelloOra’voicerecognitioncausesanemojitopop uponscreentoobeyanyofseveralcommands, includingfindingthenearestchargingstation, controllingtheair-conditioning,openingthedriver windoworprovidingaweatherforecast.
FIVE-STAR
Thesafetyandsecurityfeaturesofthefirstedition areimpressivewitha5-starEuroNCAPrating, blindspotdetection,fatiguemonitoring,adaptive
FACTSATAGLANCE
Model: GWMORAFunkyCatFirstEdition
Power: 48kwhlithiumionphosphatebatteryelectricvehicle Performance: 0-62mphin8.3secondsandontoatopspeedof 99mph(wherethelawpermits)
Rangeandchargingtime: 85.6mpg
CO2 emissions: Zero
Price: From£31,995otr
cruisecontrolwithstopandgofunctionandarear trafficcrossalertandbrake.Otherspecificationadds a360-degreesurroundcamera,reversingcameraand rearparkingsensors.
PoweringtheORAFunkyCatisa48kwhlithiumionphosphatebattery.Achargefrom15to80per centtakesjustover42minutesusingarapidcharger. Afullchargeprovidesarangeof193miles(WLTP). Thefront-wheel-driveFunkyCatwillaccelerateto 62mphin8.3secondsandhasatopspeedof99mph. Usefullycarfunctionslikepreheatingandcooling, charging,lockingandunlockingcanbecontrolled usingamobileapp.
TheGWMORAFunkyCatcostsfrom£31,995otr andhasafive-yearunlimitedmileagewarrantyanda residualvalueof83percent.Theall-electricvehicle hasanimpressivespecificationandwithitsvibrant andenergeticpersonalityisahead-turnerbecause therereallyisnothingelselikeitonUKroads. ■
SHOWROOM
Lookers,GWMORAWolverhampton,MerridaleStreet, Wolverhampton,WV24HD.Tel:01902393407
Email:gwmorawolverhampton@lookers.co.uk
february2023 birminghamliving 47 MOTORING
ELLA EVENSON
Atjust13yearsofage,EllaEvensonproduces artthatshe’sabletosellthroughasocial enterprisecalledArtRabble–an organisationspecialisinginsellingartworkbyartists withdisabilities.EllahasMosaicDown’sSyndrome –araretypewhichmeansthingscantakelongerfor hertocomplete,butshe’sbrimmingwithpositivity.
Shesays:“IwasbornwithadiagnosisofMosaic Down’sSyndrome.Itmakesmedetermined.I startedpaintinginmysummerholidaysin2019at ourkitchentableandnowIhavemyownartstudio. Ihaveabigtableandallmyartmaterialsinthere. TheotherweekIputmummy’soldradioinmyart studio,sonowIlistentomusicwhenIpaint.”
Ellahadherfirstexhibitionin2020intheArt RoomsinKingsHeathwhichshedescribesas‘a reallygreatexperience’.Herworkisupliftingand optimisticusingboldcoloursthatraiseasmile.Ella experimentswithnewtechniquesandstylesusing acrylics,watercoloursandalcoholinksandenjoys abstractart,lookingparticularlytoJacksonPollock andWillemdeKooningforinspiration.
Shesays:“Myfavouritepaintingisabstract paintingbecauseIloveusingdifferenttoolstocreate withlikeasponge,tinfoil,aplasticknifeorfork.It’s
reallyfunexperimentingandexploringwithpaints andobjectsIhaveathome.”
Ellagetsherideasfromwhatsheseesontripsand holidayspainting‘abstractflowers,plants,trees, birdsandtheseaside’.Ella’smumisabigsupport. “Mummyalwaysencouragesmetopaintbecauseit relaxesme.Iamcalmandhappy,”saysElla.She alsosaysthatLisaLim,founderofArtRabbleis encouraging‘becauseshebelievesinme’aswellas CristinaBowmanfromagroupcalledDiffability. Ellasays:“CristinareachedouttomeandnowIdo onlineartworkshopsforchildrenwithspecialneeds. Ilovepaintingwiththem.”
FUTUREAMBITION
Ella’salsospurredonbypeoplebuyingherwork andhassoldmanycommissionsaroundtheworld. Shesays:“MyclientsintheUKandinternationally encouragemebecausetheybelieveinme.It’s everyoneencouragingme,believinginme!Ilovemy colourfulpaintingsbeinginhomesaroundtheworld!”
EllaistheyoungestartistsoldthroughArt Rabble.She’shadarealconfidenceboostfrom sellingherworkandfeelsgoodaboutthedonations she’sbeenabletomaketoDown’sSyndrome
february2023 YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE birminghamliving 48
ARAREFORMOFDOWN’SSYNDROMEMEANSELLA’SARTWORKTAKES LONGERTOCOMPLETE,BUTTHETALENTEDTEENAGERJUSTLOVESTO PAINTANDISALREADYTAKINGONINTERNATIONALCOMMISSIONS
AwarenessmonthandtheAustralianBushFire Appeal.Shesays:“Thiswasgreatbecausemy paintingshelpedothers.”
CurrentlyEllajugglespaintingwithschool, generallycreatingaftercompletinghomeworkona TuesdayandSundaymorning.Inthefuture,she wouldliketomakeacareerofit.Shesays:“I wouldliketokeeppaintingwhenI’manadult.I wouldliketopaintlikeIamnowandhavean onlineshop,doartworkshopsandchildren’sart parties.IwouldlovetodesignT-shirtsandhave
mydesignsonclothes!”Thebig-heartedartistalso says:“IlovebeingwithpeopleandIthinkIwould alsoliketoworkinanursery,doingartwithlittle childrenorinacarehome,doingartwithelderly people.Ialsoliketheideaofworkingina supermarket.” ■
SOCIALENTERPRISE
Ella’sworkisavailabletobuythroughArtRabbleandpricesrangefrom £3foragreetingscardto£69.99foralargecanvas.Visitart-rabble.org
february2023 birminghamliving 49 YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE
STEMSUPPORT
WINNER: KingSolomonInternationalBusinessSchool,a previousgrantrecipient
MillenniumPointTrusthasgivenmorethan£3.25millionin STEMsupporttoorganisationsintheWestMidlandsoverthe last12months.Thisincludedover£360,000inSTEMgrants toschools,not-for-profitsandcharitiesinGreaterBirmingham andthewiderregion.Inaddition,thetrustfundsSTEM degreescholarshipsannually,inpartnershipwithBirmingham CityUniversity.AbbieVlahakis,CEOofMillenniumPointsaid: “Weareincreasingtheopportunitiesforthenextgeneration viasomeofthemostexcitingcareerpathsavailable.”
GIFTWRAPPED
BishopVesey'sGrammarSchool’scharityteamcollected morethan2,000Christmasgiftsfortheirthreechosen charities–YMCA,StBasilsfortheyounghomelessand StGilesHospice.Theschool’sGivingTree–Spiritof Christmas,whichisanannualfestivefixture,was situatedinGracechurchCentre,SuttonColdfieldin NovemberandDecember.CharitycaptainHarry Hubbledaysaid:“Theresponseoflocalpeopleaswellas ourcorporatepartners,alumni,studentsandtheir familiestoourGivingTreewaspositivelyastonishing.”
MidlandsArtsCentreisholdingGirlsthatGeek,adaythatbrings togetherindustryprofessionalsforaseriesofinformaldiscussions andacareerspanelthatexploresopportunitiesforwomen workinginartandtechnology.TheeventonFriday10Februaryis designedforthosefromschoolyear7upwardsandwillfocuson futureemploymentindigitalartforms,includingmusic production,photography,virtualreality,televisionandfilm.More detailsfrom:info@macbirmingham.co.uk
SCHOOL REPORT
BOOKPRIZETIE-UP
KingEdward’sSchool,BirminghamandWolverhamptonGrammarSchool havepartneredtocreatetheTwoCitiesBookAwardwhichaimstoget more14to18-year-oldsreadingforpleasure.Hundredsofteenagers acrosstheWestMidlandsvotedforawinningauthorandtitlefroma shortlistoffourfictionalworks.TheeventualwinnerwastheWorldWarII drama,NeverForgetYoubyJamilaGavin.Theauthorwaspresentedwith thefirstTwoCitiesAwardataceremonyhostedatKingEdward’sSchool.
birminghamliving february2023 50
GROWINGPLACES
GIRLSTHATGEEK
LEO’SLIGHTFANTASTIC
Alightsculpturenamedafterthe AstonVillafootballerTyroneMings hasbeenunveiledatAston Universityaspartofacampaignto helpraiseawarenessofcolour blindness.Youngsupporterswere askedtotakepartintheShininga LightonColourBlindness competitionbydrawingacolourful pictureoftheirfavouritefootballer. Thewinningentryby10-year-old LeoEvansfromErdingtonwasthen madeintoalightfeaturewhichhe helpedunveilwithProfAnthony Hilton,pro-vice-chancellorand executivedeanoftheCollegeof HealthandLifeSciences.
MUSICPLEDGE
Abusinessmanispledging thousandsofpoundstohelpa musiccharityfundchoirsfor schoolchildrenandpeopleliving withdementia.Engineerand captainofindustry,Roger Medwellhaspromisedtomatch fund30pforevery£1donated uptothefirst£100Kofthe EncoreAppeal,launchedby Warwick-basedArmonico Consort,ofwhichheischairman. Theappealwillfundsinging projects–includingthecreation ofschoolchoirsindeprivedareas –benefitingmorethan17,000 peopleacrossWarwickshire, Coventry,Solihulland Worcestershire.
BASECAMP PITCHESIN
SummitLearningTrustinBirminghamand SolihullhasintroducedtheBaseCamp initiativetosupporttheirmostvulnerable children,youngpeopleandfamilies throughthecurrentcostoflivingcrisis.The initiativeoffersfreesupporttoensurethat everyyoungpersonhastheirbasicneeds mettoenablethemtoachievethehighest levelsofacademicprogress.Support includesfreebreakfasts,healthandhygiene products,revisionmaterialsforSATsand GCSEstudents,supportwithuniformand travelandfreeculturalcapitalexperiences
february2023 birminghamliving 51 GROWINGPLACES
REBELWITH ACAUSE
Titled,WhyAreWeStuckinHospital?anew exhibitionwhichrunsatIkonGalleryfor twoweeksrespondstoaprojectcarriedout bytheSchoolofSocialPolicyattheUniversityof Birminghaminpartnershipwithrights-based organisation,ChangingOurLives.Theresearch raisesawarenessofthethousandsofvulnerable peoplelockedinhospitalsettingswithnoplanned departuredateandnohopeofgettingone.
Onthebackoftheresearch,thetwo organisationsputtheirheadstogethertochoose anartistwhocouldcreatesomethingimpactful andappropriatetohighlighttheplightofthese peopleburiedfromview.CueFokaWolf.Don’t expecttheusualhumourasthesituationisfarfrom amusing,soit’sabitofadeparturefortheartist–whokeepshisrealnameandidentityaclosely guardedsecret.
birminghamliving february2023 52 FEATURE
FOKAWOLF’SGUERRILLASTREETARTISAMUSINGANDEDGY BUTANEWEXHIBITIONOPENINGNEXTMONTHISDIFFERENT, MOREURGENTANDDEFINITELYNOTFUNNY
Iwasn’tawareofthescaleoftheproblemandnor washe.We’velistenedtopoliticiansofallflavours proclaimingthey’veaplantofixsocialcare,but generallythat’sinthecontextoffreeingupbedblockinginNHShospitals–that’sbadenough,but they’venottouchedonthedesperateplightofmore than2,000vulnerablepeopletrappedina dehumanisingsystem.
AglanceattheChangingOurLiveswebsite shinesalightonthepeoplewhoarecapableof independentlivingbutinsteadaretrappedforyears, sometimesdecades,‘living’inlockedwards, voicelessandsometimessedatediftheykickupa fuss.Andthentherearesuccessstoriesforthepeople
who’venavigatedtheirwayoutwithhelpfrom organisationslikeChangingOurLivesandgoonto enjoyfull,contentedlives.
It’stouchedanervewithFokaWolf.Hesays: “Itreallyopenedmyeyes.Ihadn’theardofthe charityorthecause.Thiswasanopportunitytobe thevoiceforthem.”Hedoesn’tusuallyworkina gallerysettingsohe’sinnewterritoryandabit nervous.“Ijustwanttogiveafairrepresentationof whatthecharitywanted.It’simportant.Ithadto bemoreserious.Theemphasisisonalive installationwhichrunsfortwoweeks.Partofthe exhibitionisintheBankVaultsbutit’smostly centredatIKON.”
february2023 birminghamliving 53 FEATURE
It’stheworthlessnessofthepeopleinthesystem that’smostshocking.They’reinvisibleanditseems nobodyisfightingtheircorneralthoughtheartist saystheUniversityresearchhasthepowertoforce change.“That’swhyitwasimportanttocreate somethingimpactful.Theworkisquiteliteraland neededtobesomesortofspectacle.”Theexhibition openson7Marchtocoincidewiththepublication ofpolicyguidelinesbasedontheexperiencesof peoplewithlearningdisabilities,theirfamiliesand frontlinestaff.
THESTREET
Althoughhe’sembracedthisproject,FokaWolfis notreadytomovehisusualworkfromthestreetto galleryspacejustyet.Whatbeganasahobby15years agotobreakupthe12-hourdaysworkingon buildingsites,hasbecomeafull-timecareer.He startedcreatingsmallparodyclassifiedadsand stickingthemtolamppostsaroundthecity.
Then,an8ftx4ftposterlampooning4x4drivers suggestingpenisenlargementswentviralandhis notorietygrew.He’snevergotintoanytrouble althoughhehasbeencaughtintheactacoupleof times,whichiswhyhechoosestoremain
anonymous.
“Ilikeitthatway.Idealwithstuffonsocialmedia andthat’sfine,butIdon’twantthatinmyreallife.I likeapeacefullife.” ■
birminghamliving february2023 54 FEATURE
MAKINGASTATEMENT: Fokaisaimingtohighlighttheplightofthosepeopleburiedfromview
WhyAreWeStuckinHospital?runsatIkonGalleryfrom7to19 MarchandisfundedbytheNationalInstituteforHealthandCare ResearchHS&DRprogramme.
Theexhibitionisfreetoattend.Formoredetailsvisitikon-gallery.org
february2023 birminghamliving 55
ELECTRICALSWITCH
LeadingMidlands-basedengineeringfirmadi Grouphasappointedanewmanaging directorforitselectricaldivision.SimonConcar bringsawealthofelectricalengineering expertiseaswellasteamleadershipand projectmanagementskillstotherole.Hesaid: “Iamthrilledtohavesuchanexciting challengeaheadofme.Ilookforwardto helpingmyteamtothriveanddeliver effective,innovativesolutionsforourclients.”
COFFEEBOSS
StephenFernhasbeenpromotedtomanagingdirectorof 200DegreesCoffee.Previouslyfinancialdirectorwiththe Midlands-basedcoffeeroastersince2019,Stephentakeson theMDrolefromco-ownerandCEO,RobDarby.The businesshasexperiencedacontinuedperiodofgrowth, celebratingits10thyearinbusiness,reaching200team membersandopeningits18thcoffeeshop.Itcontinuesto expand,drivingforwarditsbaristaschoolnetwork,home subscription,ecommerceandwholesaleoffering.
BUSINESS
LIGHTSPAN-TASTIC!
Afirstlookhasbeenrevealedofanewviaductthatwillbringadramaticlightshowtothe approachtoBirmingham’sHS2CurzonStreetStation.Theuniqueinstallation,designedby BritishartistLizWest,willintroduceadynamiccolourpalettetoa150-metrelong,25-metre highsteeltruss,framingviewsofthecity.TitledOutoftheBlue,theartworkwillestablish thebridgeasafeatureofthecity’slandscapebothduringthedayandatnight,whenthe artworkwillcometolife.
CADBURYGRANTS
Fivecharitieshavebeenselectedbyemployees atMondelēzInternationalsitesintheWest Midlandstoeachreceiveagrantof£5,000.Amy &Friends,SpecialNeedsAdventurePlayground, CardiacRiskintheYoung,andnationalcharities SenseandBarnardo’s,havereceivedthe donationsfromtheCadburyFoundation,aspart ofitsYourCharityYourChoiceinitiative.Kelly Farrell,communityaffairsmanageratMondelēz International,said:“Thesegrantswillhelpenable thecharitiestocontinuetheirvitalwork.”
SENIORHIRE
IrwinMitchellhasexpandedits nationalprivateclientteamwitha seriesofseniorhiresinBirmingham. Thefirm,whichhasthesecond largestprivateclientteaminthe countrybyfeeearnercount,now offersafullprivateclientservice.
IanBond,pictured,bringsdecades ofexperiencetotheteamasit plansitsfutureexpansioninthe Midlands.Hespecialisesintrust formationandadministration, wealthsuccession,estateplanning andmakingwills,andisusedto dealingwithhighvalueand complexestates.
NEWS
birminghamliving february2023 56 BUSINESS
LIFE-LINE: AworkeratCardiacRiskInTheYounglookingafterapatient
HOMESPROJECT
ElevatePropertyGroupisbuilding60newone,two andthree-bedapartmentsatImperialHouse, Solihull.The£18.5milllionlaunchofPhase2of PrincesGatebuildsonthesuccessfulconversionof ConsortHouseandRoyalHouseandboastseasy accesstothetransportnetworktoBirminghamand, onceHS2isfinished,toLondoninjustover35 minutes.DavidHofton,salesandmarketingdirector, pictured,said:“Thisisanopportunitytoenjoya blendofcountrylivingandtowncentrechic.”
GRANDGIFTS
FivecharitiesbasedintheWestMidlandshavereceiveda £1,000giftthankstotheBenefactGroup.Thecharitieswere nominatedtowinashareof£120,000bymembersofthe publicaspartoftheBenefactGroup’sannual12daysofgiving Christmascampaign.MarkHews,pictured,groupchief executiveofBenefactGroup,revealedtheyincludedLittleHearts Matter,acharityofferinghelptoanyoneaffectedbysingle ventricleheartcondition,andtheDog,DuckandCatTrust.
£6.6MSTEMCENTRE
Anew£6.6millionScience,Technology,EngineeringandMaths(STEM) centreatCadburySixthFormCollegeinKingsNorton,willbefocussedon deliveringanewtechnicalcurriculumtomeetagrowingdemandfor specialistteachingfacilitiesandlearningforstudents.Theprojectmarks Phase2ofthecollege’sambitiontopositionitselfasacentrefor ‘aspirationaladvancedlearningforyoungpeople’,followingtheopeningof its£3.5millionScienceCityin2021.
CRITICALHELP
Commercialheatingandventilation specialists,LordCombustionServices ofOldbury,hashelpedMidlandsAir AmbulanceCharitysavelivesby collecting£10,500atarecent charityball.Thefirm’sMD,Stuart Smith,presentedachequetothe charityatitsairbase,pictured.The donationisequivalenttothefunds neededforthreeairambulance missionsandfivemissionsintheprehospitalemergencyservice’sthree criticalcars.
COMMUNITYACTION
Hospices,foodbanksandothergoodcauses receivednearly£25,000lastyearfroma communityfundsetupbyWorcestershireestate agencyNicol&Co.Thefundpledges£100toeach seller’sgoodcauseofchoiceforeveryproperty saletheagentshandle.In2022,morethan £10,000wasgiventoStRichard’sHospiceand £2,500toAcorns,withPrimroseandKemp hospicesalsoreceivingdonations.Fourfoodbanks andWorcestershireHomelessAppealStreet Kitchenreceivedmorethan£2,500betweenthem.
february2023 birminghamliving 57
BUSINESS
LEGALARRIVAL
RegionallawfirmmfgSolicitorshas expandeditscivillitigationteamwiththe appointmentofanewseniorassociate. SpecialistlawyerDavidLydon,picturedright withpartnerandheadofdepartmentSam Pedley,willplayakeyroleleadingoncases aroundclinicalnegligenceandpersonal injuryclaims.Hejoinsmfgafterfiveyearsat SydneyMitchellLLPandwillbebasedatthe firm’sStPaul’sSquareofficesincentral Birmingham.
INTHEPINK
ROBO-STOP
RoboticsmanufacturerQuicktronhaschosenBirminghamasitsUKHQ, movingtoBruntwoodSciTech’sleadinghubfortechnology businesses,InnovationBirmingham.Themultinationalcorporation, whichisheadquarteredinShanghaiandhasofficesintheUS, Germany,Spain,Japan,KoreaandSingapore,hasacquireda1,000sqft space.Quicktronisthelatestinawaveofinnovativetechanddigital companiestojointheInnovationBirminghamcampus.
RetailgiantMarksandSpenceristoopenanew storethisautumninthevacantDebenhams buildingintheBullring.Themoveispartofa £480millioninvestmentacrosstheUK.M&Schief executiveStuartMachin,pictured,said:“It’sabout makingsurewehavetherightstores,intheright place,withtherightspace.Ourinvestmentnotonlydeliversabetterexperiencefor customersandcolleagues,itbooststhelocalcommunitywithnewjobcreation.”
A22-year-oldbeautytechnicianhasdoubledthesizeofherKidderminster businesslessthanayearaftermovingintoherfirstpremiseswiththehelp ofcommercialpropertyagentsJohnTruslove.HollieBedford,whoruns LashHunseyelashextensionstrainingacademyandbeautysalon,said: “Itwasabigstep,butbusinesshasjustkeptgrowing.Wegotthekeys, redecorated–niceandpink–andit’sprovedagreatmove.”Holliestarted outworkingfromhomeat18.
AnewVIPconciergeservicehasbeenlaunched atBirminghamAirporttotakethestrainoutofair travel–withplanstorollitoutatotherUK airports.VIP-FLYwasfoundedbyVinceEssex,an aviationveteranofmorethan20years,whoruns groundservicesbusiness,ArvinAviation.Hesaid: “Formanypeoplegettingthroughtheairportis themoststressfulpartofflying,beitabusiness triporfamilyholiday.Anyonecannowgetthe VIPtreatment.”
AccountancyandbusinessadvisoryfirmBDOLLPhasstrengthenedits MidlandsofferingwiththeappointmentofIanBennington,pictured,tothe Digital&RiskAdvisoryService’s(DRAS)teamaspartner.Ian,whojoined fromDeloitte,takesonanationalrole,leadingthefirm’sGovernance,Risk andCompliance(GRC)service,helpingtobuildBDO’scapabilitiesinthe areaofethicsandcomplianceandorganisationalculture.
birminghamliving february2023 58
FLYVIPCLASS
BUSINESS
ONTHEIRMARKS
RISK ROLE
SPLASHINGOUT: HolliewithBenTrusloveofcommercialpropertyagentsJohnTruslove
THENAME’SBOND…
Anewhomeforthebestcreativetalent intheWestMidlandsissettore-launch thismonth.TheDigbethEstate(Oval RealEstate),workingwithGreater BirminghamandSolihullLocalEnterprise PartnershipandCreateCentral,has partneredwithsomeofBirmingham’s bestdesignersandarchitectsto reimagineTheBondinFazeleyStreet, Digbeth,forthenextgeneration.The rebuildingoftheBondseesitbecomea focalpointfortelevision,filmandall digitalcontentproduction.
NEWPARTNERS
Twonewpartnershavebeenappointedat expandingBirminghamestateagency,Davidson Estates.MelissaPetrosandAndrewLoveare responsibleforallstaff,ensuringthatthefirm’s targets,policiesandprocessesareachieved.The agency’sfounderandmanagingdirector,Ben Davidson,said:“Theirenthusiasm,positive attitudeandvastexperiencehasalreadyhelped metodevelopthebusinesstowhereitistoday.”
AWESOMEFOURSOME
TheBelfryHotel&Resortandfourofitsemployeeswere enrolledinthe59club’sEminentCollection–thebenchmarkof excellenceintheglobalgolfandhospitalitysector.Directorof golfcoursesandestatesAngusMacleod,directorofgolf ChristopherReeve,headofgolfretailandoperations,Tom HughesandfoodandbeveragemanagerJacquesHobson, wereallincludedasaresultoftheirperformance.Resort directorChrisEigelaar,pictured,said:“It’soutstandingtobe regardedsohighlyintheindustry.”
PROPERTYPRESENTS
Birmingham’spropertyandconstructionsectorhasdonatedmorethan1,500gifts todisadvantagedchildrenafteroneoftheregion’sbiggestfestivefund-raisers.
TheSnowball,organisedbycharityPropertyforKids,sawgift-wrappedpresents donatedtoBirminghamandSolihullWomen’sAid–thecharitywhichsupports womenandchildrenaffectedbydomesticviolence.ChairmanofPropertyforKids, JillyCosgrove,said:“We’reveryfortunatethattheSnowballcontinuestobeso wellsupported.” Formorepictures,seeoursocialpages
BUSINESS BITES
GOLDSTANDARD
Watchandjewelleryretailer,Goldsmiths Solihull,hasrelocatedtoalarger showroominTouchwoodShopping Centre.Themoveprovidesdedicatedareas foranumberofluxurybrandsaswellasa newhospitalityareaandrepairslounge.
LUXURYDEAL
EstherBroomhall&Partners(EB&P)has startedtheNewYearwithabangafter beinginstructedtomanagetwonew luxuryhomedevelopments–HighTrees, ShuttLaneandTheFirs,Earlswood Common–onbehalfofaward-winning, Solihull-basedpropertydeveloper, HCDDevelopments.
LEADERSEARCH
Thesearchisonforanew,high-profile businessleadertochampionandsupport thehospitalitysectorintheWestMidlands. Thenight-timeeconomyadvisorrolewill workwiththeWestMidlandsGrowth CompanyandthenewWestMidlands HospitalityandTourismAdvisoryBoard.
MENTALHEALTHBOOST
BarrattandDavidWilsonHomesMerciahas donated£1,500toWestMidlandscharityCaring Minds–partofthewiderBirminghamandSolihull MentalHealthTrust(BSMHFT)–aspartofits CommunityFundscheme.Thecharityprovides comprehensivementalhealthcareservicefor residentsofBirminghamandSolihull,andarange ofcommunitiesacrossthecounty.Achequewas presentedtoLouiseJohnandZahraHussain, picturedoutsideCaringMinds.
february2023 birminghamliving 59
BUSINESS
PINKBALLRAISESVITAL CASHFORHOSPITALS
NailcoteHallownerSueCressman continuessupportforlife-savingkit
APinkBallatNailcoteHallHotelGolf&Country Clubraisedmorethan£15,000forstate-of-the-art cancertreatmentatlocalhospitals.Thepopularevent, inits18thyear,wasorganisedbythehotel’sco-ownerand two-timecancersurvivorSueCressman,whounderwenta mastectomy10yearsago.Suehascontinuedtogivebackby donatingatotal£250,000-worthoflife-savingmedical equipmentsofartolocalhospitals. ■
PhotographybyPeterBlanchflower
3 2 4 5 6
7 8
birminghamliving february2023 60 SOCIALSCENE
1
1 NarinderKaur,JackRiggs,SueCressman,GregParsons,AmyAshby,ClaireandSophieBonner. 2 SharonGray,MartinReeves,DarrenGray,Hayley Reeves,RayDarby,SteveGammon,JennyandJamesHarrison. 3 SandraNutt,RickandSueCressman,ChrisNutt. 4 SueCressman,LisaDevine. 5 SoultownCollective. 6 RebeccaYazdianpour,MichelleBunn,NatashaRoberts,KatieClarence,MariaMorgan,KatyThomson,DebbieHave. 7 RickCressman,HelenBleakman,RichardManser,BettySmith,MikeCrausaz. 8 MargaretBrent,TerenaandStuartMoore,GaryandSheilaReeves, DavidBrent,PhilandClaireSykes.
SOLICITORSCASHBOOST FORLEARNINGCHARITY
GuestsraiseaglasstosupportEmily JordanFoundationatannualdrinks
awfirmmfgSolicitorshosteditsannual Christmasdrinkswithmorethan100 guestsattendingtheeventatPubDuVin inChurchStreet.Aprizedrawfeaturedavintage bottleofChampagneand£250wasraisedforthe EmilyJordanFoundation,alocalcharitywhich supportspeoplewithlearningdisabilities.
PartnerandmanagingdirectorAndrewDavies said:“Notonlywasitgoodtoseesomanyclients inoneplace,butitwasextraspecialthatwewere abletopromoteandraisefundsforanamazing charity.” ■
4
3 2 1
1 MatthewBarker,SophieKelly,TomBell. 2 LucyGeorge,LucyHarrold. 3 DavidAllen,AndrasKarpati,BethMargetson,Stephen Moore. 4 TomMcCarthy,ChrisPiggott. 5 KatNolan,ClareLang. 6 BrianFlint,TonyMilner,AvrilLamont-Webster,TerryHalligan. 7 KeithBagby,ClareRegan,AltineElias,NevilleTopping. 8 StephenTallboys,MelindaRice,StephenRoberts.
L5 6 7 8
february2023 birminghamliving 61 SOCIALSCENE
FromMidlandslocalnewspaperreportertosuccessful rom-comauthorandwifeofaBlackCountryrockstar legend–journalistSuzanHolderrecountedherlife andtimesasguestspeakerataBirminghamPressClublunch heldatEdgbastonGolfClub.Suzan,whohasbeenmarried formorethan30yearstoSladefrontmanNoddyHolder,was madeanHonoraryLifeMemberoftheClubatthelunch, whichwassponsoredbyTipton-basedLet’sSanify.She receivedthetraditionalgiftofabuglecraftedinBirmingham’s jewelleryquarterbyAcmeWhistles.Araffleraisednearly £800fortheFrontlineClub,whichaidsjournalistsworkingin warzonesanddangerousplaces. ■
PhotographybyIanTennant
ROM-COMAUTHOR’S PRESSCLUBHONOUR Writerandrockstarlegend’swife,Susan Holder,madelifememberatspeciallunch 3 2 4 5 6 7 8
birminghamliving february2023 62 SOCIALSCENE
1
1 BobWarman,SuzanHolder,MahmudurJaigirdar,AdrianKibbler,MinMangat. 2 Anne-MarieEden,RichardandJayneGrimes. 3 JennyWilkes, DavidDunckley,ValDeeley. 4 FredBromwich,NickHudson. 5 JohnDuckers,HazelHorton-Peppercorn. 6 TrishWillettsJoJeffries,MariaReycores, SimonPitt. 7 SteveEvans,LesleyWilde,HelenToomeyHesk. 8 TaylorRobinson,SteveDyson,FionnualaBourke,LisaWebb.
PROPERTYFUND-RAISER BRINGSCHEERTOKIDS
Disadvantagedchildrenbenefitasguestsat PropertyforKidseventdonate1,500gifts
neoftheregion’sbiggestfestivefundraisers,TheSnowball,organisedby charityPropertyforKidssaw600 professionalsgatherattheJamHouse,StPaul’s Squaretoenjoylivemusicbybands,HotProperty andUnderConstruction,whosemembersallwork inthepropertyandconstructionindustry.Guests donatedmorethan1,500gift-wrappedpresents whichweredonatedtoBirminghamandSolihull Women’sAidfordistributiontoyoungstersthrough itsregionalnetworkofdrop-incentresandrefuge accommodation. ■
1 AmeliaEdwards,AndyWard,LynseyCater,ClareRegan. 2 DanKingdon,PaulKing,RichardBrannigan,AngelaIrvine. 3 AndyPrice,JamesTickle, NeilDodd,ElspethWightman,BeckiAdams,NickGorrie. 4 SteveKidd,DavidBrooks,SteveFischer. 5 AndrewCrowter,StevenHandley, JohnKavanagh. 6 AndyPassmore,OlgaAlokhina,MarkMuckle. 7 DarrenEaton,KarinaConnelly. 8 RupertYoung,JillyCosgrove,JohnBunce.
4
3 2 1
9 JulieCraig,NickWarwick,MichelleEllerman,RichardFreeman. 10 AnthonyWatson,MatthewHancox,DominicHardy,TomO’Brien.
O5 6 7 8 9 10
february2023 birminghamliving 63 SOCIALSCENE
WHAT’SONliving
WHAT: Aladdin
WHEN: 18to26February
WHERE: HattonAdventureWorld, adventure.hattonworld.com
Abrand-newpantomimethatpromisesamagic carpetrideforthewholefamily.Heldindoors,sothere’s noneedtoworryabouttheBritishweather,theall-inclusive priceensuresacarefreedayoutonthe100-acresitewith loadsofanimals,showsandotheractivitiestoenjoy.
WHAT: FatboySlim
WHEN: 3and4March
WHERE: O2Institute2 Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com
FatboySlimremainsoneofthemost in-demandDJs,andhe’sbackwithhis latestalbumRightHere,RightThen, celebratingthe20thanniversaryofthe infamousBigBeachBoutiqueevent.
WHAT: TheBestExoticMarigoldHotel
WHEN: 21to25February
WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com
BasedontheSundayTimesbest-seller,whichinspiredthe hitfilm,thislovelyshowtakesyouonajourneytoIndia withaneclecticgroupofBritishretirees.Ajoyouscomedy starringHayleyMills,PaulNicholasandRulaLenska.
WHAT: KTTunstall
WHEN: 27February
WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk
Followingthereleaseofhernewalbum NUT,theBRITAward-winningandGrammynominatedartistisonherfirstfullUK headlinetoursincethepandemic,witha completelydifferentshowandabrandnew line-upofamazingmusicians.
WHAT: OldSkoolFamilyDisco
WHEN: 19February
WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk
GetyourSundayafternoongrooveonwitha DJbangingoutthetunesplusmascots,glow sticksandbubbles.Fancydressencouraged, thoughnotessential.Soundandlighting levelswillbesuitableforyoungchildren.
WHAT: TheFreddieMercuryShow
WHEN: 4March
WHERE: NailcoteHall,nailcotehall.co.uk
AnightofclassicQueenhitswiththebrilliant BruceGame’stributetoFreddieMercury.Tickets includethree-coursedinnerandafter-showDJ.
WHAT: Soundsofthe60’sLive
WHEN: 1February
WHERE: WolverhamptonGrand Theatre,grandtheatre.co.uk
LegendaryDJTonyBlackburntakeshis Soundsofthe60’sshowontheroadfor aUKtourcelebratingthemusicand memoriesofwhatwasamuch-loved decade.
birminghamliving february2023 64
WHAT: BirminghamRoyalBallet–SwanLake
WHEN: 15to12February
WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com
Thegreatestofallromanticballetsreturnsin oneoftheworld’sfinestproductionsasthe BRBrevivesPeterWrightandGalina Samsova’sgloriousjourneyintoSwanLake–withtheRoyalBalletSinfoniaperforming Tchaikovsky’ssuperbmusic.
WHAT: Panic!AtTheDisco
WHEN: 3April
WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk
WHAT: TheMurderCapital
WHEN: 21February
WHERE: TheMill,themilldigbeth.com
HailingfromallcornersofIreland,thepostpunkbandhascarvedoutareputationfor effortlesslyblendingintenseaggressionwith unforgettablemelodiessincethecelebrated 2019debutalbum,WhenIHaveFears.
WHAT: HalfTermFun
WHEN: 11to26February
Themulti-platinum,Grammynominatedrockband’sVivaLas VengeanceTouriscomingtojustthree venuesintheUK,includingBrum.Their song,HouseofMemories,hashad morethan2.1billionviewsonTikTok–socomeandcheckthemout!
WHAT: SpittingImageLive
WHEN: Nowuntil11March
WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk
Withaplotmoreimprobablethanthepastyearof Britishpolitics,jointheiconicSpittingImagepuppets inthisworldpremiereastheygracethestageforthe veryfirsttime.
WHERE: BritishMotorMuseum, britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on Discoverapaletteofpossibilitiesthishalf-termwitharangeof colour-themedactivities,includingtheColourCreatorTrail,the chancetobuildacolourfulArtBotandtakepartinScienceofColour showswithresidentscientists,ProfessorPickleandDoctorPumpkin.
WHAT: RobinMorgan:SnipSnip,B*tch
WHEN: 12February
WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham/ Afterthepandemictorpedoedhisdebuttour, theMocktheWeekcomedianandactorisback withanewshowabouthismum,fatherhood, marriage,masculinityandhometowns.
WHAT: Crufts2023&BestinShow
WHEN: 9to12March
WHERE: ResortsWorldArena, resortsworldarena.co.uk
Thegreatestdogshowonearthis back!Watchmorethan20,000canines competefortheworld-famoustitleof CruftsBestinShow,plusbrowse hundredsofshopsfullofproductsfor bothyouandyourpooch.
birminghamliving 65 february2023
WHAT’SON
CLOSEWITHÁ
DRLINZISTAUVERS
BEENTHERE,DONETHAT
Ispent10yearsinLondon,studyinghistory ofartandworkingasalecturerattheNational PortraitGallery.AftermyPhD,ImovedtoLeeds whereIcommissionedartiststocreatenewwork forheritagespaces,includingaformercinema, musichallandTVstudio.Irelocatedto BirminghamwhenIstartedworkingatIkonin 2017.
IT’SWHATIDO
IlookafterIkon’seducationwork,placingartists inschools,communitysettingsandaprison.We alsorunaprogrammeforyoungpeopleaged16to 21toexploretheartsandcraftsheritageoftheWest Midlandsviaourcanalboat.Myteamcollaborates withuniversities,rights-basedorganisationsand artiststorespondtosocialissues.Forexample,in Marchwearepresentinganewworkby BirminghamartistFokaWolf,entitledWhyAreWe StuckinHospital?
WHATI’DLIKETOSEE
AtIkonourambitionistoshowcasemore contemporaryartinBirmingham.Thisincludes large-scalepublicartprojects,likeHewLocke’s ForeignExchange,whichweproducedforthe Birmingham2022CommonwealthGames,and OsmanYousefzada’sInfinityPattern,thatcovered theentireSelfridgesbuilding.Perhapssomething thatcanbeseenfromspacenexttime.
BIGGESTSUCCESS
Gettingmarriedat40.Assomeonewhomanagesevents foraliving,aweddingalwaysfeltlikeabusman’sholiday. However,myhusbandChasagreedtoaverysmallevent withonly10guests.Wegothitchedinstyleatthe BirminghamRegisterOfficefollowedbyrealalesandpork piesattheCravenArms.Wereturnedtothesceneofthe crimeforourfirstanniversaryandwillcontinuetodoso.
BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED
Inmy20s,IwasafanofnovelistJGBallard.Ididn’t havethecouragetowritetohim,butIshouldhave.I’ve sincemethisdaughter,theartistFayBallard,andithas beenwonderfullearningaboutawriterwhohas inspiredsomuchcontemporaryart.Forexample,Ikon’s currentexhibition–HorrorintheModernistBlock–is fullofhighrisesandconcreteislands.
WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM
MyfavouriteplaceinBirmingham(andprobablythe world)istheMidlandsArtCentre.Iliketocyclealong theRiverReawithmyeight-year-oldson,andpopinto Mactoseeanexhibition,watchamovieortakepartin afamilypotteryworkshop.TheyalsosellAtticBrew’s Intuition,whichistopofmylocalbeerlist.
DOWNTIME
I’mnotgreen-fingered,butenjoyaNationalTrust garden,likeWightwickManorandPackwoodHouse.If Icouldhaveacupofteawithanyoneitwouldbe CapabilityBrown.Idoloveaha-ha. ■
TheactingartisticdirectorofeducationatIkon, Brindleyplacetalksshowcasingcontemporaryart, lovinglocalbeerandcyclingalongtheRiverRea
birminghamliving february2023 66 PERSONTOPERSON