July 2015 (issue 34)

Birmingham g n i liv

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July 2015

MILLENNIUM POINT EASTSIDE’S POWERHOUSE OF TALENT

SUMMER SPECIAL AL FRESCO DINING

BRIT WINNERS

Jump the Shark

BEAUTY THE BEACH

&

THE MIDSOMER MAN TV’s Gwilym Lee on the Custard Factory and Hamlet

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ROB PALMER, MILLER AND CARTER, KIERON FOWLES, CATHERINE OGLE AND MORE…

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EDITOR’S VIEW Actors, stylists, rockers, technophiles – Birmingham’s young and brilliant talent is in full cry this month

irmingham’s young talent is on show this month – and what a diverse and brilliant bunch they are. Gwilym Lee has already made an impression in popular TV series such as Midsomer Murders, but he’s being tipped for even greater things – starting with his lead role in a BBC One drama based around the horror of London’s 7/7 bombings. The story is the perfect vehicle for the Brummie to show the depth of acting skills which have already seen him work with the RSC and appear in the States.

Kieron Fowles is making his own kind of waves – with hair. The stylist who has worked with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, has become the creative director of one of the biggest hair and beauty salon groups in the UK. Such responsibility in the industry is usually reserved for 40-somethings, but as you will see in our interview it holds no fear for the boy from Brum.

Theo Williams, Jon Murphy, Tasha Jones and Matt Gregory, otherwise known as indie rock band Jump the Shark, were thrust into the limelight in February when they earned a Young BRIT Award at the O2 in London. They started out just jamming in a room in a local school – now they are recording at the famous Abbey Road Studios!

This month’s Birmingham’s Greatest looks at Millennium Point which has become the city’s centre for knowledge, learning and technology. It’s driving our city’s youth onto greater things – and providing the catalyst for the ongoing regeneration of Eastside.

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David Johns

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Editor: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk

Features editor: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk Designer: Tracy Duffy

Contributors: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Rose Gallagher

Account manager: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk Photography: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn Publishing director: Jonathan Carter

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues).

Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

Cover image: Gwilym Lee

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

july 2015

/bhamliving

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

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g n i liv

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INSIDE

Highlights

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Gwilym Lee Rising star of stage and TV on Midsomer Murders, LA and London’s 7/7 bombings Kieron Fowles The talented Brummie leading one of the UK’s largest hairdressing empires Birmingham’s Greatest Millennium Point, centre of knowledge and technology and catalyst for Eastside Food and Drink Rob Palmer, head chef at Peels Restaurant, on the loves of his life Style Get ready for the beach with our pick of the summer’s hot looks and trends Homes Gadgets and gizmos that’ll have you all fired up nicely for the BBQ season

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CONTENTS

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Best of the Rest

26 48 66 68 74 82 94 july 2015

Restaurant Reviews Critics’ verdict on Miller and Carter, The Botanist, plus this month’s top wine picks Health and Beauty Matters of the heart, plus Rose Gallagher’s bronzing tips and must-have products Motoring Sue Cooke puts the new Infiniti Q70 through its paces around Brum Young, Gifted and Brummie Hit Indie band Jump the Shark, plus news from local schools and colleges Spotlight on Business Company to Watch – ORB Branding, plus news and views from the business community People, Places, Events Our social pages picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month Shows, Arts, Gigs and More What’s on, where and when – all you need to know about the arts and entertainment scene

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NEWS

g n i v liTODAY

OARSOME ADRIAN TV presenter Adrian Chiles got stuck in when he joined the crews at the Brindleyplace Dragonboat Festival. The Brummie patron of the city’s Cure Leukaemia charity, wore a suitably fetching outfit as he paddled fullsteam ahead in one of the 20 traditional Chinese craft. The event raised £100,000 for the charity.

Bringing you the brightest and most colourful stories from across the city each month

TATTOO’LL DO NICELY Not quite ‘the girl with the dragon tattoo’, this youngster proudly wore her own mark at a Solihull charity fun day.

Chelmsley Wood families enjoyed carnival games, sports, petting zoo, sumo style wrestling and a barbecue at the event hosted by Grace Academy Solihull.

RAISING THE ROOF Sweating it out in the gym is a bit of a mission in summer… so Fort Dunlop is taking fitness to a whole new level – with a series of al fresco exercise classes on its rooftop. They include zumba, circuit, body pump, pilates and fitness yoga.

Non-members £5, pre-book

THEY’LL NEVER CATCH ON...

This array of instruments was all the rage back in 1600. The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments will reveal more as they re-enact the 400-year-old journey of Will Kemp, a member of Shakespeare’s company, who danced from London to Norwich in nine days.

The Nine Dais Wonder is a highlight of this month’s Lichfield Festival.

places through 24/7 Fitness.

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NEWS

PUSH TO HELP HOMELESS KIDS It’s a sobering thought… nearly 400 homeless children are waiting for adoption in the Midlands. Now Adoption Focus, the Ofsted outstanding-rated voluntary adoption agency, has launched its first ‘drop-in’ information evening – an innovative project to find more youngsters

THE WOW FACTOR

good homes in Birmingham.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that these stunning creations came from the pen of one of the world’s great fashion designers. In fact it was part of a showcase of talent at this year’s BCU Graduate Fashion Week Fashion Show. The show is packed with superb designs by the uni’s fashion students as they prepare for careers in the industry.

WANTED:

SECRET SQUIRRELS

3

The Ramblers are calling on Midlanders to become secret squirrels and ‘spy’ on their local paths as part of its biggest and most ambitious footpath survey. Launching on 13 July, the Big Pathwatch aims to survey every right of way in the region, giving a comprehensive overview of the routes, their condition and wildlife.

Visit www.Ramblers.org.uk/ bigpathwatch.

PHIL RACES TO TITLE

CURLY WURLY BIRTHDAY FACTS

CHOCS AWAY: Cadbury World celebrates its 25th birthday next month. Nearly 14 million people have visited the attraction since it opened in 1990.

BOURN LEGACY: The Cadbury factory has been situated in the Bournville village since 1879 when Richard and George Cadbury moved the business from Birmingham city centre.

SECONDS OUT: Each year Cadbury World sells 83,000 bags of Mis Shapes, the bag of chocs that didn’t quite make the cut in quality control, but are still just as tasty!

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Phil McKenzie has been named Fundraising Volunteer of the Year by Birmingham Voluntary Service. The amateur marathon runner who is warehouse manager at Hollywood Monster began raising money for Edward’s Trust after receiving its help after the loss of his son.

RED ALERT BRINGS HAPPY REUNION Happy David Richards has been reunited with a precious football scarf he thought he’d never see again. It was knitted by his late wife, but David lost it while on his way to support Walsall at Wembley Stadium. His daughter launched an Internet appeal – and now David and scarf are back together again.

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NEWS

WEAR A BANDAGE FOR THE DAY Two young patients proudly launched Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Big Bandage appeal. Nawal Alsied, eight, and Ella-Louise Williams, five, are urging people across the Midlands to donate money and ‘wear a bandage for the day’ on Friday 10 July. Last year 35,000 people took part, raising more than £80,000.

GEM OF A FESTIVAL Businesses in the Jewellery Quarter are throwing open their doors for a behind-thescenes look as part of the first JQ Festival from 17 to 19 July. They include sculptors, glass makers, photographers and jewellery makers. The festival is packed with familyfriendly activities. More details at www.jewelleryquarter.net

BIG NAMES BOOK IN If you like nothing better than a good book, Birmingham Literature Festival is a ‘must read’. After 2014’s successful event, which featured literary stars like our own Benjamin Zephaniah, this month will see plans unveiled for the 17th edition later this year.

Last year more than 4,000 people attended over 40 events in the city, while one million people tuned in to BBC Radio 4 programmes recorded at the festival.

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IN BRIEF STAR EVENT Guests enjoyed a special evening hosted by Michelin-star Harborne chef Richard Turner and Chase Distillery to showcase the best of the region by creating a tasting menu to compliment the range of Chase spirits and wine.

IT’S SUNNYHULL! For Solihull read Sunnyhull! Mell Square shopping centre is launching a summer season of activities and attractions every Sunday from 12 July to 2 August.

There will be celebrity performances, workshops, market stalls and much more…

JENNY BOUNCES BACK

CHAIN GANG

A horror accident which saw Jenny Belcher seriously injure her knee has proved the springboard to a new Midlands fitness business. She created Boogie Bounce Xtreme, a low impact exercise programme using a mini trampoline, choreographed to inspiring music. The former sports therapist at Worcester Rugby Club developed the exercises to aid her recovery.

An army of more than 200 riders took part in the 500km London2Paris cycle ride in aid of Cure Leukaemia. They included Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster and ex-Wolves ace Geoff Thomas.

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NEWS

TOP TWEETS FOR BRUM Our pick of what’s been said about Brum this month Geoff Thomas @GeoffThomasGTF Me and the great man @charliecraddock My Prof. To me and many he’s a life savour. @CureLeukaemia @L2Prevolution

ROYAL BALLET’S WORLD FIRST Birmingham Royal Ballet presented the world premiere of The King Dances, a brand-new production by director David Bintley at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Celebrating his 20th year as director, The King Dances is David Bintley's 21st new ballet created for the company since taking the reins in 1995.

HenriettaLB @HenriettaLB Whole lot of love for ‘Greater Birmingham’ as Andy Street says ‘you wouldn’t call Munich Greater Bavaria’ – it’s about the brand #GBSLEPAGM Andris Nelsons @andris_nelsons Thank you for 7 wonderful years with the @CBSO! @andris_nelsons is deeply moved by all your support. Keep up loving & sharing!

Darren Henley @HENLEYDARREN Standing ovation at @THSHBirmingham for @andris_nelsons as he conducts @TheCBSO & @CBSOChorus in a terrific final concert as Music Director

LANDSPEED DUO IN BRUM Businesses met the man and machine behind Britain’s bid to break the 1,000mph World Land Speed Record. Accountancy firm Moore Stephens partnered with Bloodhound SSC (SuperSonic Car) to bring a full-sized replica of the jet-powered car to Birmingham with its project director Richard Noble.

LET’S ROCK! There’s no more iconic name in music than Fender. Now the world’s leading guitar manufacturer is launching a summer tour in the UK with Birmingham as one of its key destinations. The American Standard Tour features demos and live performances. The free tour comes to Brum on 29 July. See www.fender.com/uk-tour

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ART IN THE PARK RETURNS The Art in the Park Festival in Leamington Spa is to become part of the town’s annual calendar following the success of last year’s inaugural event. The two-day showcase for local artists returns to Jephson Gardens on Saturday and Sunday 1 and 2 August.

More than 75 artists have already confirmed as exhibitors, as well as 11 bands.

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NEWS

ARISE SIR LENNY! Birmingham’s most famous Brummie is now a knight of the realm. Lenny Henry became Sir Lenny in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The award – which this magazine called for when we featured Dudley’s finest on our cover last September – recognises Lenny’s contribution to charity and comedy. Sir Lenny has been the driving force behind Comic Relief since its inception and this year’s Red Nose Day events took the total raised to more than £1billion.

INSIDE THE NEW HARVEY NICKS

TOMMY’S

TITLE TILT Is this Britain’s next boxing world champion? Tommy Langford fights in Dublin this month for his first pro title, the WBO Inter-Continental middleweight crown. The 25year-old ex-Midlands amateur champion is a graduate of Birmingham University and big West Brom fan. “It’s the biggest stage of my career so far,” he said.

Harvey Nichols previewed its chic newlook Birmingham store ahead of its opening at the heart of the Mailbox this month. Group CEO Stacey Cartwright said: “It is hugely exciting to be launching our new design concept store in the city. We believe we are creating an unrivalled retail destination for customers which will redefine the luxury retail market.”

CALLING WOOD-BE SNAPPERS..

Budding photographers from the Midlands are being urged to capture magical family moments by the Woodland Trust.

The charity and Yorkshire Tea have launched the Say Trees! photography competition, and want families to visit their nearest wood and get snapping.

GOT ANY NEWS? Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk july 2015

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COVER STORY

Gwilym Lee tells us how acting was more of a ‘social opportunity’ than a career choice and why he’s up for the challenge of conquering the US and beyond… probably!

SUPER hen your interviewee settles down with a cup of tea, ‘so we can have a good chat’ you know it’s going to be a pleasant experience. The charming Gwilym Lee has been steadily building an impressive CV since leaving drama school and although largely under the radar he’s best known for his role as DC Charlie Nelson in the wonderfully English Midsomer Murders and has also appeared in successful shows Fresh Meat, Waterloo Road, Ashes to Ashes and Land Girls.

Theatre roles have been plentiful too, most notably an award-winning Edgar in King Lear and he also plays the lead in a BBC drama to be aired this month called A Song for Jenny tackling the sensitive topic of London’s 7/7 bombings.

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WELSH BRUMMIE Despite the very Welsh name, Gwilym moved to Sutton Coldfield aged just one where his father took a role as a consultant at the Good Hope Hospital.

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Coppice Primary School and King Edward’s Aston provided opportunities for the standard school play japes, but it wasn’t a serious endeavour.

He said: “I don’t come from an acting family – sport was my thing. I did the standard school plays initially then I was offered a place on the Central TV workshop which I thought would be a chance to meet some girls! I went to a boys’ school, so it appealed as a social opportunity rather than a love of acting.”

Once the old Central TV building moved from Broad Street to the Custard Factory, Gwilym’s walk to the workshop at a time when Digbeth wasn’t as cool as it is now was an eye-opener. “I used to walk from New Steet, passed St. Michael’s church and the market to Digbeth. It was pretty rough then – a bit spit and sawdust. It’s different now. What they’ve done with St. Michael’s Church is remarkable.”

Gwilym’s potential as an actor was spotted and at the age of 15 he was picked to perform in Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Company. “I was

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COVER STORY

MAN july 2015

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COVER STORY

surrounded by proper actors doing amazing work and it seemed like a feasible career which it hadn’t before.

I also loved being part of the team – I always have whether it’s sport or acting.”

His parents and teachers took the view that he was obviously good at it so they were supportive, but encouraged him to have a back-up, so he went to the University of Cardiff to study English Literature followed by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He’s worked fairly consistently since.

ACROSS THE POND Gwilym’s been lucky enough not to have endured frequent or long dry spells, but during one period of unemployment he hopped across the pond to try his hand at the infamous pilot season. “The erratic work is something you expect as an actor, but I haven’t done too badly. During one dry spell here my agent said you might as well get yourself to America and do pilot season. Ironically for those three months, I’ve never worked so hard.”

Pilot season is famously very competitive and intense, but Gwilym loved it. “It was so exciting. I’m a bit of a home boy, but I loved LA. I know it has this

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image of being fake, but cruising down Sunset Boulevard on a sunny evening in mid-February was pretty special.”

Gwilym’s trip was cut short when he got the Midsomer Murders gig and returned to the UK, but he’s open to going back when the time’s right and has already appeared in a few plays in the US – Hamlet on Broadway, King Lear and the Fairy Queen among others. “I met a few people, but the opportunity to stay and make a go of it wasn’t available at that time,” said Gwilym.

The refreshingly innocent Midsomer Murders has been a steady job and Gwilym’s now filming his third series. “I adore it more and more every time I come back. There’s an innocence about it which is lovely.

It’s not dark or gritty – I think people have enough of that in real life. It’s also very English… full of chocolate box houses and quaint villages which is probably why it’s taken off around the world.”

Filming Midsomer until October, Gwilym’s not sure what he’ll do next, but he’s been lucky enough to find contrasting jobs in between each series. “Contrast and variety is the best thing about acting,” he said.

The next chance to see Gwilym on screen is in BBC One’s A Song for Jenny which is an incredibly moving

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COVER STORY

drama adapted by Frank McGuinness from a book by Julie Nicholson. Julie’s daughter, Jenny was murdered in London’s 7/7 bombings. Rather than reliving the details of the incident it’s a much more personal story exploring grief, loss and forgiveness. Gwilym plays Jenny’s boyfriend and both cast and crew felt they had a responsibility to get it right. Gwilym explained: “This is totally different from fiction. It’s such a private and personal story we had a duty to do it faithfully and honestly. It’s bigger than anything we do and it was a privilege.”

BIG AMBITIONS So, what would be the dream gig? “It’s hard to say what would be my dream role because perhaps it hasn’t been written yet! There are the big Shakespearean roles like Hamlet obviously. There’s a quote from Monty in Withnail and I that goes ‘It’s the most devastating moment in a young man’s life, when he quite reasonably says to himself, ‘I shall never play The Dane!’ It is at that moment that all ambition ceases to exist’ which I like,” he added: “I’d like to do some Pinter and Arthur Miller. A great American TV series would be interesting and I’d love to work with the Coen Brothers too.” For what it’s worth we predict a Doctor Who or even a Bond in the making.

So, quite ambitious then? “Yes I’m really ambitious actually and competitive – just ask my siblings! Whether it’s sport or whatever I’m doing I like to challenge myself.

I want to do it all. I’d like to do America properly and see what that has to offer, but I’m also ambitious in my private life too. I’d like a happy, comfortable family, children and all that. I’m quite far from it, so I need to work on that.” Gwilym has completed multiple marathons and half marathons, so he’s no slouch in a pair of trainers either.

During interviews stars who’ve grown up in Birmingham often slip into a Midlands accent, generally when talking about family. Not so with Gwilym. He assured us, “Don’t worry. If I’m having a few beers with old friends I do slip into the old brummie twang!”

Now living in London, Gwilym’s still very fond of the Midlands. He said: “It’s a special place for me and always will be. My parents live in the same house we grew up in. They make noises about moving, but we’ve disallowed it!” I

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FEATURE

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Kieron Fowles went from experimenting on his family to leading the way in one of

the UK’s largest hairdressing empires. We catch up with the talented young Brummie airdressing doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as an art form. Not in the same way as say sculpting or painting – perhaps because of its temporary nature, perhaps snobbery – but for young creative director Kieron Fowles it’s in the same ball park.

At 27, Kieron has been given the huge role of creative director at the Regis group, the largest owner and operator of hair and beauty salons in the UK. A creative directorship is usually the domain of 40-somethings with decades of experience under their belt, but the brand has entrusted the talented young Brummie with steering the direction of its salons and being an ambassador and spokesperson. “It’s very flattering and a role I didn’t think would come along for another few years at least,” said Kieron.

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VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Having been at Toni and Guy for 10 years working his way up to art director, Kieron enjoyed many stints at London Fashion Week for the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon along with high-end editorial shoots and competitions, so leaving was odd but thrilling too.

“I’m excited about pushing boundaries and this was such a brilliant opportunity,” he said.

Kieron’s role encompasses three brands under the Regis umbrella – Regis, Supercuts and Express Hair & Beauty

by Regis, all of which are subject to his creative vision.

He’s responsible for developing the artistic teams, driving trends, creating new collections, representing the brand on the fashion stage and generally being the creative voice of the company in the UK and beyond.

>>KIERON’S CLIENT WISH LIST Cara Delevigne Kate Moss Alexa Chung The Kardashians, particularly Kim

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His love of hairdressing began as a child when he started to show a creative flare early on. “I’ve always been into detail and texture. I used to mix my mum’s nail varnish together to create different colours and loved the glossiness of it. I was fascinated with making things,” he added, “We had a lot of girls in the family and I started to turn the visions in my head into reality, replicating the texture and shapes into hair and I guess that’s where it started.”

Kieron’s never short of inspiration as a grown-up either. “I draw on so many different areas… music and fashion or even a quirky print. Celebs are a fail-safe source of ideas too. I love Evan Rachel Wood’s edgy bob. The unexpected under cut is a winner.”

MR NICE GUY Stereotypical maybe, but we wondered if hairdressing’s a bitchy world to be involved in particularly given Kieron seems utterly lovely? “Ha! There are some big egos and there’s a fair amount of competition, but I don’t get involved in that. I go by the motto ‘you’re never too good to learn’ which has stood me in good stead so far.”

Since his appointment in April, Kieron hasn’t stood still. He’s just shot his entry for the British Hairdressing Awards in the Midlands category, completed a new collection shoot for Regis which launches this month, attended the LC:M (London Collections: Men) shoot in London which is a styling session for fashion and beauty journalists in between catwalk shows and will feature on specialist trade magazine HJi’s stand at the Salon International exhibition at the end of the year.

Chatting to Kieron you get the impression that this is his dream gig and his Instagram account depicts a life of shoots and fashion shows full of glamour and creativity.

One of Kieron’s recent posts is a Steve Martin quote ‘be so good they can’t ignore you’ which seems fairly apt. While Kieron would be unlikely to shout about how good he is, it’s obvious to those in the know.

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FEATURE

CUT ABOVE: Kieron, and inset at London Fashion Week

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

MILLENNIUM POINT BIRMINGHAM’S

The centre of knowledge and learning is also the

GREATEST

catalyst for the ongoing transformation of Eastside here was a lot of fuss around the turn of the millennium. Plenty of grand promises and even grander plans. In London, it all centred around the Millennium Dome. Here in Birmingham we had our own focus with the construction of the biggest millennium landmark outside of the capital – fittingly known as Millennium Point.

The Dome was quickly labelled a white elephant and sold off to become the big success story it is today as the O2 Arena. Millennium Point meanwhile has become the hub of something much greater and more important than a concert venue. As the flagship development in the city’s previously run-down industrial Eastside it’s been the catalyst for regeneration for getting on towards two decades. Yes, progress has been somewhat steadier than many would have hoped due to the tough financial times

T

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we’ve been through these past years. But with Millennium Point at its centre, things are moving ahead for Eastside. And that momentum can only quicken as plans to build the city’s new HS2 rail terminus just a stone’s throw from Millennium Point push forward.

HEARTBEAT In a city with the youngest population in Europe, Eastside actually has an age profile that’s half of the rest of Brum. As a result, the area has become synonymous with learning and knowledge.

Millennium Point is the heartbeat as the home to a number of faculties of Birmingham University and of the city’s science museum, Thinktank.

“When we first opened in Eastside, we were a bit Pictures by Jas Sansi of a grey box stuck on our own,” said Millennium

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

Point’s chief executive Philip Singleton. “In the decade or so since then, we’ve really pushed on and been the catalyst for real growth and change.”

The first thing to say about the building itself is that it certainly has the ‘wow’ factor! It’s big and dramatic, the result of a £114million project between the city council, Birmingham University and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While construction was well underway as the millennium arrived, the building was actually completed in 2001 and officially opened by the Queen the following year.

As well as being home for Birmingham Museums’ excellent Thinktank, the multi-use complex contains

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BCU’s faculty of technology, engineering and the environment, Birmingham Metropolitan College and Birmingham School of Acting. It is also a thriving centre for a large range of events, exhibitions and arts – including Birmingham Independent Food Fair, the Flatpack Film Festival and International Dance Festival – frequently showcased in its vast atrium and 375-seat auditorium. Since opening it has welcomed more than 15 million people through its doors, and continues to attract more than a million visitors each year.

“With our partners, we have become the centre of knowledge and exploration – a destination to experience the future,” explained Philip Singleton.

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

“We explore, feel and test what the minute walk away from us. We have future might be like. We have many got land here which we want to events here which look at what develop and we want Millennium technologies and developments are Point to become even busier and coming, whether that be in design, have even more impact of the lives innovation and development. It of people and the success of might be something like looking at Birmingham.” hydrogen fuel cells in cars for instance.” The complex has hosted a CONSERVATOIRE number of design expos as well as Among the projects bursting onto climate change conferences. the scene is a new £40million home “Millennium Point is at the being built for Birmingham cutting edge and is a very exciting Conservatoire which will open in place to be,” said Philip. “We are a 2017. As a centre of education and hotbed of technology reaching out training across a wide spectrum of MILLENNIUM MAN: Philip Singleton, CEO to Birmingham of course, but also musical genres, the Conservatoire is well beyond to the wider region and the country. We the perfect fit to become neigbours of Millennium Point. fuse traditional Midlands values and quality with “I’ve been around Birmingham for 25 years,” said the future.

Philip, “and being the chief executive of Millennium “Moving forward, the picture is looking very Point at such a time, with all that is happening now positive with the continuing expansion of Eastside and is about to in the future… it’s just a great place and with the arrival of HS2 which will be just a two to be.” I

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FOOD & DRINK

ROB PALMER The head chef at Peels Restaurant on the loves of his life inside and outside the kitchen, nan’s amazing scones and his mission to find the local culinary stars of the future Tell us about your cooking

What do you eat when at home?

I love modern British cuisine, using classic flavours and then incorporating a modern twist. It’s really important to use British and local produce wherever possible but the priority is to use the best ingredients available. We’ve got a number of suppliers that we’ve worked with for years – our meat from Aubrey Allen, all our vegetables are from Birmingham and our fish supplier is second to none.

We’re renovating our walled garden here which will give us access to more of our own fresh vegetables.

I met my wife at the Metropole where she works as a personal trainer, so food at home is very simple and healthy! Lots of salad, fresh vegetables and roast chicken.

Describe your perfect meal

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

I love the food scene in New York, it’s really stimulating. We’re so lucky to have an amazing local food scene and I think Glynn Purnell is right up there. The team and I recently went for a meal at the Ledbury which was incredible. Brett Graham, the head chef there, is pretty special.

I’m a simple guy and although I love great food and visiting other incredible restaurants, for me there’s nothing better than a few beers with something simple and tasty in the local with friends and family.

Is the customer always right?

How did you become a chef?

We do everything we can to ensure the guest leaves happy, but it doesn’t always mean they’re “right!”

I used to love baking with my mum and nan. Nan’s scones were amazing! As a teenager I balanced college with an apprenticeship at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole where I found George Outhwaite really inspiring. I joined Hampton Manor five years ago and was lucky to work with Martyn Pearn who taught me to respect ingredients and not to over-complicate things. I rose through the ranks before becoming head chef at the end of last year.

What’s the best thing about being a chef?

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It’s never dull and there’s something new to learn every day. We have a great team which makes life really enjoyable and watching the lads coming through is great. We also work with a lot of apprentices from UCB and I really enjoying that nurturing aspect and helping teach and develop new techniques.

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CHEF’S CORNER What's the worst thing about being a chef?

Every chef will tell you that the long and unsociable hours can make it pretty hard to be away from family. But this is a lifestyle choice and I love what I do so wouldn’t change it.

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

I reckon I’ve got the potential to be a golfer even though my handicap right now is around 20. I wouldn’t mind playing for Villa either!

What do you recommend from this evening's menu?

We have a heritage tomato, basil and burrata dish on the menu that’s really lovely. I Peels Restaurant, Hampton Manor, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton in Arden, Solihull B92 0EN. Tel 01675 446080 www.hamptonmanor.eu

ROB’S RECIPE FOR HIS HERITAGE TOMATO SALAD Ingredients

I Variety of heritage tomatoes I 300g fresh basil I 300g rapeseed oil

I 500g cherry vine tomatoes I 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

I 1 ball of burrata or mozzarella I 3 egg yolks I Olive oil

I Gelatine I 2 x muslin cloth or cheese cloth

Method To make the basil mayonnaise: 24 hours prior to serving the dish, make a basil oil which will go towards making a basil mayonnaise. Blanch the basil and blend it with the rapeseed oil.

Place in a muslin or cheese cloth and allow to hang over a bowl overnight.

To make the basil mayonnaise, whisk the egg yolks with the white wine vinegar.

Once these emulsify, gradually add the basil oil, continuing to whisk. You should end up with a brightly coloured mayonnaise, full of basil flavour.

To make the tomato essence jelly: Blend the cherry vine tomatoes with a sprig of basil and hang through a muslin or cheese cloth. After six hours the essence will be ready. Measure one leaf of gelatine to every 100ml and leave to set in the fridge for a few hours.

Plating up: Slice your heritage tomatoes into varied shapes and sizes, season with olive oil and sea salt. Pipe a small amount of mayo onto the plate. Scoop out 5 or 6 teaspoons of jelly and place them on top of the tomatoes. To finish, season the burrata or mozzarella and drizzle with olive oil, tear off 4 or 5 chunks and place on dish.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

MILLER AND CARTER 178-180 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RN. Tel: 0121 643 7738 www.millerandcarter.co.uk/millerandcartermailbox e like a good steak as much as the next man, but we’d never really considered the complex process from animal to dinner plate. Truly, we’d rather not know, however an eye-opening behind-the-scenes trip to Miller and Carter changed all that and encouraged us to embrace the knowledge and appreciate the effort that goes into every hunk of juicy beef.

Once in the impressive kitchen, the chefs at Miller and Carter refrained from doing that vague thing of spewing about happy animals, but what came across was an absolute obsession with the end product meaning that each steak they serve has been two years in the making. The attention to detail from field to plate is remarkable.

Rearing cattle in tip-top condition and feeding them an optimum diet followed by a 30-day ageing process (wet and dry) results in top-notch beef being delivered to each restaurant in the 36-strong chain. Then it’s over to chef to get the cooking right. No pressure then…

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FIRST THINGS FIRST At weekends and evenings the restaurant is packed out. We visited on a Wednesday lunchtime which was a bit slower, but the atmosphere was still good and the place felt well-loved and lively.

We thought we’d sample a starter, so we had to wait a little longer for the main event. With the prospect of red meat I went fishy and hungrily devoured a pretty dish of lemongrass and chilli tempura king prawns with sweet chilli jam. It was a winner and a good start. JC wasn’t as chuffed with his Bourbon glazed pork belly bites though. They tasted great, but the texture was a bit flabby and he’d expected a crispy bit of fat.

The steaks are split into two sections – ‘dry and wet aged’ and ‘dry

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aged.’ The enthusiastic waiter explained that beef which is both dry and wet aged produces a juicier steak while purely dry ageing results in more flavour. We went for one of each. I chose the wet and dry aged ribeye and JC plumped for a dry aged sirloin on the bone or porterhouse. The steak came with plenty of accompaniments including a sauce, fries, a wedge of iceberg lettuce with a choice of four sauces and a slice of onion loaf (more of that later). There’s definitely no need to order extras, so at £22.95 the steaks were pretty good value.

A glass of rich red wine was the only drink I wanted with my steak, so I ordered a Rioja Marques de Risqal while JC slurped a South African chenin blanc. As promised, the ribeye was juicy, tender and nicely pink. The chimichurri sauce I’d chosen worked a treat, the fries were perfectly tasty and the iceberg wedge was genius. An idea imported from the US it was simply a big wedge of the underrated lettuce served with a drizzle of sauce. Refreshing and cool it cut through the richness of the meat. JC’s porterhouse was even more flavoursome than the ribeye and I must mention the onion loaf. It was a sort of baked onion with a crispy top hiding sweet flesh underneath and was gorgeous.

The only downside was the enormous amount of food. I managed two of the fries and left the rest which seemed a bit wasteful. We could’ve foregone a starter for sure although having said that, we couldn’t resist sharing a gooey, rich and delicious chocolate brownie.

HAPPY DINERS We’re often told a happy animal equates to tasty meat. I suppose it certainly clears the conscience, but does it really taste superior? And in any case how do you measure a cow’s cheeriness? They’re hardly jigging around the field group hugging. The care taken over the animal/product here is really impressive and the results were superb, so while I don’t buy the happy animal thing, well cared for seems to be the key.

That, teamed with commitment and passion is a formula that Miller and Carter have nailed. It left us jigging in the street and planning our next visit with a bunch of steak-loving chums. I

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SEASON'S EATINGS

JAMMY JAM New season cherries are ripe for our easy-to-make conserve.

Perfect with a hunk of rustic bread and butter… yum! is’ the season for making jam, what with all those lovely strawberries, raspberries – and especially the new summer crop of cherries! And thanks to this month’s recipe, it really couldn’t be easier. Forget all that awful, fiddly, time-consuming rigmarole that our grans used to go through… and have a go! I

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SUMMER BERRIES AND CHERRY JAM Ingredients:

I 400g of mixed summer berries (an equal mix of raspberries and strawberries works well) I 115g of stoned cherries I 500g of jam sugar (or granulated is fine)

Method: Briefly blend the berries and place in a large microwave bowl.

Combine with cherries, add sugar and stir well. Microwave on full power for 3 minutes, then stir.

Repeat for a further 3 minutes, then stir. Repeat for a further 2 minutes, then check setting point.

Microwave for a further minute if necessary.

Pour into warm jars and cover while hot.

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and

SHORTS

Birmingham has a lively and buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Here, we present our insider guide to what’s going on in your city’s eateries and drinking dens HIPPODROME WINS UK FOOD FIRST What stars they are at Birmingham Hippodrome – and not just on the stage. BH has become the first theatre in the UK to be awarded an AA Rosette for its restaurant. The coveted rosette was given to the theatre’s Circle Restaurant under the guidance of head chef Chris Bratt-Rose. Bravo!

LOBBYIST GETS A BIG THUMBS UP The bustling lobby of the Crowne Plaza hotel has been turned into a bar and lounge, appropriately called The Lobbyist.

Offering an innovative menu in the format of a mini-magazine, it’s all gone down a storm too – welcoming 500 people during its first weekend.

FINE DINING TO YOUR DOOR An online service which delivers top-quality food from local restaurants to your door has been launched in Birmingham. Deliveroo lets hungry users select dishes from their favourite restaurant in the city centre, Edgbaston and Moseley and plans to expand to other areas in the region in the near future.

NEW RYDER MENU TEES UP The Ryder Grill at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, has launched a new à la carte menu under the leadership of chef director, Glen Watson.

We’re told that the new menu suits a wide range of palettes and complements the succulent Chateaubriand and aged steaks that diners have come to expect from the Belfry’s signature restaurant.

SPA WELCOMES HEAD CHEF NATHAN Nathan Eades, formerly of Bromsgrove’s Epi at the Courtyard, has taken over as head chef at St Andrews Town Hotel in Droitwich Spa. Nathan oversees all aspects of the food offering, including the re-launch of the hotel’s restaurant which is due to re-open on 1 September.

COCKTAIL BAR OPENS AT MAILBOX Birmingham is toasting its newest cocktail bar, Aluna. Located against the stylish backdrop of the Mailbox, the new venue is the brainchild of 25-year-old Nishil Nathwani. His company has invested £400k into the venture which has created 20 new jobs.

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LUNCH SPOT

THE BOTANIST 14-16 Temple St, Birmingham B2 5GB. Tel: 0121 600 7430 http://thebotanist.uk.com/contact/birmingham he Botanist has been subjected to some mixed feedback since opening – it seems a bit Marmite from that point of view, so when we headed over to check out the lunchtime offering we were pleased to see a bustling bar and an equally busy restaurant.

Tables of what looked like mainly work colleagues graced the rustic benches with most diners sat in front of the signature hanging kebab swaying invitingly. We were pretty impressed.

I’d heard good things about the cocktails, so despite it being a Tuesday and lunchtime I enjoyed a delicious water melon and sage sling relieved it was served in a glass, not a jam jar as seems so trendy nowadays. The food menu is slightly confusing with a deli board section consisting of 21 dishes to choose from, nibbles and starters, home comforts, barbecue and the rotisserie.

T

SERIOUSLY TASTY I opted for a scotch egg with piccalilli to start and although there was a bit of a delay, when it arrived it was seriously tasty with an unctuous runny yolk and a meaty, salty surround.

I panic-ordered a main course because I couldn’t decide. In hindsight I’d have gone for a hanging kebab, but I actually went for the chicken and chorizo pie with a jug of gravy, chips and mushy peas. The pastry was great and chips were fab. The filling of the pie tasted nice, but I’d have liked the chorizo browned a bit before it went into the case. It was a hefty portion for lunchtime,

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so dessert was out of the question although they sounded and looked gorgeous.

Everything was served on patterned plates like your Granny used to own which was a nice touch. It suited the décor which despite being designed to within an inch of its life, managed to pull off a relaxed, rustic vibe. This is the sixth Botanist in the chain and the people at the New World Trading Company are clearly onto a winner if it’s packed on Tuesday lunchtime. A little birdie told me they’ve had a large booking for Christmas Eve already securing a table by one of the open fireplaces. I

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FOOD & DRINK

BARBIE DAZZLERS Our wine expert Rob Price picks the perfect al fresco tipples do so look forward to the warmer months and longer days, and the option to fire up the barbie and eat al fresco. The summer weather calls for lighter wines that are refreshing and easy to drink.

But barbecue foods are rich and smoky, so we need wines with equally good flavour to stand up to them.

This month I’ve selected a foursome that will work with a range of foods, but also have enough flavour to enjoy on their own – what could be better? And I’m starting right here at home with English wine which recorded its best ever year in 2014 with around 6.3million bottles produced. That’s more than double the average over the past 10 years.

I

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE With 470 vineyards in England and Wales we do have a lot of choice. Just remember British wine is NOT the same as English or Welsh wine. The former is made of grape concentrate shipped to the UK where water is added, while the latter is made

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from grapes grown in England or Wales. Yes, we have good water in the UK, but I know which I’d prefer to drink!

More than two-thirds of English wine is fizz, mainly because our cool and inconsistent climate is well suited to make sparkling wines. Last month I visited, with the Association of Wine Educators, Ridgeview wine estate in East Sussex which specialises in the production of English sparkling wine. So, I have chosen one of their wines to kick off our barbie selection. Having toured the vineyards and winery and tasted some of their wines, it was great to see one of our producers doing so well and being so optimistic about the future of English wines.

After our fizz, another white wine that always wows people attending my events is Viognier, and this is my favourite white grape. It’s fresh and floral but with texture, hints of spice and perfume. Lots of flavour and brilliant with full-on barbecued food.

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FOOD & DRINK

ROB’S FOUR T O T RY England’s finest Ridgeview Estate 2010 Marksman Sparkling – Marks and Spencer, £21 when on offer Two days after my Ridgeview visit, I was running a Marks wine tasting class which included this great sparkling wine.

It’s everything you want – apple, brioche and crisp acidity.

Casablanca choice Concha y Toro Corte Ignacio Viognier 2013 – the Wine Society, £8.50 This beautiful white wine from Casablanca, Chile has typical Viognier texture with enough body, but so very fresh. Peach, perfume and length. A real bargain at this price.

California dreamin’ A wonderful lighter red wine that works well is Pinot Noir. Drink it slightly chilled and with its crisp acidity, it’s great with most foods. For a barbecue I would tend to side with New World Pinot, as they have a fuller, richer flavour.

TOP WINE GUIDE As a follow-on to my visit to Ridegview with the Association of Wine Educators, I should mention that these merry men and women have produced a great A5 booklet entitled 100 Awesome Wines featuring their best buys in the UK. The aim is to help consumers get better value from the money they spend on wine. The top 100 has been chosen based on two criteria – quality and value. The guide is really well worth a read and can be downloaded from the AWE website www.wineeducators.com So, here goes with my own Top Four tipples to enjoy with families and friends, al fresco style… I Everything you need for a great al fresco summer – see Homes, page 52

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Jacktone Ranch Pinot Noir – Tesco, £6 (when on half-price offer) A modern fruity Californian Pinot that slips down, probably too quickly! Simple but seductive, nothing to challenge you, but who cares! Look for it on special offer.

Italian stallion Masi Bardolino 2011 – Marks and Spencer, £12 A fantastic wine from north east Italy. It has a little more body than your average Bardolino. Vibrant red fruits, dried fruits, enough tannin to give it structure and a very long complex finish.

Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun, informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses in Birmingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Milton Keynes. Contact Rob Price on 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

The Royal Tea British classic given a modern twist for the Big Art Cocktail competition his great cocktail has been designed by the head bartender at the Gentleman & Scholars bar in the Hyatt Regency Birmingham as part of the Big Art Cocktail competition – £1 is donated to the Birmingham Big Art Project for every cocktail sold. It’s a drink inspired by British culture that’s classical in preparation but with a modern twist.

Perfect at any time of day, but especially good as a teatime treat! I

T

The Royal Tea is being sold at the Hyatt Birmingham as part of the Big Art Cocktail competition. Visit

Ingredients:

I 5cl homemade Earl Grey Infused Langley’s Gin I Bar spoon (approx 5ml) orange marmalade I 3cl fresh lemon juice I 2cl homemade sugar syrup I The white of 1 egg I ½ tspn dried Earl Grey tea leaves I Orange zest

To make: Mix all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake (without ice) so that the fresh lemon juice and egg white emulsify. Then wet shake (with ice) to finish the cocktail off. Double strain over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with orange zest and dried Earl Grey tea leaves.

www.birminghambigartproject.org.uk Hyatt Regency Birmingham, 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JZ. Tel 0121 6431234 www.birmingham.regency.hyatt.com

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ing livSTYLE

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FLOWER POWER David Blue Floral one-piece £62.95, www.amazon.co.uk

IN THE

SWIM

Whatever shape you’re in, get ready for the beach with a couple of clever purchases and bags of confidence

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STYLE

VINTAGE VIBE One piece Lepel Minnie halter swimsuit £40, House of Fraser

FLATTERY WILL GET YOU EVERYWHERE One piece Sexy Shine £60, Triumph

VOLLEY BALL ANYONE? Bikini top £19.50 and bottoms £14, M&S at Pavilions

BEST ALL ROUNDERk

pac If you only ake one suit m it this! t’s time to get excited about shopping for swimwear… but hang on! Before you log on to Figleaves, do your prep and get organised. This way you’ll make some great choices, not impulse buys. And while you’re at it, log off and actually go shopping. Above almost all other purchases you need to try swimwear on.

Kitesurfing in Greece is a very different beast to sipping sundowners at Café del Mar, so make a list that takes into account what you’re likely to be doing in your swimwear. Once you’ve got that nailed you can shop confidently.

Here’s our basic four-point guide to packing swimwear. Just add a hat, three or four chic cover ups, some oversized sunnies and you’re set.

I

1. A stylish one-piece that offers a bit of coverage and will stay put despite a barrage of waves, a spot of windsurfing or a vigorous swim in the pool.

INTERSTING TAN LINES 2. A flattering bikini that stays put – a bit of a Lipsy multi stripe cut-out minefield this one as it depends so much on your swimsuit £28, House of Fraser shape. Try on four or five different styles, wriggle around, jump up and down, sit down and check yourself from all angles. Tugging an ill-fitting bikini around is not attractive or comfortable.

3. A super glamorous bikini or one-piece that makes you feel a million dollars. The only activity this needs to stand up to is looking hot while catching a few rays and strolling elegantly from lounger to bar 4. A rash vest for protection if you’re feeling a bit sun baked. The Butterfly by Matthew Williamson version here is a winner.

BOND GIRL J by Jasper Conran £42, Debenhams

RUFFLED Bikini top £14 and bottom £12, Dorothy Perkins

SPORTS STAR POP OF COLOUR Jets by Jessika Allen halter neck swimsuit £151, Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox

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Bikini top £19.50 and bottoms £14, M&S at Pavilions

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STYLE

LESS IS MORE Simple white halter neck £35, M&S at Pavilions

PRINTS CHARMING One-piece, sarong and hat, White Stuff

BEST ED H HIG WAIST Kitsch and cute fifties inspired.

MONOCHROME MADNESS J by Jasper Conran asymmetric one-piece £42, Debenhams

HIGH WAISTED Dickins & Jones floral bikini top £32 and bottoms £20, House of Fraser

WELL STRUCTURED J by Jasper Conran purple high waisted bikini £50, Debenhams

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STYLE

CUTE KIWI Kiwi bikini top £19.50 and bottom £15, White Stuff

MONO NOW Black one-piece and white accessories, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park

BEST FOR GL AMOUR

l cut Nice fit, welssy. fu n u and

STYLE TIP

When you fin d a bikini that fits you pe rfectly, buy it in a few diff erent colour ways.

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HIGH GLAMOUR Biba white Goddess bikini top £30 and bottoms £18, House of Fraser

COLOUR BLOCK Biba bandeau bikini top £25 and bottom £18, House of Fraser

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STYLE

SURF’S UP Butterfly by Matthew Williamson £32, Debenhams

GLAMAZON Biba animal print one-piece, House of Fraser

OPTICAL ILLUSION Boomerang asymmetric one piece £142, Miraclesuit www.simplybeach.com

FIFTIES INSPIRED High-waisted Splendid Bloom bikini, Avon

GREEN GODDESS J by Jasper Conran one-piece £42, Debenhams

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BEST FOR SMOOTH SILHOUETTE The name says it all!

ON THE FRINGE Bandeau cut out swimsuit £25, Very

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STYLE

GLAMOUR PUSS Sequinned turban, Dorothy Perkins GOING GREEK Ancient Greek sandals £70, Harvey Nichols

PROM QUEEN Pink skirt £95, Coast at House of Fraser

10

THINGS WE LOVE

ARM CANDY Pied a Terre blue snakeskin triangle bag £65, House of Fraser

SUMMER DAYS Summer print tunic dress £75, M&S at Pavilions Birmingham

JUMP TO IT Indigo Collection jumpsuit £45, M&S at Pavilions LADYLIKE CHARM Luchia racer style dress £325, L K Bennett at House of Fraser

CHIC COVER-UP Melissa Odabash embroidered kaftan £215, Harvey Nichols CLASSIC THONGS Isabel Marant leather sandals £445, Harvey Nichols

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GORGEOUS SMALLS L’Agent Felicitia turquoise bra and brief, Sipsey Lingerie, Solihull

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ADVERTORIAL

DELIGHTS OF DRAGON’S DEN Stunning walks and beaches, breath-taking golf courses, shopping and gastro delights aplenty… plus a big splash of history and heritage ounds like the perfect checklist of everything you need to unwind, relax and thoroughly enjoy yourself. The fact that you can tick off this little lot all in one amazing region just a couple of hours away from Brum makes it all the more appealing. South Wales is ideal for those taking exploring city breaks in the likes of Cardiff and Swansea, or wonderful holidays on the spectacular Gower Peninsular, or with all that nature has to offer in the border country in the glorious Wye Valley.

While we all like to get out and about, see the sights and enjoy the vibes by day, most of us want a bit of real comfort to return to and crash out by night. The good news is that the Marriott Group has a suitable hotel that will fit the bill (see the boxout for more details).

S

CRACKING CARDIFF The Welsh capital of Cardiff is the proud home of Welsh Rugby, with the Millennium Stadium found right in the centre. The city’s glorious past can be seen in Cardiff Castle which offers an insight from Roman Fort through to bustling centre for the coal trade.

Cardiff is perfect for a city break, a fantastic shopping destination with beautiful arcades and St David’s shopping centre boasting the largest John Lewis outside of London.

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The guided Cardiff on Foot tours were awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2014.

Cardiff Bay is filled with cultural attractions, eateries and boat trips. Enough to do all day and into the night with cool bars and great restaurants – in summer with the sun shining you’d think you were in the Med! Stroll around the sandy bay to Penarth Marina and you’ll find the perfect spot for the kids to play. Cardiff Bay wetlands reserve is one of Britain’s finest, with wonderful walks and places to view spectacular wildlife. And if you want still more amazing scenery, the Breacon Beacons are just 45 minutes away by car.

SIZZLING SWANSEA Swansea has something for the whole family to enjoy with lively markets and attractions and surrounded by the very best of Wales’s golf courses, plus the Fos Las Racecourse. Swansea Bay’s sweeping waterfront is home to its own National Museum celebrating industrial and maritime Wales back to the 1800s.

It’s also where kids will love making waves in the LC2 Water Park, Wales’s largest indoor water park. Meanwhile the grown-ups can enjoy the many award-winning golf courses around the area or stroll to the fantastic indoor and

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ADVERTORIAL >>WHERE TO STAY Whatever experience you want from visiting South Wales there’s no better, more comfortable place to stay than a Marriott. There’s one to suit every taste – just look at this trio…

The Cardiff Marriott is in the heart of the Welsh capital, close to all the major attractions. Just a short walk from the stadium, castle and near to Cardiff Bay. The Swansea Marriott in the Maritime Quarter on the enchanting Swansea Bay captures the charm and beauty of its Gower peninsula surroundings.

Spacious guest rooms and views of the Marina.

St Pierre Marriott Hotel and Country Club is on Wales/England border. The medieval estate was the site of several disputes between the two countries through history. Award-winning golf courses and extensive leisure facilities, including outdoor tennis courts.

outdoor shopping centres that Swansea has to offer. With an indoor rainforest, bowling alley and cinemas just moments away, you will never be stumped for things to do!

Along the coast there’s miles of beautiful walking trails along the Gower Peninsula. Rent some bikes or bring your own for a peaceful cycle along the promenade down to Mumbles – home of the famous Oyster Festival – and enjoy an ice cream on the pier. Swansea is the birthplace of literary great Dylan Thomas – and there’s a centre celebrating his life which draws visitors from around the world.

MAGNIFICENT MONMOUTHSHIRE On the gateway to South Wales lies St Pierre, Marriott Hotel and Country Club – the perfect location to explore the glorious Welsh countryside. The 14th century manor is set in 400 acres of picturesque parkland in the rolling hills of the Wye Valley, offering a real rich history and stunning location for a perfect holiday in its own right but also with easy access to Cardiff and Bristol should you wish to explore some city living. With first class leisure facilities, beauty rooms and two excellent restaurants, St Pierre is also one of the top UK golfing destinations and boasts two courses – the Old Course has played host to a succession of international golf tournaments. I

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Experience a Wonderful Welsh Summer Throughout the summer holidays these three marvellous Marriott hotels are running a fantastic promotion so that you can experience the very best that the region has to offer in style. Book a two night stay and receive complimentary breakfast, WIFI, car parking and also a £40 food and beverage voucher. For more details visit the individual hotel websites. www.cardiffmarriott.co.uk www.swanseamarriott.co.uk www.marriottstpierre.co.uk

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STYLE

NEW WAVE Palm print swim shorts £14, Next

LEADER OF THE PACK Feel great in the sun with a pair (or three) of these little beauties e reckon three pairs of swimmers is the optimum number to take on a beach break.

The classic swim short is the most flattering – not too long, not too short, but just right! The Ted Baker Pingpon is top of the tree. The ideal length, the Pingpon comes in three great colourways (what is it with the number three?) and is comfortable whatever you’re up to on the beach. Bold prints are hot this season too from bicycles (yes really!) to geometric patterns and Hawaiian-inspired themes – and never rule out a timeless blue and white stripe. I

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STYLE BEACH CLUB Criminal red pineapple swim shorts £30, House of Fraser

PLAIN SAILING Pingpon plain swim shorts, Ted Baker

TAXI! Vilebrequin New York swim shorts £170, Harvey Nichols

GREAT SHAPES Graphic swim shorts £14, Next at The Fort

HAPPY DAYS Howick striped swim shorts £30, House of Fraser

STYLE TIP

Pack one well cut plain short, one bold print and one classic stripe

JUNGLE LOOK Polo Ralph Lauren Hawaiian print swim shorts £115, Harvey Nichols

RIGHT STRIPES Blue Harbour Swim Shorts £22.50, M&S at Pavilions

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HEALTH

HEART TO HEART More women die of heart disease than any other cause.

Here’s 10 ways to lower your risk

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HEALTH

t’s a sobering fact that heart disease is the No. 1 threat to women. In fact, it is three times more deadly than the main female cancers – breast, ovarian and cervical – put together. Your heart is something that you can help, or hinder, every day of your life, so follow these top 10 tips to keep things ticking over nicely.

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6. Get going After menopause, women have higher concentrations of total cholesterol. To compensate, women need to make their life more aerobic. Aerobic exercise helps boost your ‘good’ cholesterol and lowers the blood fats (known as triglycerides). Exercise also helps reduce blood pressure, keeps your weight down and makes you feel good.

1. Spot the signs Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack. But heart attacks in women can also be accompanied by symptoms that can be confused with other ailments.

Shortness of breath, nausea or actual vomiting, back or jaw pain, and unexplained fatigue can also be danger signs. If you’re in any doubt, don’t hesitate to seek help from your GP just to be on the safe side.

7. Salt: Just a pinch Salt can raise your blood pressure and you shouldn’t consume more than six grams a day – that’s about a teaspoon’s worth. So start taking an interest in the labels of foods you buy and, at home go easy on how much you use. (A good start is not to salt something you haven’t tasted.) Your blood pressure should be 120/80mmHg or below, and bear in mind that over the age of 55 there are more women with high blood pressure than men.

2. Pack it in There are zillions of reasons why smokers should kick the habit. It helps health in so many ways, and lowering the risk of heart disease is right up there. If you’ve tried to quit and can’t, get some help – Google the NHS Quit Line.

3. Get yourself checked The British Heart Foundation says that anyone over the age of 40 should be having regular cardiovascular check- ups with their doctor. This examines risk factors including cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes. Family history is another good reason for a check, especially if your mum had a heart attack before the age of 60, or if your dad had one before the age of 45.

4. Confront your front The more fat you store around your middle (as opposed to your hips, thighs or bottom), the higher your risk of heart disease. But on the plus side, this more dangerous fat is also the easiest to shift.

5. Cut out trans fats Unlike ‘good’ fats found in foods such as olive oil, flaxseed oil and walnuts, trans fats are chemically altered vegetable oils and should be avoided. They are very common, turning up in everything from ready meals and biscuits to crisps and sweets.

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8. Something fishy Try to put fish on the menu at least twice a week. It can lower your blood fats and help boost your levels of HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol. In particular, go for mackerel, salmon or sardines which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are protective fats that are good for your heart.

9. Cut down on alcohol There is some evidence that an occasional glass of red wine can be beneficial, but on the whole alcohol and good health don’t tend to mix. As well as risking other problems, women who drink more than a glass of wine a day may find their blood fats (triglycerides) starting to rise.

10. Reduce the risk of diabetes A woman with diabetes has an increased risk – by a factor up to seven – of heart disease or heart attack.

How do you know if you’re at risk of diabetes? One indicator is to measure your girth (the circumference of your abdomen, running a tape measure across your belly button). If it’s above 35 inches your risk of diabetes, and therefore heart disease, is greater. I For more information contact www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/priory or call 0800 404 6786

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BEAUTY

BRONZED

GODDESS

Beauty expert Rose Gallagher imparts her bronzing tricks with must-have products that will have you glowing all summer long

Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Shower Oil, £32 from Selfridges A citrus scent starts the day on an uplifting note which is why Jo Malone’s new bath oil is my must-have. Atop a clean zesty scent, the rich formula of avocado, almond and jojoba oil will help your skin to replenish lost moisture after a day in the sun.

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer, £42 from Space NK You’ll have seen me mention Hourglass before for their glowing, radiant powders, and this new bronzer is the latest in their luminous skin collection. Forget harsh, contoured lines, this will help you to achieve a natural all-over glow.

Crème de la Mer World Oceans Day Limited Edition Moisturising Cream, £300 from Selfridges Crème de la Mer are celebrating their love for the sea with this new ocean-inspired moisturising cream.

It’s in a ‘rare’ Limited Edition jar, something lots of la Mer fans will want to collect.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, £47 from House of Fraser Ask any beauty hall in the world and they will tell you that the real beginning of summer is marked by the return of Estee Lauder’s legendary Bronze Goddess perfume. Get it before it goes, this year they’ve unveiled Shimmering Body Oil alongside the original scent.

One spritz and you are whisked back to every beach holiday you can think of.

READER OFFER

Charlotte Tilbury Norman Parkinson Lipstick in 1975 Red, £23 from Selfridges An iconic beauty collaboration, the fusion of one of the most timeless photographers and everyone’s new favourite make-up brand has led to a vintage lipstick gem. It’ll make your tan pop and your smile look whiter.

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In celebration of the new Murad counter opening this month in Debenhams, we’ve teamed up with the brand to offer Birmingham Living readers a trio of products. Simply turn up at the counter, proudly claim that you read Birmingham Living and voila! Visit www.brumliving.co.uk for details

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ALL FIRED UP! There’s something about the smell of charred food that says ‘drop everything summer’s here…’

SUMMER NIGHTS Feuerschale FireGlobe by Design 3000

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HOMES

CHARRED BY… Steak branding iron £30, Not On The High Street

f you’ve been to a food festival recently or even a supermarket come to think of it, you can’t have failed to notice the vast array of barbecued, smoked and pulled meat on offer. And the gadgets used to char these goodies vary from primitive looking giant pits (not very practical on your patio) to state of the art BBQs and inventive smokers that can transform summer entertaining.

Some really are like outdoor ovens in terms of control and reliability and it’s possible to cook virtually anything on them.

We’ve pulled a few gadgets together that might fit your outdoor space, budget and cooking prowess. I

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ON A PEDESTAL Landmann stainless steel pedestal BBQ, Homebase

TOP TABLE Bodum picnic charcoal grill in red £39.99, Leekes

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HOMES

CAMO COOL BBQ cover £28, The Camouflage Company

CHEF'S CHOICE Big Green Egg £750, John Lewis

THE PITS Prima fire pit £135, The Chelsea Gardener

BBQ BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT ProQ Excel BBQ Smoker, small £209.95, large £299.95, Sous Chef

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BALCO BBQ Balkongrill, Design 3000

DO IT YOURSELF Bar B Quick Build in Grill and Bake Barbecue, Argos

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HOMES

FUSS FREE Novo fire pit £35, Wilkinson GET A GRILLING Lotus Grill BBQ in silk white £129, Cuckooland.com

CLASSIC BBQ BeefEater Discovery 1000R series classic three burner barbecue £399, Occa-Home

THE EGG HAS LANDED Kamado Kooker £330, Achica SERIOUS COOK Grillstream Island gas five burner, John Lewis

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HOMES

RETRO TUMBLER Loretta tumbler £9, www.lizardorchid.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

COMFORT BLANKET Hand quilted picnic blanket £89.95, Nordic House

Essentials to make your al fresco get-togethers go with a swing SERVICE PLEASE Scandinavian salad servers £59.95, Nordic House

ESSENTIAL KIT BBQ tongs £5.99, Home Sense

HANDS UP Kitsch condiment dispenser £10, 50 Fifty Gifts

TROLLEY DOLLY From Home Sense, £129.99

WHO'S IN CHARGE? Aprons £14, The Great Gift Company

SURROUND SOUND Induction duo speaker in black £24.95, RED5

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FUN AND GAMES Twister picnic blanket £18, The Great Gift Company

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HOMES

Hot Properties City crash pads, shiny new builds, a chocolate box cottage and listed period charm – welcome to our look at some of the most desirable homes for sale

STUNNING DEVELOPMENT Royal Sutton Place, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: on request Agent: Knight Frank tel: 0121 362 7160 Originally Sutton Coldfield’s grandest hotel, Royal Sutton Place was bought by the council in 1902 who sold it recently to a developer on the basis that it was treated sympathetically. The development is now under way to transform the former hotel into elegant luxury apartments befitting for this historic building. The apartments will vary in size and character and the former council chambers will be transformed into an apartment aptly named ‘The Chambers.’ It’s possible to collaborate on design and finish if you get in quick.

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HOMES

BRICKS&BITS BUILDING BOOM GETS UNDERWAY Birmingham is embarking on an unprecedented construction programme as it meets record demand from financial services firms relocating to the city. The skyline will be transformed, with over one million square feet of offices planned to be completed from 2017. Demand has rocketed as Birmingham attracts some of the world’s biggest companies.

PROPERTY ‘HOT SPOTS’ REVEALED Stratford-upon-Avon is the region’s hardest area to get a first step on the property ladder, reports the National Housing Federation. Wychavon in Worcestershire, Warwick and Solihull closely follow as the West Midlands’ property ‘hot spots’.

Over a third of local authorities in the area have house prices 10 times the average wages of firsttime buyers.

APARTMENTS SNAPPED UP Aldermore has provided Gethar Ventures with a development finance loan of £3.7 million for an 18-apartment complex in Birmingham. Gethar Ventures bought the Grade II listed Sutton Coldfield Council House from the council in July 2014. More than half of the apartments have already been sold.

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

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TERRIFIC TOWNHOUSE Rugby Rd, Milverton, Leamington Spa Guide price: £330,950 Agent: Distinct Estate Agents, tel: 01295 724243

Built in 2006, this three-storey detached townhouse is in a cracking spot on the outskirts of Leamington Spa with a variety of local amenities within a mile. The house has four bedrooms and bags of reception space including a modern kitchen diner that leads out to a south facing courtyard style garden.

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HOMES

CITY CENTRE LIVING King Edwards Wharf, Birmingham Guide price: £350,000 Agent: Maguire Jackson, tel: 0121 634 1520

If location is your thing this is spot-on, right in the hub of the city. Brindleyplace and Broad Street are on the doorstep with most of central Birmingham within walking distance. It’s spacious and light with a lovely terrace overlooking the canal.

Secure parking and a concierge service are available too.

CHOCOLATE BOX COTTAGE Roost Hill Cottages, Newborough, Staffs Guide price: £425,000 Agent: John German, tel: 01283 512244

A charming and deceptively spacious cottage nestling in a large picturesque garden in the highly sought-after village of Newborough – easily commutable into Birmingham. The cottage has three bedrooms and plenty of entertaining space

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and is packed with period features including exposed beams, a large open fireplace and wooden floors. The cottage offers flexible living with the addition of a detached double garage with a workshop and rooms.

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SHINY NEW BUILD Flints Wood development, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: from £415,000 Agent: Cameron Homes, tel: 0121 308 2802 Just two miles from the town centre, the Flints Wood development is a mix of three and four-bed houses finished to a high specification. The show home (pictured) is a fourbed example with a large open plan kitchen/family area with bi-fold doors opening onto the garden. The development is selling pretty fast – at the time of going to press there were just four homes left, so don’t dilly-dally!

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday

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AUCTIONS

SHADES OF BLUE Why Derbyshire Blue John is proving red-hot with collectors right now… erbyshire Blue John sounds like it could be a highly-fashionable type of cat or dog, or even a rare breed of cattle. However, you wouldn’t want any of those sitting on your coffee table or mantelpiece!

What would look suitably cool and classy though would be a stylish antique urn, ornament, or even a piece of standout jewellery. Derbyshire Blue John is a semi-precious mineral that’s a beautiful form of fluorite.

Its purple-blue or yellow bands of colour create striking patterns in the rock. These colours give the material its French name ‘bleu jaune’ – Blue John.

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FASHIONABLE The use of the mineral became increasingly popular in the second half of the eighteenth century when it was mined for its value in ornamental pieces. Despite being notoriously fragile to fashion, Blue John was used to create various objects such as urns and light fixtures, as well as fashionable decorative and architectural arrangements.

Here in the UK, the material is found only at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton in Derbyshire. But with mining happening on a very small scale in modern times, it is extremely rare and highly collectable. Objects can be found to suit all tastes and pockets, starting from as little as £30. If you’re after something truly dramatic you’ll need much deeper pockets – top items can go for prices in the region of £30,000. Some of the best will be previewed at the Antiques for Everyone Summer Fair at the NEC from 23 to 26 July. The 250-piece plus collection will then be auctioned on 5th October in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Among the highest quality pieces are the neo-classical style ornaments which reached their height of popularity in the Jane Austen period of the late 1700s. It’s likely that Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen’s hero in Pride and Prejudice, would have had a collection of Blue John at his fictional country estate Pemberley as it was based on Chatsworth in Derbyshire – just a few miles away from the hills above Castleton where the mineral was mined.

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Left: silvered cast oak leaf and acorn mounts Right: Ormolu-mounted urn and cover ascribed to Matthew Boulton

Regency Classicism includes some of the finest original Blue John pieces ever produced, several executed by the renowned Regency manufacturer, Matthew Boulton.

They include a fabulous rare ormolu-mounted three-branch candelabrum using Blue John as its base with branches fashioned like lily stems.

MASTERPIECES Another prized ormolu-mounted Blue John chalice has three Egyptian caryatids at its base, probably after a design by William Chambers, while a museum-quality ormolu-mounted Blue John urn and cover with typical Classical motifs, featuring scroll handles and acanthus leaf decoration so popular in this period, is yet another of his masterpieces.

It’s a sobering thought that a mineral mined by hand in the Derbyshire hills has become such an attraction today to collectors and dealers from across the UK and overseas. I Fellows Auctioneers has recently consigned a remarkable collection of Derbyshire Blue John pieces and will be exhibiting a selection of these at the summer Antiques for Everyone fair on 23 to 26 July at the NEC. Visit www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk

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MOTORING

QUALITY WITH A CAPITAL

‘Q’

Sue Cooke puts Infiniti’s latest Q70 through its paces on the open road – and ends up bumper-to-bumper in the roadworks ‘fun run’ around Knowle f you’re looking to buy a car from the luxury end of the market driving dynamics will play a huge role in your final choice, according to the people who make it their business to research our purchasing decision-making. While safety and reliability are top priorities too, manoeuvrability and ride quality rank higher in importance.

Infiniti, the luxury arm of Nissan, appears to have those bases nicely covered with its very comfortable Q70 premium saloon.

The 2015 model offers both exceptional comfort and safety and has been upgraded under the skin with improvements to refinement and ride comfort, more secure handling and road-

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holding and a huge list of safety and security features.

For the eco conscious, there is a new engine with lower CO2 emissions.

BLACK LEATHER LUXURY I really felt important driving this large car which comes with an impressive list of standard equipment, including full LED headlights, chromed accents on the front grille, a full colour rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors which made it easy to slot into a small space.

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MOTORING

Sliding into the black leather interior is an exclusive experience too, as seatbelts automatically adjust when engaged and the seats move into your favourite position when the stop start button is pressed. The typically standard spec here includes a beautiful white ash wood trim with silver powder finish, plenty of covered storage space and really supportive seats with ventilation and heating.

Tech models feature Infiniti’s Dynamic Safety Shield (intelligent cruise control, lane departure prevention and blind-spot intervention), Bose Premium Surround Sound with 16 speakers and Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Forest air-conditioning.

In the rear there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs out in case you are being chauffeured but this car with sevenspeed automatic gear change and speed sensitive power steering is so easy to drive, I have to ask, why would you?

The new 2.2-litre, four cylinder diesel engine developed with Daimler, replaces the larger 3.0-litre V6 diesel. The smaller unit has CO2 emissions of 129g/km and a healthy combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg.

But this doesn’t detract from the power and torque in what is a more efficient but faster engine. The ecofriendly start stop is instant and so is rapid acceleration, reaching 62mph in 8.9 seconds.

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FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model: Infiniti Q70 auto premium tech Price: £39,180 otr with options Engine: 2.2-litre diesel Performance: 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph CO2 emissions: 129g/km Combined fuel consumption: 57.6mpg

I got caught up in road closures during my week of road testing the Q70 in the Knowle fun run in Solihull, but the car was quite happy to trundle along in the resulting traffic jams.

And as the ride was so comfortable I actually didn’t mind.

Other engines available for 2015 are a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit and the flagship award-winning Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid powertrain. Benefiting from the enhancements introduced on the Q50S Hybrid, the latest Q70 Hybrid offers even more performance – accelerating from 0-62mph in only 5.3 seconds.

The revised Infiniti Q70 appears to have it all and certainly offers premium buyers the choice of luxury at a good price, starting from £32,650. I

SHOWROOM: Infiniti Birmingham, 110 Small Heath Highway, Birmingham B10 0BW. Tel: 0844 824 1552 www.infiniti.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

JUMP THE

SHARK We caught up with the lead singer of the indie rock quartet to find out how their phenomenal BRIT award-winning year is panning out

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

xams, school proms, uni applications are all standard teenage stuff. Playing the O2, winning BRIT awards, recording at Abbey Road studios, not so much – but that’s exactly what’s been happening in the world of four talented teens from Wolverhampton.

Theo Williams, Jon Murphy, Tasha Jones and Matt Gregory, aka indie rock band Jump the Shark, were thrust into the limelight in February when they were crowned winners of the Big Music Project and awarded a Young BRIT Award after wowing judges at the O2 in London.

The quartet has been playing together in various bands after meeting through a Zip Theatre Rock School workshop and school five years ago. Inspired by the likes of Primal Scream, Tame Impala, The Smiths and the Stone Roses among others, the band began ‘jamming around’ initially in 2010. Tash’s parents had access to a room in a school for them to practice in. A year later they performed their first gig and haven’t stopped since.

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unsigned acts entered the nationwide competition which consisted of numerous stages including an initial online round followed by a regional audition at Birmingham Conservatoire and ultimately the final at the O2 where they impressed the judges with their track There’s Always One. The band was overwhelmed with the reception they got at the final. “It was exciting enough to play such an amazing venue but to win was brilliant. We didn’t expect it,” said Tash. Not only did they win the coveted gong but the prize package also included a recording session at the famous Abbey Road Studios plus one of their songs will be featured on next year’s BRIT award compilation and they were invited to attend the BRIT Award ceremony.

All the band members have studied music and are working towards A-Levels this summer. They share writing responsibility, so it’s a collaborative exercise and they are producing new material at some pace. Ambitions are high and clearly this is more than a hobby. “We want to go as far as we can.” Tash recognises that London might WHAT’S IN A NAME? be where it’s at. “Although Birmingham’s on the up, the Midlands music scene isn’t If you’re wondering where the name Jump the Shark came from great.” With a manager on board to steer we’ve Tash’s dad to thank. It originates from the moment when them and bags of talent and energy we the Fonz jumped a shark on water skis in an episode of Happy think the future’s pretty rosy for this hard Days. So now you know… working bunch. I Unusually, Tash is the lead singer as well as drummer and when she first suggested this set-up the boys were a bit sceptical. She remembers: “We were originally a five-piece then the drummer left a couple of years ago. The rest of the band didn’t think it would work, but I kept nagging until they agreed to give it a three-month trial.” It is unconventional, but clearly it’s a winning formula and the judges at the Big Music Project thought so too.

NEXT BRIT THING Tash explained: “We wouldn’t normally enter competitions but we found the Big Music Project Checkout Jump the Shark on Soundcloud online and it looked really cool, particularly with https://soundcloud.com/jumptheshark-1 the BRITS link, so we went for it.” More than 1,000

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GROWING PLACES

ON YER BIKE, SIR! Bromsgrove Preparatory School teacher Richard Widdop is cycling the 950 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 12 days over the school summer holidays. And to help get him in shape, fellow staff and pupils set up a charity ride on static training bikes. The target was 265 miles – the distance between Bromsgrove and Land’s End – but they clocked up more than 400 miles, raising £900 for the Nepal Disaster Fund. Redditch resident Gumbo Tamang, who was born in one of the villages destroyed by the earthquake, visited Bromsgrove to collect the cheque.

PEDAL POWER: Teacher Richard Widdop with Gumbo Tamang and pupils Aakash Thapa Magar, Nelly Limbu, Pranisha Gurung and Sushant Gurung

SCHOOL REPORT

Birmingham Living is co mmitted to highlighting the best of our schools and colleges. Here’s ou r round-up of the latest stand-out news and ev ents

COMMUNITY FIRST: The Health for Life team

TRIUMPHANT HEALTH

FOR LIFE PROJECT An initiative in local primary schools to develop and strengthen the community has been recognised by an awards programme. Mondelēz International, owners of Cadbury, has been reaccredited as part of the prestigious Responsible Business Awards 2015 run by the charity Business in the Community. It achieved the accolade for its Health for Life in primary schools programme in the Building Stronger Communities category which celebrates instances where businesses have worked with a community partner to identify and address a key social issue.

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CHANGING THE SCRIPT: Students rehearse their version of Antigone

STUDENTS SEE FUNNY SIDE OF A TRAGEDY Year 10 acting students from Birmingham Ormiston Academy are making their debut at The Old Rep in A Greek Chorus Line.

They have adapted Sophocles’ Antigone from a traditional Greek tragedy into a modernised and often comical play, changing the script themselves assisted by professional director Tom Saunders. Antigone will be performed as A Greek Chorus Line at the theatre on 8 and 9 July.

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GROWING PLACES

TV WRITER GOES BACK TO HIS ROOTS Tim Reid, writer of the popular TV show Car Share, returned to his former school to deliver a creativity masterclass for its current pupils.

He spoke to fifth form students at Solihull School about the world of comedy writing and the successful sitcom, which broke records to become the most streamed premiere on BBC iPlayer. He said: “The students were extremely engaged and had some great ideas. It was fantastic to see them embracing creative thinking.”

YOUNG POET’S FEARS FOR HER HOME TOWN

ACE DAY: Mark Petchey with eager Eversfield pupils

ANYONE FOR TENNIS? Is there a future British tennis star in this little line-up? David Lloyd Leisure launched its pre-Wimbledon grassroots national tennis road show in Birmingham as part of a summer drive to encourage everyone to pick up a racquet. Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey, who is fronting the campaign, made his first stop at Eversfield School in Solihull with over 100 children participating in the masterclass. Mark said: “Days like today prove how eager the kids are to take part and how easy it is to pick up a racquet and just have a bit of fun.”

Nine-year-old Sutton Coldfield cub, Grace Henery won a Disney poetry competition in advance of the release of the film Tomorrow Land. Invited to enter by general manager of the Empire Cinema, the cubs were asked to imagine Sutton Coldfield in 50 and 100 years’ time. Grace penned the winning poem which has been praised by Green Peace and Friends of the Earth.

BANKING ON A BRIGHT FUTURE Business students from Abbey College Birmingham were given an exclusive talk by Isabel Stephens-Wood, graduate recruiter from worldleading Deutsche Bank, which has offices in Brindleyplace. Upper Sixth student Mariya Sheikh said: “The talk really opened my eyes into the world of finance. It was very beneficial to me and my studies and has really given me something to think about in terms of the next step in my education and career.”

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UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES

The tennis coach who fell in love with the sport at nine is giving thousands of kids the chance to do the same with his amazing programme in local parks

STUART MAIDMENT tuart Maidment has always been crazy about sport.

At nine he joined a local club and fell in love with tennis, demonstrating a natural flair for the game.

He steadily rose through the ranks before representing Warwickshire as junior.

But even more than the competitive side of the game, he found he had a real passion to inspire others to get involved which saw him becoming the youngest ever qualified tennis coaches at just 14. “My mother was a special needs teacher in Chelmsey Wood and my dad was a business mentor with Solihull Council, so maybe I inherited some of the necessary coaching skills from them,” he says.

Stuart has had successful stints as a high performance coach but his real interest lies with introducing the game to as many people as possible and then watching them flourish. “My coaching philosophy isn’t about winning at all costs. It’s also about teaching people life skills like manners, punctuality and accepting both winning and losing with respect. It’s about being the best you can be.”

At 19, Stuart became a coach at Edgbaston Priory Club before taking on a managerial position at his local Coleshill Tennis Club. He returned to the Priory in 2011 and with support from the LTA, he helped launch a community tennis programme called the Lordswood Community Tennis Club. It’s a membership

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programme aimed at individuals and families in the area which sets out to inspire children from as young as three to embrace the sport.

“There are so many people that just don’t have access to tennis,” says Stuart. “Either they come from underprivileged backgrounds or it’s a game they can’t relate to – we wanted to change that, to get more people playing in schools and parks across Birmingham.” Over the last four years more than 5,000 children have been through the scheme with over 150 regularly being coached each week.

That success earned Stuart the prestigious Aegon Coach of the Year award in 2013. “It was lovely to be acknowledged but nothing beats the feeling of watching young people improve themselves as individuals as a result of the programme,” he says.

Further funding from the charity Give It Your Max and International Clubs Philanthropy has allowed Stuart and his team of coaches to reach even more primary schoolchildren, and last month he launched another new programme at Cannon Hill Park. Providing free tennis to anyone who pre-registers, more than 300 people have already signed up.

The programme will now expand to include more parks as well as running disability schemes during term time for wheelchair tennis and also kids with learning disabilities. I

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ORB BRANDING

Rob Bloxham doodled his way through school by using his drawings as a memory aid. Years later, he’s turned that visual talent into a thriving business hat’s the difference between ‘Hell Yeah!’ and ‘hell, yeah’? According to Rob Bloxham ‘Hell Yeah!’ is that moment when you suddenly realise a solution to a problem. It’s when you exceed expectations and truly surprise people. It makes your brain bounce and your toes tingle. Hell Yeah! is Rob’s promise to transform a business’s brand.

Confused? It’s all perfectly logical to Rob – and clearly it’s delivering big-time for clients, including the likes of RBS and KPMG, because his branding agency is one Birmingham’s growing success stories.

Rob set up ORB Branding in 2004 and after spending the first few years acting as a lone consultant working pretty much from home, he moved into a succession of offices in the Jewellery Quarter as the business expanded before arriving at the current base on the 25th floor of Alpha Tower in the heart of the city. ORB now has a staff of 15, and growing…

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Rob is a Brummie through and through who says he knew from a young age that he wanted to work at “something visual”. He confesses: “To be honest I was awful at school. I just wasn’t interested. I somehow got through my GCSEs by using visual prompts that helped me to remember things.”

UNLOCKING CREATIVITY He understood more clearly by ‘writing’ notes in a visual format – essentially drawing and doodling his way through school and into his career as a strategist for creative agencies. For Rob, drawing helped to unlock his own creativity. This was to become the defining feature of his approach, and later that of his company, unlocking brands and devising truly creative and engaging concepts.

Rob worked in a range of strategic roles advising clients’ on how to engage their audiences at creative

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COMPANY TO WATCH

agencies across the Midlands. Upon realising that he could create a better team with an offer that put the client at the heart of the work, he left to create ORB – and has never looked back According to Rob, more than 50 per cent of your brain is involved in visual processing. “As we grow older and become accustomed to the ways of the business world, it’s all too easy to ignore our creative instincts and slip into habits that focus all of our energy in simply getting the job done without having to fire up our imagination.

That’s where ORB comes in and can help.”

ORB specialises in helping high growth SMEs and ambitious entrepreneurs define and grow their brands.

They also support larger corporates looking to engage and collaborate with SMEs. ORB works with industry leading entrepreneurs from across the city such as Anthony McCourt of property firm Court Collaboration, James Villarreal of bill payment service Glide and CEO of tech start-up accelerator Oxygen and co-founder of Urban Coffee Company, Simon Jenner.

Additionally they also work with some of the area’s

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most forward-thinking business people including Andrew Harrison, managing director, Midlands & East of England at RBS and Nick Terry, managing director of leadership events company, Top Banana.

In the last 12 twelve months ORB has earned a number of impressive accolades. These include being named Midlands Communications Company of the Year and achieving Recommended Agency status on the national Recommended Agency Register.

ORB has also doubled its turnover by significantly boosting its client roster with major brands such as RBS, University Hospital Birmingham and Marketing Birmingham. It has also been selected as one of Birmingham’s most innovative businesses and been asked to open its doors to those looking to gain an insight into the city’s most groundbreaking companies

by OpenCo, an international movement that aims to boost collaboration between city businesses.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR Over the next five years, Rob says he wants the business to have a greater national reach. “We are a regional agency, but I want to access SMEs and more corporates across the country,” he said.

Rob is also a trustee to LoveBrum, the charity that looks to support the great people and organisations working hard to make Birmingham better. “LoveBrum really helps communities by accessing money for the smaller charities that most people won’t have heard of,” said Rob. “As a total Brummie, it’s great to be a part of something that is giving back to the community.” Hell Yeah to that! I

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VINTAGE FASHION WITH A PASSION Emma Woodward and Sam Yair are celebrating in style after scooping a top vintage award. Their business, independent women’s vintage fashion and gift retailer Aspire Style, was named retailer of the year at the Greats Gift Retailer Awards in London. The awards recognise the UK’s best retailers. Joint owners Emma and Sam started the lifestyle boutique – selling vintage inspired dresses, fashion accessories and gifts – 10 years ago with a shop in Smith Street, Warwick. They now have five stores including their flagship at Mill Lane, Mell Square.

BUSINESS NEWS

SIGMA MAKES MOVE INTO BRUM A thriving business outsource firm has expanded into Birmingham in a move that will double the workforce and bring more than 700 new jobs to the city over the next 18 months. Sigma Financial Group, a Redditch-based credit management and customer service specialist, has opened its second office and contact centre in the region in the McLaren Building on Priory Queensway. The move will see 40 of Sigma’s 300-strong Redditch team move to Birmingham with major recruitment following through 2015/16.

LEGAL EAGLE TRACY ON THE UP Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell LLP has appointed Tracy Creed as a partner. Tracy, who re-joined the firm as an associate three years ago, heads the private client team. She has expanded the department during that time. Tracy is based at the firm’s Shirley office but has clients across the Midlands.

HI PARTNER! Sarah Archer with fellow partners Tracy Creed and Karen Moores

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TOLL BOSS’ ROAD TO THE TOP From China via Brazil and the Middle East. That’s the professional passport of Andy Pearson the new chief executive of Midland Expressway, operator of the M6 toll. He comes to the Midlands after working with private manufacturing investors in the Far East. Before that he worked for an international engineering support business developing their interests in Brazil and the Middle East.

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BUSINESS

KICK START YOUR DAY Kung Fu duo Stan Tang and Dave Taylor have launched Masters Black, an exclusive one-to-one service for key business professionals, high profile actors and sports personalities. The two Kung Fu masters have more than 60 years of experience in Kung Fu psychology and Chi Kung energy training. The launch in the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar on Level 25 of the Cube was attended by key business figures in the West Midlands.

SUKHY COMES HOME WITH BOUTIQUE LAUNCH

JAN LEADS

ROYAL BALLET Birmingham Royal Ballet has appointed Jan Teo as its new chief executive. Jan has been a member of the ballet’s board for the past two years and has long experience in corporate management and the arts. She is also a director of Birmingham Museums Trust and sits on a steering group of Birmingham’s Creative Partnership Board looking at alternative funding models for arts and creative businesses.

A former London banker has swapped finance for fashion by opening her own business.

Sukhy Nijjar has launched Sipsey Lingerie in Mell Square, Solihull and is introducing exciting new brands to the West Midlands, including Simone Perele, Le Mystere, Fleur of England, and Yawn, in addition to exclusive customer-tailored fitting service.

The new boutique sees Sukhy return to her Birmingham roots.

See grand opening pictures, Social Scene pages

JUST LIKE NAN MAKES… Cake maker Lucy Scott is tasting success – and she says it’s all thanks to her nans! Lucy’s business, Lil’s Parlour based in Northfield, Birmingham, has been nominated as Best Service Provider in the National Vintage Awards. She said: “To have national recognition is amazing as I’ve worked so hard to build up my business from scratch – I started with £50 and a lot of passion! Much of the baking at Lil’s Parlour is based on old, passed down Brummie recipes from my nans.”

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NEW BOSS AT THE OLD REP Chris Sudworth has taken over as the new executive director of Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre. Previously creative director at the Core at Corby Cube, he helped develop its national reputation for the opportunities it offers young people. The Old Rep is a platform for Birmingham Ormiston Academy students to develop their performing arts skills both on and off stage.

IN THE HOT SEAT: Chris Sudworth and Academy principal Gaynor Cheshire

GLITTERBALL CHAMPS

Picture: Jas Sansi

The spray tan billowed and the sequins flew as 450 guests watched members of the Midlands legal profession go toe-to-toe in the No5 Chambers Strictly 9 to 5 Trophy. The dance event – sponsored by Advanced Legal, AML Tax, Birmingham Airport and Connect PR – took place at Villa Park’s Holte Suite and was hosted by TV’s Strictly favourite Anton du Beke. Winners were Charlotte Doyle and Paul Cammack. More than £23,000 was raised for the Child Brain Injury Trust.

INTERIORS FIRM IS BEST BAR NONE! A Midlands creative firm had completed three Birmingham contracts for the design and fit-out of a bar, nightclub and ice cream parlour. Rugeley-based GMP Design was commissioned to design an exotic Shisha lounge in a converted factory in Fazeley Street. GMP also fitted out Bhangra nightclub Aura in Newhall Street. The third project was for coffee shop and ice cream parlour Ice Store Gelatino in Ladypool Street. GMP’s Neil Morten said: “Our order book is bulging with a wide variety of projects.”

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WHO WANTS TO MEET A MILLIONAIRE? BBC Midlands TV news presenter Nick Owen is launching a series of celebrity dinners at Nailcote Hall. The first on 15 October will feature a chat show-style interview with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host and DJ, Chris Tarrant. Chris went to King’s School, Worcester and is a graduate of University of Birmingham.

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WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM Joking aside, successful football teams are seen as defining the vibrancy and quality of a city. Look at the effect on Manchester and the global brand they’ve built!

Please introduce yourself I am Mike Steventon, the Midlands regional chairman for KPMG UK. I’ve been a partner at KPMG since 1998, becoming the senior partner for the Birmingham office in 2011. I became regional chairman in 2013. I started my professional career in Birmingham after leaving university and, although my time with KPMG has seen me do secondments in the US and Germany, I can honestly say that the best place to work is the Midlands.

What does your company do?

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services.

It operates in 155 countries and has 162,000 professionals working around the world. In the UK we have 10,000 partners and staff, with 1,000 of those very talented individuals in our Birmingham office at One Snowhill.

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do. We’re too self-critical and self-effacing. We need to celebrate our achievements and tell the world about how fantastic Birmingham is!

How do you feel your clients see the city?

As progressive and a real growth city. They believe they get the same quality of firms here as they would in London, whether that be accountants, lawyers or banks.

Does Birmingham offer any particular advantages as a destination for business?

We’re a great central hub – our connections are second to none, whether that’s by our rail and road networks or our airport. We’re also the youngest city in Europe with the highest percentage of the population under 16. Why wouldn’t you want to do business in a city with such a high number of talented young people preparing to break through the ranks?

Is Brum a good place to do business?

KPMG Midlands chief Mike Steventon Without a doubt! For KPMG, Birmingham is our second largest office in the UK and the What should our priorities be as a city? fifth largest in Europe, which just goes to show how highly We should aim to be the hub of a regional economic we value the city as a place to do business. Birmingham is geography, speaking with a single voice on matters of fantastic for talent availability, we’ve got some top devolution and sharing a vision to become a true educational institutions here which attract great people from powerhouse within the UK. near and far who then feed into our business community.

And that business community is growing and becoming If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum increasingly prosperous, with continued growth in inward what would you do with it? investment. And what’s also great about our city is that firms I’d buy a better football team! All joking aside, football can offer the same level of talent and service, but for lower teams are seen as defining the vibrancy and quality of a city. operating costs than they’d pay in London – surely a no Look at the effect on Manchester and the brand they’ve brainer for businesses looking for a place to invest? built, especially for the global market! I’d invest further in our infrastructure – it’s hugely important. Lastly, I’d invest What are your biggest gripes with it? in our next generation. Putting resources into training the We don’t shout loudly enough about the great things we talent of the future has got to be money well spent. I

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NEW COCKTAIL BAR SHAKES THINGS UP Canalside charm guaranteed as Aluna opens at the Mailbox

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uests were invited to chill, chat and celebrate at the party to launch Birmingham’s newest cocktail bar, Aluna, at the Mailbox. The new addition to the city scene aims to create a real sense of comfortable, cosy, canalside charm with sumptuous styling, plush velvets, burnished leathers, warm woods, glowing copper surfaces and gold eglomised panels. I

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1 Andrew Fox, Suzanne Virdee, Kevin Breese, Harvey Broadhurst. 2 Sophie Gill, Yen-Ting Miu, Elena Gill. 3 Mary Millar, Alev Dervish, Patrick Casey. 4 Navneet Mangat, Serena Tutt. 5 Free Radio’s Jo and Sparky. 6 Marverine Cole, Austen Duffy, Wendy Lloyd, Gemma Moore. 7 Leah Niapaul, Genelle Aldred, Sonia Matharu. 8 Sarah Osbourne, Sharon Rai Hotel. 9 Yen-Ting Miu, Nishil Nathwani, Nitin Solanki.

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PASSION FOR FASHION GIVES CHARITY A LIFT Alsters Kelley and Ladies First team up to put on style at Coombe Abbey hotel he latest catwalk trends were on display when Alsters Kelley LLP held a charity fashion show in conjunction with Ladies First at Coombe Abbey. The event, in aid of Grapevine and Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, was hosted by Joanne Malin. The Warwickshire network for professional businesswomen recently announced that LFBC would be its charity of the year. Julie Richardson, director of Ladies First said: “We admire the fact that all funds raised by LFBC are spent locally helping many women across the West Midlands region.” I

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1 Lisa Kennedy, Julie Richardson. 2 Nail Raiseborough, Erica Kemp. 3 Jackie Lee, Andrea Law, Sarah Darby, Emma Piff, Beenita Patel, Teresa Mannion. 4 Andrea Bayles, Mel Smith, Clare Wightman. 5 Amy and Cris Podhraski. 6 Jeanette Newton, Cathy Wahlberg, Stefan Hunka. 7 Harriet Kennedy, Joanne Malin. 8 Pat Murphy-Wright.

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WINNING NUMBER FOR TOP ACCOUNTANTS West Midlands’ leading accountancy specialists recognised at 2015 awards

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ore than 170 guests attended the West Midlands Chartered Accountant of the Year awards annual lunch at Edgbaston Cricket Club. Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants West Midlands president Celia Adams and national president Arthur Bailey, firms including Crowe Clark Whitehill, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Bloomer Heaven were recognised for their excellence across seven categories. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and three-course meal at the event, which saw a lifetime achievement award presented to Ian Powell from PriceWaterhouseCoopers. I

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1 Celia Adams, front, with the 2015 winners. 2 Aanjalee Kalutotage, Ian Powell, Laura Cumiskey, Abi Vincent. 3 Richard Wood, Nirmal Mistry, Kayte Short, Craig Miller. 4 Peter Gate, Richard McNeilly. 5 Emma Wilde, Rob Lewis, Felice Reay. 6 Rachel Farrington, Nigel Price, Louise Everill, John Kelly, David Farnsworth. 7 Sabina Yasmin, Anna Dosaujh, Leonie Davis. 8 Claire Davis, Ryan Southall, Ashleigh Halliday, Ross Northall. 9 Geraldine Rutter, Chris Fletcher, Pippa Whittaker, Richard Kay, Rohit Abbi.

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CHARITY HOSTS BALL PREVIEW EVENING Sponsors of Midlands Air Ambulance come together at The Edgbaston

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idlands Air Ambulance Charity, supported by GMS Group, hosted its Sponsors Charity Ball Preview Evening at The Edgbaston cocktail lounge. Ahead of the muchanticipated Recognition Awards and Charity Ball this summer, the informal evening allowed the charity’s platinum sponsor Concept Resourcing and gold sponsors GMS Group, TH Baker, Rybrook Group, Silverstone Auctions, Unity4 and Yogurt Top PR, to meet one another and members of the Midlands Air Ambulance team. I

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1 Colin Foxall, Emma Male, Lucy Davies. 2 James Hodson, Sofia Voutiantis, Chris Short. 3 Tom and Jessica Mills 4 Nicole Broadbent, Jason Levy. 5 Matt Flint, Hanna Sebright. 6 Robert Taylor, Nigel Harte. 7 Jon Cottrell, Neil Male, Andy Pearson.

Images by i.One Photography

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NEW BOUTIQUE GETS A GRAND WELCOME Mayor-elect heads the guest list as Sipsey Lingerie opens for business

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grand opening party welcomed VIPs to the new Sipsey Lingerie boutique at Mell Square.

Special guest was Solihull mayor-elect Cllr Glenis Slater who gave an inspiring speech and thanked owner, former banker Sukhy Nijjar, for choosing the area for her new venture. The independent retailer is introducing new brands to the Midlands, such as Simone Perele, Le Mystere, Fleur of England, and Yawn, in addition to an exclusive customer-tailored fitting service.I

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For more information and visit http://www.sipseylingerie.com/

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1 Councillor Glenis Slater and Sukhy Nijjar. 2 Ravinder Aujal, MeghaNarang, Maria Bakshi. 3 George Evans, Dayna Winters.

4 Balvinder Nijjar. 5 Richard Wood, Angela Goldie. 6 Grave Brown, Ieva Ukanyte, Elena Doncheva. 7 Livy and Lisa Smith.

8 Jayne Tombs, Silvia Walters. 9 Aman Basra, Hardip Mangat.

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STARS COME OUT FOR HIPPODROME PARTY Reception held at premiere of National Theatre’s award-winning mystery play VIP reception was held to mark Birmingham Hippodrome premiere of the acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Guests included Birmingham comedian Jasper Carrott and pop star and actress Toyah Wilcox, journalists from the BBC, ITV and regional media, the cast of Doctors, the creative team behind The Archers and the show’s producer Chris Harper. The guests heard a pre-show talk by the production’s composer Adrian Sutton. I

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1 Sarah Halloran, Alvine Walker, Hari Berick. 2 Milorad Zakula, Caroline McDowell, Millie Popovic, Jon Garbett. 3 Hazel and Jasper Carrott, Mark Rogers, Roz Deacon. 4 George Thomas, Dean Eastmond, Amy Stutz. 5 Dan Morrisey, Jo and Sparky. 6 Hilary McConnell, Joe Baldwin. 7 Melanie Glass, Rosie Ginday. 8 Chris Harper, Lorna Laidlaw, Jan Pearson, Natasha Godfrey, Stuart Griffiths.

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LEADING LADIES LAP UP LIFE ON THE ROAD 4

Top Highfield Road venues host network event with a difference!

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irmingham Hippodrome’s Leading Ladies have been on the move for their first external networking event in support of Hippodrome Plus, the theatre’s education, access and outdoor programme. Partner venues on Highfield Road, Edgbaston hosted the afternoon which started at The High Field gastro pub before moving next door to sample Highfield Wellness and Beauty. Special afternoon tea was then served at The Edgbaston, hosted by Jayne O’Malley.

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1 Claire Lawson, Natalie Cumberworth, Angela Yip, Karol-Ann Pearson. 2 Emma Bradley, Lisa Outram, Sarah Riding. 3 Judi Gilbert, Gaynor Powell, Alex Brady. 4 Aine Gallagher, Karol-Ann Pearson. 5 Sabrina Watts, Maria Clune, Dorothy Hobson. 6 Lisa Outram, Emma Bradley, Rachael Griffin, Jayne O’Malley. 7 Lana Shaylor, Karina Connolly, Sarah Robinson. 8 Judith Greenburgh, Beth Rose, Natalie Milinkovic.

9 Lucy Barr, Sally Sidwell, Nancy Fereday.

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FASHION IN BLOOM AT BOTANICAL GARDENS Fund-raising campaign gets welcome boost with a dash of summer style tylish ladies visited Birmingham Botanical Gardens to get inspiration for their summer looks as well as raise £7,000 for the horticultural attraction. The Garden Suite hosted 200 guests served lunch by resident caterers Ampersand with fashion shows held between courses. Outfits, selected by stylist Beth Goodrham, came from House of Fraser Birmingham, Jigsaw, Reiss, Karen Millen and Captain Tortue. There were also hand and arm massages from Jo Malone, eyebrow threading from Benito Brow Bar and skin care from Arbonne. The Botanical Gardens Trustees’ are campaigning to raise £1million to improve four glasshouses and introduce new features. I

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For more details about the Trustees’ fund-raising incentives visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/fundraising or tel 0121 454 1860

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1 Jilly Cosgrove, James Wheeler, Caroline Clutton-Brock. 2 Monique Sutherland, Philippa Pickavance, Carole Taylor. 3 Jennie Walker, Rebecca Meah, Beth Goodrham, Lorraine Goodman, Helen Roberts. 4 Guests enjoying a fabulous lunch and the fashion show.

5 Amanda Liddiard, Sarah Owen, Jill Sowry, Louise Vail. 6 Jenny Loynton. 7 Katie Yates, Suzanne Savage, Jo Salmon.

8 Michelle Chamberlain, Suzie Branch, Lauren Hartigan-Pritchard, Claire Fell, Julia Whelan, Anna Madden.

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HAPPY THIRTIETH FOR RICKY AND MARIANNE Henry Wong Harborne celebrates landmark with a Pearl fund-raiser

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icky and Marianne Wu celebrated 30 years of Henry Wong Harborne as they hosted a special Pearl party for loyal customers and friends.

Executive chef Ricky and general manager Marianne laid on canapĂŠs, cocktails and champagne along with live entertainment and a DJ. The event raised ÂŁ2,000 for Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer. Prize pearl jewellery was donated by Johnsons Jewellers and half of the money from drinks sales also went to the charity. I

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Henry Wong Harborne, 283 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9QH. Tel 0121 427 9799 www.henrywongharborne.co.uk

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1 Marianne Wu, Alka Gandhi, Shikha Gandhi. 2 Shikha Gandhi, Mary Gandhi, Alka Gandhi, Ellie Greenwood, Anita Champaneri.

3 Steve Foster, Jo Lowe, Jimmy Franks. 4 Dave and Gemma Tustin. 5 Adam Seymore, Trish Kennedy. 6 Jenny Ho, Ricky Wu. 7 Genelle Aldred, Libby Walton. 8 Jas Sodhi & Vanessa. 9 Sam Sangha, Parm Rai.

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VILLA DUO HOSTS DRINKS IN THE CITY Business development event staged at Marco Pierre White arah Cuer and Dianne Elsworth of the business development team at Aston Villa hosted a ‘Drinks in the City’ event at the Champagne Bar at Marco Pierre White. Sarah said: “It was great to catch up with some of our business contacts in such wonderful surroundings. Our thanks go to Kelly Talbot, sales manager at Hotel Indigo, for her hospitality.” I

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1 Dan and James Neal. 2 Jamie De Souza, Dianne Elsworth, Nikki Fryer, Sue Wilde-Greer. 3 Tom Queenan, David Hastings, Joanne Farrah, Jake Ellson. 4 Fergal Dowling, Rachel Flanagan, Anthony Taylor, Bryan Manley-Green. 5 Sarah Arnold, Tessa Rhodes, Anup Shokar.

6 Sam Taylor, Sarah, Spencer and Nicola Turner, Sam Slingsby. 7 Dita Sen-Gupta, Satel Naik. 8 Gaz Palmer, James Tough. 9 Laura Best, Simon Burge, Susan Sanhi, Amarjet Snehi.

Photography by David Morphew

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TASTE OF SPAIN GETS A WARM WELCOME 4

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Authentic Tapas Group opens new El Borracho de Oro restaurant fantastic launch party with plenty of delicious authentic Spanish food and drink on hand marked the arrival of El Borracho de Oro in the heart of Edgbaston village. Midlands family run company, the Authentic Tapas Group, has built on its loyal customer base, Michelin success and Best Mediterranean Establishment Award with this new venture. Group owner Emma Yufera-Ruiz said: “It was wonderful to see so many friends and local businesses join us to help celebrate the opening. We’re thrilled to be part of this thriving urban village.” I

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1 Martyn Whitehouse, Lisa Pedley, Matt James, Phil Crowton, Amy Shulman. 2 Tony Mckeon, Santos Singh, Vanessa Ospino, Kristian Bimbo.

3 Jonathan Carter, Daniel Stones, Michael Vale, Bryan Manley-Green. 4 Emma and Alfonso Yufera-Ruiz. 5 Rachael Griffin, Judy Amendola, Judi Gilbert, Judith Greenburgh. 6 Adelaide Heagney, Martin Woolhouse, Nancy Fereday, Paul Gillott. 7 Sarah Mahmood, Rod Petro, Ghanshyam Chavda, Chantelle Smithson. 8 Andy Lamb, Mark Lee, James McBride, Jayne Herritty. 9 Arron Smith, Georgie Mian, Ali Bahadar, Raja Khan.

Photography by Sam Bagnall

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AIRPORT’S BIG YEAR READY FOR TAKE OFF Chief executive briefs annual reception as five new airlines land in Birmingham irmingham Airport held its annual media drinks in the Champagne Bar of The Cube.

Guests were invited for drinks and canapés and to hear from the airport’s CEO Paul Kehoe on the year ahead which sees the arrival of five new airlines. Guests had the chance to win airline flight prizes including two return tickets to New York with United Airlines which went to Colin Roobottom of the BBC. I

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1 John Garside, Colin Roobottom, Paul Kehoe. 2 Dianne Elsworth, Anita Champaneri, Kevin Urquhart. 3 Paul Kehoe, Kurt Jacobs, Enda Mullen, Andy Coyne. 4 Francesca Baller, Duncan Tift, Sarah Falkland. 5 Mark Gough, Tamlyn Jones, Chris Baller. 6 Steve Dyson, Justine Howl. 7 David Lavender, Alex Homer. 8 Patrick Burns, Jo Lloyd, Peter Plisner.

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WHAT: The Color Run Birmingham WHEN: 15 August WHERE: NEC Birmingham, tel 0844 581 1341 www.thecolorrun.co.uk

WHAT: Curate Your Own Museum WHEN: 18 July to 6 September

The craziest 5k is returning to Brum! Less about speed and more about enjoying a colourific day with your friends and family. All standards and ages welcome… just make sure you have a white shirt on for the official start!

WHERE: Heritage Motor Centre, tel 01926 641188

WHAT: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

WHEN: 8 July

As well as a whole host of other family activities throughout the summer there’s also a chance for younger visitors to curate their own mini-motor museum with a puzzle trail, designed to help them decide what cars they would feature. Awesome!

WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Following on from a hugely successful series last year, Chapterhouse Theatre return to The Gardens with a series of outdoor performances. And what could be better than fairies, lovers and magic performed in these stunning the 15-acre gardens.

WHAT: An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show WHEN: 1 August WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham Five-star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time! A high energy emotional roller-coaster of an evening with breath-taking choreography and buckets of nostalgia. No one puts baby in the corner…

WHAT: Barnum WHEN: 7 July to 1 August WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman.

Starring Brian Conley.

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WHAT: Volpone WHEN: 3 July to 12 September WHERE: Swan Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, tel 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk Volpone is already a very rich man. But he worships gold, he understands greed, and he wants to get even richer. Trevor Nunn returns to direct Ben Jonson’s timeless comedy.

Starring Henry Goodman.

WHAT: Mr Stink WHEN: 21 July WHERE: Brueton Park, Solihull, tel 0121 704 6962

WHAT: Stiles and Drewe’s The Three Little Pigs

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

WHEN: 28 July to 2 August

David Walliams’s colourful characters are brought to life in this special open-air adaptation of Mr Stink… just add a picnic and friends.

WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Starring Blue’s Simon Webbe, this is the latest musical from the dynamic and multi-award winning musical theatre song-writing duo. A twist on the classic tale where the three little porkers become world-renowned celebrity superstars. How will they cope with stardom?

WHAT: Neil Diamond WHEN: 11 and 18 July WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.ticketfactory.com WHAT: Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship WHEN: 11 to 14 August WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk The Championship returns to Nailcote Hall with a huge array of big names from the world of golf and well-known celebrities from television, sport and the media.

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The iconic singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member brings his highly-anticipated tour to Birmingham with a show packed full of classic favourites and a sprinkling of new songs.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Palace Youth Theatre presents Jungle Book WHEN: 16 to 18 July WHERE: Palace Theatre Redditch, tel 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk WHAT: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend WHEN: 10 to 12 July WHERE: Various locations, www.birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk Get ready to sample the best of Birmingham’s cocktail scene.

With more than 20 venues taking part, buy a wristband and enjoy awesome, discounted cocktails and exclusive events throughout the city.

An adaptation from Rudyard Kipling’s story of Mowgli; lost in the jungle, rescued by Baloo the bear and brought up with a family of wolf cubs. Eventually he returns to the world of man but one day he will return to settle the score with Shere Khan…

WHAT: Antiques for Everyone WHEN: 23 to 26 July WHERE: NEC Birmingham, tel 0844 581 0827 www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk The UK’s largest and most prestigious antiques fair returns with more than 100,000 items on sale from decorative furniture, ceramics and silver to armour, maps and dolls. In fact something for every budget.

WHAT: Aswad WHEN: 16 July WHERE: The Jam House, www.thejamhouse.com After nearly 30 albums and more than three decades on the music scene, Aswad remains one of Britain’s best loved reggae bands. Following a sell-out show last time, the boys are back for more.

WHAT: An Evening with Boycott & Aggers – The Second Innings!

WHEN: 27 July WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew return to Symphony Hall with their Second Innings tour, ready to amaze and enthral both devotees of the game and noncricket lovers with their stories, passion and quick-fire wit.

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WHAT: Young Rep Summer School: Spy School WHEN: 3 to 7 August WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Your mission if you choose to accept it is… to spend a week at the Rep working with professional theatre directors, taking part in games, improvisations and drama workshops, following suspects, creating secret identities – and having an awesome time! For ages 7 to 12.

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WHAT: Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival WHEN: 3 to 12 July WHERE: Across the city, www.bigbearmusic.com Fantastic musicians from around the globe arrive in Birmingham for a celebration of jazz with a series of mostly free performances in more than 50 venues across the city, including a chocolate factory, canal boat and train!

WHAT: Chateau Impney Hill Climb WHEN: 11 and 12 July WHERE: Chateau Impney, Droitwich, tel 0844 888 9991 www.chateauimpneyhillclimb.com A fantastic weekend ahead where no less than 200 competitors will be sprinting their way up a challenging 1,000-yard course against the clock in a high-octane display of power, speed and skill.

WHAT: Q Festival WHEN: 17 to 19 July WHERE: Jewellery Quarter, tel 0121 233 2080 www.jewelleryquarter.net The Jewellery Quarter is marking the opening of the new Golden Square with the first JQ Festival – a weekend of events celebrating the diversity and creativity of the area. Packed with family-friendly activities and loads of free outdoor performances.

WHAT: Lichfield Festival WHEN: 3 to 12 July WHERE: Various locations, tel 01543 412121 www.lichfieldfestival.org This wonderful arts festival is set to be better than ever with more than 70 different events across 10 days providing something for all ages and tastes… including a baby elephant parade!

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IN THE CITY There is huge goodwill between the churches and different

”

faith communities and many ways that we can work together to serve the wider community

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham. I am responsible for the Anglican cathedral on Colmore Row, at the heart of the business and legal district of the city. We are a place of Christian prayer and mission and each year we host 900 events of a religious, cultural, educational, heritage, community or charitable nature.

This year the cathedral is celebrating its 300th anniversary.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I drive in to the city from Moseley.

I work at the cathedral or from our offices near to Snowhill station. I drive a MINI. Great for getting around town and especially for getting into those small parking bays.

COFFEE BREAK? We make use of many off-site venues, while watching the pennies! Favourite places are Home and Café Nero.

LUNCHTIME? Utopia and Colmore Bar and Grill suit our pocket for offering hospitality, or we cater ourselves from Waitrose below our offices. The cathedral team are keen bakers, so there’s always lots of cake in the office!

POWERWALKING? I am a huge fan of Cannon Hill Park, just around the corner from where I live. I walk there most days and it has everything from wilderness to ornamental gardens. The park makes a substantial difference to my quality of life.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART HOW’S THE COMMUTE? OF THE CITY? Dean of Birmingham, Catherine Ogle The answer to this question I just have to say our cathedral and entirely depends on the day of the cathedral grounds – they’re just beautiful week and the time of day! The drive can take as little as 15 and such a significant feature of the Colmore Business District. minutes, or as long as an hour! I would love to catch a bus Second favourite is the New Library through to Brindleyplace. (very frequent through Moseley) but unfortunately I live quite a distance from a bus stop and the hours I work AFTERWORK PINT? dictate my need for a car. I attend a lot of evening events Well… I’ve been known to have a glass of wine and meetings. afterwork with the team!

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Brilliant! We find that lots of people want to come to make use of Cathedral Square and there is an attitude of openness to working together to support cultural, educational, charitable causes as well as religious activities and events.

There is huge goodwill between the churches and between the different faith communities and many ways that we can work together to serve the wider community.

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HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? Employment opportunities for young people with cheaper public transport to enable better access; better provision for those who are homeless; opportunities for those of us who are in employment to volunteer skills to support the less advantaged; cleaner air; continuing improvement of public spaces; public art to lift our spirits; less litter dropped; and more opportunities to meet our neighbours. I

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