June 2015 (issue 33)

Birmingham g n i liv

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June 2015

LOOKING TO THE ASHES

KING of SPIN

Ashley Giles on Edgbaston and unfinished business with England

CHARLIE CRADDOCK

Great Ideas

30 +

HOLIDAY MUST-HAVES

FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

GRAND SLAM STAR JORDANNE WHILEY

MATT CHEAL, LISA MELVIN, BROCKENCOTE HALL, AND MORE...

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EDITOR’S VIEW Fingers crossed for another record-breaking match when the Aussies return to Edgbaston in this summer’s Ashes

s a big cricket fan, I’m thrilled at the prospect of seeing the Ashes return to Birmingham this summer. I’ve been lucky enough to witness some great encounters at Lord’s and the Oval in the past, but I’ve never seen England face the Aussies at Edgbaston before.

The home of Warwickshire CCC has a habit of creating history when the two teams meet. In 2005 it witnessed the closest finish ever in an Ashes match, when England won by just two runs.

Our very own King of Spin, Ashley Giles, was part of that Ashes serieswinning team, and says the nail-biting encounter at his home ground is an occasion he will never forget. We spoke to Ashley to get his take on what the 2015 Ashes have in store. Our conversation came just days before the latest controversy to hit the England team with the axing (finally) of star batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Ashley is no stranger to being on the wrong end of the powers that run the ECB. It’s not so long ago that he was unceremoniously dumped as England’s one-day coach. While still reluctant to talk about that bruising experience in too much detail, Ashley does admit that there’s ‘unfinished business’ between him and England.

If only cricket was as straight-forward as tennis. Our summer of sport sees the top women’s players arrive this month in Brum for the Aegon Classic as a lead-up to Wimbledon. Did I mention that I’m a tennis nut too? Seems like my summer’s all booked up already…

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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, Nick Davies

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

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

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Cover image: Ashley Giles

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june 2015

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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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Ashley Giles Cricket legend looks forward to the Ashes coming home to Edgbaston For The Love of Brum Zooming in on JQ’s award-winning photographic duo Gibson and Kochanek Birmingham’s Greatest Professor Charlie Craddock – saving lives and making Birmingham a world leader Food and Drink Matt Cheal, head chef at Simpsons, on washing pots and Michelin stars Summer’s Hottest Looks As the temperatures rise, we pick the musthave pieces for girls – and guys Homes Clever ideas to create the perfect outdoor spot to entertain or switch off and relax

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CONTENTS

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Best of the Rest

28 48 66 68 74 83 94 june 2015

Restaurant Reviews Critics’ verdict on Brockencote Hall and Hotel du Vin, plus this month’s best wines Health and Beauty Serving up a tennis workout, plus Rose Gallagher’s summer beauty tips Motoring Blue bunny meets Porsche Cayman GTS in a blast around Brum…

Young, Gifted and Brummie Grand Slam tennis ace Jordanne Whiley, plus news from local schools and colleges Spotlight on Business Company to Watch – Puro Organic Hair, 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

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

g n i v liTODAY

A special guide book has been published

by St Philip’s Cathedral to celebrate its 300th anniversary. Written by historian Chris Rice, it includes contributions and archive images from the Library of Birmingham and Birmingham Museums Trust. Available from the Cathedral shop or www.birminghamcathedral.com at £4.99.

Picture: Jas Sansi

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

WHAT A TASTY LINE-UP! Some of the nation’s top celebrity chefs came together at the Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink, at Cannon Hill Park. They included Birmingham’s own Glynn Purnell, Matt Cheal of Simpsons, Nathan Eades of St Andrews Hotel and Aktar Islam of Lasan Group.

WENDY WU GIVES CATWOMAN THE CHOP

HAMSTER ON TWO WHEELS Richard Hammond left behind the row over the future of Top Gear to get on his motorbike and help raise £45,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance charity. He teamed up with racing legend Carl Fogarty and 5,000 bikers to take part in one of the largest biking events in the country – the Bike4Life Ride

Who’s your favourite female superhero? Catwoman, Wonderwoman? Well, now there’s a new one! Birmingham author Alisha Raydan has created Wendy Wu to inspire teenage girls. Wendy fights the baddies with chopsticks in Alisha’s new book, Chopstix. Alisha writes under the name of A T Raydan and her new hero is attracting interest from TV and film companies.

Out and Festival.

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NEWS

GAME, SET AND… The world’s top women tennis players are coming to Brum this month for the Aegon Classic at Edgbaston Priory Club. Held from 15 to 21 June, the event includes feature days such as a Charity Day to raise

ALDO’S NEW TREATS

money for the Queen

Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli unveiled a ‘taste of summer’ for Birmingham.

The consultant chef with the San Carlo Group, which owns Fumo, visited the Italian restaurant in Waterloo Street to showcase a new menu of cicchetti dishes and vegetarian specials created by the group's executive chef Filippo Pagani. Fumo Birmingham is Les Routiers UK Restaurant of the Year.

Ladies Day.

Elizabeth Hospital and a

EYE, EYE!

3

More than 200 giant owls and owlets are set to bring a splash of colour when Birmingham’s biggest charity art exhibition, the Big Hoot, lands in the city on 20 July. The brightly painted owls will be sited in public spaces across the region and showcase the artistic and cultural diversity of the city. The project run by Wild in Art is in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the giant owls eventually being sold at auction.

CADETS TAKE OFF

GREAT BRIT TENNIS ACES

As the top women tennis players compete in

Hundreds of air cadets learned about the world of science at an action-packed event at Birmingham’s Thinktank Museum. More than 500 youngsters explored careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and aviation through a series of workshops and galleries. They also spent time in the new Spitfire Gallery.

the Aegon Classic in Edbgaston, here’s three great Brits from the past.

SUMMER LOVIN’

ANNE JONES: Born in Kings Heath. Won seven

A Midlands family theatre company is launching its 26th year of outdoor summer touring shows. Oddsocks Productions was set up by Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie and takes its work to communities across the UK. Its summer season features Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing, pictured, at the Mac Arena, Cannon Hill Park, 18 and 19 July.

Grand Slams including Wimbledon, 1969 and the French and US Opens twice each.

VIRGINIA WADE: Winner of three Grand Slams including Wimbledon, 1977. The last Brit to win a Slam until Andy Murray’s US Open in 2012.

SUE BARKER: BBC Question of Sport presenter won 11 WTA Tour singles titles, including the French Open, 1976.

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NEWS

OPEN DAY FOR CLUBHOUSE Golfing legend Tony Jacklin opened Nailcote Hall’s £1.3 million new clubhouse and additional 10-bedroom block, taking the hotel’s accommodation to 49 rooms. Charley’s Bar – named in honour of Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner Charley Hull, who is a regular at the course – was also launched. Nailcote is the home of the annual Farmfoods Par 3 Championship.

TEE TIME: Tony Jacklin and Nailcote owner Rick Cressman open the clubhouse

POPPY TWIRLS IN BRIEF

TO TITLE Remember the name Poppy Briarty. The 12-yearold high-stepped her way to the top when she won the Keep Dancing for Acorns title held in aid of the Midlands charity. The judging panel, which included former TV Apprentice candidate Jemma Bird, picked Poppy, from the Amy Greaves School of Dance in Birmingham, as a star of the future.

PEAK BEHIND PEAKY BLINDERS The hit BBC drama Peaky Blinders has spawned Peaky Tours – an adventure walk visiting the places where gangs used to live and strike fear in the hearts of residents and police. Peaky Tours is the brainchild of Adrian Barrows and John Moore.

University of Birmingham professor Carl Chinn will conduct the tours.

COCKTAIL CHALLENGE Three Birmingham hotels have come together to launch the Big Art Cocktail competition. Hotel du Vin, Malmaison and Hyatt Regency aim to raise money for Birmingham Big Art Project. They want city bars to create their own signature Big Art Cocktails with £1 from each one sold going to the charity.

SHAKE ON IT: Mario Flannagan, Tony Elvin and Damian Goom launch the Big Art Cocktail

june 2015

DROP-IN CENTRE A Birmingham drop-in cancer support centre has opened in Stechford as part of the Help Harry Help Others charity. The centre provides a home from home environment with every service outside of treatment available on-site.

HISTORY TOUR Historic tours giving a glimpse into the city’s past have been launched at Birmingham Museum’s five heritage sites at Soho House, Blakesley Hall, Sarehole Mill, Aston Hall and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

HIGH SCHOOL A million-pound project to extend Edgbaston High School for Girls will bring major improvements for students and staff. Work in Westbourne Road includes internal alterations to the Preparatory School and building of two new extensions.

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NEWS

TOP TWEETS FOR BRUM Our pick of what’s been said about Brum this month Gary Barlow @GaryBarlow Wow! Amazing night! Thank you Brum! Xx

TUK TUK TREK A businessman has raised £12,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital after driving across India in a threewheel rickshaw. The trek saw Gary Redman, managing director at Now Careers, and his friends Adrian Duff and Donald Stout travel 3,000km from Jaisalmer in the North West to Shillong in the North East.

Aston Villa FC @AVFCOfficial SURVIVAL GUARANTEED: Tim Sherwood pleased to achieve top-flight safety #AVFC Paul Fulford @PaulFulford I’m worried. No sign of @mccomb on here today. That usually means he’s in my shed drinking fuel from my lawn mower. Better check.

BhamStMary’sHospice @brumshospice Hope our 60 amazing Brum 10k runners have recovered!

Over £6k raised so far, ladies (and all runners) take a ‘bow’!

THEY’RE UNBEATABLE Meet the Invincibles. St Mary’s FC are celebrating after completing an unbeaten season.

Having secured cup final success over Zion Athletic FC, they came from behind to pip City Church in the final game of the season to win the West Midlands Christian Football League and remain undefeated.

LET’S GO WILD! Chapterhouse Theatre Company is bringing its open-air tour to Fort Dunlop for the first time with shows that will transport audiences to the faraway lands of the Jungle Book, as well as the countryside of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

There’s face painting, a creative crafts corner and sing-a-long sessions. It all starts on Friday 13 June, details www.fortdunlop.com

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OH, FOR THE GOOD LIFE! Midlanders have lost the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, according to new research. Camping in the Forest surveyed 30 to 50-year-olds and discovered three-quarters say technology has had a detrimental effect on their lives. More than 80 per cent long for a return of the ‘good old days’.

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NEWS

DINNER DATE WITH RAYMOND Unforgettable. That’s how Margaret Clay from Solihull described the evening when Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc cooked a special dinner for her – in her kitchen!

Raymond came to town after Margaret won a Martell Cognac competition. He said: “To host an evening for Margaret and her family was an absolute joy and a unique experience.”

EL BORRACHO IS READY TO ROLL Midlands family-run company the Authentic Tapas Group is opening its new El Borracho de Oro restaurant in Edgbaston this month. The sister restaurant to Don Diego and Casa Naranjo, El Borracho is within the heart of The Village and is creating 20 full and part time jobs. It offers hearty Spanish staples and stunning sharer dishes.

MEET HIPPODROME’S NEW CHIEF TAKE OFF TO THE

BIG APPLE Birmingham Airport and American Airlines have launched direct daily flights between the city and New York’s JFK airport. Last year, American tourists spent £40m in Birmingham, while the Midlands exported £4.8bn to North America, giving a trade surplus of £2.9bn – the largest of any UK region.

Birmingham Hippodrome has a new chief executive. Fiona Allan replaces the outgoing Stuart Griffiths. She previously held the same role at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and will take up her post at the Hippodrome in the autumn. She said: “The Hippodrome is a nationally acclaimed organisation. I am privileged to be part of its, and Birmingham’s future.”

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

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COVER STORY

ASH

STIRS UP THE ASHES The King of Spin, Ashley Giles, talks to David Johns about the return of the Aussies, wonderful Edgbaston and some unfinished business with England nfinished business is how Ashley Giles sums it up. His relationship with the England cricket team. The bowling legend who spent 14 years of his career at Edgbaston gives a sigh of frustration tinged with an edge of anger as he talks ahead of Birmingham welcoming the Aussies back to the city next month.

It’s six years since an Ashes match was played at the ground, and 15 years since the most famous England-Australia game of them all took place there – when the home side won by just two runs!

Ashley was part of the team (Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen et al) that made history that day, and his performances with the ball played a large part in claiming the Ashes in the series. Now he’s hoping for a repeat in the 2015 version of the most famous rivalry in sport.

Hoping, but not expecting!

“Edgbaston is one of the great cricket grounds in this country and the world,” he said. “It deserves to have the Ashes played there, and the city, the county and the people are huge supporters of the game and always turn out in large numbers. It’s going to be a great occasion, let’s just hope that England are up to the task and the expectation.

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“Over recent years Edgbaston has been developed into a wonderful modern facility and I’m hoping that the return of the Ashes this year marks it down as a regular test venue once more.

Much like Old Trafford.”

Ashley mentions Old Trafford quite a bit these days as it’s where he plies his trade as head coach of Lancashire County Cricket Club. Having taken over the role last October, Ashley is settling into the job nicely with his new county making a strong start to the season.

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL But despite his switch to the Red Rose, he’ll always be a Midlands lad. “Look, Edgbaston and Warwickshire is always in my heart,” he said. “I spent over half my life at Edgbaston, the whole of my playing career. So everything I achieved I will always be thankful for. But Lancashire has given me a great opportunity and one I am relishing.”

His roots remain firmly in the Midlands with his family living in Worcestershire and his children going to Bromsgrove School. Ashley is also a keen supporter of Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia.

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COVER STORY

“

A comeback? The

England situation is very

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unstable at the moment… look, you can never say never

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COVER STORY

Edgbaston is one of the

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world’s great cricket grounds. The Ashes will be a wonderful occasion – let’s hope England are up to the task!

>> ASH’S BIG YEAR In 2005 Ashley Giles swept all before him: I He won the Ashes with England

I Hit the winning runs in the deciding match I Was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year I Became an MBE in the Queen’s Honours

I Was made an Honorary Citizen of Droitwich Spa

As a patron he gives as much time as he can to help raise money for the charity which he first got to know during his benefit year at Warwickshire.

“Gary Smith was the chairman of the charity at the time and also became the chairman of my benefit committee,” explained Ashley. “I really didn’t know an awful lot about Cure Leukaemia but made it one of my benefit charities. Ever since, I seem to have quite a few close friends who are also linked to the charity. Some are through the kids at Bromsgrove.”

Ashley is good friends with ex-Wolves football legend Geoff Thomas who is a leading figure in the charity. “I met Professor Charlie Craddock who is an amazing man with a great love of sport and of cricket in particular. Often sportsmen are labeled as great, but what Charlie does is what I call truly great. He saves lives and has made Birmingham the new centre of medical excellence worldwide. And, he’s always got a smile on his face too.”

Our interview with Ashley came soon after England disappointingly drew the test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. That followed a

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Often sportsmen are labelled

as great, but what Charlie does is what I call great. He saves lives

disastrous World Cup campaign in Australia in the winter, with the team and management coming under huge criticism.

“The series in the Caribbean is something we would expect to win,” said Ashley, who was part of the England one-day set-up as limited overs head coach until leaving amid confusion and acrimony in April 2014. He spent the following summer months as a match analyst for ESPN, playing in the Warwickshire Premier League for Nuneaton CC in return for a charitable donation and setting a world record by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to play in the highest game of cricket ever, also for charity.

The 2015 Ashes series starts on 8 July in Cardiff. The Third Test is at Edgbaston from 29 July to 2 August.

Ticket details www.edgbaston.com

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“England seem to have gone to short-term solutions,” he said. “People don’t seem to be able to see what’s happening next week, let alone what’s going to be needed for the Ashes.

“We need to build and have an eye on the future with the 2019 World Cup and another Ashes series coming here. That means blooding young players, but it has to be done carefully. You can’t just throw caps around at people. You need a structure that allows you to blend the new players with the experienced ones. A certain amount of change is essential but it has to be very carefully orchestrated.”

And so to the ‘unfinished business’. Would Ashley see himself back in a coaching role with England? “I just can’t answer that,” he said. “The whole England situation is very unstable at the moment. Look, you can never say never, can you?” I See Birmingham’s Greatest, page 22

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FEATURE

ATMOSPHERIC: Marta and Barbara in front of the camera and examples of their portraiture and graphic work

FOR THE

LOVE OF BRUM The award-winning duo at Gibson Kochanek talk to Shelley Carter about their love affair with Birmingham, their dark, atmospheric style and a staggering commitment to research f you’ve never heard of Barbara Gibson and Marta Kochanek where have you been? Over the last 12 months the talented photographers have graced the airwaves, accepted awards, won high profile commissions, exhibited at Birmingham Museum and built an enviable social media strategy.

Above all they are so excited about this great city that it’s almost tangible. I took a trip to their bijou studio in the Jewellery Quarter to see what all the fuss was about.

Marta has lived in the UK for 10 years and spent time temping in offices to support her photography while Barbara left Poland just over a year ago having worked as an accountant for 20 years photographing in her spare time. The decision to build a life in Birmingham and

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plough their savings into Gibson Kochanek was a big one and it’s been a hell of a year.

“There was a debate about settling in Birmingham or London, but it was always going to be here. It’s such a friendly and supportive city and the Jewellery Quarter is like a creative corner,” enthused Marta. “We can work anywhere and sometimes travel to London for projects, but it’s nice to call Birmingham home,” added Barbara.

INSPIRING SPACE Much like the end product, the JQ studio is edgy and atmospheric. The walls are painted a charcoal grey with floor to ceiling mirrors along one wall encouraging the sitter to pose and see what they

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FEATURE

look like. It helps break the ice and sometimes makes them laugh. A velvet sofa and a handful of props fill the space. It’s urban and cool, but not intimidating which is key to making the sitter feel at ease. “This was like a blank canvass really which we’ve been able to adapt to suit the way we work,” said Barbara.

The bread and butter commercial work is mixed with more art-driven pieces although the two cross over sometimes. Marta explained: “If I’m doing a shoot for business but I get the sense that the sitter would be open to doing a couple of different shots for the portfolio then that’s great.”

Barbara specialises in gritty urban shots from around Brum like her black and white Streets of My City series and a collection of dynamic graphic pieces (pictured) which are proving very saleable.

An exhibition at Birmingham Museum sold in two weeks.

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FEATURE

DRAMATIC: Photograph of Cesar Morales of Birmingham Royal Ballet

>> GET INVOLVED

The level of research the pair did before the shoot was extraordinary. I A new project is on the cards in collaboration with the Library of Birmingham Photography took a peek inside a wooden drawer Archive which houses renowned 19th Century photographer Mrs G A Barton’s work – marked BRB which was packed with much of it unseen. There are comparisons between Kochanek and Barton as self-taught literally hundreds of well-organised portrait photographers with a list of sitters that includes local performing artists and pages of sketches, ideas, clippings and notable figures. Barbara and Marta will research the project and the final work will be photos. “Research is so important for exhibited alongside Barton’s archived prints. If you’re interested in getting involved or us,” explained Marta. “You have to be finding out more visit www.gibsonkochanek.com and follow on Twitter @GibsonKochanek prepared. With the BRB we wanted to She’s also a social media wizard and where many ensure we got the right set of poses.” businesses fail she manages to craft multiple daily posts that are engaging and insightful. She says: “You WHAT’S NEXT? have to be careful not to annoy people with too With the first anniversary of the business under their much.” No danger of that. belt what does year two hold in store? Marta said: “It Marta’s portraits are rich and dark almost like would be great to work with more artists and paintings. A commission from Birmingham Royal organisations maybe like the CBSO [City of Ballet produced the award-winning shot of principal Birmingham Symphony Orchestra] but also dancer Cesar Morales which gained an honourable individuals who might be looking for something mention in the International Color Awards portrait unique. It would be good to have a bigger space at category. Out of 7,500 entries just five were given a some point too.” special mention. “This is the first time I’ve fallen in I left Barbara and Marta feeling full of optimism and love with a photograph,” said Marta. “We have a huge even more pride for Birmingham than usual. The city’s copy above the fireplace at home.” The body of work thriving creative scene is richer for having them in it now highlights the BRB’s 25-year anniversary as well and while their talent is obvious they are also as featuring in the company’s Coppelia campaign. thoroughly charming people to be around. I

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

LEADING THE FIGHT: Professor Craddock, left, with Geoff Thomas at the Centre For Clinical Haematology

CHARLIE

AND HIS ANGELS

BIRMINGHAM’S

GREATEST

by Jas Sansi Ten years after determining how he could save thousandsPictures more lives, Professor Charlie Craddock sees the realisation of a dream with the opening this month of a world-leading medical centre at the QE rofessor Charlie Craddock always seems to have a smile on his face, but right now he is a particularly happy man. More than a decade after setting out on a mission to change the way we treat some of the worst diseases he is about to achieve a significant landmark.

This month sees the opening of the superb new Institute of Translational Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The project has cost more than £24million and will bring new hope and ground-breaking treatments to cancer patients – while at the same time creating 2,000 new jobs and confirming Birmingham as a world-class centre for medical excellence.

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Housed in a totally refurbished old hospital building on the QE campus, the centre has been funded jointly by the QE, University of Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital with matched Government finance.

GROUND-BREAKING It will bring patients suffering the most serious illnesses into direct contact with new groundbreaking drugs developed by leading pharmaceutical companies that will save or significantly prolong lives through a programme of intensive, targeted clinical trials.

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

It’s a truly awesome development and one that delights the man who has worked tirelessly to find new ways to successfully treat cancers, while at the same time using all kinds of ingenuity to source the necessary finance to do so.

“The new institute confirms to everyone throughout the UK, around Europe and across the world that Birmingham is great. Birmingham is world-class and world-leading,” said Prof Craddock. But being the modest chap he is, the professor is determined not to take any individual credit. He believes it’s all about getting the right health experts in the right environment and matching the right drugs with the right patients.

Birmingham, with its large and diverse population, is the perfect crucible for this work.

The people whose lives he’s changed and saved since he came to Brum back in 1999 aren’t so shy at singing his praises. Everyone we spoke to from TV stars and sports celebrities, who lend their time and support to

june 2015

Prof Craddock’s work, to charity workers and ex-patients, are in no doubt about his vital contribution.

While the new Institute is the realisation of a dream, it was all very different a decade ago when he was appointed director of the QE’s blood and bone marrow transplant centre. Just after taking up the job Prof Craddock attended a medical conference in New Orleans which he says provided the ‘wow moment’ in his professional life.

Oregon physician-scientist Prof Brian Drucker showed the benefits of conducting clinical trials of previously untested new drugs on patients. The survival rates were incredibly high and the time taken for the trials was significantly shortened. “It clearly showed that it was no use having new and interesting drugs sitting on a shelf when they could help patients who were being told nothing could be done for them,” said Prof Craddock.

On his return from the States, Prof Craddock set about creating a centre where the drugs, patients and clinical staff came together. “At that time we had no

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BIRMINGHAM’S GREATEST

“

Two emotions drive me – a deep respect for inspirational patients and not having to tell people that their treatment has failed

”

>>PEDAL POWER

years ago to raise the funds. “It has proved to be an enormous success, helping Ex-Wolves football legend Geoff Thomas will lead 300 cyclists – including provide the means to connect patients Prof Craddock – on a London to Paris ride to raise money for Cure Leukaemia. with new therapies,” said Prof Craddock.

They set off on 18 June. Geoff will then ride the gruelling Tour de France “Many drugs would never have seen the course one day ahead of the main peleton. light of day without that support. Many out-patients and no research structure,” he explained. hundreds of people are alive as a result of having those “There was an old broken down building which I was drugs. Cure Leukaemia has raised more than told I could have if I raised the money to rebuild it!” £3million and has allowed patients to have access to With the help of regional funding agency £30million of free drugs.”

Advantage West Midlands, the Centre For Clinical Prof Craddock has carried forward his Birmingham Haematology was created in 2005. It houses an model nation-wide through the National Trials integrated clinical leukaemia and transplant Acceleration Programme based in a number of centres programme and an early phase trial unit serving one across the country. of the largest catchment areas in Europe. It has played “Two emotions drive me,” he said. “First, a deep a central role in the delivery of 30 groundbreaking respect for patients who go through tough treatments. clinical trials and many of the drugs studied have now They are an inspiration. Second, I hate telling people become standard for blood cancer patients on the that their treatment has failed – I want to create NHS. As its director Prof Craddock leads a team of 80 situations so that doesn’t have to happen.” specialists who have been responsible for saving To that end the University of Birmingham and thousands of lives.

Cure Leukaemia launched the Birmingham, Let’s Key to the ongoing success of the centre is Cure Cure Leukaemia campaign which aims to help the Leukaemia, the charity set up by Prof Craddock 11 city find a cure for blood cancer within 30 years. I

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FOOD & DRINK

MATT CHEAL The head chef at Simpsons on his journey from a teenager washing pots for pocket money to leading the kitchen at Birmingham’s Michelin-star restaurant att Cheal is the perfect role model for any youngster aspiring to make it to the top in the world of food. A local lad born and raised in Solihull, Matt began his love for food right from a young age when he watched his dad cook at home.

As a 14-year-old he was working as a pot washer to earn some pocket money, before later moving onto the stove and being trained at University College Birmingham.

In 2000, while still a student, he began his career at Simpsons. Now 15 years later he runs the kitchen as head chef heading up a talented and committed team as well as looking after Simpsons Cookery School which takes places every Saturday.

Over the years Matt has picked up a number of accolades including Junior Sous Chef of the Year in 2004 and Chef of the Year in 2010.

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Tell us about your cooking It is very natural and all about being inspired by the best produce available and then I let the ingredients speak for themselves. It’s really important that we stay abreast of the new techniques available to help extract the very best flavours available. For example, we’re currently using an indoor barbecue called the Big Green Egg. It’s really popular in Michelin star restaurants at the moment and it’s amazing!

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CHEF’S CORNER

What do you eat when at home?

With a young family we try to eat as healthy as possible with loads of fresh produce and vegetables. It doesn’t always go to plan as Emma makes a mean lasagne! It’s important to get kids involved in food and my eight-year-old has no qualms letting me know if her steak isn’t done right!

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

In the world I would say Massimo Bottura, he is an Italian restaurateur and the chef patron of Osteria Francescana, a three Michelin-star restaurant based in Modena. And in Brum… well that would be me of course!!

Is the customer always right?

Of course. We’re lucky that we have such a loyal clientele at Simpsons and they come here to experience a special meal, so we have to give everything to try and deliver that experience every time.

Describe your perfect meal I’m lucky because I eat out a lot and at some of the very best restaurants as it’s the best way to soak up some inspiration. However my perfect meal would be in a restaurant in Mallorca called Wellies where they serve the best burgers – and I’d be with my three favourite girls (my wife Emma and my two daughters Jessica and Phoebe) in the sunshine with a pint of San Miguel.

How did you become a chef?

My family have been in the hotel game for nearly 50 years and so I was always hanging around the kitchen and would often help out for some extra cash. I really enjoyed it so I decided to go all the way and enrolled at the College of Food (now UCB). It was a phenomenal place to learn about cooking and they arranged for my first placement at Simpsons. I was hooked from that very first service.

Along with my dad and Luke Tipping, Andreas [Andreas Antona, the owner of Simpsons] has been my biggest influence.

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What’s the best thing about being a chef?

The kitchen banter. It’s something that just doesn’t exist in most other lines of work. Seeing people eating and enjoying your food is an amazing feeling too.

What’s the worst thing about being a chef?

The long hours mean that you don’t see your family much. I’m lucky that Emma and my whole family are so supportive. There are no locks on the door in the kitchen – we all choose this way of life because we have a deep passion and love for what we do.

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

A Michelin star inspector – it must be a wonderful life swanning around eating in the finest restaurants on earth!

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

Duck egg to start followed by the pigeon and Yorkshire rhubarb crumbed soufflé for dessert. I For Matt’s recipe for a stunning Raspberry Sable Tart visit www.brumliving.co.uk

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

BROCKENCOTE HALL Chaddesley Corbett, Nr Kidderminster DY10 4PY, tel: 01562 777876 www.brockencotehall.com etween you and me there are some reviews that feel like work. Then there are others that are met with much whooping across the office. Brockencote Hall falls into the latter camp for a number of reasons.

Firstly, we’d heard great things about head chef Adam Brown who was the subject of the Chef ’s Corner feature in our May issue.

Secondly and selfishly, it’s on our doorstep and thirdly we hadn’t dined at the Hall since the days of the previous owners, so we were keen to see what it had become.

Brockencote has been part of the Eden Collection’s handful of chic establishments for three years and they’ve turned this once tired, but beautiful building into a classic, stylish hotel that oozes quality. Wood panelling, show-stopping fireplaces and comfy chairs make for a relaxed, country vibe. If you’re familiar with sister hotel Mallory Court, it’s not dissimilar just on a grander scale.

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TASTING MENU We nestled in for a glass of champers and some inventive canapés while we perused the menu which set the tone nicely. Generally I like to avoid tasting menus because despite the adjusted portion size it just feels like too much food. However, we were advised to give it a whirl and given Adam’s reputation it would have been a shame not to sample as many dishes as possible. So we went for the seven-course menu with wine flight and here’s a whistle stop tour.

To kick off proceedings an amuse bouche of sweetcorn mousse with paprika popcorn arrived which tasted so much nicer than it sounded. The smell was amazing and the taste was superb. Scallops with kohlrabi, horseradish and smoked ox tongue served with a dry

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Reisling were fresh, zingy and made a cracking start to the meal.

The hand of pork terrine, cider, apple and verjus raisins was brilliant. The terrine was so deep and meaty, almost beefy and just melted away. The fruity accompaniments and a glass of Fleurie proved perfect with the richness. Onto the red mullet, charred onions, leek and brown shrimp butter which was the other half ’s favourite.

The whole thing was beautiful to look at and tasted super served with a Falaghina Vigna del Monaco.

Roasted veal, wild garlic, asparagus and veal sweetbreads was tender and delicious, though the sweetbreads seemed enormous compared to the rest of the dish which was a bit odd. A palate-cleansing lemon verbena mousse, coconut sorbet and buttermilk granita was fresh, light and sweet and followed the rich veal beautifully.

Next was a seriously grown-up hit of chocolate – Manjari dark chocolate delice, praline cream and goat’s milk ice cream. I’d been eyeing up this dessert for a while as the recipe for the delice is on our website and it didn’t disappoint. Bitter, sweet, smooth and crunchy all at the same time, it was perfect with a black Californian muscat. The cheese selection was also tremendous with roughly 25 to choose from.

FULL OF PRAISE It’s worth mentioning how great our waiter was. A tasting menu with wine flight means much more interaction than your average three-course meal and he explained each dish and wine pairing enthusiastically and knowledgably.

The place was busy for a random wet Thursday, so when Adam came out from the kitchen to chat he was practically mobbed by diners who were full of praise. “It’s taken three years to get to this point, where I’m totally happy with the food,” he explained. “It’s all about ensuring we use the ingredients when they’re at their very best and then concentrating on delivering the best flavour possible.

Supporting local and British suppliers is very important to me too”.

On the way home we contemplated when we’d ever had a better meal and agreed that despite eating at some pretty fabulous starred restaurants we probably haven’t. Does a star beckon in Chaddesley?

We do hope so. I

Pictures by TH Photography

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SEASON'S EATINGS

STRAWBERRY

SENSATION Flaming June can only mean one thing, English strawberries... yum, yum! round 150,000 portions of English strawberries and cream will be served during the Wimbledon tennis championships which start at the end of the month. Lovely! But not as tasty as this great seasonal recipe from Max Murphy, head chef at the Malt Shovel, Barston. I

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WONTON FILLED WITH STRAWBERRIES & CUSTARD Ingredients:

I 200g fresh strawberries I Tablespoon of elderflower cordial

I 2 tbsp sugar I 2 tbsp cornflour I Thick custard

I 1 tbsp lime juice and zest I 1 tbsp sugar I 4 sticks of rhubarb

I Teaspoon Chinese pink pickled ginger

I 1 pack of wonton pastry (11cm x 11cm) square shape

Method: Place strawberries, elderflower cordial, sugar in a pan. Cook until tender, add cornflour, place in fridge for one hour. Peel and slice rhubarb, cook in a saucepan with lime juice and pickled ginger until tender. Leave to one side until later.

Place one wonton wrap on a board, put a teaspoon of strawberry mixture in centre along with teaspoon of extra thick custard. Moisten along edges with water using a pastry brush. Place another wonton wrap on top and press down to seal edges. Take one corner edge and fold in half to form triangle shape, press down to seal. Take opposite corner edge and ensure two points meet to form seal – like a fortune cookie shape. Repeat this process until all mixture is used (makes about 6).

Deep fry all wraps in 180 degree sunflower oil for one minute then place on top of warmed rhubarb mix. Garnish with torn mint.

(NOTE: It is very important to ensure all edges are sealed as the mixture will leak into the hot oil.)

The Malt Shovel, Barston Lane, Barston, Solihull, B92 0JP, tel 01675 443 223 www.themaltshovelatbarston.com

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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 DEPOSIT YOURSELF AT THE COSY CLUB Say goodbye to overdrafts and scary bank managers. Behind the doors of the historic Bennetts Hill Building – the site of the original Midland Bank – the Cosy Club has opened its doors. Quirky and playful, it offers informal casual dining, drinking and lounging in a homely and family friendly environment. Think gents’ club meets village hall meets cricket pavilion…

BIRTHDAY BOY BEN IS PROMOTED Birmingham restaurant Opus in Cornwall Street, which is celebrating its 10th birthday, has promoted head chef Ben Ternent to executive chef. The 30-year-old Brummie’s new role will see him managing a team of 11 chefs across three venues, as well as developing menus and continuing to cook too. Busy man!

YUMMY NEWS AT HARVEY NICKS Harvey Nichols is teaming up with the Yummy Brummie, Glynn Purnell, to create a new brasserie which opens in-store next month.

We’re told that celebrity chef Glynn has developed an exclusive menu featuring ingredients from local suppliers as well as mentoring the restaurant’s new head chef and staff.

POP-UPS PERK UP FOR SIX EIGHT Following the success of pop-up food events held at the coffee shop earlier this year, popular independent Six Eight Kafé has announced it will be hosting regular evening pop-up restaurants across the year at its outlet in Eastside’s Millennium Point.

STEAKHOUSE EARNS A WELL DONE Miller & Carter, the steakhouse chain owned by Birmingham-based Mitchells & Butlers, is celebrating after winning an excellence award from EBLEX, the organisation for the beef and lamb industry. The EBLEX Awards were introduced to recognise quality and innovation in beef and lamb production.

MARCO’S TASTE OF THE BIG APPLE Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has opened a new venue at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport. Marco’s New York Italian has replaced the old Grill Room restaurant and serves Marco’s take on American-Italian food, including fresh pastas, steaks, seafood, burgers and handmade pizzas.

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LUNCH SPOT

HOTEL DU VIN Church St, Birmingham B3 2NR, tel: 0845 736 4250 other Nature’s trickery fooled us into flip flops prematurely back in April only to have us rummaging around in the loft for a coat in May. Willing some warmth to come our way we wrapped up and set off to sample Hotel du Vin’s Al Fresco menu hoping it didn’t actually have to be consumed outdoors.

Thankfully not, so we plonked ourselves in the cosy bistro. The menu was packed with the punchy summer flavours that we craved. The soup au pistou was a bit of a surprise. A light clear broth with seasonal vegetables and a garnish of pistou (a provencal type of pesto) was delicate, but really flavoursome. We enjoyed it with a glass of the quaffable Turckheim Mayerling Crémant d’Alsace. Part of HdV’s Summer of Pinot that features wines from the pinot grape or mutations of, the Cremant is worth a look.

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SALAD STARS The star of the show was a punchy squash salad with quinoa, feta and pomegranate. All zingy and fresh it was just gorgeous and we’d happily come back just for this. A man-size chicken cob salad had great hunks of roasted chicken, pancetta, brioche croutons and Roquefort. It’s not for the faint hearted – our small version was pretty substantial, but it tasted damn fine.

We switched back to the a la carte for veal chop with sour plums, a tasty jus and heritage carrots which was really good.

I’m not sure heritage vegetables taste superior to non-heritage versions, but they look good nonetheless.

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Back to the al fresco menu for pud in the form of a refreshing rhubarb fool with ginger biscuits and a tropical fruit pavlova. Chewy meringue, sweetened cream and tropical fruit – what’s not to love?

The menu’s a winner and on a warmer day that doesn’t require a scarf it will make even more sense. We may even make this our summer of pinot too and steadily work our way through the 35 wines on the list. I

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FOOD & DRINK

THE FRENCH LESSON Rob Price looks at the growth in stronger wines and how our cousins across the Channel set the right example when drinking them

ave you noticed over the past few years how much stronger wines have become? In the main it’s down to our love affair with ‘New World’ varieties. Wines from Australia, California, South America and so on are produced in much warmer climates, meaning the grapes have higher sugar levels, and hence alcohol.

A decade ago the Average Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in a bottle of wine would be around 12 per cent, now it’s nearer 13.5 per cent with many pushing 14 per cent and higher. Is this a good thing? I guess it depends on what you like. There’s nothing wrong with more alcohol in wine as long as it’s balanced by fruit, tannin acidity and treated with respect.

Government guidelines recommend we drink a

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maximum of 14 to 21 units of alcohol per week depending on your body size. Typically most women would be at the lower level, while men with their larger body mass would be nearer the higher end.

If a wine was 12 per cent ABV this would mean nine units of alcohol in one bottle and around two units in a standard 175ml glass. So while we might be able to enjoy a tipple most nights (it is recommended to have one or two alcohol free days a week!) with most wines above this limit, that one single glass may actually add up to be too much!

As with most things in like, if we drink with moderation then wine can have a positive benefit – indeed it has been shown that wine, and red wine in particular, can be good for you. Substances found in

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FOOD & DRINK

ROB’S FOUR TO TRY Classic German Riesling Ruppersberger Hoheburg 2013 – The Wine Society, £6.95 Don’t ignore this because it reminds you of cheap horrible German wine from the 80s – this one is a delight. From Pfalz, it is slightly off dry and at only 10.5 per cent ABV, extremely fresh and very vibrant. At this price it’s an absolute bargain.

Cool pick for warm evenings Ca’ Bolani Rosato – Laithwaites, £9.99

red grape skins such as proteins and polyphenols help kill cancer cells and keep our arteries cleaner. It is grapes with thicker skins that provide the most benefits, so wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec Shiraz have the most positive effect.

Now the French have known about the health benefits of red wines for years. So while we were all trying to eat more healthily, our cousins across the Channel continued with their diets of fatty cheeses, with seemingly no detriment to their health.

VIVE LA DIET! This has been known as the French paradox.

It was identified back in 1819 by an Irish doctor called Samuel Black. He compared angina rates between French and Irish people and found that the French style of living was the major reason for the lower rates.

Nearly 200 years on and we find that while the French continue with a diet of cream, butter, cheeses and red wine only 10 per cent of them are classified as obese while the UK and the US with their ‘healthier’ life styles have obesity rates of 22 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Anyway, enough of that… this month I’ve selected three wines to consider should you wish to try varieties with less alcohol and one just in case you don’t give a damn – although it is a red with lots of lovely polyphenols for those wonderful healthy side benefits. Cheers! I

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Another wine at only 10.5 per cent is Ca’ Bolani Rosato, which is a rosé Prosecco-style fizz from North East Italy.

Pale pink with flavours of fresh strawberry and red pears this will slip down a treat on our warmer evenings.

For that special occasion Chateau Calon-Segur Saint Estèphe Grand Cru Classé – Waitrose, £130 OK, so not cheap… but what a wine as a real treat! One of my all-time favourites, it’s powerful and rich, yet only 12.5 per cent ABV. This vintage 1995 wine has all the trade mark aromas and flavours of a mature good Bordeaux, tobacco, cigar box, earthy and spicy with lovely blackcurrant cassis.

Who cares about the alcohol?

Fox Creek McLaren Vale Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 – Street Wines, £20 Quite old for an Australia wine, but at 15 per cent ABV it’s so smooth you don’t notice the alcohol at all. Flavoursome dark powerful black fruit, with spice and very well balanced.

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

Mango Surprise The surprise is… there’s no alcohol, just an explosion of summer zingy-ness! ot all great cocktails have to be packed with exotic spirits. It’s nice sometimes to relax with a really refreshing non-alcoholic mix of summer freshness that keeps your head clear to enjoy the sun. This recipe is a perfect and simple cocktail from the mixologists at East Z East on Broad Street. Amend volumes according to your personal taste. I

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Ingredients:

I Fresh mango I Mango juice I Lime juice I Orange juice I Cranberry juice

To make: Puree the mango by skinning and de-stoning and add the remaining mango flesh to a blender. Blend to a puree. Add to a shaker with some mango juice, a small squirt of lime juice and orange juice. Shake and pour over ice in a glass. Top with cranberry juice, garnish with an orange slice, or fruit of your choice.

East Z East, 197 Broad Street Birmingham B15 1AY, tel 0121 643 4808 www.eastzeast.com

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ing livSTYLE

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NIGHT ON THE TILES Deep V maxi dress £149 and gold clutch £89, Biba at House of Fraser

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HOLIDAY MUST HAVES

Our pick of the new pieces to make you shine this summer

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STYLE

Valentino pleated cotton mini dress £355, Harvey Nichols

Limited edition shorts £35, M&S at Pavillions Birmingham Denim wedge £95, French Connection

hopping for warmer climes can be tricky. It’s easy to go off-piste blinded by summer brights and over embellished clobber without thinking about how each piece will work.

We’ve put together 30 hard working pieces that will make you shine in the style stakes all summer and beyond. For instance, all of the featured dresses will look just as hot when you return from your balmy break with the addition of a cute knit. The floral playsuit from Oliver Bonas will look fresh with opaque tights and ankle boots and add brogues and cashmere to the chambray shorts from Jaeger for a chic transitional look. We know you don’t want to think about the autumn prematurely, but shop smart and your wardrobe will be full of gorgeous, wearable pieces all year round. I

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White shirt dress £17.99, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park

Vedana dress, Ted Baker

Dior oversized sunglasses £206, Selfridges Lulu striped bikini bottom £17.50 and top £22.50, White Stuff

Straw trilby £25, Fat Face

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STYLE

Chambray shorts £80, Jaeger Golled espadrille £69, Dune

Sam Faiers bugle dress £69, Very

Charlotte Olympia panoramic satin wedge sandals £695, Harvey Nichols

Floral playsuit £49.50, Oliver Bonas

Black and white striped maxi dress, Wallis Sheer panel dress £90, Next Orla Kiely wallflower trousers £60, People Tree

Tribal embroidered clutch Miss Selfridge £25 at The Fort Shopping Park

Oyster sandal £28, Office

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STYLE

POOL PARTY Brushstroke bikini top, £30 with matching brief £18, shorts £30 and headscarf, Biba at House of Fraser

Soft petal dress £250, Jaeger

White asymmetric one piece £30, Dorothy Perkins Orange maxi dress £60, Wallis

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STYLE

Gold kaftan £25, Dorothy Perkins

SIGHT SEEING Lemon print top £40, denim city shorts £45 and colour block side bag £89, Dickins and Jones at House of Fraser

Charlotte necklace, Hobbs

Collette trouser £99, Hobbs

Swing burnout pom pom top £59, Mint Velvet

Sophia Webster neon camouflage print sandals £595, Harvey Nichols

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Irregular spot sarong £19.95, White Stuff

Geometric one piece £29.50, M&S

Tangerine shopper £12.99, H&M at Pavillions Birmingham

Valentino Rockstud gladiator sandals £550, Selfridges

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STYLE

FRINGE BENEFITS Fringed flats, Next RUFFLE SOME FEATHERS Alana print ruffle top £69, Mint Velvet

PLAY IN SUEDE Suede dress £499, Jaeger

TRUE BLUE Shari resin necklace £26, Oliver Bonas CUTE TEA DRESS Jeanne Damas wrap-over effect dress £69, La Redoute

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THINGS WE LOVE TO THE POINT Bellina courts £79, Dune

SADDLE UP Saddle bag £22, Next

JUMP TO IT Black floral printed jumpsuit £45, Wallis FEELING FLAT Lea calf hair leopard £95, UGG

HEAVY METAL Lab Label metallic asymmetric skirt £59, House of Fraser

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STYLE

TIGHT FIT Autograph polo shirt £35, M&S

CLUB TROPICANA Mantaray swim shorts £30, Debenhams

TWINKLE TOES Dolce & Gabbana gold leather trainers £430, Harvey Nichols

HOLIDAY CLUB The hottest looks for guys this summer

e love a chino short as much as the next person – they fit the bill for so many summer occasions. But beware the Cameron-esque vibe by teaming yours with a cool tee and a pair of Louboutin skater shoes. Or the Inky sandal from Dune and a seriously stylish back pack, like the DSquared2 camo version, for a chic holiday look. I

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WORK OF ART Christian Louboutin print boat shoes £895, Harvey Nichols

WHITE OUT White ‘fence’ £30, Dune

COOL CAMO DSquared2 large backpack £435, Harvey Nichols

POOL SIDE Black sliders £12.99, New Look at The Fort Shopping Park

STYLE AND SENSE Straw trilby £20, Fat Face

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STYLE

HOT SPOT Grettel shirt, Ted Baker

ON YOUR BIKE Amsterdam tee £25, White Stuff

HAPPY HOLIDAY Sandal £45, Dune

IN THE BLUE Chino shorts £26, Next

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HEALTH

SERVING UP

THE PERFECT WORKOUT Tennis fever is about to strike as the world’s top players come to town. Hitting the court is a smashing way to boost your health and lifestyle too… his month Birmingham welcomes the world’s top women players to the Aegon Classic at Edgbaston Priory Club. It’s the key tournament in the run-up to Wimbledon and draws thousands of fans to the city. But tennis isn’t a sport just for the pros. It’s also a great way of giving your body and mind a perfect workout.

We asked Leyla Ogan, racquets manager at the Priory Club, and here’s her five-point guide to the health benefits of getting out there on the court.

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1. WHOLE BODY BOOST Tennis is brilliant for the entire body. All that running, stopping, starting, jumping and crouching gives the lower body a good workout, while hitting the ball with backhand and forehand keeps your trunk, shoulders and upper back toned.

Tennis also involves quick-fire changes of direction as you race around the court to return serves and volleys. And depending on the length and speed of a match you could run the equivalent of three to five miles. Speed and endurance, what more could you ask for from a workout?

2. CALORIE BURNER On average, an amateur player will burn around 600 calories in one hour on court. If you’re really looking to lose weight then sign up for Cardio Tennis lessons. You don’t need to know how to play tennis to take part in these fun tennisinspired workouts.

It’s not about slices, back-hands, aces or smashes.

It’s all about chasing the ball around the court for an hour to music, giving your heart a good workout and burning off lots calories in the process.

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3. REDUCE THE RISK OF DIABETES & HEART DISEASE Playing tennis regularly improves heart and lung health and cuts the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. And it’s never been easier to take part! Through the community initiative funded by Give It Your Max, the Tennis Foundation and Handeslbanken, better facilities – such as the new free courts coming soon to Cannon Hill Park – are making tennis more available to all across the city. Joining a club, such as Edgbaston Priory, adds the chance of enjoying relaxed social tennis sessions and taking part in tournaments and leagues.

4. EXERCISE THE GREY MATTER Tennis keeps your mind agile because you need to stay focused on the ball and decide in a split second which shot to make. We’ve all heard the commentators say ‘It’s all in the mind’. Well that’s as true at an amateur level as it is in a Wimbledon final.

5. POSITIVE THINKING Tennis players are said to be more optimistic, have greater self-esteem and are less anxious, angry and depressed than people who play other sports or lead inactive lifestyles. It’s also a great way to make long-lasting friendships.

See Young, Gifted and Brummie, page 68 There’s lots of ways to have fun and get fit with tennis – including Tennis Tuesdays, a new LTA initiative for women. www.edgbastonpriory.com

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HEALTH

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BEAUTY

BEACH BEAUTY

FAVOURITES

All you seem to hear in June is beach body talk, but for Rose Gallagher the priority is keeping her skin looking fresh in the sun… with these beauty staples

BKR Heart Water Bottle 500ml, £28 from Selfridges Staying hydrated has never been easier with these bright and effective water bottles. Chemical free with a no-leak seal, this makes getting your all imperative eight glasses a day that little bit more fun.

Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Edition, £40 from Harvey Nichols Adding a touch of warmth to your normal bronzer will work wonders in giving your tan a healthy, natural glow. Sweep this Dior powder across temples and cheekbones to keep your summer glow long after your holiday ends.

Bobbi Brown Black Stella Cat Eye Sunglasses, £110 from Liberty.co.uk Bobbi Brown has always worn glasses, even tailoring a makeup lesson to glasses wearers on counter, and now she has created her own range of shades. The Stella Cat Eye Sunglasses are flattering on all face shapes.

Suqqu Musculate Massage and Mask Cream, £68 from Selfridges This cream from Suqqu is the perfect way to perform their signature Gankin facial, a technique that helps you to drain toxins from the skin and consequently get you back on track after a cocktail-filled holiday. Visit your nearest counter for your facial or use this cream at home and follow their simple massage techniques online.

Check out Rose’s beauty blog at www.mixedgems.co.uk

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Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50, £30 from Selfridges I am as fair as they get and yet survived a scorching hot city break without so much as a new freckle last month when I took this away. All over SPF absorbs very quickly, smells fresh and is light enough even to wear under make-up.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS A bit of TLC in the garden goes a long way, so embrace it now and create a haven

RELAXED VIBE What could be more English country garden than this lovely collection from BHS?

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HOMES

BALCONY BEAUTY Gorgeous colours and fabrics from Home Sense

ello summer. We’re ready for you. Pressure washed and weeded to perfection, we’re shopping for the pieces that will create an idyllic spot to entertain in and a tranquil corner to switch off and relax. With a short window of opportunity – thank you Great British summer – let’s make the most of it. I

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PERFUMED GARDEN Candles from the English Garden Collection: Fresh Herbs Votive £16, Cut Grass Votive £16, English Garden Votive £16 and English Garden Candle (large) £30, all from the White Company

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HOMES

TEA FOR TWO Recreating a French feel of Provence courtesy of this BHS furniture

MINIMALIST STYLE Assorted gloster bell tables £408, Occa-Home

Treat your ga rden like a room in your home. Think about differe nt zones for di fferent activ iti es making sure there’s a chill-out co rner to retrea t to with a go od book.

DRINKS BY THE POOL Make a splash with Linea Kitsch California cool, House of Fraser

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HOMES

BIG CROWD

IN THE SWING

The feel is strong and rustic this summer from Matalan

Skagerak Spiler hammock chair ÂŁ129, Occa-Home

GROWN UP GLAMOUR

GROW YOUR OWN

Sophisticated chic from Biba Home, House of Fraser

Get back to the earth this summer with M&S

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HOMES POSH HOSE 20m Garden Glory hose in candy crush £89.95, Amara

COSY COCOON Hang-In-Out single cocoon £225, Amara

CUSHION LOVE Linen Boudoir scatter cushion £35, Cookes Furniture, Erdington

FINISHING

PUT YOUR FEET UP Gloster Grid Modular chaise lounge sofa £3,094, Occa-Home

TOUCHES

Accessorise you outdoor space for maximum impact and practicality CUTE AND KITSCH Turquoise Beach Speakers £36, Oliver Bonas

PERFECT PARASOL Cantilever parasol £199, M&S

QUIRKY LAMP Street lamp £27, Cookes Furniture INJECT SOME COLOUR Solar jars £16, Next

DON’T BE DEFLATED Fatboy white chair with pillow £169, Amara

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FIRE STARTER Verona fire pit £279, M&S

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COMPETITION

WIN! WIN! WIN!

£500 FOR YOUR BIG DAY OF FORMAL WEAR

irmingham Living has teamed up with Pavilions Birmingham to offer one lucky bridegroom £500 worth of formal wear from Moss. Their trained staff will be on hand to measure, fit and advise on both buying and hiring the perfect suit along with finishing touches to polish your look.

Whether you’re planning an intimate relaxed celebration or a large traditional occasion, Moss has hundreds of options, fabrics and accessories to suit your style. I

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For your chance to win, just simply answer the question below:

Q In what year was Moss established?

Email your answer with ‘Moss competition’ in the subject and include your name, address, telephone number and email address, along with your wedding date to: admin@brumliving.co.uk

Terms & Conditions: This prize is for the hire or purchase of formal wear for grooms getting married in 2015.

The closing deadline is Friday 26th June 2015. The outlined prize cannot be altered and there is no cash alternative.

Orders must be placed by 31st August 2015 for weddings on or before October 31st 2015. The prize is not valid with any other offer or promotion. The maximum prize value is £500 inclusive of peace of mind assurance. Any additional costs are to be covered by the prize winner.

Open to UK residents aged 18 years and over, except employees of Pavilions Birmingham or participating retailers. Security deposit and standard hire agreement details apply The judge’s decision is final. Pavilions Birmingham and the participating retailer reserves the right to withdraw or amend the prize at any time. The winner will be notified by post, email or telephone on or after Monday 29th June. Only one entry per person and all entrants must be resident in UK. Usual competition rules apply. All details correct at time of print.

Data Protection: By entering this competition you agree for your details to be shared with Pavilions and Moss who may wish to contact you with further offers and information, by post and email.

Your details will be held in the UK in databases owned by Pavilions and not used for any other purposes.

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HOMES

Hot Properties We’re spoilt for choice this month, not least with the rambling estate of the late Felix Dennis to mull over and a stunning Victorian pile in commuter territory

GROWN-UP GRANDEUR West Hill, Leamington Spa Guide price: £2.5m Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 01926 455950

You’ll find a wow factor at every turn in this great Victorian house from its attractive façade and grand entrance hall to the dream kitchen and large games room. With high ceilings, plenty of period charm and enormous grounds, it’s a pretty idyllic family home.

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HOMES

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HOMES

BRICKS&BITS HAT TRICK OF TOP AWARDS Leading housing and care provider, the Accord Group has won three prestigious national housing awards. The Group scooped Housing Excellence Awards in the Best New Affordable Housing Scheme, Best Repairs Maintenance Team and Best Tenant Support and Advice Programme categories. The awards highlight those who are leading the way in the social housing sector.

NEW BRANCH FOR CITY AGENT Sydney Mitchell has opened a new estate agency office in Sheldon which will have the support of their long established conveyancing department.

New branch manager Phillip Light has worked in the area for over 15 years and said: “This is an exciting new venture for the firm in Sheldon.”

BRINDLEYPLACE DOUBLE DEAL Brindleyplace has signed two deals for more than 38,000sq ft in transactions for HR firm Mercer and recruitment company PageGroup.

Mercer has taken out a 10-year extension to its existing lease, while PageGroup will be relocating to 15,500sq ft on the building’s fourth floor, also on a 10-year lease.

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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SPRAWLING ESTATE Dorsington Estate, Dorsington, Warwickshire Guide price: £9.515m Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 01789 297735 Belonging to the late publisher and poet Felix Dennis, the Dorsington Estate is being sold as a whole or in 11 lots. It has to be seen to be believed, but in a nutshell there’s an Elizabethan country house with nine acres, a decadent leisure complex complete with swimming pool, cinema room and a lavish interior, a handsome eighteenth century farmhouse, two Old School Houses, numerous barns, cottages and further land to consider. june 2015

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HOMES

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HOMES

WATCH THIS SPACE The Cottage, Quarry Park Rd Guide price: on request Agent: Knight Frank tel: 01905 723438 A five-bedroom arts and crafts home in the style of architect Charles Voysey. It’s incredibly well laid out to maximise space with masses of entertaining room, a lovely sweeping curved staircase and lots of storage too. The arrangement of the bedrooms means it’s almost split into two wings with the master suite having a dressing, en suite and balcony.

TURN KEY HOME Warwick View, Bishops Manor, Sutton Coldfield Guide price: £825k Agent: Bloor Homes, tel: 0121 354 9271 This luxurious five-bedroom home is set over three floors and includes top-notch bathroom and kitchen fittings. As an incentive the developer is offering £20k towards Stamp Duty paid or home exchange options for a June completion subject to terms and conditions.

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

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AUCTIONS

MARKING TIME Watch auctions are perfect for picking up vintage timepieces at bargain prices s it time you invested in a vintage timepiece?

With Father’s Day coming up this month now could be the perfect opportunity to visit a watch auction which are becoming increasingly popular.

You’ll find an array of discontinued and vintage pieces that you can’t pick up in the high street, covering a wide range from the affordable early versions of current classics right up to the kind of rarities that make millionaires reach for their wallets and pay record-breaking prices!

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ROLEX RUNDOWN An auction is a contest and to get the watch you want at the right price it’s important to do your research first and then hold your nerve when the bidding starts. Read all the available information – catalogue entries will tell you what the watch is, while a condition report will tell you what it is like.

If the estimate range makes the watch look like a bargain, the condition report may reveal that it is in need of expensive restoration.

Other factors such as the presence of box and papers and the export restrictions that can apply to

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brands such as Rolex will be highlighted by icons on the listing.

Ask questions of the watch specialists by phone or email until you are satisfied that you know all there is to know. Remember that all lots will carry an additional buyer’s premium to pay.

When it comes to bidding you can chose a style to suit and you don’t have to be there in person. You may prefer a commission bid – a maximum amount left before the sale that the auctioneer will use to bid on your behalf. This is great for staying within your limit and you may actually pay less than you thought. Live bidding by Internet or telephone during the sale allows you to be part of the action while staying at home or in the office.

Vintage watches have huge charm and a heritage feel, very different from a brand new model straight off the shelf. The continuing trend for watch companies to take design inspiration from their back-catalogues shows that some items were right the first time around.

There is something intoxicating about winning a watch rather than just buying one, and the chances are you’ll walk away with a bargain too. I The Watch Sale takes place at Fellows saleroom in the Jewellery Quarter on the last Tuesday of every month, with the next auction on the 30 June. Register and view the catalogue at www.fellows.co.uk

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MOTORING

SPINE-TINGLINGLY

GOOD

An embarrassing encounter with a blue bunny couldn’t spoil Sue Cooke’s time with the exhilarating but oh-so user-friendly Porsche Cayman GTS hen it comes to buying a car, leading global growth consultants Frost & Sullivan says there are three types of consumers. I fall into the car enthusiast category (20 per cent), although I definitely don’t meet the description of being young and male! But I do like to drive hi-tech, sporty cars such the Porsche Cayman GTS. As a true racing car built for the road the Cayman has a spine-tingling roar on sparking the engine and a continual low rumbling growl when cruising.

And before you ‘late adopters’ (27 per cent) switch off, I think I probably also belong to your category which likes comfort – and I’ve either got more flexible with age or the Cayman has got more accessible! Ok, I did have to think twice about where I was going to park the sports coupe as like most cars in this sector the large doors open very wide.

Embarrassingly, I also have to admit to using a cushion on the driver’s seat! As the cushion had a blue bunny on it I did think to

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turn it upside down for sake of my street cred, but it was either use the cushion for extra height or lie almost prone, with eyes peering over the steering wheel. And very amusingly you do see people driving like that.

CUSHIONED RIDE On long motorway journeys, the Cayman is really comfortable which meant I could sit in the sports bucket seats for hours on end. Urban journeys around Birmingham were another thing. I had to watch out for the numerous potholes but Porsche has given the GTS a unique front spoiler and re-styled lower rear apron which is most accommodating. I held my breath over the first speed hump but the Cayman sailed over with no sound of scraping metal.

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model tested: Porsche Cayman GTS Price: Model tested with options, £72,454 Engine: 3.4-litre Performance: 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 177mph CO2 emissions: 211g/km Combined fuel consumption: 31.4mpg

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MOTORING

I actually didn’t mind sitting in heavy traffic jams, which at the moment in Sutton Coldfield and around Spaghetti Junction have to be the worst I’ve ever experienced in my life time. The Porsche sounds so beautiful, even at low speed, it’s easy to forget all that traffic hassle as it crept along at its own steady pace with little input from me.

TECH TREATS According to the Frost & Sullivan analysis, high speed driving is not a focus for present day consumers and while in the right place on the track, which new owners can experience at Silverstone, high speed driving on the road is a no-go for me too. What you do need though is the Cayman’s quick and instant acceleration which is great for rapid overtaking and getting out onto a busy roundabout. The whole driving experience feels really secure thanks to speed-sensitive steering and superb traction. Out in the countryside, the mid-engine Porsche has precise, sharp cornering and very good ceramic composite brakes.

Frost & Sullivan says that 53 per cent of buyers belong to the ‘technology followers’ category and the Cayman GTS is packed with kit that will satisfy most.

In the week I spent driving the car I was more

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interested in clocking up the miles than spending hours reviewing the high spec, but the features which I found useful were the very bright bi-xenon headlights when driving at night and the optional park assist front and rear.

Half way through my road test, I did suddenly realise that it was difficult to hear the digital radio as the interior of the cabin is a little noisy with such a pulsing six-cylinder engine note in your ear, but frankly I preferred to listen to the engine anyway. And when I finally just had to give up the driving seat and go and get some shopping, the Cayman has large front and rear boot space which coped amazingly well. Often the description ‘a true racer built for the road’ can put a lot of people off as it conjures up a car that’s a bit of a brute to drive, but the Porsche Cayman GTS was one of the easiest cars I have driven and is definitely built for dayto-day use.

However you will need a deep pocket. Even the annual road tax will cost you £635 but I guess if you are able to find the £55,397 on-the-road cost, then that’s just a minor consideration.

Follow Sue Cooke on Twitter @cookecars

SHOWROOM: Porsche Centre Solihull, Highlands Road, B90 4GT. Tel: 0121 223 9274 www.porschesolihull.co.uk

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

JORDANNE WHILEY Birmingham’s world-beating young tennis star on how she overcame a crippling condition to win five Grand Slams in a row, including the Wimbledon championship title t’s a big month for British tennis. Here in Birmingham we welcome some of the world’s best women’s players at the Aegon Classic tournament in Edgbaston, while at the end of June it’s Wimbledon where fans will be cheering on homegrown heroes such as Andy Murray and Jordanne Whiley.

Everyone knows Andy of course but Jordanne probably isn’t such a familiar name, yet she has won more Grand Slams and is the defending Wimbledon champion. In fact Jordanne is so dominant that you could describe her as the Serena Williams of women’s wheelchair tennis.

The 22-year-old from Halesowen, who is 23 this month, is coming off a season which saw her become the first-ever British athlete, including the able-bodied, to win all four doubles Slams – the Australian, French, Wimbledon and US Opens – in one year. Partnered by Yui Kamiji from Japan, she’s already successfully defended her title down under in 2015. There’s every reason to expect that she will take consecutive championships in SW19 too.

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SUPREME TALENT Jordanne’s story is much like any of the able-bodied stars of the sport. It’s one of supreme talent allied to huge amounts of endeavor, effort and commitment. The big difference is the courage that Jordanne has had to show to overcome the Brittle Bone Disease which led to her breaking her legs 26 times up to the age of 12. At that stage most kids would have given up on competing in any sport, let alone becoming a champion, but Jordanne had been playing wheelchair tennis from the age of three. She was also able to draw on the inspiration of her Paralympian father – also afflicted with Brittle Bone Disease – who won a 100 metres bronze medal back in the 80s.

“When he retired from the sport he took up tennis and took me to watch him play in a tournament in Israel. I was just three and started copying his swings. As soon as we got home dad took me to Billesley tennis centre in Birmingham and signed me up.

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“Seeing what he achieved and growing up in a sporting family meant it was quite easy really. Breaking my legs was something I just got used to, and gradually as I grew older it just got better. I worked in an environment and with coaches who helped me and I haven’t broken a bone again since. I’m lucky in that it is only in my legs which are affected and not my upper body. So I can strike a ball and it doesn’t affect my power at all.”

WOMEN’S CIRCUIT Jordanne is part of the Tennis Foundation’s wheelchair tennis performance programme supported

by UK Sport and the National Lottery. She trains with her coach at the High Performance Centre in Marlow and lives with her boyfriend in London. But much of the year is spent away from the UK competing in tournaments around the world.

“Our circuit follows that of stars such as the Williams sisters,” explained Jordanne. “Our tournaments follow on from theirs, so we are in places like Australia, the States, France and of course Wimbledon playing our Grand Slams at the same time.

“I have my own team around me, supporting and looking after me, getting me ready for events. My dad retired last year and now travels with me to some tournaments too.”

It all sounds a very similar and hectic life to that experienced by the top tennis stars. There is one big difference though – the money. While Wimbledon champions Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic each received more than £1.5million in prize money for winning their titles, Jordanne picked up a mere £6,000.

“It’s a very small figure when you bear in mind we have the same costs and expenses, but someone like me doesn’t even have individual sponsors for support. We are hopeful that all the publicity generated in raising the profile of Paralympic sports will eventually help to improve the prize money a little.” I

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

WINNING WAYS Australian Open champion 2014, 2015 Wimbledon champion 2014

French Open champion 2014 US Open champion 2014

Aegon Player of the Year 2014

Shortlisted, Sky Sports Woman of the Year 2014 Bronze medal, London 2012 Paralympics

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GROWING PLACES

CASTLE VALE’S GOT BAGS OF TALENT Now in its seventh year, Castle Vale’s Got Talent organised by Greenwood Academy attracts an impressive panel of judges as well as gifted entrants. This year’s panel included BBC presenter Andy Akinwolere, TV and theatre writer Stuart Lane and the winner of last year’s contest, singer Laura Green. This year’s winners were local father and daughter duo Skye’s The Limit. Former winners include Jak Tuite who went on to win Sky TV’s Got To Dance.

WINNERS: Skye’s The Limit receive their trophy

GRAND DESIGNS

FOR BELLE Former Saint Martin’s School student Belle Smith has gained a place at the coveted Central Saint Martin’s College, recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for art and design education. Belle is currently completing her Art Foundation course and will be going on to study for a degree in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins in September. Places are highly sought after and Belle will be one of only 30 students.

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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

YOUNG STARS: Some of the excited cast of the Ballad of Beorminga

BALLAD EXPLORES ANGLO-SAXON ROOTS Nearly 150 local children are preparing to take part in a ballad based on the Anglo-Saxon origins of Birmingham, titled Ballad of Beorminga. Written by local author David Calcutt, it will be performed by pupils from five Midlands schools at the John Lee Theatre, Birmingham. Artistic director David Allen said: “We have never worked with such a large cast before, so it promises to be spectacular!”

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GROWING PLACES

SPEECH AND DRAMA TRIUMPH Young speakers from Moreton Hall School triumphed at this year’s Cheshire Festival of Speech and Drama. Pupils performed brilliantly scooping seven first place trophies, seven second places and six thirds. First place awards went to Cordelia Harpin, Eva Salisbury-Jones, Emma Vivien, Ceris Evans, Edith Tower, Elin Pryce, Tatyana Kahn, Josie Clacher and Morgan Darcy Rees-Deacon.

ABBEY WELCOMES NEW APPOINTMENT Abbey College Birmingham has strengthened its business department and appointed a new head of Business, Economics, Accounting and ICT. Andrew Teviotdale has 12 years experience working in the business departments of

numerous schools and colleges. He will take a leadership role maximising the impact of the business and economics department as well as introducing and developing the new Business and Economics GCSE and GCE courses.

BUSINESS WIN FOR EHS A team of business and economics students from Edgbaston High School has triumphed in a regional competition run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants held at Edgbaston cricket ground. The team had two hours to analyse a business case study, produce a proposal and present to a panel of business professionals. Millie Nelson, Chloe Adams, Ella Browning, Almas Ali, Joanna Brown and Maariyah Aqdis will represent Birmingham at the national final at the Metropole Hotel, Solihull this month.

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STEPHEN’S STORY LIVES ON Former cancer patient Dan O’Regan and his mum Rebecca will be taking part in a record-breaking sky dive in July in honour of Stephen Sutton and to raise funds to help other young patients. Organised by the Teenage Cancer Trust, the sky dive on 10 July at Hibaldshow Airfield, Lincolnshire will see 350 people tandem jump from 10,000 feet. Dan who was treated at the QE Hospital said: “Taking part will enable me to help others by raising money to support the charity.” To sponsor Dan and Rebecca visit www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Dan55/

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UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES

Extraordinary fundraiser, champion of the Irish community and inspiring chair of a local boxing academy, Pat O’Neill tells his remarkable story

PAT O’NEILL at O’Neill moved to Birmingham from Ireland in 1961, building a life here with his wife and four children. Having done it successfully once, they were forced to rebuild again at the height of the Troubles when due to their Irish heritage they were ‘labelled’, and then for a third time in 1976 when Pat lost his sight due to a rare disease called Eales. “I thought I’d never see again,” he recalled.

Pat dragged himself out of the dark times and discovered Queen Alexander College in Harborne where he learned telephony, typing and braille.

An opportunity came up at Allied Irish Bank as a telephonist where he stayed for more than 20 years, working his way up to business development manager. “I began developing customers in the non-profit sector which is how I got involved with South and City College Birmingham and when I retired they invited me on to the board.”

Pat also started volunteering at Focus – a blind charity based in Harborne where he met people from Selly Oak eye hospital who thought they could restore some of his sight. He jumped at the chance and the sight in his left eye was improved a little, but enough

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to have a big impact. “I came out of the hospital and just went ‘whoa!’ Everything looked so beautiful – even the double yellow lines in the gutter!”

Pat is a trustee of the Irish Centre which he’s passionate about. “The Irish community rallied around when times were hard and it’s good to give back. The Irish Quarter around Digbeth is changing – plans for HS2 and the Metro mean there’s a lot of regeneration to consider. It’s a fabulous part of Birmingham – full of life.”

Pat relishes his place on the diversity panel at Central TV too which is responsible for challenging programme makers. He also champions young people as chair of Paddy Benson Boxing Academy in Small Heath. “It’s hard being a kid today. The boxing academy gives them a focus and fosters respect and manners. They always shake my hand when I come in.”

Pat uses the treadmill at the academy to train for his many 10k runs and half marathons raising funds for charities including Focus and a homeless charity in Digbeth called Sifa Fireside. He runs attached to a sight guide, most recently his grandson (pictured) in the Birmingham 10k in May. I

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ing livBUSINESS

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PURO HAIR ORGANIC The organic personal care industry is valued at more than £7billion. Here in Brum, entrepreneur Sarah Simpson-Davies is leading the way with her rapidly expanding business ive years ago, Sarah Simpson-Davies launched Puro Hair Organic. Having worked as a hair stylist for more than a decade, she was becoming increasingly disillusioned with the industry she once loved. “I was fortunate to work for one of the very best hair salons in the Midlands and while the standard of the hairdressing was exceptionally high it felt like we were really lacking in the customer service department,” recalls Sarah.

“And I don’t think we were unique. Across the industry, salons were shiny and bling but also really intimidating and frankly a bit cold. I was convinced there was an opportunity to do so much more.” A move to Brum coupled with a burgeoning passion for yoga and Buddhism further fuelled Sarah’s desire to start her own salon, one that committed to both the highest hairdressing standards but also to the lifestyle principles that were increasingly important to her.

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PERSONAL MISSION “I wanted to innovate the hairdressing industry and create a new experience. I lost my grandmother to brain cancer and I’m convinced that a life-long use of chemical hair colouring was a major factor, so my aim

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was to use safe and more natural products in a welcoming and relaxed environment.”

Sarah found a location in a then under-developed part of Birmingham.

“The rent was cheap but at the time the area wasn’t great with virtually no footfall.” With a small team of three, she threw open the doors for business in 2010.

“I remember turning to Danny, who’s still a massive part of the business and saying ‘Now what?’”

From inception the salon used only the most natural hair colours and products available, free from nasty-sounding chemicals and never tested on animals. As well the products, the furniture and fittings in the salon are also vegan-friendly – and the refreshments are organic too, of course.

A period of sustained growth saw Puro expand to a team of 15 and Sarah collected a raft of awards, including the coveted #SBS created by Dragons’ Den

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COMPANY TO WATCH

star Theo Paphitis and a 5-star accreditation from the Good Salon Guide.

Among Sarah’s toughest challenges has been recruiting the right staff. “A real turning point was when I was accepted to be one of the students for the Goldman Sachs’s 10,000 Small Business course,” she said. The scheme selects a handful of small businesses that can demonstrate potential for rapid growth and then embarks on a six-month training and education course run through Aston University.

This provided access to some fantastic business planning and mentoring expertise which has been invaluable to Sarah.

GRAND PLANS “I realised that in order to change the industry I needed to start from the bottom, so at the end of last year we launched our own Organic NVQ Training

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Academy,” she explained. The training has been enthusiastically received and has already helped develop half-a-dozen talented apprentices and Sarah hopes to expand this to 50 by the end of next year.

Ambitious Sarah is now gearing up for the next phase of expansion. Next month sees Puro move to new larger premises off Corporation Street with separate floors for hairdressing and training. There are also plans for a second salon towards the end of the year followed by a launch of an own-brand organic hair product range. Sarah then hopes to extend the Puro brand across the country with a franchising programme.

“We want to be the first organic hairdressing salon chain in the UK,” she said. “I’m so excited for the future and I’d love to see some of our amazing team grow into running their own salons within the Puro chain.” I

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DANCERS WIN SPACE RACE Birmingham-based professional dance company Ace Dance & Music has launched its newly refurbished studio and performance venue in Digbeth. Ace Space will allow the team to expand and improve its existing programme, secure extra hires and space rentals and add to Birmingham’s growing stock of high-spec rehearsal spaces and venues. Ace, Dance & Music combines African and Caribbean movement with contemporary techniques.

BUSINESS NEWS

ALBION ON THE BALL IN INDIA West Bromwich Albion held a successful open day for delegates from the booming Indian Super League. A day-long briefing gave 30 representatives an inside look at the club's Barclays Premier League operation. The Baggies are continuing to forge links with the sub continent’s burgeoning football community. Albion’s sales and marketing director Adrian Wright said: “The club has a longterm plan in India and we hope to establish strong relationships with the ISL and its member clubs.”

TRAY BON!

Don’t drop those drinks now! The team at Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC competed in a special charity Tray Race to mark National Waiters Day. Front-of-house employees and managers faced each other to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. General manager David Steel said: “Around 25 employees raced on the day – including me!”

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KATIE TAKES YOUNG PROFESSIONAL TITLE A specialist in urban design and heritage has been named Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Katie Kershaw of Node Urban Design consultancy was praised by judges for inspiring young professionals in the city. She was chosen as overall BYPY after winning one of six awards categories as top property and construction professional.

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MANX THANKS Patients on the Isle of Man are getting a huge helping hand thanks to Midlands firm Sign Solutions. The sign language interpreting agency has won a contract from the island’s government to provide on-demand, Internet-based British sign language translation services. The video relay service connects deaf patients to a qualified interpreter accessed by desktop, tablet or smartphone.

INDI UP FOR

TOP AWARD The boss of a business featured in our Company To Watch section has been shortlisted as Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year. Indi Deol, managing director of Aidem Digital, appeared in our March issue. More than 30 companies with a combined annual turnover of £2.4billion and employing 24,000 people have been shortlisted in the Ernst & Young awards. The winners will be announced on 16 June at Birmingham Town Hall.

HOMING IN ON BUILDING ‘OSCAR’ Local building firm J S Wright is the best in Britain after winning the Building Services Contractor of the Year award at the industry’s Oscars. The 125-yearold company which has its HQ in Aston and offices in Bristol and London, saw off competition from seven other finalists to take the top spot in the H&V News Awards.

MUSIC GROUP MAKES BUSINESS BID Birmingham Contemporary Music Group is looking for a new chair as Stephen Saltaire is set to retire after 15 years. BCMG is pushing to develop greater investment links with Birmingham’s business community. “The city’s arts organisations can and should work with our business community, strengthening Birmingham’s reputation as a great place to live, work and invest,” said Mr Saltaire.

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BRANSON’S BRUM APPEAL Sir Richard Branson is looking for entrepreneurs in the Midlands to pitch their business ideas to him. Virgin Media Business’s new initiative, Pitch to Rich, is looking for nine winners across the UK in three categories to share a £1million prize fund as well as receive unparalleled mentoring. The scheme is linked to the Education Show which is being held at the NEC next March.

IAB LEADS CITY REVIVAL The Institute of Asian Businesses is playing a key role in Team Birmingham, the movement backing the city’s revival, its president Saqib Bhatti told members at the annual meeting. He was re-elected for a second term at the IAB – the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK and part of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Anita Champaneri, director of Delicious PR and Waheed Saleem of Caring Minds charity were elected vice-presidents.

TOP TEAM: (left to right) Waheed Saleem, Saqib Bhatti and Anita Champaneri

CHAMBER HONOURS JERRY

SUCCESSFUL PITCH They’re happy campers at Secco! The Walsall-based company behind the Khyam tent brand has secured a £325,000 investment through the ThinCats peer-to-peer lending network, organised by Birmingham-based Ludgate Finance. Secco offers a wide-range of products for the outdoor industry including Flexidome and Ridgidome quick erect tents and campervan and motorhome awnings.

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The work of Jerry Blackett was hailed by 800 guests at the annual dinner and awards of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. The outgoing chief executive, who is a big cycling fan, received a special award of a gold-plated bicycle bell from Chambers’ president Greg Lowson. He said: “Jerry and his team have increased the Chambers’ profile and made it the recognised voice of business in this city.” Paul Faulkner, ex-Aston Villa chief executive, succeeds Mr Blackett.

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WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM BRUM

We need to secure the Midlands Powerhouse that is on offer from central government, and use it to invest in the infrastructure to connect the whole of the city and region

Please introduce yourself I am Mark Lee, chief executive of Calthorpe Estates, a forward-thinking and progressive property investment and development company. Family-owned since 1717, the prime focus of the business is the prestigious 1,600-acre Calthorpe Estate in Edgbaston.

”

How do you feel your clients see the city?

As a growing, vibrant and diverse city, which can easily compete on an international level thanks to all it has to offer and its connectivity. The recent runway extension at Birmingham Airport has been a real asset for the city’s competitiveness, as will be Grand Central and the new-look New Street Station when they open later in 2015.

What does your company do?

We are the management team responsible for the Does Birmingham offer any particular custodianship and sustainable regeneration of the Calthorpe advantages as a destination for business?

Estate, Edgbaston. Our vision is to create the In addition to its connectivity, a real jewel best place to live and work. Our team and in its crown is the scope and scale of what it strategic partners are in charge of delivering a has to offer, along with quality of life. On multi-million pound regeneration portfolio the Calthorpe Estate, we have created a including retail and leisure, office and community rather than simply a business medical developments. New mixed-use quarter and when you talk to potential developments that are being progressed occupiers or investors, they very quickly buy include The Village, an emerging urban into the whole area; the elegant homes, the village with a vibrant gastro quarter within highly sought after schools and educational the heart of Edgbaston, and Edgbaston Mill. establishments, the world class facilities We are also continuing to enhance the such as Edgbaston Cricket Stadium and Edgbaston Medical Quarter with world-class Edgbaston Priory Club, along with the Calthorpe chief executive Mark Lee medical facilities at Pebble Mill. superb dining, leisure and lifestyle facilities.

Is Brum a good place to do business?

It is a fantastic place to do business. There is a ‘can do’ collaborative attitude in the community and business sector, which facilitates decision-making. This is supported by recent research by PWC in which Birmingham was ranked as Europe’s sixth best city for investment, along with Birmingham being voted as the UK’s most entrepreneurial region (Start-up Britain).

What are your biggest gripes with it?

The use of the word ‘Brum’, which when presenting Birmingham on a world stage in comparison to London (Cockney) or Manchester (Mancunian) does not reflect what the city has to offer or the great sense of the place.

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What should our priorities be as a city?

To secure the Midlands Powerhouse that is on offer from central government, and use it to invest in the infrastructure to connect the whole of the city and region. In addition, to develop the skills in the region to enable the great population to participate fully in the city’s economic development. And last but not least, to talk ourselves up a bit more!

If you had £1bn to spend on improving Brum what would you do with it?

Invest in the Medical and Life Science sector, to create jobs for the future, attract inward investment and enable Birmingham to compete on a world stage with the likes of Boston and San Francisco. I

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TRAVEL FIRM MARKS SOARAWAY SUCCESS Pure Destinations celebrates successful partnership with Kuoni at launch party dgbaston-based luxury travel company Pure Destinations celebrated its new partnership with Kuoni at its new store. Clients, local residents and businesses enjoyed cocktails and gourmet pizzas from around the world while one lucky guest won a luxury break for two to Italy. Pure Destinations director Lakh Hayer said: “Since the partnership with Kuoni started we have had an amazing response with an increase of nearly 60 per cent in revenue compared to the same period last year and are now looking at further locations in the West Midlands for expansion.� I

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1 Lakh Hayer, Vishvanath Panyam, Surjit Hayer. 2 Louise and Mark Panayides, Karen O'Donovan. 3 Vivien Hart, Romaine Sumner, John Gallagher, Christine Bohemia. 4 Diane Mcginnity, Gora Uppal. 5 Sarah Rudzinski, Sarah Wall, Louise Powell. 6 Tony Taylor, Amanda Darrington, Adrian Hindmarsh. 7 Hannah and Jane Jones. 8 Karen and Sue Lyness. 9 Amanda Darrington, Lakh Hayer, Sandra Fitzpatrick.

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IAB CELEBRATES THE FESTIVAL OF VAISAKHI More than 200 guests come together for glittering event at the CSN Centre

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he Institute of Asian Businesses celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi at a special event for more than 200 guests. Held at the CSN International Exhibition & Conference Centre, which sponsored the event with Mahirs Experience, those attending included the consuls of both India and Bangladesh and senior local dignitaries. Vaisakhi is important for Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus for different reasons – for the people of the Punjab region, for example, it marks the start of the harvest festival. Omer Simjee, a partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell, briefed the audience on employment law services for Asian businesses. I

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1 Sardul Dhesi, Manjit Dhesi, Dawn Ward, Cllr Paul Tilsley. 2 Rakhee Parmar, Bina Sitaram, Ranj Barn, Harvir Sahota. 3 Dr Haseena Lockhat, Habib Rehman, Nahid Sayed. 4 Jaspal Rohel, Paul Bates. 5 Charanjit Singh, Rekha Kaur, Jagjeet Singh. 6 Danielle Tonks, Rachel Flanagan, Jennifer Shipley, Omer Simjee. 7 Nasir Awan, Gisela Stuart, Saqib Bhatti. 8 Kamal Parekh, Nusrat Sadiq, Maz Iqbal. 9 Lucy Warwood, Indi Deol, Lisa Redgrave. Photography by Jas Sansi

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PRESS CLUB HONOURS STARS OF THE FUTURE Inaugural Midlands Media Student Awards recognise best of next-generation talent irmingham Press Club held its first Midlands Media Student Awards at The Studio. The awards, launched to recognise the emerging talent of next-generation journalists and broadcasters, were organised by Cloud 9 Event Management with main sponsor Purple Frog Property as part of the Press Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Natasha Turney was named Journalism Student of the Year and received her award from BBC Midlands Today presenter Mary Rhodes, herself a former journalism student at Birmingham City University. I

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1 John Lamb, Mary Rhodes, Kay Cadman, Marc Reeves. 2 Shannon Jenkins, Paula Kelsey, Mary Rhodes, Ed James. 3 Natasha Turney, Mary Rhodes. 4 Jamie Kinman, Alexandra Martin, Lee Mitchell, Donna Clapp. 5 Catherine Hepton, Olivia Stocks.

6 Chas Andrews-Roberts, Chris Parker, Luke Gould, Mark Smith, Phil Basi. 7 David Hynds, Sophie Beckett. 8 James Forrest, Paula Kelsey. 9 Emma Jane Boyle, Patrick Garrett.

Photography by Benjamin Furst

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THE BOTANIST JOINS CITY’S RENAISSANCE New bar and restaurant creates a big buzz on Temple Street

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he Botanist hosted a busy launch party to mark the opening of the new bar and restaurant on Temple Street. Guests were treated to cocktails and a variety of food and drink. Chris Hill, managing director of The Botanist’s parent company New World Trading, said: “Birmingham is going through an exciting renaissance. There’s a fantastic buzz about the city, which was evident at the party. It is the perfect location for our first venture into the Midlands.” I

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1 Brent Tobin, Joshua Harris, Louise Gordon, Emma Gray, Tom Deacon. 2 Sophia Bailey, Kevin and Kelly Ross. 3 Ashley Skinner, Fin Farazamand, Marcus Green.

4 Sonny Ji, Shefali Oza. 5 Warren McCoubrey, Andy Haigh. 6 Dan and Helen Bolton. 7 Chris Hill, Paul Campbell. 8 Karen Johnson, Beth McCarthy, Emma Marshall. 9 Katie Rouse, Julian Rose Gibbs, Katrin Tonts, Emma Burgess. 10 Lanie Davies, Chloe Saffhill, Rachel Winterflood, Sophie Wootton Photography by Ryan Phillips

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BRUM GETS SET FOR A DROP OF YO-HO-HO Shiver me timbers – Treasure Island swashbuckles its way into the Old Rep

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uccaners and buried gold are coming to Birmingham as the Old Rep announced it is bringing Treasure Island to the theatre this Christmas. The news was celebrated at a launch event for the show which is being produced and directed by Scott Ritchie and Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

Gaynor Cheshire, CEO of the Old Rep Theatre, said: “This original adaptation will be brought to life in a home-grown production suitable for all the family. We can’t wait to welcome our young audiences in the Midlands to join in the pirate fun!” I

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1 Dominga and Keith Devitt , Jenny Wilkes. 2 Steve Eagles, Nicholas Bailey, Michael Penn. 3 Jo and Sparky from Free Radio with pirates. 4 Jessica Birtwistle, Scott Ritchie, Hope Nightingale. 5 Paul Marshall, Rabia Raza, Tom Marlow. 6 Bharat Patel, Lucy Tregear, Gaynor Cheshire, Amit Mistry. 7 Chris Maher, Hannah Carroll, Kim Loynes. 8 Kevin Finnan, Jane Bailey. 9 Ross Wilson, Lesley Galbraith.

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FASHION SHOW GIVES CHARITY A BIG BOOST Models hit the catwalk for a stylish new event held at Mallory Court

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new event in the calendar of Cancer Research UK was held in the Knights Suite at Mallory Court Hotel. The dinner and fashion show hosted by Jackie Allan of Revolve Fashion, Leamington Spa saw guests enjoy fine dining and champagne while models showed off a selection of spring/summer outfits including wedding and evening wear. The evening raised more than ÂŁ3,000 for the charity. Leamington & Warwick CRUK Fundraising Committee and Revolve Fashion are now planning a future autumn/winter show at Mallory Court. I

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1 Claire Salmons, Kate Swinson, Louise and Ellie Partridge, Caroline Suggett. 2 Ade Okojie, Russell Blakey, Jane Wigley, James Jeffs. 3 Tania Walter, Lydia Darby, Debbie Smith Haines. 4 Carolin Hughes, Joanna Sharvell. 5 Jane Hood, Maralyn Kitchingman. 6 Jo Stephens, Lis Willis. 7 Kim Holmes, Val Gold. 8 Anita Dinnes, Lyn Bromley. 9 Jayne O’Malley, Tracy Chappelhow. 10 Penny Besson, Claire Patrick, Nicola Reece, Jacqui Gray.

Photography by Designer Photography

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ALL CHANGE FOR THE REGION’S BUSINESSES Cultural shifts highlighted at economic event hosted by RBS he changing culture of business in the region was on the agenda at an economic event held by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in partnership with recruitment and people development agency Katie Bard. Hosted by the Royal Bank of Scotland, it provided 80 guests with a detailed look at the latest results of the GBCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey. John Mortimer, chief executive of the Angela Mortimer group, Dr Steve McCabe, director of research degrees at Birmingham City Business School and RBS economist Marcus Wright were among speakers. I

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1 George Barbrook, Julie O’Hare. 2 Stephen Robinson, Mark Round. 3 Jerry Blackett, Marcus Wright, Dr Steve McCabe, John Mortimer. 4 Verity Stokes, Louise Bennett. 5 John Lamb, Peter Maskell. 6 Mike Tresham, Neil Visani, Mark Smith.

7 David Baker, Tony Hickson

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TOP LAW FIRM HOSTS HERITAGE CONFERENCE Property experts from across UK brought together by Wright Hassall eading Midlands law firm Wright Hassall hosted its inaugural Heritage Property Conference at Stoneleigh Abbey. More than 100 property experts from across the UK heard talks from Michael Hiscock, senior associate of Wright Hassall’s construction team, and partner Philip Harris on the legal challenges of heritage property. Sarah Lewis from Historic England, Lynda Jubb, chair of the RICS Building Conservation Forum, Mark Balkham from heritage building consultants Rodney Melville and Partners, David Chismon from accountants Saffery Champness and Roger Cullimore from Warwick District Council also delivered speeches. I

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1 Michael Hiscock, Philip Harris, Lynda Jubb, David Chismon, Sarah Lewis, Mark Balkham, Roger Cullimore. 2 David Hewer, Jason Fretter, Dawn Reynolds. 3 Andrew Houston, Paul Lewis. 4 Daniel Jackson, Hettie Dix, Pritpal Singh Swarn. 5 Paul Rice, Amy Hutsby, Michael Hiscock, Rebecca Lock. 6 Nick Daffern, Jon Webster. 7 Tony Jeans, Mahmood Esmail. 8 Peter Cross, Catherine Windibank.

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NETWORKERS LOOK TO PUT EDGBASTON FIRST Business, culture and sport team up to hear tourist call at Edgbaston Priory Club dgbaston Priory Club hosted a corporate networking lunch with guest speakers from Edgbaston First – a collection of businesses, cultural destinations and sporting venues that aims to promote Edgbaston as a tourist destination for visitors and residents. The lunch is one of a series run on a Friday in association with Birmingham Sytner and partners RLK Solicitors, Edge Creative and Arkade Property. Guests are invited to then finish the working week off with a swim, workout in the gym or even a game of tennis. I

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1 Peter Fawcus, Judith Parry-Evans, Julie O'Hare, Jayne Herritty, Yousuf Miah. 2 Hannah Bracknall, Victoria Burgin, Jayne Herritty.

3 Ben Woodall, Peter Shirley, Andrew Kay, Tessa Rhodes, Darryl Thomas. 4 Paul Jones, Matthew Chapman. 5 Robert Bray.

6 Jane Jones, Louise Panayides, Sybilla Rose. 7 Holly Brisbane, Scott Callaghan, Judith Greenburgh, Satish Jakhu. 8 Yousuf Miah, Lindsey Cook, Marcia Springer.

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INTERNATIONAL THEME AT FINANCE RECEPTION Global accountancy firm Mazars holds annual drinks event at Church Street offices

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lobal connections was the theme of international accountancy firm Mazars’s annual drinks reception for intermediaries and professional contacts in the Birmingham and West Midlands office in Church Street. Guests were welcomed by Birmingham managing partner Lee Cartwright in the firm’s main conference suite which has panoramic views of Birmingham’s professional city quarter. They were served drinks from around the world, ranging from Guinness to Cobra and wines from every continent. I

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1 Lee Cartwright, David Preston, Paul Turk, Gary Riley. 2 Phil Waller, Gary Wright, Scott Bevan. 3 Rob Creswell, Wayne Bowers, Caroline Park.

4 Luke Yates, Clare Carr. 5 Natalie Singh, Stephen Lewis. 6 David Chapman, Nigel Wood, Jeremy Parkin. 7 John Irving, Lee Patrick, Martin Chapman.

8 Stewart Clayton, John Monkman, Glen Jones. 9 Rikki Griffiths, Charlotte Raynor, Keith Haywood. 10 Kate Angus, David Chapman, Peter Brewer.

Photography by John James

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GOLF LEGEND OPENS CLUBHOUSE PROJECT Tony Jacklin leads the distinguished guests on a big day for Nailcote Hall ailcote Hall’s new clubhouse was officially opened by golfing legend Tony Jacklin as part of a major development project that also includes a new 10bedroom extension. Other distinguished guests included former top showjumper Dame Emma Jane Brown, the MD of Greswolde Construction Malcolm Priest and Dave and Bassa Hull, the parents of last year’s Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner Charley Hull, who were thrilled to see the new bar named in her honour. Nailcote’s owner Rick Cressman said: “We’re delighted to have a clubhouse which befits one of the best par three courses in the world.” I

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1 Craig Cooksley, Rob Cooksley, Andy George. 2 Dave Hull, Rick Cressman, Bassa Hull. 3 Tony and Astrid Jacklin, Lily Waagen, Barbara Cressman, Rick and Sue Cressman. 4 Malcolm and Liz Priest. 5 Gillian Wesley, Eric Herd. 6 Tony ‘Banger’ Walsh, Carol Walsh, John and Jan Dowen. 7 Dame Emma Jane Brown. 8 Maria Soley. 9 Barbara and Sue Cressman.

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WHAT: Chateau Impney Hill Climb WHEN: 11 and 12 July WHERE: Chateau Impney, Droitwich, tel 0844 888 9991 www.chateauimpneyhillclimb.com

WHAT: Othello

An awesome 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.

WHEN: 4 June to 28 August

WHAT: A Night at the Movies with David Arnold & CBSO

WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-

WHEN: 26 June

upon-Avon, tel 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk

WHERE: Symphony Hall,

Hugh Quarshie returns to the RSC in the role of Othello, a fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice but also an outsider whose enemies ruthlessly conspire to destroy him.

box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk From James Bond to Sherlock, Independence Day to Godzilla‌ re-live some of the most iconic film and TV music moments of all time with the man behind the melodies.

WHAT: Brownhills Community Festival WHEN: 28 June WHERE: Canalside, Brownhills, tel 0121 248 0708 www.blackcountryvoyages.org Join Black Country Voyages and enjoy the music, crafts and stalls on a wonderfully converted narrow boat. All part of the project that links young people with Black Country arts, heritage and cultural organisations.

WHAT: Mr Stink WHEN: 21 July WHERE: Brueton Park, Solihull, tel 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk Watch the colourful characters from the celebrated David Walliams story come to life in an adaptation of Mr Stink especially for the open air. Bring a picnic, drinks, coolboxes and friends.

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WHAT: Neil Diamond WHEN: 22 and 23 June WHERE: Genting Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.ticketfactory.com 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 songs from his newest studio album Melody Road.

WHAT: Mary J Blige WHEN: 3 July WHERE: Barclaycard Arena, tel 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com The global superstar and undisputed queen of contemporary soul follows her show-stealing performance alongside Sam Smith at the Grammies with the release of her single Doubt.

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.

WHAT: Luisa Omielan WHEN: 10 July WHERE: Glee Club Birmingham, tel 0871 472 0400 WHAT: Me at the Zoo WHEN: 7 and 8 July WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel 0121 245 2024 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The first full-length play by Young Rep graduate Grace Barrington. It’s a hilarious, fast-paced and thrilling exploration into the light and dark sides of social media.

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www.glee.co.uk/birmingham A rising star of the UK comedy scene.

Her debut solo show What Would Beyoncé Do? has been called one of the top UK comedy shows of the last decade and this has been superseded with a sold out second tour, Am I Right Ladies.

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WHAT: BBC Good Food Show WHEN: 11 to 14 June WHERE: NEC Birmingham, tel 0844 581 1341 www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com

WHAT: Suzanne Vega

A great summer day out packed with entertainment, shopping, tasting and inspiration. See your favourite chefs and experts cooking live on stage including Mary Berry, John Torode, James Martin and the Two Greedy Italians.

WHEN: 28 June WHERE: Town Hall, box office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk The pioneering American singer/songwriter returns as part of her highly anticipated UK tour, marking 30 years since the release of her eponymous debut album Suzanne Vega and following last year’s critically acclaimed eighth studio album.

WHAT: Midsummer Ball with the Brothers Of Soul WHEN: 20 June WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk Enjoy a tribute to the greatest hits, the moves, the smooth vocals and toe-tapping tunes of the Temptations and other Motown legends.

WHAT: Charlie Dore with Julian Litman WHEN: 3 June WHERE: Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath, tel 0121 443 4725 www.charliedore.com The multi-award winning singer/ songwriter returns to Birmingham.

Although she’s written songs for artists ranging from George Harrison to Tina Turner via Celine Dion she still likes nothing more than to kick up a storm with a live set.

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WHAT: Be Festival WHEN: 23 to 27 June WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel www.befestival.org A week-long festival, blurring the boundary between audience and artist, that offers up a unique programme of European theatre, dance, comedy, circus, music, visual and performing arts.

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WHAT’S ON WHAT: Jake Quickenden WHAT: Aegon Classic

WHEN: 18 July

WHEN: 15 to 21 June

WHERE: O2 Academy Birmingham,

WHERE: Edgbaston Priory Club,

tel 0121 622 8250

tel 0844 581 4995

www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk Winning the hearts of the public with his musical talent and cheeky personality, the star of X Factor and I’m A Celebrity embarks on his debut Laid Bare tour.

www.lta.org.uk A real treat this summer as 10 of the top 20 female players in the world will be competing in Edgbaston. Confirmed stars include Ana Ivanovic, Victoria Azarenka and current world No.2 Simona Halep who’s making her debut.

WHAT: Nick Baker Live: Weird Creatures WHEN: 26 June WHERE: Palace Theatre Redditch, tel 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The presenter of Channel Five’s Weird Creatures takes you on a personal journey through some of the harshest and most extreme locations to meet exotic creatures like the baggy frogs of Lake Titicaca and the Olm from the dark caves of Slovenia.

WHAT: Manny Vass WHEN: 4 July WHERE: St. Martin-in-the-Bull-Ring, www.emmanuelvass.co.uk Named as ‘one to watch’ by the Independent and a ‘rising star’ by BBC Music magazine, the charismatic contemporary pianist is stopping in Brum as part of a 28-date UK national tour.

WHAT: Great Big Dance Off WHEN: 22 June WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham The national dance competition for primary and secondary schools culminates in the grand final this month. The regional heats have been burning up the floor throughout the spring, so come and see the best of the best compete for the title.

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IN THE CITY

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A run along the canal at Brindleyplace, the beauty of Edgbaston and smiling Brummies – it’s all a refreshing change from London

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m Lisa Melvin. I juggle several hats working for our family businesses predominantly as a designer for Lisa Melvin Design. We offer a full project management and design service for property developers, self-build projects, architects, commercial enterprises and homeowners all over the UK – specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and other interior design elements. I am a member of the Society of British and International Design and also have my own publication Revealed Design Home Interiors… so there’s never a dull moment!

LUNCHTIME? It’s got to be Simpsons to entertain my clients and friends alike. I love this restaurant from the ambiance to the amazing food and service located in a period property with gardens. I am always made to feel very welcome – and I’m excited about the major refurbishment which will make it even better!

POWERWALKING? A run along the canal at Brindleyplace, super-early if I am in town for an appointment and I can’t fit in my usual training or an evening session at Cannock Chase on the way home. I am into triathlon, currently training for a half ironman, The Outlaw, and a long course triathlon Alpe d’Huez in France.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I am based in Rugby which is only a short journey by train or by car depending on the time of day and destination. I usually drive.

HOW'S THE COMMUTE? I either travel very early in the morning or just after the evening rush-hour traffic, so I don’t face too many issues.

Designer and triathlete Lisa Melvin

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? Yes for sure. It’s perfectly located with excellent transport links, has a fantastic variety of heritage and modern buildings and an eclectic mix of residents. The place has a great vibe and Brummies always seem to have a smile for you – it’s a refreshing change from London!

COFFEE BREAK? The Lost and Found restaurant which is set in a Victorian building in the heart of the city. It’s a pretty new addition to the Birmingham restaurant scene and has a cool, chilled vibe. They do a mean Sunday lunch too!

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WHERE'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? The leafy suburbs of Edgbaston with pretty period villas and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. It can be like taking a trip back in history.

AFTERWORK PINT? I would like to say a Zacapa but it’s more like a Jax Coco on the rocks as I don’t like to drink. I love Bar Epernay in the Mailbox. You can’t beat a piano bar, plus there’s easy parking and I get my car washed at the same time!

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? More cycling routes. The introduction of underground cycling parks just like in Japan would be awesome but I know Birmingham City Council have this in hand and are well underway with their new scheme, Birmingham Cycle Revolution. Exciting times! I

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THE

Eat, Drink & Relax Well known establishment for its fresh locally sourced food & friendly service with daily fish specials

ALT MHOVEL S

AT BARSTON

• Newly mini re-furbished bar with warm tan panels, soft blue walls & terracotta tiles • French cafe style shutters, hound pictures and pheasant cushions... making it a very inviting Country pub!

• Separate stylish barn converted restaurant also available for special functions & private dining

• Enjoy fine wines, cask conditioned ales & a warm welcome – bar open all day, every day

• Beautiful English garden with covered terrace for Al Fresco dining

BOOK NOW FOR FATHERS DAY

Winner of the Good Pub Guide – County Dining Pub of The Year 2014 Barston Lane, Barston, Solihull, West Midlands. B92 0JP Tel:

01675 443223

www.themaltshovelatbarston.com

themaltshovelatbarston@gmail.com

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