Birmingham Living November 2023 (issue 127)

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November 2023

PRINCIPAL BALLERINA CÉLINE GITTENS CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

SPARKLING PARTYWEAR

FESTIVE FEASTING TABLE-TOPPERS

SECRET BEST CELLARS WINNING WINES

CHRIS TARRANT

TISWAS, MILLIONAIRE & BRUM’S WALK OF STARS

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EDITOR’S VIEW

W

hisper it, but Christmas is just around the corner. In fact, don’t whisper it – shout it!

Because it’s never too early to get that festive buzz (although shopping for new lights and decorations in early October is a definite no-no in my book!)

This month, we’ve started to really get into the swing of things with lots of great ideas and products to get you planning for all-things glittery. Our food and drink section has a fab feature which sees Birmingham Wine School expert Katie Gardner reveal the best buys to stock up with now for real Christmas cheers.

Super wines at super prices!

Our Style pages, curated by our features editor Shelley Carter, are positively packed with stunning ideas to make you sparkle at any festive party or get-together, whether a high-end function in the swishest venue in town or a joyous quiz night at the local pub or club. And our Beauty feature is a must-read for all you pamper lovers out there as we look at the latest launches of the big beauty brands’ much-awaited advent calendars. Such a treat! Elsewhere, we’ve details in our What’s On guide of the pick of the season’s big shows and events, plus more dates and details for your diary in our news pages.

Finally… a quick word about next month’s Christmas Special issue which will see the return of our famous Big Gift Guide which is filled with loads of great giving ideas for all the family and friends. Not to be missed! Plus, we have a thoroughly wonderful cover star who exudes joy all-year-round but who is doing something extra special this Christmas. Who is it? All to be revealed…

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visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

Cover image:

Chris Tarrant photographed by Nathan Pask, www.nathanpask.com

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FINALIST

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

CONTRIBUTORS: Sue Cooke, Katie Gardner, Adam Kirtland ACCOUNT MANAGER: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jonathan Carter

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

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

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INSIDE

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Highlights

Chris Tarrant

Revealing a saucy secret and talking Tiswas, Millionaire and polar bears!

Céline Gittens The three-year-old who grew to become Birmingham Royal Ballet principal dancer

Food & Drink News from Brum’s eateries, plus the best wines to stock up with now for Christmas

Health Mouth Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of this deadly disease

Style Party season? Bring it on! We’re embracing the frivolity and going for full-on glamour

Beauty Make a date with this year’s top beauty brand advent calendars as we pick our faves!

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

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Homes

One of the joys of Christmas is creating a show-stopping tablescape. Here’s how…

Motoring Sue Cooke names a mid-size SUV from Toyota as one of the best all-electric cars of the year

Young, Gifted & Brummie Teeing up with golfer Lili-Rose Hunt as she drives her dream to international stardom

Business News This month’s stories from the commercial community, plus top Social Scene events

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

Up Close With Rob Davies, critical care paramedic and patient liaison lead, Midlands Air Ambulance

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NEWS

DRIFTING BACK IN TIME The remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world's greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them, will be told in a new West End musical coming to Birmingham Hippodrome. The Drifters Girl, which will run from 16 to 20 April 2024, features Carly Mercedes Dyer, former star of Six the Musical, and Ashford Campbell, who hit UK screens in ITV’s The X Factor as member of The Risk. Tickets at www.birminghamhippodrome.co m or call 0844 338 5000.

NEWS

BAEBES ON PARADE

Fancy taking part in a special Christmas procession? With uplifting vocals and a torch-lit parade, classical chart-topping choir, the Mediaeval Baebes, will wind their way magically towards St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham, on Monday 4 December. And Brummies are invited to join in the procession in whatever way you enjoy – whether that’s bringing a drum, a lantern, or just dressing up. The choir’s concert will showcase well-known carols, folk songs and their latest album MydWynter. Tickets at www.mediaevalbaebes.com

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

HASAN’S COMEDY WIN Remember the name Hasan Al-Habib – because you’re going to be hearing a lot more of him in the future after he was named winner of Birmingham Comedy Festival’s annual Breaking Talent Award.

Performing in front of a sell-out crowd at the city’s Glee Club, Hasan from Bromsgrove was presented with his prize by fellow-comedian Aurie Styla. His set saw him recall school racism, ponder an Iraq version of Mamma Mia, media scare stories, and how not everyone knows what oncology is.

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NEWS

BRUM TOPS MUSIC CHART Birmingham has been named one of the best places for aspiring musicians to move to, thanks to its many venues, live music events, affordable rent prices and available part-time jobs. The city was picked out by music distributor iMusician. Its research measured a number of factors best suited to independent artists outside of London. According to iMusician, Birmingham has 1.6 music venues per 100,000 residents and roughly 6,690 people search for live music events in the city on Google.

SQUIDS IN Netflix’s Squid Game has been taken to an exciting new level at Sandbox VR in the

IT’S SHREK-TACULAR Brum is set to make the rest of the UK ‘green’ with envy when one of cinema’s best-known animated stars comes to town. Plans have been revealed to bring a brand-new production of Shrek The Musical to the Alexandra next April. The official Dreamworks production stars Antony Lawrence in the lead role and includes former Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton in a re-imagined version of the awardwinning Broadway and West End hit show.

BEST OF YOUTH The search is on to find young people across the West Midlands who are doing amazing things to support their local communities in this year’s Young Active Citizens Awards. Launched by the West Midlands Lieutenancy in 2020, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions – from fund-raising to mentoring and volunteering to organising special events. There are three categories: up to 11-years-old, 12 to 18, and 18 to 25 years. Closing date for entries is 9 February.

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Bullring. Squid Game Virtuals sees groups of six players transported to iconic Squid Game locations where they take part in thrilling virtual reality challenges inspired by the hit Netflix series, and compete against each other to be the last one standing. With more than 265million views on Netflix, Squid Game is the most watched series of all time.

YOUNG CITIZEN: Hannah Hussain, 16, from Coventry was among last year’s winners

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NEWS

KITCHEN MARVEL Masterchef marvel Dan Lee cooked up a storm to help Acorns Children’s Hospice launch its new, state-of-the-art kitchen. The chef served a special butternut squash dish to accompany the kitchen’s own lunchtime menu.

Dan said: “Acorns is close to my heart and I had the privilege of visiting their hospice to see the incredible work they do.” The new kitchen was refitted thanks to local businesses Dayrooms Kitchens of Tettenhall and Mr U-PVC and Bion Electrical of Wolverhampton.

AND HERE IS THE NEWS… One of the UK’s leading TV news presenters will be the keynote speaker at a major business event for Coventry and Warwickshire this month.

Clive Myrie, a multi-awardwinning BBC broadcaster and a familiar face to millions, will be speaking at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business & Economic Conference on Friday 10 November at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The conference will also hear from other speakers from the world of business and politics.

LUNAR LANDING

YOUTH FIRST

A new youth orchestra is striking up for youngsters in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. Orchestra of the Swan has launched the Swan Youth Orchestra in partnership with Warwick Schools Foundation and Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Music Hubs. The orchestra is aimed at young musicians who have ensemble experience and are working at Grade 6 and above. Debbie Jagla, managing director at Orchestra of the Swan said: “Participation will become an aspirational achievement for those wishing to take their instrumental talent to the next level.”

MURAL TRIBUTE Picture: Victoria Jane

Two of Birmingham’s most successful marketing agencies have announced a merger. The new agency, called Lunar, brings together HDY and Orb and is backed by Elonex. The merger will allow Lunar to become one of the UK’s largest independent, full-service agencies. HDY boasts clients including Sodexo, Severn Trent and Birmingham Airport, while branding agency, Orb, has been in business for more than two decades. Lunar’s HQ will be at the Custard Factory with its official launch scheduled for early 2024.

A mural honouring female Asian workers who stood up for themselves in a famed factory dispute has been unveiled in Handsworth. The Grunwick Strikers Mural, launched by DESIblitz and painted by Pakistani artist Haider Ali, marks the Seventies dispute at the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories. A special ceremony saw Birmingham’s community come together to celebrate what was seen as a turning point in anti-racist, labour and profeminist politics. The mural is on public display along the Railway Bridge at Soho Road.

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NEWS

MAGIC BOX

Audiences at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are spellbound by a magical new festive production. The Box of Delights, which runs until 7 January, centres on orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker who finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams. Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, he fights to save not just the people he loves but also the future of Christmas itself. The production is directed by Justin Audibert and designed by RSC associate artist Tom Piper.

STARS STUDIO DATE Top singer-songwriter Laura Mvula and actor Adrian Lester marked the reopening of the famous Grosvenor Road Studios in Handsworth by unveiling a blue plaque.

Formerly the Hollick & Taylor Studios, it had been operating since the late 1940s with its many ‘firsts’ including the original sound effects for Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds and Stingray, the brass band rendition of Brighouse and Rastrick’s The Floral Dance and the first Brum Beat album, Jasper Carrott’s Funky Moped. The studios reopened after a £250,000 National Lottery award.

JAZZ RAG JOY The team behind a jazz magazine published in Birmingham is rocking after winning one of the country’s most coveted music awards.

The bi-monthly Jazz Rag was named Jazz Media of the Year in the annual Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The magazine, published by Big Bear Music of Broad Street, covers the world of jazz with prominent contributors, many of them musicians from

HOMELESS HELP Birmingham’s Helping Hands charity – which provides hot food, toiletries, clean clothes, as well as a friendly ear and warm conversation for homeless and vulnerable people – has received a ‘helping hand’ of its own.

Homebuilder Barratt Homes donated £500 which has gone towards providing vital food parcels. Helping Hands of Birmingham was founded by Clare Whitaker who now has more than 20 volunteers working two nights a week to help the city’s homeless. Visit the Helping Hands of Birmingham website for more details.

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

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across the UK. The awards are made by a cross-party group of members of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

MILITARY AWARD Seven employers from the West Midlands were among 26 organisations from the wider region who were presented with top Ministry of Defence awards at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Marston’s PLC, Sandwell College, St Modwen Properties, Steps to Work, STS Aviation Services UK, Summit Learning Trust and West Midlands Trains received Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. The awards recognise employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.

CONGRATULATIONS: Imogen Day, VP Human Resources for STS Aviation Services UK, receives the award, above

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COVER STORY

AND FOR MY NEXT TRICK...

CHRIS TARRANT IS THE MIDLANDS SCHOOLBOY WHO GREW UP

TO BECOME ONE OF TV’S BIGGEST STARS OVER FIVE DECADES. BUT ALL THIS WHILE, HE’S KEPT A CHEEKY SECRET FROM THE WORLD – WHICH HE REVEALS HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME! t was a risky question to ask Chris Tarrant, who in his earlier life had been responsible for the iconic slapstick kids’ show that was Tiswas. “Tell us something about yourself that we won’t find anywhere on Google!”

We all know about Chris the tip-top radio DJ, and Chris the main man for 16 years of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. (Phone a friend anyone?) So, we asked the question, and after a brief pause, followed by a “well that’s an interesting ask”, Chris was ready to reveal one his best kept secrets – and we should have expected that it would be suitably crazy. “How about I tell you that I can take my pants off, without removing my trousers,” he said.

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LENNY HENRY Really? “Absolutely,” he replied. “It’s a trick that I learned when I was at school, and I’ve only ever seen one other person do it – and that was Mr Bean.” We thought better than ask Chris for a demonstration! And we also steered cleared of probing further whether the school in question was King’s School, Worcester, where he was a boarder before graduating in English later from the University of Birmingham (his son is also a product of the uni, by the way).

Safe to say, the magic-pants trick is not mentioned in Chris’s new book, ‘It’s Not a Proper Job, which has just been published in paperback and looks back at his 50 years in showbiz. Not so much an autobiography though, says Chris, more a recounting of some of the

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amazing people he has got to work with and know well. People like fellow Brummie legend and Tiswas partner in crime Lenny Henry. And the wild and wacky things he, and they, got up to in the Seventies hit show, which started off being just for kids but rapidly became hugely popular with grown-ups too.

Before you reach for our e-mail address to inform us that Chris isn’t a born-and-bred Birmingham boy, after all his years working in the city for the old ATV network which produced Tiswas, he considers himself a fully adopted Brummie – as do we. He has a star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars and was made an honorary citizen of the city.

Chris says: “I’ve always had a real affinity with Brum and Brummies. It’s a wonderful city with really generous people. I know the popular opinion is that Brummie humour is a bit odd but I think it’s really warm and somehow self-deprecating. I get back to the city as often as I can. I was there not so long ago to meet up with some old mates, like Jasper Carrott and Nick Owen, at a tribute celebration to ITV’s local presenter Bob Warman who retired last year after 50 years. It was a lovely occasion with some great memories and people.

I owe everything that has happened in my career to my start in Birmingham with ATV and Tiswas, and I’m very proud to have my star on my own bit of pavement on Broad Street in Brum too.”

Chris actually began his broadcasting career as a newsman. “It was all very serious stuff, covering the Midlands for the ATV Today programme,” he says. “I

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COVER STORY

Chris Tarrant, photographed by Nathan Pask, www.nathanpask.com

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got the job after writing to loads of TV companies with the classic line: ‘I am the face of the 70s, this is your last chance to snap me up.’ And despite that crass line, believe it or not a couple of the TV companies came back to me, and I liked ATV best.” After being given the task of reporting on many of the left-field ‘human interest’ stories (man eating lightbulbs, man eating live frogs, man walking for charity with four ferrets down his trousers, etc) Chris was picked as the perfect potty candidate for a new kids’ show called Tiswas – and the rest is history.

“They were great times,” he recalls. “As were my years working at Capital Radio and on Millionaire.” Chris fronted the quiz show for 700 programmes, attracting a peak audience of just shy of 20 million viewers – numbers today’s TV planners can only dream about – before deciding to step away in 2014.

BEAR FACTS “I decided I had kind of had enough. I know everyone works hard, but over many, many years, I had worked bloody hard with very early starts and long days – from the beginning with Tiswas, through being on radio and then with Millionaire. With everything really. I have not retired as such, but lockdown made me think of things in a kind of sombre way. I said to my missus Jane, all the filming budgets have been cut. Then I began to think, well I’m not going to die from this new Black Death afterall and started thinking I’d like to do some different things.

“I’ve just done something with Alan Titchmarsh and I’m writing a new book, believe it or not it’s about bears!

Last year we did this thing in Alaska to prove how close you can get to polar bears. They’re amazing creatures and I’m fascinated with bears. And of course, there’s all the attention on them because of the effects of climate change on their habitat.”

The title of Chris’s book, It’s Not a Proper Job, perfectly sums up his view of his career and life. He says he’s enjoyed “every single second of it”, whether it was mucking about with Lenny Henry, Sally James, Spit the Dog and a Who’s Who of guests on Tiswas, broadcasting for so many years on radio or ‘asking the audience’ on Millionaire.

“I’ve been bloody lucky to do what I’ve done,” he says. I It’s Not a Proper Job by Chris Tarrant, Stories from 50 years in TV, is published by Great Northern Books and is available in hardback, paperback and Kindle.

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FEATURE

LEAP OF FAITH

TOP BALLERINA CÉLINE GITTENS TELLS SHELLEY CARTER ABOUT LEARNING THE GRADE 5 SYLLABUS IN HER LIVING ROOM AND PRACTISING JUMPS ON THE LOCAL RUNNING TRACK, HOW SHE’S INSPIRED BY HER MUM AND HOW BIRMINGHAM HAS BECOME HER HOME

he Nutcracker is back. I took my children to the Hippodrome when they were aged just three and four willing them to enjoy it as much as me and honestly, to sit still. Fast forward 12 years and we’re still gasping when the Christmas tree grows over a decade on. It’s tradition, it’s Christmas and Birmingham Royal Ballet does it best. We caught up with someone who’s on the inside creating the magic that keeps us going back for more.

Principal dancer Céline Gittens joined BRB in 2006 under the directorship of Sir David Bintley who took her under his wing making it clear she would be successful, but success would be gradual.

Céline’s glad of that and feels it was important not to peak too soon.

With a teacher of classical ballet as a mother, perhaps it was inevitable that Céline would pick up the dance bug. Her mum, Janet Gittens opened the first ballet school in the south of Trinidad where Céline spent the first nine years of her life. She

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remembers looking on when she was very small: “I watched my mum teach and saw the older students dance. I enjoyed the movement and the music and loved how it made me feel.” Céline started dancing when she was aged just three and began taking Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams aged four.

SPRUNG FLOOR A bit of a natural break in dance happened when Céline moved to Vancouver in 1997 aged nine where she wasn’t initially part of a ballet school. She remembers doing the grade 5 RAD syllabus in the living room of her home and practising the jumps on a sprung running track in the community park as her mum thought it was gentler on her legs than the hard floor.

She found a ballet school in which to take the exam and was awarded the highest grade of distinction.

Céline has won many accolades and awards over the years including being awarded the prestigious Solo Seal and was the first Canadian to win a Genre Competition gold medal in 2005. Serendipitously

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when we caught up Céline, she was sitting in the very dressing room at Sadler’s Wells she had used in 2005 for the competition. This time she was touring BRB’s Black Sabbath which received standing ovations every night for two weeks in Birmingham as well as in Plymouth and the company was hoping for more of the same at Sadler’s Wells.

CAREER GOALS It wasn’t an easy leap from success in exams and competitions to building a stable career and being accepted by a company. Céline spent 15 years fighting for it. BRB came about almost by accident. She was only visiting the city as she had family friends here and thought why not try. She says making it into a successful company is one of her biggest successes.

“A lot of very talented dancers don’t make it. BRB is very stable – even during Covid dancers were paid 100 per cent and that wasn’t the case for everyone.”

Céline is now an international ambassador for RAD as well as principal dancer at BRB. As part of her

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Photography by Johan Perrson

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ambassadorial role, she has created an introduction to dance scholarship. The idea is to reach out to communities and award one new introduction scholarship to dance per year supporting a talented youngster through the first year.

GIVING BACK Having watched the difference her mother has made to hundreds of young lives, Céline is inspired to give back and would love to teach at some point.

“I’m inspired by my mum and I’ve seen what a difference she’s made to her students’ lives. Not just exams, but the difference to their self-confidence and life skills. I’d like to make that positive change.”

Céline has embraced Birmingham as home. She says: “I’ve lived in three different countries, so I excel at adapting to and understanding different cultures.

Birmingham lived up to my expectations in terms of what I thought a European city would be with big, stone buildings with an obvious story behind them.”

Having completed a Master of Philosophy at the University of Birmingham she feels it’s wonderful to have such an institution in the city, but more than that, she adds: “It’s the diversity that makes the city so great. It’s really wonderful, inclusive and accepting.”

Céline urges people to come to BRB and see what they’re doing – she says it’s one of the city’s gems and people should have a look at the website and take the plunge. If you’ve never experienced The Nutcracker, it’s a good place to start. At the time of writing there are still tickets available. If you’re reading this and it’s sold out, we’re sorry. It’s a classic and you need to get in quick, but take Céline’s advice and check out what else is going on – you might just be surprised. It’s not all ballerinas in tutus. I

MAGIC MAKERS Visit the BRB website for tickets to The Nutcracker and more brb.org.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM’S BARS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ARE LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK. HERE’S OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS Row Italian restaurant Riva Blu has been named Best Italian Restaurant in the Midlands at the annual Italian Awards, which BEST Temple recognise the top British Italian restaurants and cuisine. Voted for by the public, finalists are all visited by a judging team. The ITALIAN restaurant has been in Birmingham city centre for only 18 months and serves authentic Southern Italian food. Marianna Macaluso, NAMED operations director at Riva Blu, said: “Having opened our doors only last year, we are incredible proud of this award.”

DAN’S PERMANENT MOVE MasterChef: The Professionals winner Dan Lee has launched his new street food concept as a permanent resident at Digbeth Dining Club. Called Dai Pai Dong – a name that originates from Hong Kong describing a type of open-air food stall – it follows the success of a four-month residency in Hockley. Dan’s menu features new dishes, such as BBQ Szechuan Lamb Flatbread, Soy Steamed Chicken with Jasmine Rice and Lap Cheong, Brownie with Milk Miso Caramel and Homemade Ice Cream, Salt and Chilli Chicken Wings.

CHEERS TO G&T BREAK

The Belfry Hotel & Resort has launched a perfect break for spa goers and gin lovers. The Gin and Tonic Spa Break includes an overnight stay with breakfast, 35-minute treatment, Fire and Ice experience, use of the leisure facilities, three-course buffet dinner in the award-winning Ryder Grill, and a free gin cocktail. The Belfry recently launched its own signature 1960 gin, a blend of homegrown botanicals and flowery notes from roses and lavender in the resort’s courtyard, willow on the golf courses and honey from its Belfry Bees.

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VEGAN ACCOLADE

Birmingham-based Kyoto Sushi & Grill has been named one of its best eateries for vegan Japanese food in the UK by leading animal rights organisation PETA. The restaurant features an array of vegan options, including animal-friendly versions of traditional Japanese foods, such as udon soup and nigiri kanpyo. “From vegan handrolls to the nigiri tofu, Kyoto Sushi & Grill’s vegan options bring the flavours of Japanese cuisine and protect animals,” says PETA director of vegan corporate projects, Dawn Carr.

RSC’S IAIN RAISES ROOF

The Royal Shakespeare Company has a new head chef of the Rooftop Restaurant at the Stratford-upon-Avon theatre.

Iain Miller has more than 30 years’ experience in the catering industry, beginning his career as a chef de partie at Michelin-starred Simpsons Restaurant in Birmingham. His most recent position saw him working alongside chefdirector Adam Bennett at The Cross, Kenilworth, the Michelin-starred, Grade II-listed restaurant and bar. The RSC has also reopened the Rooftop Restaurant’s cocktail bar.

ROSETTES WINNER

The 1919 Restaurant at the Cottage in the Wood Malvern has been awarded 3-AA Rosettes. The awards are a mark of culinary excellence in creativity, skill, and innovation. Led by head chef Rob Mason, the restaurant uses the finest local ingredients to produce outstanding dishes. The hotel is a finalist for three awards this year, including Independent Hotel of the Year and the Taste of Worcestershire Award, while Rob is also a finalist for a Hotel Catey as Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year.

PASTURES NEW A new Birmingham eatery is to be opened by the Pasture Restaurant group, which currently operates in Bristol and Cardiff.

Pasture Birmingham will occupy 6,500 sq ft on one floor of the former Barclays Bank building at Fifteen Colmore Row, near Cathedral Square. It will create 100 new local jobs when it opens in early spring 2024. Pasture restaurants are a celebration of fire-based cooking producing modern dishes using local ingredients and featuring in-house butchers.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

BONEHEAD

Lower Severn Street, Birmingham, B1 1PU. Tel: 0121 439 5757 boneheaduk.com

onehead feels like the epitome of the city’s indie scene – fuss free, single-minded, brilliant. When we say single-minded, we mean it. It’s fried chicken and a handful of incredible sides and that’s it. Simple? Well, sort of except it must take a truckload of vision, precision and skill to make something seemingly simple so memorably marvellous.

This marvellousness, packaged up in a small, dark dining room accented with neon was filled with the sounds of Depeche Mode and Joy Division. We might have been the oldest people in the place and certainly the least pierced, but what of it? It was a joyful experience despite the literal darkness.

The friend and I bit into a Buffalo wing at the same time and both our eyebrows shot skyward. Don’t expect the sort of sweet skinny wings you might be used to as these bore no resemblance. They were deeply delicious and meaty with a pleasing sharpness. We ordered six of the little fellas between two of us – you should go for nine.

Onto the burgers and the friend went with a nononsense Bonehead original which came with garlic mayo, lettuce and gherkins served in a soft toasted bun. All the

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burgers are made using thigh, not breast, meat resulting in peak juiciness encased in the crunchiest coating we’ve ever eaten. I went with one of the specials, the Bavarian – Bonehead fried chicken with sauerkraut, mustard mayo, curry ketchup and smoked cheese. The subtle curry flavour, tart sauerkraut and smokiness of the cheese combined to make the already tasty chicken sing.

Wash your top-notch chicken down with a jar or two from the impressive craft beer menu packed with both boozy and non-alcoholic variations. We slurped a zero per cent alcohol Speigl recommended by our waiter which was bang on the money.

If you’re not a meat eater, check out the cauli wings and/or cauli burger plus all of the sides are veggie – we recommend the waffle fries, all crisp and fluffy dusted with punchy Bonehead seasoning dunked in garlic mayo.

The restaurant is walk-in only – we had no problem getting a table as a duo, but a large group might be a different story. Perhaps check with the restaurant for quieter times if you’re a group, but honestly, if you must wait a while, do it. It is totally worth it! I

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

SHAKY PETE’S GINGER BREW Join us, why don’t you, in a ‘turbo-shandy for the discerning drinker’

haky Pete’s Ginger Brew is a frosty, frothy beer cocktail described as a ‘turbo-shandy for the discerning drinker’. It’s boozy enough to give you a buzz, but tall enough to refresh – making it the autumn tipple that we’re loving right now! But of course, we’re enjoying responsibly, as should you.

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INGREDIENTS:

35ml gin 50ml homemade ginger syrup 50ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 100ml quality ale

METHOD: Place the ginger syrup, lemon juice and gin in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain through a sieve into a frozen beer stein and top up with your favourite ale.

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FOOD & DRINK

UNCORKED: WINE’S ‘SECRET’ BEST BUYS

OUR RESIDENT WINE EXPERT, KATIE GARDNER OF BIRMINGHAM WINE SCHOOL, GOES IN SEARCH OF BUDGET-FRIENDLY, HIDDEN GEMS – AND REVEALS SEVEN BOTTLES YOU REALLY MUST TRY

or wine enthusiasts, the world of wine can be both captivating and overwhelming. With an array of options from different regions, grapes, and price points, it’s easy to get lost in the aisles of supermarkets, wine shops and online retailers. While bigname premium wines often steal the spotlight, there are hidden gems and budget-friendly alternatives that deserve recognition.

This month, we explore some of the best-kept secrets when buying wine, with a focus on affordable alternatives to some of the world’s top wines.

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Explore Lesser-Known Regions While Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Napa Valley may be synonymous with high-quality red wine, there are lesser-

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known wine regions producing exceptional bottles without the premium price tag. Consider exploring regions like Portugal’s Douro Valley, Spain’s Ribera del Duero wines, or Chile’s Colchagua Valley for excellent wines at a fraction of the cost.

Seek Out Lesser-Known Grapes Instead of always opting for the usual suspects like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, venture into the world of lesser-known grape varieties. You might be pleasantly surprised by the unique flavours and affordability of wines made from grapes like Godello from Spain, Grillo from Sicily, or Carmenere from Chile.

These wines often provide excellent value for money and get you out of your comfort zone trying new wines.

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Opt for Second Labels Many prestigious wineries produce second labels, offering wines made with the same care and attention to detail as their flagship counterparts but at a lower price point, perhaps using slightly younger vines, less concentrated grapes or using different wine-making techniques to their main wine. These wines can be an insider’s secret for those seeking exceptional quality without breaking the bank, particularly if you love Bordeaux wines.

IF YOU LIKE THIS… TRY THIS! Let’s delve into seven wine recommendations that offer tremendous value compared to their premium counterparts:

1. Alternative to Champagne – Don’t dismiss Cava from Spain, which is made using the same traditional method as Champagne. It may have garnered a negative reputation in the past, but look beyond the two main brands and you can find some gems!

Try: Vilarnau Gaudi Organic Cava Brut Reserva, Penedes, Majestic £11.99 on mix six 2. Alternative to White Burgundy – A bottle of chardonnay from the prestigious region of Burgundy in France can set you back hundreds of pounds.

Margaret River in Western Australia is known for its premium, European-style wines at a snip of the price. Forget the heavily-oaked styles of the 90s, these wines are subtle and elegant.

Try: Howard Park Miamup Chardonnay, Sainsbury’s £12 3. Alternative to Red Burgundy – Pinot Noir from Burgundy’s Cote des Nuits sub-region is some of the most expensive wine in the world. It’s an enigmatic grape that can be tricky to grow and to get right.

Instead take a trip further south to the region of Beaujolais. These delicious, light-bodied and fruity reds are made from the Gamay grape. Top tip: look for one of the 10 ‘cru’ villages for the best quality, such as Morgon, Fleurie and Brouilly.

Try: Georges Duboeuf Fleurie, Tesco £13.50

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4. Alternative to Bordeaux – This is a region where the second labels of top producers can show off the magic of the left bank for excellent value for money. For the wine recommended below, see if you can find any 2010 vintage – it’s a corker!

Try: Chateau Citran ‘Moulins de Citran’, Haut Medoc, Majestic £16.99 mix six 5. Alternative to Chablis – Chablis is a classic wine, but depending on the vintage it can come with a hefty price tag. If you’re in search for an elegant, mineral-driven white, try some of the other cool-climate countries of northern Europe, such as this lovely native Austrian grape.

Try: Specially Selected Gruner Veltliner, Aldi £7.29 6. Alternative to Sancerre – Sancerre is a premium sub-region of the Loire Valley, and along with Pouilly-Fume, is the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc. Thousands of miles away in the Leyda Valley in Chile, cooling ocean breezes from the Pacific Ocean provide the grape with the perfect home away from home and the wine drinker with fantastic value.

Try: Leyda Single Vineyard Garuma Sauvignon Blanc, Tesco £11 7. Alternative to Amarone – Amarone is one of the top wines from Northern Italy, with big, blockbuster flavours and plenty of concentrated flavours, which all-to-often also comes with a hefty price tag. Travel the length of Italy all the way to the heel of the boot and find the rich, full-bodied wines of the South. Primitivo from Puglia is a particular favourite of ours!

Try: Morrisons The Best Primitivo £8.75 Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company that offers fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses online, in Birmingham and Warwick. For more information contact Katie Gardner: 0121 270 7359, or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com.

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BE MOUTH AWARE MOUTH CANCER ACTION MONTH AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF A DISEASE WHICH HAS BEEN ON THE INCREASE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS

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his November is Mouth Cancer Action Month which will see the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation work to increase awareness of the disease and raise money to fund greater research and education. Devastatingly, one person every three hours dies from mouth cancer – that’s more each year than from cervical and testicular cancer combined.

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, describes one of the areas where head and neck cancers can occur and includes various kinds of tumours affecting the lips, salivary glands, tongue, gums, palate and inside of the cheeks. Cancers further back around the root of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils and the upper part of the throat (the pharynx) are more properly called pharyngeal cancer.

Anyone can get mouth cancer, but the risk increases with age. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 66 and 70.

The seriousness of the disease depends on the type of mouth cancer, how big it is, if it has spread, and your general health. It can grow and spread very quickly so it is essential that you see a GP or dentist as soon as possible if you think you may have any of the signs and symptoms.

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS When looking for signs and symptoms, remember the mouth is prone to all sorts of damage so don’t panic if you spot any of the following. We bite ourselves, burn ourselves with hot food and drink and damage the inside of our mouths with spicy foods or scrape it with hard things. Bleeding gums and loose teeth are commonly caused by gum disease. Many people are prone to mouth ulcers (never lasting more than three weeks).

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR I Ulcers that do not heal within three weeks.

I Pain or discomfort in the mouth.

I Lumps and swellings with no obvious cause in the mouth or neck.

I Bleeding from the mouth or throat.

I Red or white patches inside the mouth.

I Changes in texture – hardness, roughness.

I Teeth that become loose.

I Difficulty or pain with swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw.

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FACTS AND FIGURES I More than 8,800 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth

cancer last year.

I Last year 3,034 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer.

I Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women, though an

increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease.

I 58 per cent of mouth cancers appear on the tongue and tonsils.

I 78 per cent of cases occur in the over 55 age group.

I The incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 49 per cent over the

past 10 years.

I More people in the UK die each year of mouth cancer than of

cervical and testicular cancer combined.

I Mouth cancer causes more deaths in the UK each year than

road traffic accidents.

I Persistent hoarseness or changes to the voice.

I Persistent coughing or the feeling that something

is ‘stuck’ in the throat.

I Numbness or tingling of the lips or tongue.

I Unexplained weight loss.

CAUSES It’s not always clear what causes mouth cancer, but the risks increase if you smoke or chew tobacco, betel nut or paan, drink a lot of alcohol, have leukoplakia, have been exposed to a lot of sunlight or sunbeds, which can cause skin cancer affecting the lips, you’ve had cancer before, you have a weakened immune system or take immunosuppressant medicine. Mouth cancer has also been linked to having changes in your genes and some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in your mouth.

LOWER THE RISK You cannot always prevent mouth cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it: I Eat a healthy diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

I Exercise regularly.

I Try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week.

I Try to quit smoking.

I Try to quit chewing tobacco, betel nut or paan.

For more details on how to self examine and to get involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month visit: mouthcancerfoundation.org

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LUXURY LIVING FROM ELEVATE PROPERTY GROUP AN HISTORIC GUN FACTORY SITE IN BIRMINGHAM IS BUCKING THE TREND FOR NEW HOME SALES, WITH 75% OF APARTMENTS SOLD BEFORE CONSTRUCTION HAS EVEN COMPLETED. ore than 80 brand new one and two-bed apartments are being developed next to the once derelict Gunsmith House, which has been transformed to offer sumptuous luxury and stylish living by Elevate Property Group.

Two show apartments at the now converted gun factory are available to view at the £23m development in Price Street, with prospective buyers now also invited to view the new build apartments too.

“This is our 11th development in the city centre and arguably our fastest selling, with 75% of the apartments

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now sold,” explained David Hofton, Sales & Marketing Director at Elevate Property Group.

“With so much of the development sold off-plan, we are urging anyone interested not to miss out as would-be buyers can now reserve before Christmas and be moving in by Spring next year!”

The three luxury apartments housed in the original Gunsmith House building include two luxury show homes – including a unique two-bed duplex property with mezzanine and vaulted ceilings - both boasting balconies, giving purchasers a look inside the

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development to inspect the quality of the interior fittings and furnishings.

David added: “The new build apartments have been built around a communal landscaped courtyard and with a resident’s lounge, many of the apartments have their own terraces or balconies. There are also a selected number of properties that have the option of purchasing one of a limited number of gated car parking spaces.”

The Price Street location is less than ten minutes’ walk to Snow Hill offices and Rail Station, Colmore Row’s financial district, Birmingham City University, and the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. I

One-bed apartments start from £215,000 with the largest two-bed apartments reaching £520,000.

For further information contact selling agents Savills on 0121 200 4567, via mail on birminghamrds@savills.com or Elevate Property Group on 0121 272 5729.

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ing livSTYLE

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’TIS THE SEASON

AND WE’RE JOLLY HAPPY ABOUT IT. WE’RE GOING UNAPOLOGETICALLY OVER THE TOP WITH SPARKLES, RICH FABRIC AND KILLER HEELS SUITS YOU

Clothing and accessories from M&S

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STYLE MAXIMUM IMPACT

COOL KIMONO

Rebecca Vallance Claude metallic ruffle trim maxi dress £675, Selfridges

Rose gold kimono £115, Scamp and Dude

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Onslowe boot £140, Dune

GOLD RUSH

arty season? Bring it on. We’re snubbing smart casual, embracing the frivolity and going for full-on glamour – clearly if your Christmas ‘do’ is a quiz night in Stirchley, you might want to swap your Jimmy Choos for an Adidas Samba, but why not make it bouji with a metallic trouser or a silk shirt?

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Dress from FatFace

HEAVY METAL Speaking of metallics, they are inescapable this season from clutch bags and mini-skirts to faux leather trousers and more importantly, those M&S Mary Janes – if you haven’t bagged a pair yet, good luck. If an accessory feels more doable than a full on maxi-dress like the Rebecca Vallance sparkly number, pictured, or the cute Monsoon gold midi, check out the silver Coach bag or metallic boots from Dune, pictured.

SHINE ON

SILVER DREAM

Metallic skirt £75, FatFace

Coach Tabby 20 Bag £395, John Lewis

HIGH RISE

TWINKLE TOES

Amy Lynn Lupe metallic high-rise faux leather trousers £75, Selfridges

Olexi boot £140, Dune

METAL MINI

SHOE OF THE SEASON Mary jane block heel £39.50, M&S

BELT UP

Belted mini-dress £45, V by Very

FAB FROCK

Gold midi dress £110, Monsoon

Silver mini-skirt £29.50, M&S

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TOUCHY FEELY Rich tactile fabrics are your friend. The Verina velvet embroidered jacket from Monsoon, pictured, will elevate any outfit to a wow and is reasonably priced, while a corduroy LBD from Aspiga with statement cuffs and a cinched waist is easy to wear and packs a punch. Team with gorgeous accessories to polish your party vibe.

WELL-HEELED Shoes can shift the mood of your outfit and rocket boost your confidence, so check out some of this season’s best. The popping yellow satin embellished Jimmy Choo Saeda is the dream shoe, pictured, – it also comes in black. If you prefer a chunky heel head to Esska for retro-inspired platforms and boots that’ll see you through a long night of dancing blister-free and looking cool.

VINTAGE VIBE It’s possible to pick up some dreamy vintage party pieces too from flowing Seventies frocks and leather trousers to pre-loved bags and jewels, so have a mooch around Brum. Cow is always a firm favourite and don’t forget the thrill of finding a gem on Depop. I

SLOUCHY BOOT

Black boots from Dune

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STYLE

LIT KNIT

Ted Baker Vivione sequin embellished knit £145, Selfridges

WHOOP THE HOOP

Soru Jewellery Baroque Pearl hoop earring £155, Harvey Nichols

BIG FAN

Twisted bar fan earring £18, Oliver Bonas

CUT IT OUT

Jumper from TU

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STYLE

THINK PINK

SHINY HAPPY

Autograph pink silk shirt £39.50, M&S

Clothing from George

CREATE A BUZZ

Gucci bee embellished drop earring £340, Harvey Nichols

FLATTERING CUT

Lucy Mecklenburgh chartreuse midiskirt £35, Very

VELVET DREAM

Clothing from Monsoon

FORGET ME KNOT

Geo print knot midi £79.50, Oliver Bonas

FANCY FOOTWEAR

Jimmy Choo Saeda 100 embellished satin mules £875, Harvey Nichols

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CIRCLE BACK

Large gem circle earring £12, Accessorise

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STYLE

RED SHOES

Clothing from TU

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BEAUTY

ELEMIS, £189 Worth £551 this includes 24 travel sizes of the skincare brand’s most popular products, plus a fullsized version of the brilliant Pro-Collagen Marine Cream on the 25th. It would be nigh on impossible to wait ‘til the big day…

ADVENT CALENDAR LOWDOWN t’s that time of year again! Beauty brands and stores have pulled together some of their most iconic products into gorgeously festive advent calendars The competition is fierce, so you need to decide whether you are committed to one beauty brand or you fancy dabbling in the variety a department store version offers.

Personally, we enjoy taking the opportunity to try out some newbies that often go on to become staples in our beauty regime. We’re not sure what the heck any of it has to do with the period of advent in its traditional sense, but it’s fun, indulgent and real treat. We’ve picked out six of the best, but almost every large brand and some small have released their own version, so if you have a favourite brand, do your research. I

WE PICK OUT SIX OF THE BEST OF WHAT IS UNDOUBTEDLY A REAL TREAT FOR PAMPERING LOVERS EVERYWHERE

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HARVEY NICHOLS, £250 Worth £1,300 this is packed with items from 35 of the store’s most iconic brands and includes 25 full-sized products. You can also expect treatment vouchers including eyebrow shaping and a make-up consultation with a Fenty MUA. Plus, one in 50 calendars contains a £100 gift card.

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KIEHL’S, £109 The most reasonably priced of the bunch, this contains all of Kiehl’s iconic formulas packaged in a gorgeous calendar that opens like a book featuring designs by artists duo Icinori. Kiehl’s is our go-to skincare so it’s the only solo brand version we’d consider – but we’re all unique, hun!

MOLTON BROWN, £210 Expect classic Molton Brown scents like Orange and Bergamot and Heavenly Gingerlily as well as deluxe sizes of the brand’s new Marvellous Mandarin and Spice collection which smells like just like Christmas – think nutmeg, ginger, mandarin zest and cinnamon.

JO MALONE, £350 This year’s gingerbread-themed calendar includes miniatures of your favourite colognes, candles and bath and body goodies as well as a 30ml cologne in one of the brand’s most popular scents. The box would make a gorgeous jewellery case or desk tidy, too.

SELFRIDGES, £220 Worth £1,094 this is packed with cult classics including Dr Barbara Sturm Clarifying Serum, REFY Brow Sculpt and Gisou Hair Fragrance and includes 16 full-sized products.

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STYLE FOR MEN

DRESS CODE

PARTY SEASON IS ON. WHETHER YOU’RE DUSTING DOWN YOUR

TRUSTY TUX AND ADDING A STRIKING ACCESSORY OR INVESTING IN ENTIRELY NEW CLOBBER, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

TOP MARKS Clothing from M&S

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STYLE FOR MEN

BLAZER GLORY Reiss Aspara slim fit velvet blazer £298, Selfridges

BUCKLE UP Santoni monk strap shoes £435, Harvey Nichols RIGHT STRIPES Paul Smith multicoloured cufflinks £120, Selfridges

JACKET IN Collection velvet blazer £99, M&S

strict black tie dress code can throw up a few style banana skins that you’ll want to avoid. Rules might have relaxed in recent times but that doesn’t mean wacky is acceptable or chic. While rich midnight blue is a great alternative to black, don’t go too far off piste else you’ll find yourself in fancy dress territory. Stay on safe ground with a classic, well-fitting tuxedo. It doesn’t need to be flamboyant to look sharp. Just get the basics right and that means wellfitting and well-cut.

Obviously bespoke is the ideal and ensures a suit that fits like a glove – check out Brum’s own Clements and Church.

If you’re buying off the peg, try before you buy and be picky.

Don’t settle. If you find the one but the sleeves are a couple of mils too long, get them tailored. It’ll cost peanuts relatively and will result in a more stylish expensive look. The same with trousers – get the fit right. Don’t wear a belt, go for braces. They lengthen the leg and keep your shirt tucked effectively.

Speaking of the shirt, it doesn’t strictly need wings, but it does need to be crisp and fit properly. Your shirt shouldn’t be baggy and bulky, but not tight fitting either. Again, try before you buy. Spend time getting it right and you’ll feel a million dollars.

Polish your look with high shine shoes and cool cufflinks to give you an added bit of swagger. Go forth and channel your inner Bond. I

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LOAFING AROUND Imperial loafer £225, Loake Shoemakers

SHOW-STOPPER Corneliani single breasted regular fit wool tuxedo suit £1,615, Selfridges

TIE DOWN Adjustable silk bow tie £190, Tom Ford

CRISP SHIRT Cotton twill shirt £145, Eton

FULL CIRCLE Montblanc round onyx cufflinks £230, John Lewis

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ONE OF THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS IS CREATING A SHOWSTOPPING TABLESCAPE THAT SETS THE SCENE FOR A JOYFUL DAY. HOPEFULLY… SCANDI VIBE Furniture and accessories from John Lewis

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TRADITIONAL CHARM Accessories from B&M

easting, chatting and laughing is synonymous with Christmas day and the dining table is where the magic unfolds. You might have to wheel out a random selection of chairs of differing heights and dust off a tressle table from the garage, but dress it up and set the scene for the day you’d like.

If you can dress the table on Christmas Eve, then happy days. You can really go to town and take your time with minimum stress. That assumes you have a dining table that won’t be needed for breakfast. If you’re clearing away breakfast then dressing the table on the day, be organised. Get everything ready to place on the table artistically rather than digging out what you need at the last minute and stressing. As the host, you want to enjoy the day and the only way to do that is to do be organised in the week leading up.

Boring but factual.

If you need to replace furniture before you think about dressing, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice in

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CRAFTY CHRISTMAS Accessories from Hobbycraft

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Brum. Check out BoConcept, Neptune, OKA, Minima, Kin. and Lee Longlands for some great examples.

VIVA THE VIBE Once you’ve got the furniture sorted, decide what kind of vibe you want to create. Are you in the mismatched camp with an eclectic mix of old and new. This is us. We wheel out the 40-year-old tablecloth that’s seen better days but has a tale to tell and the faded Wedgewood from a loved one no longer at the table. It’s part of the magic. We add the odd new piece every year to create our own handme-downs.

For a more ‘put together’ table, get inspired by some of the examples pictured. Details like

festive flowers and plenty of pine and eucalyptus add to the sumptuousness along with lots of candles and gorgeous crackers. Try to avoid the plastic tat that goes straight into the bin. There are plenty of green options available or if you’ve time, create your own making them unique and personal.

If you’re short on space, consider a cool Scandi vibe with minimum fuss but bags of style. Be picky with accessories – use fewer but don’t compromise on style. There’s nowhere to hide with this look so each piece needs to work.

Mostly, try to enjoy the process – we know hosting can be hard work, but of all the tasks this is one of the goodies. Plan early and don’t sweat the small stuff to minimise any last-minute hiccups. I

FESTIVE FUN Accessories from Next

MORE IS MORE Accessories from HomeSense

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HOMES

COLOUR POP Furniture and accessories from Dunelm

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HOMES

GROWN UP GLAMOUR Lighting from Fritz Fryer

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HOMES

MINIMUM FUSS Accessories from John Lewis

AFTER DARK Furniture and accessories from M&S

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RUN ON Sophie Allport and National Trust acorn and leaves runner £30, National Trust

GREAT PLATE Holly plate £18, Daisy Park

TREE TOP Table top trees £8, B&M

CHECK MATE Gingham damson napkins £12, John Lewis

FINISHING TOUCHES ADD A FLOURISH TO YOUR FESTIVE TABLESCAPE WITH THESE CHRISTMASSY ACCESSORIES

OVER THE TOP Luca leopard candleholder £19.50, Oliver Bonas

CENTRE OF ATTENTION Pine cone centrepiece £22.99, Very

ADD SOME GREENERY Whitmoor garland £75, Neptune

PERFECT PLATTER Flora platter £12, John Lewis

ALL GOLD Ferm Living single bowl candle holder £49, Minima

TERRIFIC TRAY Talasa tray in Chinese red £160, OKA NUTCRACKER INSPIRED Nutcracker table runner £18, M&S

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From the Potting Bench

with Adam

LAST MONTH GARDENING EXPERT ADAM KIRTLAND STARTED WITH ‘GOSH, ITS OCTOBER!!’ – AND HE’S GOT THE VERY SAME FEELING THIS MONTH AS WE ENTER WHAT IS LOOKING LIKE A VERY BRISK NOVEMBER ovember in the gardening world is maybe one of those months where it seems like you can’t really get up to much, when in fact there is a lot to be getting in with! You might not be out there planting and filling the garden with colour but there are a few things to keep in mind for the month ahead that will keep you on your toes…

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Leaf mould Alright, picture this: making leaf mould at home is like giving your garden a secret superpower. So, what's leaf mould? It's basically the magic stuff that happens when leaves fall and turn into a fantastic,

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natural fertiliser. Here’s the lowdown for all you gardening enthusiasts. In the autumn (and now), grab a mix of different leaves – no need for fancy equipment, just grab hold of as many as you can.

Now, find a cozy spot in your garden, preferably shady and with a bit of air. This is where the leaf mould party is going happen.

Start layering those leaves in your chosen spot.

Sprinkle a bit of water as you go – think of it as giving your leaves a little drink. Then, let time do its thing. Over a few months those leaves will transform into a dark, crumbly goodness that your plants will absolutely love. If you’d rather them not

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be on show, then you can pop them in a black plastic bag, poke a few holes in and leave them be.

Making your own leaf mould is like being a gardening wizard. It’s you and nature teaming up to create something awesome for your plants. Imagine your garden soaking up this homemade goodness, growing happy and healthy.

That’s the magic of leaf mould, right in your back garden.

The bitter chill of winter In the brisk embrace of November, gardeners must be vigilant against the impending threat of frost, marking the onset of winter’s chill. As we usher in the season’s first frosts, protecting your garden becomes paramount. Novice and seasoned gardeners alike should take proactive measures to shield their cherished plants from the frost’s potentially damaging touch.

Covering delicate plants with frost cloths or blankets the night before a predicted frost is a simple yet effective strategy. This protective layer acts as a cozy shield, preventing the icy fingers of frost from settling on vulnerable leaves and blooms.

For potted plants, consider relocating them to more sheltered areas or grouping them together to harness collective warmth.

Mulching, particularly around the base of susceptible plants, proves instrumental in retaining soil warmth and shielding roots from the cold.

Additionally, staying attuned to weather forecasts and watering the garden adequately in advance can mitigate the impact of frost, as moist soil tends to retain heat more effectively. Essentially, if it’s due to be very cold, protect your most vulnerable plants!

Tuppence a bag Feeding birds in your garden during winter is a simple yet rewarding way to support local wildlife. As temperatures drop, birds find it challenging to locate natural food sources, making your assistance crucial.

A bird feeder stocked with seeds, suet or nuts can make a significant difference.

november 2023

Choose a variety of bird-friendly foods to attract different species. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, and fat balls are popular choices. Ensure the feeder is kept clean and dry to prevent the spread of disease. Place it in a visible spot, ideally near shelter like trees or bushes, so birds feel secure while dining.

Winter can be harsh, and providing fresh water is as important as food. Invest in a birdbath or simply place a shallow dish with water, making sure to break any ice that forms. This helps birds stay hydrated, especially when natural water sources freeze.

Regularly check and refill the feeder to establish your garden as a reliable food stop.

Observing the flurry of feathered visitors in your garden not only adds a touch of nature to your winter days but also contributes to the well-being of your local bird population. It’s a small act that brings joy to both you and your feathered friends. I You can follow Adam on Instagram @viewfromthepottingbench or listen to his Tales From The Potting Bench podcast for more gardening inspiration. You can also read Adam’s blog at viewfromthepottingbench.com

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TO ZERO AND BEYOND DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE EMINENTLY FORGETTABLE NAME, THIS

MID-SIZE, GO-ANYWHERE SUV FROM TOYOTA IS ONE OF THE BEST ALL-ELECTRIC CARS OF THE YEAR, SAYS SUE COOKE s autumn brings unusually warm but very wet weather, a 4x4 which will safely steer and provide grip along flooded roads is definitely worth considering. And for the first time this year I have driven an all-electric car which has all-wheel drive with superior capabilities in tough conditions.

Front- wheel drive is also available.

The bZ4X, Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) for Europe, is a mid-size SUV with X-MODE settings which tailor performance for snow/mud; deep snow and mud (speeds below 12.5mph); and provide Grip Control for tougher off-road driving (speeds below 6mph).

The name is not particularly memorable until Toyota explains that bZ stands for Beyond Zero, while 4 stands for mid-size and X for the vehicle type – a crossover SUV.

A

BEVVY OF BEVS The bZ4X is one of the best all-electric cars I have driven this year and is not an adaptation of an existing model. It is wholly original and is, says Toyota, the first of what will be a series of different

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bZ vehicles to be constructed on a new Toyota platform dedicated to BEVs. The exterior front ‘hammerhead’ styling is distinctive and features aerodynamics to reduce wind resistance which helps to maximise the driving range. A reasonable 318 miles is achievable on the Pure trim, front wheel drive. The car is equipped with an 11KW on-board charger. Rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 45 minutes. When the driver comes off the accelerator, regeneration takes place and the electric motor receives a boost. I visibly noticed the mileage range increasing and that is not something I have ever said before in a road test review.

ROOM WITH A VIEW There are three equipment grades – Pure, Motion and Vision. The interior has an open and spacious cabin, made all-the-more attractive by the optional Skyview panoramic roof. My rear seat passenger who tops six-foottwo commented that there is plenty of head space and generous leg room and a flat floor. The cabin is very

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quiet, with thicker glass used in the side windows which helps to block out road and wind noise.

The latest multimedia technologies include a seveninch instrument display that sits directly in front of the driver, providing information, entertainment and comfort. In a neat touch, the smartphone cubby has a transparent lid so the driver can see at a glance if a text is received. Voice recognition control can access information and entertainment and will operate the air-conditioning and windows.

Storage is impressive and the open area beneath the centre console offers 20 litres of space. The rear seats can be split-folded 60:40 and have a reclining function.

Boot capacity is 452 litres – room enough to carry three, 82-litre suitcases or two mountain bikes.

BATTERY BOOST The bZ4X benefits from systems that help safeguard against accidents, provide protection in the event of an impact and assist the driver when it comes to making manoeuvres, whether parking the car on a crowded city street or driving in motorway traffic.

In common with every new Toyota, the bZ4X has warranty protection for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). From 2026, the performance lithium-ion battery will increase the

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FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Toyota bZ4X all-electric SUV Price: £54,010 otr Power: Electric motor and lithium-ion battery Performance: 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph (WLTP) Driving range: 259 miles (WLTP) CO2 emissions: Zero

Toyota bZ4X driving range to more than 497 miles, when combined with improved vehicle aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight. I

SHOWROOM

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

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

LILI-ROSE HUNT We caught up with the young golfer as she embarks on an international pathway to the top of the game while studying for A-Levels

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ili-Rose Hunt isn’t your average A-Level student. As an amateur golfer who’s been picked for the women’s national squad, she’s also working toward her exams next year while planning a gap year like no other. She won’t be finding herself on a beach in Costa Rica – not that there’s anything wrong with that – she’ll be pushing her game playing as much as she can working towards becoming professional because make no mistake about it, for Lili-Rose this is her future.

If after the gap year Lili-Rose wants to step back into academia, she’ll look to the US where the two aren’t mutually exclusive. She says: “There are more opportunities to play in the US. They’re constantly playing golf.” Lili-Rose’s currently in upper sixth at Bromsgrove School where her teachers have been ‘very accommodating’ allowing her time off for competitions and being understanding about fitting work around her schedule. It makes what could have been an overwhelming situation manageable.

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NATIONAL CALL UP Lili-Rose picked up a golf club for the first time at the age of six at school. She took to it straight away and encouraged by her golf-loving dad started playing. By the age of nine Lili-Rose was competing. The competitions were initially small before Lili-Rose advanced to larger more prestigious tournaments within just a few years. While still in Prep School, LiliRose was crowned the IAPS U13 National Golf Champion and now, aged 16, competes regularly at a high level. Her achievements are too many to list but knowing that she’s now part of the women’s national squad will tell you all you need to know.

Being picked for the squad takes Lili-Rose’s game up a notch and has given her access to a team of support staff. She attends a training camp once a month at Woodall Spa Golf Club where she has access to a fitness and strength trainer as well as a nutritionist and psychologist. The team element of the sport is enjoyable. Lili-Rose says there’s a really good team spirit: “It’s great to finish your round and then cheer on the other girls.”

She loves the solo game with the team element adding an extra dimension. What is it about golf that Lili-Rose loves? She accepts it’s a bit of an odd

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concept saying: “I find it mesmerising. I know it’s just hitting a tiny white ball but it’s addictive always striving to do better.”

MEET YOUR HEROES Lili-Rose’s hero is one of the best golfers in history, Sweden’s Annika Sörenstam. Annika won 90 international tournaments making her the most successful female golfer of all time. She won every award and broke every record possible in women’s golf. Since retiring in 2008, Annika has been committed to giving back through her foundation which supports young golfers.

Lili-Rose was invited to the Annika Invitational Competition in Sweden earlier in the year where she was lucky enough to meet her hero. Lili-Rose said: “I had a session with Annika and I really enjoyed it.

I like her work ethic plus she was so inspirational while on tour not least the lowest round of 59!” LiliRose’s referring to Annika posting an incredible score of 59 at the Moon Valley Country Club in 2001 – still the only woman to have done so and in the company of only a handful of male golfers having ever achieved a sub-60 score. Not a bad role model for a budding champion like Lili-Rose. I

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SCIENCE BOOST Science at CORE Education Trust schools is set to get a boost thanks to a grant of more than £15,000 from the Millennium Point Trust.

The new funding will cover the cost of engaging Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects at the schools, to support the trust’s long-term aim of increasing skills and knowledge about STEM and associated careers. Millennium Point Trust invests more than £4.8million each year towards furthering

GOLD STAR ACADEMY

STEM education within the West Midlands. The award is made

SCHOOL REPORT

through its Growing Through STEM programme.

Staff and learners at Ninestiles Academy are celebrating after being awarded a Gold Quality Mark from the Religious Education Council. The award recognises the school’s achievement in its curriculum, teaching, leadership and student learning of Religious Education.

The success comes after Ninestiles celebrated its highestever results for Religious Education in this summer’s GCSEs, with a five per cent increase in grade 4 and above – despite the lower profile of grading nationally. Davinder Uppal, head of philosophy and ethics, said: “Religious education is a rich subject which introduces learners to a range of challenging material.”

BURSARY BULLSEYE A student from King Edward High School (KEHS) Class of 2023 has been awarded a prestigious bursary for the University of Cambridge. Lashmitha Baskaran, who is part of Archery GB and was a KEHS sports scholar, is reading Medicine. She receives an annual bursary of £3,000 which can be spent on living costs or college fees.

The OCR bursary programme has played a significant role in supporting scholars from the West Midlands at Cambridge. OCR forms part of a non-teaching department of the university.

FROM BRUM TO BERTIE More than 150 young musicians from Birmingham have been chosen to play at London’s Royal Albert Hall where they will join thousands of performers from across the UK as part of the national Music for Youth Proms 2023. The 120-strong Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham’s acclaimed Azaad Dhol Drumming Group will take to the stage in front of an audience of 5,000 on 15 November. They have been selected following months of preparation and rehearsals to represent the city.

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STRIPPED FOR ACTION An under-11s football team is on target with a striking new kit, thanks to sponsorship from a leading developer. David Wilson Homes agreed to back Coventry-based Christ the King FC on match days. The team’s manager Andrew Currie said: “It’s great to be sponsored by such a large business, and the whole team is really happy about it. While the club was founded more than 70 years ago, this particular team is just four-years-old, so the support is fantastic”.

FIRST AI POWERED GRILL An Aston University engineering graduate has created the world’s first AI powered grill. Suraj Sudera created Perfecta which cooks the perfect steak in 90 seconds. Suraj graduated from Aston University in 2015 with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering. He founded SEERGRILLS, a Birmingham based start-up, which applies AI and advanced technologies to improve cooking. His grill system cooks more than 50 types of food in under three minutes. His company employs 48 people, many of whom are Aston University alumni.

BROUGHT TO BOOK

Students at Arena Academy are working with an award-winning Birmingham author on the development of her next published storybook. Yelitza Smith, creator of the Afroboy superhero series, which celebrates diversity in the classroom, has invited year 7 students to input their ideas. During interactive ‘brain gyms’ students will be given the opportunity to influence the characters and plot, and later edit the story with Yelitza. The project is part of a programme aimed at boosting literacy levels and reading engagement.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF YEAR A young creative who has transformed the education, community, talent development and access programmes at one of the region’s leading arts venues, has been named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year. Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, head of creative partnerships at Birmingham Hippodrome theatre, took the top prize at Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards, having also triumphed in the Creative Arts and Culture Category. The awards were hosted by Future Faces, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s young professionals arm.

BUSINESS

NATALIE’S DIVERSITY FOCUS One of the top talent agencies outside of London has a new managing director at its helm. Natalie Bellamy heads AS Agency following the retirement of founder Alan Sharman, who she worked alongside since the business was established in 2007. The agency, based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, works with advertising agencies, iconic brands and production companies.

Natalie wants to bring a diverse focus to the agency and hopes her perspective of working in the industry as a black woman will help to achieve this.

NEWS NICHOLAS ON BOARD The Royal Shakespeare Company

ALICE MAKES HISTORY Birmingham Law Society has elected its youngest-ever president in its 205-year history. Alice Kinder, 31, who is a senior associate at Bexley Beaumont, said: “I am delighted to be taking office as the society’s youngest president. I would like us to remember this moment as not just one in which there has been a change in leadership, but one in which there has been a change in the narrative of our profession.” Founded in 1818, the society represents more than 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the surrounding area.

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has announced that Nicholas Hytner has joined the company’s board. As artistic director of the London Theatre Company, his productions included Young Marx, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bach and Sons, John Gabriel Borkman and Guys and Dolls. He was director of the National Theatre from 2003 to 2015. “I am honoured to be joining the RSC as its new co-artistic directors take the helm, and I am looking forward to what I am sure will be an exciting future,” he said.

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EXCELLENCE AWARD Boutique hotel group, the Eden Hotel Collection, has won a national award in recognition of its commitment to employee wellbeing. The group, which is headquartered in Stratford and owns Mallory Court

CHARITY SUPPORT A West Midlands-based learning disability charity has enhanced the lives of

Hotel and Spa, Leamington and the Arden Hotel,

more than 40 people, providing funding worth more than £3,500. Select

Stratford, was named winner in the Excellence in

Lifestyles Charitable Trust, set up by leading independent care provider Select

Wellbeing and Human Resources Team of the Year

Lifestyles in 2022, provides financial, emotional and social support to adults

categories at the HR in Hospitality Awards for

with learning disabilities. Since the charity’s inception, it has fulfilled 15

Excellence. The awards recognise HR teams or

applications giving support for essentials such as home and garden furnishings,

individuals in the hospitality sector who have

clothing, transport, and recreational activities. More details

developed excellent people practices.

at www.selectlifestyles.charity or by emailing info@selectlifestyles.charity

NEW INITIATIVE: Commission chair Mark Taylor with Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and commission convenor

GROWTH CHAMPIONS

NEC FINANCE CHIEF JOINS The NEC Group’s new chief financial officer, Paul Reeve, has officially joined the UK’s leading live events business. The move follows the announcement of his appointment in July, alongside new Group CEO, Melanie Smith. Paul spent 10 years at Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), where he was European CFO, responsible for their venue, ticketing, touring and festival businesses across the region. Paul said: “NEC Group is entering a new, transformative era and I look

LEGAL MOVE

forward to exploring how we can maximise efficiencies and profitable growth.”

A group representing private sector businesses has been set up to champion growth across the West Midlands. Business Commission West Midlands (BCWM) comprises leaders in enterprise, supported by expert advisors, who will examine the opportunities for regional business and identify action needed to seize them. Led by an independent chair and panel of private-sector commissioners drawn from a range of industries, BCWM will undertake an engagement and research programme aimed at giving a meaningful voice to the regional business community.

Thursfields Solicitors has appointed Nadia Davis as director and head of family law in Birmingham. Nadia, who has more than 30 years of experience as a family law practitioner, will be focussed on developing Thursfields’s service offering to the professional services sector in Birmingham. She joins Thursfields from HCR and is widely respected for handling complex and high-value divorces involving business assets, inherited wealth, trust arrangements, and farming disputes.

WELCOME: Nadia Davis, left, with Shane Miller, director and head of family department at Thursfields

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MASTER BUILDERS Midlands firm Vantage & Co was named best builder in the UK for its transformation of a historic Georgian villa in Birmingham. The Solihull-based team scooped the title of overall Master Builder of the Year at an awards ceremony hosted by DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles. Judges said the renovation of Old Heaton House in the Jewellery Quarter was a superb example of ‘urban renaissance in practice’ and a ‘shining beacon of what can be done to the very highest level’.

JULIE’S UK ROLE One of UK construction’s leading female voices has become the chair of a major organisation which represents and supports the industry. Julie White, MD of D-Drill & Sawing which is based just outside Coventry and has offices across the country, is the new chair of Build UK. Over the past 15 years, Julie has become one of the most recognised faces and voices in the sector, speaking up on issues such as skills, apprenticeships and the profile of the industry.

AGENCY TEAM TITLE

BUSINESS

BUSINESS BITES NEW PARTNER

Audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has appointed Dan Town to partner in the firm’s audit practice. Dan, who is based in Crowe’s Midlands office in Oldbury, has more than 22 years experience providing audit, risk and accountancy support to businesses of all sizes.

CATERING DEAL

The arm of national catering business Amadeus, responsible for the delivery of standalone event catering, has signed a new three-year contract with Unique Venues Birmingham. UVB delivers a range of events from banquets, conferences and bespoke parties at the Library of Birmingham and the Rep.

CHARITY BALL

Nearly 200 people attended the Sydney Mitchell Charity Ball at the National Conference Centre raising £7,500 for its two nominated local charities – Solihull Carers Trust and Parenting Mental Health, which provide help and support to both young and old.

International integrated communications consultancy Liquid was named Agency

SPLASHING NEWS

Team of the Year at the Midlands Marketing Awards. The win comes after a

West Bromwich due to ongoing business success.

successful year for Liquid which has seen the opening of its office in Brisbane, the

Since opening in 2013, Puddle Ducks

restructure of its senior leadership team and a number of new hires and

Worcestershire has provided innovative baby and

promotions. CEO Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, said: “We have exciting plans for the year

child swimming lessons. It has now expanded with

ahead and look forward to continuing to build our global offer, reach and services.”

baby and preschool classes at the Mercure Hotel.

A local swim school has launched a new pool in

Co-owner Suzanne Horton said: “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our services that will allow us to meet the growing demand in the area.”

Puddle Ducks provides award-winning swimming programmes for 0 to 10-year-olds.

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round 400 guests attended the 2023 West Midland’s Brain Game (WMBG) held at the ICC Birmingham, bringing together businesspeople from across the region to raise funds for Marie Curie. Known for being one of the biggest charity events held outside London, WMBG has raised more than £880,000 for Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull. Guests enjoyed a dazzling reception, three-course meal and celebrity-hosted quiz as well as a live and silent auction for one-of-a-kind items and experiences. I

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1 Andy Bishop, Belinda Morgan, Holly Chapple-Hyam. 2 Sophie Raybould, Danielle Blavins, Charlotte Lines. 3 Natalie Marsh, Anilia Safeek.

4 Elizabeth Conway, Josephine Conway. 5 Luke Blyth, Julie Craig. 6 Oliver Bazeley, Danielle Smith. 7 Mayor and Mayoress of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, Vidya Wati. 8 Mayor and Consort of Solihull, Cllr Mrs Diana Holl Allen, John Courtenay. 9 Donna Heenan, Hazel Carter, Peter McNougher. 10 Andrew Mannion, Laura Priest, Rich Ward.

Photography by Andrew Llewellyn

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Restaurant’s new team delivers a special evening for 60 guests enry Wong in Harborne held a special dinner to mark the Chinese festival of the full moon. After recently being taken over by entrepreneurs Zi Wen Boo and Jeremy Mun, the much-loved Chinese restaurant introduced its new executive chef, Tuck Weng Lee, at the event. Guests were treated to Tom Collins cocktails sponsored by LWC Drinks, followed by Chinese Jade Dove red and white wine which are exclusive to Henry Wong in West Midlands. There was also Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and lantern gifts marking the year of the rabbit for the 60 guests to take away. I

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Tuck Weng Lee, Hannah Floyd. 4 Gary and Sue Baldwin. 5 Layla and Matt Eagles. 6 Kerry and Matt Holden-Jones, Anita Champaneri, Adam Miller. 7 Asha Ghosh, Ollie Purdom.

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Autumn favourites on the menu as guests tuck in at Calthorpe event dgbaston Golf Club pulled out all the stops for the latest Calthorpe Business gathering which saw autumn very much on the menu. More than 60 guests were treated to sausage and mash, fish and chips and vegan Thai curry. They also heard the latest from the Calthorpe team on a new-look website, development news and new customers as well as from guest speakers Smoke + Ash and Edward’s Trust. I

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1 Helen Tomblin, Nathan Southall, Annelle Rowlands. 2 Charles Warrack, Harvey Pearson, Jack Summers. 3 Pavan Patel, Alan Perry, Dan Ellis. 4 Clare Collins. 5 Claire Fain, Rhoda Beetlestone. 6 Haydn Cooper, Ed Purcell. 7 James Bridge, Alex Herrmann, Sarah Webb.

8 Nick Shioleftou, Emma Davenport, Chris Adams. 9 Simon Trimmer, Georgia Burke, Ben Scandrett.

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Charity celebration for all those who help fund life-saving missions he great and good of the Midlands came together at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball, sponsored by EBC Group. The evening held at Edgbaston Stadium, was compered

by Alison Hammond and Ed James. The charity thanked guests for their unfaltering support and recognised a number of individuals, groups and organisations who have gone above and beyond to help fund life-saving missions. The night raised more than £74,000, which will help fund 22 air ambulance missions and a further 30 by critical care car. I

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2 Ed James, Steve Morris, Josh Weaver, Jamie Fear, Steve Bull, Alison Hammond. 3 The Tipton & Coseley team. 4 Annette

Badland. 5 Paul Chuckle. 6 Alison Hammond. 7 Nigel and Chris Davis. 8 Becci England, Mike Andrews. 9 Charlie Fogarty, Brendan Batson.

Photography by iOne Photography

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ing ON il vWHAT’S

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WHAT: The Box of Delights

WHEN: Now until 17 January WHERE: RSC Theatre, rsc.org.uk,

WHAT: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe WHEN: 14 November to 28 January WHERE: Birmingham Rep, birmingham-rep.co.uk Direct from the West End, this breath-

tel: 01789 331111

taking stage show of C S Lewis’s classic

After a seemingly chance encounter on a train,

novel comes to town for the most

orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams. Caught up in a battle between

magical of shows for Christmas. Step through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia for incredible mystical of

two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not just the people he loves but also the future of Christmas.

adventures in a faraway land.

WHAT: Free Radio Hits Live WHAT: Black Voices:

WHEN: 24 November

Christmas Extravaganza

WHERE: Resorts World Arena,

WHEN: 7 December

resortsworldarena.co.uk

WHERE: Town Hall, bmusic.co.uk An evening of festive favourites which celebrate African, Caribbean and British heritage as the Birmingham-based female a cappella quintet return for this end-of-year concert which showcases the group’s outstanding vocal harmonies.

It’s another epic line-up of artists for this year’s event, including the likes of Tom Grennan, Becky Hill, pictured and Cian Ducrot. Tik Tok sensation Mae Stephens is also rocking up with Anne-Marie, DJ Jax Jones and chart-topper Calum Scott.

The evening is hosted by Fleur East.

WHAT: Eddie Izzard –The Remix WHEN: 15 to 17 November WHERE: Symphony Hall, bmusic.co.uk This show promises to be a beautiful, hilarious journey spanning a 35-year career of thought-provoking, intelligent and surreal ideas. Who could resist, as Eddie re-imagines some of her favourite, personal comedy highlights.

WHAT: The Bodyguard WHEN: 4 to 30 December WHAT: David Arnold WHAT: The 502s

WHEN: 23 November

WHEN: 26 November

WHERE: Hare & Hounds,

WHERE: O2 Institute2 Birmingham,

hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk

academymusicgroup.com

Famed for his work including five James Bond

Fresh off the heels of the hit Just A Little

films, this is an opportunity to see one of the UK’s

While, the dynamic indie-folk band is on

leading film and TV composers performing songs

tour, captivating audiences with its vibrant

from across his prolific career in a stripped back,

sound and unforgettable performances.

never-before-seen style.

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WHERE: The Alexandra, atgtickets.com The international, award-winning smash-hit musical stars multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams and Ayden Callaghan in a romantic thriller, featuring a whole host of classic songs. (Emily appears in the evening performances only.)

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WHAT’S ON WHAT: MAC’s Christmas Arts Markets WHEN: 2 to 10 December WHERE: Midlands Art Centre, macbirmingham.co.uk MAC has a long history of top-quality craft fairs, and this will be no exception. Why not treat your loved ones to something unique from some of the delightful works on offer from crafters, makers and designers from Brum, the West Midlands and beyond.

WHAT: The Nutcracker WHEN: 17 November to 9 December WHERE: Birmingham

WHAT: Shagged Married Annoyed Live

Hippodrome,

WHEN: 13 December

birminghamhippodrome.com

WHERE: Utilita Arena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk

The perfect festive treat! A

Following the staggering success of their #1 hit podcast, a

sumptuous and timeless production

sell-out Guinness World Record-breaking arena tour, prime-

with Tchaikovsky’s glorious score,

time BBC chat show and Sunday Time’s Best-Selling book,

performed live by the 60-strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia, providing a captivating

Chris and Rosie are in town with a brand new live show

soundtrack to this festive classic.

that’s not to be missed.

WHAT: BBC Good Food Show Winter

WHAT: Edgbaston Village Christmas Lights

WHEN: 23 to 26 November

WHEN: 11 November

WHERE: NEC Birmingham

WHERE: Greenfield Crescent,

The place to go for a delectable feast of flavours,

Edgbaston, calthorpe.co.uk

cooking inspiration and festive cheer is back! This epic

Kick-start the festive season in style!

winter event promises a foodie extravaganza with a

Grab your friends and family and head to

whole host of celebrity chefs on tap including Nadiya

Edgbaston to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and

Hussain, James Martin, pictured, The Hairy Bikers and

watch live entertainment – all for free.

Paul Ainsworth – to name a few…

WHAT: Wedding Showcase Special WHEN: 20 November and 12 December WHERE: Brockencote Hall, brockencotehall.com/events A cracking pre-Christmas opportunity to get up close with a whole range of top-notch local suppliers at this lovely Victorian country manor house hotel.

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ROB DAVIES

The critical care paramedic and patient liaison lead talks about his

role responding to some of the most traumatic and life-threatening incidents as part of the front-line Midlands Air Ambulance team BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I started my career as a tree surgeon, but made the change to work in the pre-hospital environment with Surrey Ambulance Service in 2001, where I had my technician and paramedic training. I moved to the Midlands in 2008 and joined West Midlands Ambulance Service. From 2013, I have been fortunate enough to work with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which is something I am exceptionally proud of. The charity has supported me in my training and qualifications to become a critical care paramedic, which means my colleagues and I are able to perform more advanced treatment to patients in critical need.

IT’S WHAT I DO I work as a critical care paramedic on the charity’s fleet of air ambulance helicopters and critical care cars, responding to some of the most traumatic and lifethreatening incidents in our area. I am also part of the Patient Liaison or Aftercare team. My colleague Kerry and I contact and engage with patients, their families and loved ones, and on occasion bystanders at incidents. We are there to offer support, answer any questions they may have, offer signposting to other services or just be a listening ear. It’s a really rewarding role and one we are passionate about at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE My ambition is to continue to provide the best possible pre-hospital care to our patients when they need us most and assist with the further development of the patient liaison service, engaging with as many people as we can. I firmly believe that we have a bigger part to play in the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of our patients and their families.

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BIGGEST SUCCESS I am immensely proud to work for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and I feel that working as a critical care paramedic is my biggest professional success to date. Winning an award from the charity for our patient liaison work was a big, but very nice, surprise.

Personally, being married to my wife Karina for nearly 20 years and having our two children, Carrie and Patrick, makes me proud every day in the way that they are growing into young adults.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED I should have tried harder in school – I’m a slow starter (some still agree!). But once I joined the ambulance service, I found something I was really interested in and studying became easier. I love being able to practically apply the theory.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM As a family we love getting a train into Birmingham city centre and spending the day there with a mixture of shopping, getting food at independent restaurants and perhaps the cinema or theatre. It’s convenient and easy to get around with lots of variety.

DOWNTIME I’m an avid fan of anything two wheels, so getting out on my motorbike or cycling is a great way to unwind. I also love to watch my children in theatre and dance productions.

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD… If you or a loved one has been treated by our team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, we would like to hear from you and support your on-going recovering. So, do please get in touch via patientliaison@midlandsairambulance.com I

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