Birmingham Living March 2026

PHILLIPRAYTOMMY

LOTUSMAN

Noticedhowmanyrestaurantsonlyopenthreeorfourdaysaweekthesedays? Orhowmanyreallygoodonesareclosingaltogether?It’sthesamestory downatthelocal–pubsdisappearingatafasterandfasterrate!Hotelsare alsofindingittoughgoing,too.

Thehospitalitysectorisunderhugecommercialpressure.Howtomeetrapidlyescalatingcostscausedby highersupplychainbillsandbusinessrates,whiledeliveringqualitytocustomersatreasonableprices.The costoflivingcrisismeans‘reasonable’isoftenunviable,hencethecutbacksandclosures.Youknowthe situationisseriouswhensometheindustry’sbiggestnamesaresoundingthealarm.TomKerridgerecently wonabelatedbusinessratereductionfromtheGovernmentforthepubsectorafterhisprotestcampaign. OurveryownYummyBrummie,GlynnPurnellhasbeenoneofthoseinstrumentalinputtingthecityand regiononthefinediningmapovertheyears.GlynnrecentlydescribedthestateoftheUKhospitalitysector as“ridiculous”ashecalledontheGovernmentforhelp.Hemadehisappealasheannouncedtheclosure thismonthofTheMountbyGlynnPurnellinHenleyinArden. Glynnhighlightedthe20percentrateofVATaswellasrisingwagecostsandnationalinsurance contributions–andaccusedtheGovernmentof“attackingthehospitalityindustry”.TheMount’s closurecomeslessthantwoyearsafterMichelin-starredPurnell’sinBirmingham,wasforcedtoshut duetheeconomicsqueeze.WilltheGovernmentheedGlynn’scall?Orwillitcontinueturnitsback? Wesincerelyhopeitistheformer.Ahealthyhospitalityindustryisavitalpartofeverylocaleconomy–especiallyhereinBirmingham!

Coverimage: SuzanneVirdee

Photographyby AndrewFox

EDITOR: DavidJohns david@brumliving.co.uk

FEATURESEDITOR: ShelleyCarter shelley@brumliving.co.uk

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

PHOTOGRAPHY: DavidMorphew,AndrewLlewellyn.Imagelibrary:shutterstock.com

DESIGNER: TracyDuffy

PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR: JonathanCarter

RockHopperMediaLimited BurleighHouse,23TagwellRoad,DroitwichWR97BN tel 01905771110

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News

Bringingyouthebrighteststories fromacrossthecitythismonth

SuzanneVirdee

NewsanchorandauthorSuzanneVirdee oninspiringyounggirlstodreambig

PhillipRayTommy

Stuntman-turned-filmdirectortalks abouthisnewactionmoviesetinBrum

Food&Drink

AngelinaAdamoofnewly-openedVieni, plusOpheemreviewed,recipes&wine

Health

FocusonOvarianCancerAwareness monthplustheriseofRebounder

Style

TheSS26railsarefullofpunchycolours boldgraphics,wavystripes&prettyflorals

BestoftheRest

42 50 52 59 64 66

Homes

Lookingtoinjectsomeva-va-voominto yourspringinteriors?Weshowyouhow

FromThePottingBench

AdamKirtlandrollsuphissleevesand getsstuckintojobsintheMarchgarden

RichardO’Gorman WecaughtupwiththeBirminghammural artistafterBBC’sInteriorDesignMasters

BusinessNews

Allthelatestnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity

What’sOn Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents

UpClose

BroadcasterNikkiTapper,community champion–andmassiveArchersfan!

PEAKYBOOTCAMPS

HitshowPeakyBlindershasgiven studentsaboostastheylooktopursue careersinTVproduction.

KudosKnight–acreativepartnership betweenPeakyBlinders’award-winning writer,directorandexecutiveproducer, StevenKnight,andproduction companyKudos–partneredwith SolihullCollege&UniversityCentre, CreateCentral,andtheWestMidlands CombinedAuthoritytodeliverfree bootcampsto60WestMidlands students.Theyweretreatedtoabehind thesceneslookattheDigbethLoc studioswherethenewseriesofPeaky Blinderswillbefilmedlaterthisyear.

HAPPY YAPPIES!

Theultimatedayoutfordogloversofall agesisbackthismonth!Crufts,in associationwiththeRoyalKennelClub, takesovertheNECandBPPulselivefrom 5to8March.Theworld’smostfamousdog showseesthrillingcaninecompetitionsand displaysacrossfourperformanceringsand themainarena.Plusthere’sfivehallsto explore,packedwithstallssellingdoggy treats,toysandothermust-haves.The finaleisthecrowningofthetopdog–CruftsBestinShow.

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

Morethan30womenwillstrikeaseriesof cheekyposesfora‘sassyandsophisticated’ calendarinaidoflocalandnational charities.Amongthosesponsoringthe productionareSuzannaReidBarreiroda SilvaoftheRepTheatre;SuzanneDraper andTaraRobinsonofMalloryCourt;and SueCressmanofNailcoteHallHotel&Golf Club.BehindtheinitiativeisLadiesFirst ProfessionalDevelopmentNetwork–a nationalnetworkinggroupfounded10years agobyTraceyMcAtamneyinBalsall Common–whichorganiseseventsand awardsforfemaleachievers.

TOWNHALL’SNEWCHAPTER

Birmingham’shistoricTownHallissteppingintoanewchapter astheAmplifyTownHallprojectdrawstoaclosewithapublic exhibitioninVictoriaSquare.UntiltheendofMarch,visitors willbeabletoexploreaspeciallycuratedoutdoorexhibition, offeringafirstglimpseofkeyelementsfromtheproject’s archiveinstallation.Forthefirsttime,thosewhohavenotyet steppedinsidetheGradeIlistedbuildingwillbeableto experiencehighlightsfromitsextraordinarystory.

POPTOAIRHOP

Awell-knownactivityvenuehasreopenedfollowingamajor transformation.TherelaunchofAIRHOPBirmingham,formerlyknownas Rush,bringsnewattractionsandinvestmenttothecity’sgrowingfamily leisureoffering.ThevenueatLiffordLane,KingsNortonhasbeenpart ofthelocalareaformorethannineyears.AnthonySmith,general manager,said:“We’veinvestedinnewattractions,upgradedthewhole spaceandcreatedsomethingthataddsrealvaluetoBirmingham’sfamily activityscene.”

PLACEBOATTHERSC

Multi-million-sellingalternativerockbandPlacebo isteamingupwiththeRoyalShakespeare Company.Oneofthedefiningbandsofthepast 30yearswith14millionalbumssoldworldwide, PlaceboiscomposingthemusicfortheRSC’s 2026productionofBertoltBrecht’sTheResistible RiseofArturoUi,starringdoubleOlivierawardwinningactorMarkGatissinthetitleroleofthe notoriousgangsterandsmall-timecrookwith bigbossambitions.Theproductionisatthe SwanTheatre,Stratford-upon-Avon,from11April to30May.

DemandfromholidaymakerslookingtoenjoysomemuchneededsunshinemeansJet2isexpandeditsSummer26 programmetoGreecefromBirminghamAirport.Theairlineand touroperatorhasaddedextraflightstoCrete(Chania)and SantorinibetweenJulyandSeptember.Jet2willnowoperateto 15Greekdestinationsintotalthissummerfromtheairport.Al Titterington,terminaloperationsdirector,said:“Theseextra flightsensurechoiceandflexibilityasBirminghamAirportseesits busiestyearever.”

MADEIN

THEMIDDLE

CraftspaceandMidlandsArtsCentre(MAC)haveteameduptopresent MadeintheMiddle,aregionaltouringexhibitionhighlightinginnovative contemporarycraftsbeingmadeintheMidlands today.Drawingtogether37artistsfromacrosstheregiontheshowwhich runsuntil12Aprilrepresentsavibrantanddiversecreativecommunity,from establishednamestoemergingtalents.Itfeaturesceramics,textiles, jewellery,metalworkandsculpturalworks.TheexhibitionatMACalso coincideswithCraftspace’s40thanniversary.

ARCHBISHOP ONSONG

TherenownedBirmingham BachChoirhasanewrecruit–thecity’sArchbishop,Bernard Longley.Theclericisjoiningthe choirforitsSacredMusicconcert on14MarchatStChad’s Cathedral.Theperformance markstherun-uptoHolyWeek andisbuiltaroundworksby threeleading16thcentury composers,includingThomas Tallis–widelyregardedasone ofEngland’sgreatest.Thechoral masterpieceswillbe accompaniedbyreadingsby theArchbishop.PaulSpicer,the choir’smusicalconductor,said: “Thispromisestobeatruly movingevening.”

WORLDCUPFANPARK

Callingallfootiefans!Birminghamhasbeenselectedashostcityfora 4TheFansWorldCup2026FanPark,withO2Instituteasthevenue. Runningfrom17June,startingwithEnglandvsCroatia,the BirminghamfanparkwilltakesupportersthroughtheentireWorldCup journey,hostingEnglandgamesandalllatekickoffs.Therewillbe largeanti-glarescreens,topclasssoundsystem,foodanddrinktraders, DJsets,competitions,giveawaysandhostedcoveragewithFX includingCO2cannonsandpyrotechnicswhenthegoalsgoin.

COURTCREATIVES

Thesmash-hitromantic musical,Waitress,is comingtoBrumwitha star-studdedcast.The BirminghamHippodrome production,whichruns from28Aprilto2May, featuresLesDennisas JoeandmultiawardwinningWestEndstar CarrieHopeFletcher, pictured,asJenna. Waitressisbasedonthe 2007movieandhaswon multipleawardsand nominationsinboth AmericaandtheUK.It tellsthestoryofJenna, anexpertpiemakerina smalltown,whodreams ofawayoutofher lovelessmarriage.

Wanttounleashyourcreativeside?Coughton CourtinWarwickshireisinvitingthepublicto dojustthatthismonthwithanewline-upof workshops,fromwatercolourpaintingand charcoalportraitdrawing,tobasketweaving andbotanicalplastercasting,ledbylocalartists andmakers.Theworkshopsarepartofaneventscalendaratthehistoricestatethisyear,which includesopen-airtheatreperformances,artsandcraftsmarkets,andaselectionofwellbeingactivities, allaimedatbroadeningwhat’sonofferattheTudorcountryhouse.

HOMEGROWNTALENT

PlaybackCreates,anewnot-for-profit platformchampioningSouthAsiancreativity andopeningpathwaysintothecreative industries,hasmarkedamajormilestone withthesuccessfullaunchofitsflagship musicdevelopmentprogramme, Homegrown.Elevenyoungartistsshortlisted fromover50applicantshavebeengiventhe chancetostepintoprofessionalrecording studios,receivededicateddevelopmenttime, andbenefitfromhands-onindustry guidance.Theprogrammeculminatesina liveshowcasethismonthatVaal&Vaal Wolverhampton,wheretheywillperformin frontofinvitedguests.

COMEDYINFOCUS

Amajorphotographicexhibitionofsomeof theUK’scomedylegendspastandpresent hasopenedatBirminghamMuseum&Art Gallery.‘Iphotographcomedians!’isa retrospectiveexhibitionbyBritish photographerAndyHollingworthofnearly 80imagesofstudioportraits,rare contemplativemomentsoff-stageandlive stageperformances.Amongitemsondisplay willbeatourjacketwornbyLennyHenryon his1984tour,asignedpairofRikMayall’s underpantsandJoeLycett’steddysuit, pictured,wornintheadvertforseriestwoof LateNightLycett.

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

FEASTOFGAMING

Oneoftheworld’slargestgamingandesportsfestivalsiscomingtoBrumforthefirst time.DreamHackisexpectedtoattractthousandsoffansastheNECistransformed intoathree-dayhubforcompetitivegaming,creatorsandliveentertainmentfrom27 to29March.Researchshows90percentofyoungpeoplesaygamingisabigger partoftheirlivesthanmusic.DreamHackBirminghamwillalsosupportanumberof localcommunity-focusedinitiatives,includingAcornsChildren’sHospice.

CURRYKINGCROWNED

LoveBrum’sCurryKingof Birmingham2026hasraised £20,000forHiddenGemProjects, helpingtofundvitalgrassroots initiativesacrossthecity.Heldat theEastsideRooms,theannual competitionbroughttogetherthe verybestofBirminghamincluding passionatesupporters,andlocalbusinessestocelebratethecity’sworldfamouscurryculture–allinaidofcharity.Thewinningcurry,calledChaat Chapatti,willbeusedtofeed1,500Brummiesexperiencinghomelessness orlivingintemporaryaccommodation.The£20,000raisedwillgodirectly towardssupportingHiddenGemProjectsacrossBirmingham.

YOGAATTHECUBE

YogahasarrivedattheCube!Well-establishedstudioYogaSweat 2.0,offersadiverseprogrammeofclassessuitableforeveryone frombeginnerstoexperiencedpractitioners.ClassesincludeHot Yoga,Jivamukti,Ashtanga,Iyengar,RocketYoga,andMeditation. Whileyogaisapracticewithmorethan 3,000yearsofhistory,YogaSweat2.0 focusesonmakingitsbenefitsaccessible tomodernlifestyles.OwnerRaman Devisaid:“MovingtoTheCube allowsustohonourwhatwe'vebuilt since2013,whilecreatingaspace thatsupportsthenextchapterof ourcommunity.”

NEWS JUNKIE

HOLLYWOODMOVIE,INSPIRINGYOUNGGIRLSTO DREAMBIGANDHERLOVEOFTHEMIDLANDS

FromMidlandsTodaytothenationalnews, SuzanneVirdeehasbeenafixtureonourTV screensfordecadesandunlikemuchofthe population,sheknewexactlywhatshewantedtodo asayoungchild.Agedjustseven,Suzannewantedto watchthenewseverydayafterschool.Aged10,she madenewspapersandsoldthemtoherfamilyand wouldinterviewherparentsonlongcarjourneys suchwasherobsession.Whenthetimecameto decidewhatdopost-A-Levels,Suzanneknewshe didn’twanttogotouniversity–shewantedtocrack onwithhercareer.

Aftermuchresearchonwhatsheneededtodoto getafootinthedoor,SuzannedidherA-Levelsinone yearratherthanthestandardtwo,whichwasalotof pressure.Thenshebeganwritingletterstopotential employerswhichshedescribesasamassivelearning curvewhichtaughthertonevergiveup.Suzanne remembers:“IgotthequalificationsIneededbutit wasn’teasygettingajob.Itwasaslog.Iwaspersistent –Icarriedonwritingletters.Ahandfulsaidnoand therestdidn’tbothertogetbacktome.”

Suzanne’sdadsuggestedsheshouldworkfor nothing,justphoneupandaskthequestion.What didshehavetolose?TheBromsgroveMessenger askedhertocomeinandSuzannewasoff.Itwasher routeintoherdreamjob.Shedidn’tgetofftoa sparklingstartaswhensheaccompaniedoneofthe journaliststothecourtstocoverastoryonherfirst day,sheblockedtheeditor’scarinthecarpark.

NOPLANB

SuzannethenmovedtotheSolihullTimesand whenastaffmemberphonedinsickshewasaskedto writetheentertainmentpagesgainingherfirst byline.Theeditorwassoimpressedheaskedherif she’dliketobeajuniorreporter.Suzannesnapped hisarmoff.Shesays:“IhadnoplanB.Ijusthadto keepgoing.Iwaslucky–Ihadnodebtandmy parentsweresupportive.Theytoldmetojustkeep going.”

Broadcastjournalismhasmadeupthebulkof Suzanne’scareersofarandit’ssomethingshe relisheswhetherthat’satalocalornationallevel.

Thenationalnewsisfast-pacedwithheapsof pressure,editingyourownpackagesinthebackofa caronthewaybacktothestudio,butSuzannesays nothingbeatstheMidlands.Shespentseven-and-ahalfyearstravellingupanddownthemotorwayto workinLondonbutshe’saMidlandsgirlthrough andthrough.

TRUSTEDNEWS

Suzannehasinterviewedmanyhigh-profile politiciansandevenprimeministersandsaysshe doesn’tgetnervous.“ImakesureI’minformedand prepared.I’mheretofindoutthingsforourviewers –theywanttoknowtheanswers.Ialsostay professional.It’seasytogetdrawnintofriendlychitchatbeforetheinterviewofficiallystarts,butIprefer tokeepaprofessionaldistance.Idon’twanttostart gettingchummy.”Thewaypeopleconsumenews haschangedimmeasurablysinceSuzanneembarked onhercareerandtheriseofdisinformationis alarming.Suzannesays:“Trustednewshasnever beenmoreimportantandnewsorganisationsare tryingtonavigatetheirwaythroughit.ITVandBBC arefightingdisinformation.Youhavetoholdyour values.”

Suzannehasalsodippedhertoeinthebook publishingarenasparkedbyaninterviewsheheard ontheradiooveradecadeagothatignitedapassion forreachingouttoyoungwomenandgirls.She explains:“Iheardamantellingafemalepresenter thathethoughttheageofconsentshouldbelowered from16to13.Iwasfuming.”Suzannestarted writingnotesandcontemplatedandarticleora documentary,butshethoughtgirlswouldn’twatcha Panorama-styleprogrammeorthenewsbuttheystill lovedbooks.It’snotabookthatlecturesgirls–ithas amoresupportivetoneencouragingthemtostaysafe andrecogniseredflagsaswellasofferinginspiration onmakingandreachingyourgoals.Suzannewas askedtodosomeworkinschoolsandrecallsonein particular:“Inoneschoolthesafeguardingleadtook metoonesideandsaid,‘wehavearealproblemhere withthewaygirlsandboysinteract’.Itbecamea passionforme.”

COVERSTORY

CALENDARGIRL

Suzannehasrecentlysaidyestobeing partofacharitycalendarorganisedby LadiesFirstProfessionalNetwork–a nationalnetworkinggroupwhich organiseseventsandawardsfor inspirationalfemaleachievers.Suzanne says:“It’saboutempowering organisationsandsupportingeachother whichstruckachord.”

Thecalendarwillbestylishlyshot featuringwomenagedbetween18and 80yearsandit’saboutboostingselfesteemandbodyimage.Twenty-four charitieswillbenefitfromthesaleofthe calendarwhichwillbereleasedjustin timeforChristmas.Watchthisspace. Suzanneassuresusthere’llbeno strategicallyplacedicedbuns.

Thecalendarisn’tthemostleftfieldof Suzanne’swork.Thatwasprobablythe dayHollywoodcamecallingin2018. Thefilm,theDeathandLifeofJohnF DonovanwasshotinCanadaandstarred SusanSarandon,KitHarringtonand KathyBatesamongotherbignames. Suzanneplayedherselfinthefilmand says:“IthinkIlookanairstewardess fromthe80s.Thesetwasmeanttobea closecopyoftheBBC.Itwasashortand sweetappearancebutsomuchfun.Still can’tbelieveXavierDolanwantedmeto flytoMontrealtoshootit–butIamglad hedid.AllmyfriendsthoughtI’dbe rubbingshoulderswithKitHarrington, sadlynot!”Whatevernext… ■

ACTION MAN

PHILLIPRAYTOMMYHASAPPEAREDINCOUNTLESSFILMSPERFORMINGSOMEOFTHEBIG SCREEN’SMOSTDARE-DEVILSTUNTS–BUTHE’SALWAYSHADTHEDREAMTOPRODUCEAND DIRECTHISOWNMOVIESRIGHTHEREINHISHOMECITY.HISFIRST,LOTUS,ISDUETOBE RELEASEDTHISSUMMERANDHASBIRMINGHAMFRONTANDCENTREOFTHEACTION

Cagefighter,stuntman,actor–andnow filmmaker.PhillipRayTommyhas prettymuchbeenthere,donethat,and gotthetee.TheproudBrummiehaseven appearedinamoviewithTomCruise,admittedly asanextra,butthatwasintheveryearlydaysofa careerthathasseenhimtraveltheworldsince. BigPhill,asheisknowninthebusiness,citesthe chanceofbeingupclosetotheMission Impossiblelegendasa“momentofinspiration, reallytriggeringmypassionforacting”.

CRIMEANDCORRUPTION

WespokewithPhilljustafewhoursbeforehewas duetojetofftotheprestigiousBerlinFilmFestivalto promotehisnewfull-lengthfeature,Lotus,whichhas Birminghamfrontandcentreoftheaction.Phillboth starsin,directsandproducesthemoviewhichhesays unashamedlyhasourgreatcityasthebackdroptoa storywhichcentresaroundtheleadcharacterofJohn, anex-specialforcesagent,whoseattemptstoprotect anoldfriendputshiminthecrosshairsofadangerous drugplotintheheartofBirmingham.

Pittedagainstrivalgangsandcorruptpolice,John mustusehisspecialsetofskillstosavethosethathe lovesanddismantlealoomingcriminaloperation.

“Tonallyit’sJohnWick,LutherTheRaidandMission ImpossiblemixedwithalittleGangsofLondonbut setinBrum,”saysPhill.

Headds:“TomyknowledgeLotusisthefirstaction featurefilmsetandmadeinBirmingham.I’veworked onplentyoffilmsaroundtheworldbutonlyeverhad onefilmingjobtakeplaceinBrum.So,Imakefilms–previouslyshortfilms–toshowhowamazingthecity andsurroundingareascanbe,aswellasprovide opportunitiestosomeoftheterrificlocaltalent thatmaynotbeabletogettoLondontoworkinfilm.” SalesforthefilmarebeinghandledbyUK-based ScreenboundInternational,andtheinitialindustry launchisattheBerlinFilmFestival.“We’reaimingfor acinemarunfollowingthat,withthepremierein Birmingham,ofcourse!”addsPhill.

LotusisverymuchaboutshowcasingBirmingham andsomeofthesurroundingareasasaviableand excitingplacetomakeambitiousgenrefilms.Phill says:“Birminghamhasanimageofbeingagreyand grimcity,butthat’snottherealityatall.There’sso muchtoadmirehere,fromthebeautifulcountryside aroundittothewonderfulculturalcentresintown. It’sacitythat’sreallyuntappedintermofitsresources. I’maimingtochangeallthat–it’sagreatplacetofilm actionmovies!”

THUMBSUP: Phillpromotinghisnewaction featuremovie,Lotus,attheBerlinFilmFestival

Phillstartedoutinmartialarts.“Iwentallaround thecountrydoingstuntshows,”hesays.“I’vedone cagefightingtoo.”Hegotintofilmworkasastunt performerandhasappearedinthelikesofThe Expend4bles,TheKing’sManandinTVproductions includingBenHurandGangsofLondon.Buthesays healwaysknewthathedidn’tjustwanttodostunt workandacting,butthathe“neededtocreate”.He startedmakinghisown,short,filmsaftersustainingan injury.“IbeganwithshortfilmsbutknewthatIwould makefeaturefilms.Whenyouareontherightpath youjustknowthatitisgoingtoworkout.”

GettingthefinancetomakeLotusproved challenging.“Iappliedeverywhere,left,rightand centrebutintheend,IdecidedIwouldself-finance andcametogetherwithsomereallygoodmateswho chippedin.WhenIdosomethingwhichIbelievein,I amtotallycommitted,somakingthisfilmmeant everything.Infact,Ialreadyhavethesequel,Lotus2, inthepipelinereadytogo.IguessI’mabitofa workaholic,alwayslookingtothenextthingtodo.I amstillactingwithbitsandpieces,allstuntwork.Last yearIwasworkingonSpiderman.Butasanyactor knows,workisn’taregularplannedthinginour business.ThegoodthingisthatmeansthatI’mhome withmy11-year-oldsonwhoIadore.Ihatedbeing

awayfromhim,sofilmingLotuscompletelyin BirminghammeantIwashereforhimallthetime.” Lotus2willalsobetotallyBirmingham-based. “OurcityissobeautifulthatIwanttocontinueto showcaseit,”saidPhill.FilminginBrumalsohas somelovelyspin-offs,asPhillhasbeenabletoopen upthebusinessofhowamovieismadetothehuge wellofyoungtalentinthearea.“We’vehadstudents cometohelpandseewhatwe’redoing,”heexplains. “Andtheyarebuzzingwithwhatthey’veseen.It’s reallygame-changingforthem.”

MOVIEMOVEMENT

PhillisoptimisticthatLotuswillprovidethe impetusforamoviemovementinBrum.Hepointsin particulartothegrowthofTVandcreativesinareas suchasDigbeth.“SuccessforLotuswillhopefullysee morefilmshootstakingplaceinBirmingham,with morejobsandopportunitiesavailableforallofour incrediblytalented,creativelocalpeople,”hesays. Andleavinguswiththatintriguingthought,Phill preparedforhistriptoBerlin,tobefollowedwithmore promotionalvisitstotheHongKongFilmFestivalthis monthandtheCannesFilmFestivalinMayaheadof thereleaseofLotusinthesummer.Theactiontruly neverstopsforBrum’sveryownactionman… ■

ANGELINA ADAMO

Tellusaboutyourcooking

Mycookingstyleisbasedonsimplicityand respectforingredients.Idon’tovercomplicate dishes–Ibelievewhenyoustartwithgreatproduce yourjobasachefistoletitspeakforitself. Seasonalityisveryimportantbecauseusing ingredientsattheirbestgivesyoubetterflavour, textureandquality.

I’mverypassionateaboutsupportinglocaland independentsuppliers.It’simportanttoknow whereyourfoodcomesfromandtobuild relationshipswiththepeopleproducingit. Throughmycooking,Iwanttoshowpeoplethat Siciliancuisineismuchmorethanjustpizzaand pasta.It’sdiverse,seasonal,produce-drivenandfull ofhistory.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

Throughprofessionaltraininganddeepfamily rootsinfood.ItrainedatUCBandthenrefinedmy skillsworkinginseveralMichelin-starkitchens, mostnotablySimpsonsinEdgbaston.Butmytrue beginningasachefstartedmuchearlier–inthe kitchenwithmyNonna.Myfamilyarefrom AgrigentoinSicily,andcookingwithheriswhere mypassionwasreallyborn.Therewerenowritten recipesorscales—everythingwastaughtthrough feel,repetitionandinstinct.ThroughherIlearned thatfoodisneverjustfood–it’scare,memory,and love.Hospitalitywasalsoshapedbymyfamily. Spendingtimewithmygrandfatheronhisice creamvantaughtmethatlookingafterpeopleis justasimportantascookingforthem;making guestsfeelwelcome,valuedandremembered.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

MypartnerTomandIbothlovecookingover fire,sowespendalotoftimeusingourGozney DomeandGreenEgg.It’swhereweswitchoff, experimentandcookinamorerelaxedway.A favouriteisaslow,one-potroastchickencooked gentlyintheGozney–somethingunfussy,cooked withcareandmadetoshare.

Who’sthebestchefintheworld,andthebestinBrum?

Idon’tthinkthere’severjustone‘best’chefinthe world,butformeMassimoBotturastandsout.WhatI admiremostishisabilitytocombinedeeprespectfor Italiantraditionwithcreativityandemotion.In Birmingham,IhavealotofrespectforAktarIslam. He’sdoneanincrediblejobofpushingboundaries whilemaintainingidentityandprecision.Whathe’s achievedforthecity’sfoodsceneisinspiring,andthe levelofconsistencyandstandardsinhiskitchensis somethingIreallyrespect.

Shareacookingtip

Seasonasyougo–andtrustme,itusuallyneeds moregarlic.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

SnailsormusselsinmyNonna’ssugu.Itmightnot bewhatmostkidswouldchoose,butinourhouseit wascomfortfood.Slow-cookedandfullofflavour.

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Heavenformeisanyfreshshellfish,smothered ingarlicbutter.Hellwouldbefaggotsandmash… I’vegivenitchances,butit’sjustnotmeanttobe.

What’sthemostunusualthingyou’veeaten?

ProbablypanicâmeusainPalermo:vealspleen andlung,friedinlard,inasesamebun.It’sa historicSicilianclassicandthelocalsabsolutely loveit,soIfeltduty-boundtotryit.I’llbehonest,I admirethetraditionmorethantheflavour!

Ifyouweren’tachef,whatwouldyoube?

Probablyaglassblower.Ididsomework experienceinglassblowingandthoughtI’dfound mycalling…untilIrealisedI’mtooclumsytobe trustedaroundmoltenglass.So,Ichoseknivesand fireinstead–muchsafer! ■

Vieni,41PitsfordStreet,Goodsyard,Birmingham, B186LJ.Tel:01218060080,vieni.co.uk

FANTASTICFLAPJACKS

FancyadeliciousEastertreatwithalittlebitofchoccygoodness?

Takeourwordforit,trytheseawesomeflapjacksandyou’llbeleftlickingyourlipsfor more!Werecommendpimpingthemupwithanyleftoverchocolate.Pureindulgence onaplate! ■

INGREDIENTS

■ 225gunsaltedbutter

■ 225gdemerarasugar

■ 75ggoldensyrup

■ 275gjumboporridgeoats

■ 100gmilkchocolate

METHOD

Lineabakingtraywithbakingpaper.Gentlymeltthebutterinalargepan.Oncefullymelted, stirinthesugarandthesyrup.Addtheoatsintothemixandstirthoroughly.Atthispointfeel freetopimpupyourmixwithraisins,chocolatechipsorevenminieggs! Takethemixtureofftheheat,emptyitintoalinedbakingtray,spreadingacrossevenlyand placeinapreheatedovenat160degreesfor35minutesuntilgoldenbrown. Whilethebakeiscooling,gentlymelt100gofmilkchocolateinabowloversimmeringwater. Drizzlethemeltedchocolateovertheflapjacktraybake.Youcanaddadditionaldecorationsat thispoint,too.Cuttheflapjacksintoevenlysizedpiecesandenjoy.HappyEaster,Birmingham!

SHORTS NI BBLESand

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

ALEX’SSTARBILLING

ABirminghamrestaurantthatopened10yearsagohasbeenawardedaMichelinstar.ChefAlex Claridge’svenue,TheWildernessinWarstoneLaneintheJewelleryQuarter,washandedthetop prizeataceremonyinIreland.TheWildernessisknownforits‘rock-n-roll’finedining,featuring seasonaldishesfromtastingmenustoasoundtrackofheavymetal,rockandpunk.The WildernessjoinsBirminghamrestaurants,AdamsandSimpsonswhichbothretainedtheir Michelinstars,whileOpheemretaineditstwostars.

DEPARTUREARRIVALS

BirminghamAirporthasrevealedplansforthreeeateries andanewexecutiveloungewithintheDepartures Loungetoopeninphasesthisyear.Locatedbetween Gates1to20andthemaindepartureslounge,the newreconfiguredspacewillconnectallareasofthe airsideterminalandsignificantlybroadentheairport’s foodofferings–includingthearrivalofoneofthe UK’smostsuccessfulcasualdiningbrands, Wagamama.Thenewexecutiveloungewillcaterto thehub’sgrowingbusinesstravelmarket.

TOP100GASTROPUB

AlocalgastropubhasbeennamedamongtheUK’s Top100Gastropubs,lessthantwoyearsafter openingitsdoors.TheWildmoorOak,runbyBexand SarahWilkinsinBromsgrove,issettocelebrateits secondanniversaryinMay.Bexsaid:“Tobeincluded intheTop100whenwehaven’teventurnedtwoyet feelsamazing.It’sahugerecognitionforthewhole teamandeverythingtheydoeveryday.”Thekitchen isledbyheadchefPeterJackson,whohasa backgroundinMichelin-starredrestaurants.

CARIBBEANDELIGHT

ALPINE INDULGENCE

Withtheskiingseasonstillinfullswing,Chalet AlbertisremainingopenatAlbert'sSchloss–servingAlpineindulgence,liveentertainmentandaprès skienergyintheheartofBrumthroughtotheendof March.AttheheartofChaletAlbertistheCookHaus menudesignedforsharingandcold-weathercomfort, ledbyashow-stoppingCheeseFondue,featuring meltedVacherinFribourgeois,Gruyère andwhitecheddar,servedwithasideof hauspickles,sourdoughandnew potatoes.Yum!

HOSPITALITYROLE

SICILIANFIRST

Vieni–meaning‘comein’–openedattheGoodsyard,Pitsford Street,becomingthefirst hospitalityvenuetowelcome guestsintothelandmarknew development.Founded byAngelinaAdamoandledby CharlotteCarter,Vienioccupies a1,485sqftspacewith40 coversandbringstogethera sharedpassionforhospitalityand morethanadecadeofindustry experience.ThemenuatVieniisa personalreflectionofAngelina’s heritage,inspiredbyeverything herNonnataughther.Thedishes aredesignedtotransportdiners straighttoAgrigento,Sicily.

Privately-ownedhotelmanagementcompany, CastlebridgeHospitalityhasappointedCraigPattersonas managingdirectortoheadthebusiness’sgrowthand strategicdevelopment.Castlebridgemanagesanumber ofvenuesincludingHotelIndigoCoventryandHotel IndigoStratford-upon-Avon.Craigmostrecentlyservedas chiefdevelopmentofficeratCycasHospitalitywherehe playedakeyroleinexpandingitsEuropeanfootprint.

IslandDelight,theBirmingham-headquarteredCaribbeanfoodbrand,hasannounceda strong7.2percentyear-on-yeargrowth–outperformingkeycompetitorsPukkaandGinsters inthechilledsavourypastrycategory.Thesupplierhasalsoexpandeditsfootprintacross majorretailers,wholesalersandindependentstores.FounderWadeLynsaid:“Thisresult reflectsthepowerofourbrand,ourdeepconnectionwithourconsumers,andthegrowing mainstreamappealofCaribbeanfood.”

MICHELINMARVEL

TheBoat,therestaurantandmicrofarmledbychefLiamDillon,has beenawardedaMichelinstar, recognisingitsmodernBritish cookingshapedbysustainability, self-sufficiencyandlocalsourcing. TheBoathasevolvedovernine yearsintoadiningdestination whichseesthefarmplayacentral roleinthemenus–withbeehives producinghoney,pigsrearedboth fortheirmeatandtoreducefood waste,free-rangehenssupplying eggs,andvegetablepatchesand polytunnelsgrowingyear-round crops,includingmoreunusual varietiessuchascicelyandwasabi.

HUGO SPRITZ

AHugoSpritzissimpletomake,deliciousto drinkandthebubblesmakeitjustthatlittlebit morespecial.Nowonderit’ssuchahit!As always,pleaseenjoyresponsibly.

INGREDIENTS:

■ 40mlElderflowerliqueur

■ 60mlProsecco

■ 60mlSodawater

■ Mint

METHOD:

Addloadsoficetoaballoonglassandafewtornup mintleaves.Pourovertheelderflowerliqueurthen topwithproseccoandsodawater.Addawedgeof lime,stirandservewithastraw.Delicious!

OPHEEM

TherewasabigbirthdayatBrumTowersthis month.Whenconfrontedbytherelentless passageoftime,youcaneitherhideunderthe duvetorputonyourgladragsandgobig.Well,you can’tgomuchbiggerthatBrum’sfirsttwo-Michelinstarrestaurant,soonwentthevelvetjacketandoffwe poppedtoOpheem.

WefirstvisitedAktarIslam’scrackingrestaurantnot longafteritopenedin2018whenwewerebright-eyed andbushy-tailed.Andohmy,hasn’tsheagedwell.By whichwemeanOpheem!Thefirstthingyouclockis justhowawesomeandwelcomingallthestaffare–alwaysagoodsign.

Wewereshepherdedintoaverycomfortableand swankybarareaforfizzandsnacksandkickedoff eventswithalivelyappleandcucumbershotfollowed byaseriesofamazinglittlecanapesthatincludedan oysteremulsionwithredKashmirchillibrothandan applemacaronwithspicedbeeftartareandduckliver–allfabbutaspecialnoteforthemangotuilewithlettuce gelandmangochutneythatwasincrediblyprettyand entirelydelicious.Wehadalreadyarrivedwithhigh expectations,andwewerenowproperlyexcited.

Forthemainevent,it’sthroughtoaseparatedining roomthat’stastefullydecoratedandadornedwith spectacularceilinglightsandthenowobligatory,open kitchen.We’dalreadyselectedafive-coursetasting menubutthere’sa10-courseoptionifyouwantthefull experience.There’saninterestingandextensivewine list,butwedecidedtoputourselvesinthehandsof

affableGeorgiansommelier,Stefan,andoptedfora wineflightwhichisthoroughlyrecommended.Nowlet theculinaryjourneybegin…

Atthispointwecouldchatthrougheverycourse ingreatdetail,andyoucouldeithernodoffor assumewe’dbeentreatedtoafreebie(wehadn’t) butlet’sjustsayeverythingwasinvaryingdegreesof awesome.Highlightsincludedthetandoorisand carrotwithlentilpakora,mintandcoriander–a gloriousdishthatactuallymadeusabitemotional; adelightful,streetfood-inspired,pinkfirpotatowith tamarind,potatoespumaandspicedpotato croutons;andaperfectlycookedvenisonsaddle, withathin,braisedneckmomoandagorgeous, deeplydeliciouscroquettewitharichspicedsauce–nowords.

Allfinishedwithanincredibledessertofgranny smithapplewithsorrel,cinnamonandbrownbutter beforereturningtotheloungeforcoffeeandgrappaby thefirewithsomeratherfinepetitfours,courtesyofthe in-housechocolatier.Highexpectationsentirely exceeded.

There’snopretendingthatOpheim’scheap.At£145 perheadforthefive-coursemenu,it’sprobablynot somewhereyou’dpopintoforamid-weektreat,butit’s completelyexcellentandentirelyworththeinvestment. Shouldyouprefer,there’salsoalunchtimealacarte menufrom£75whichreallydoesseemlikegoodvalue. Eitherway,youshouldgo–you’reworthit–andifit’s notyourbigbirthday,justpretend! ■

HANBAO

IroadtripacrossAmerica,HanbaoisanEast meetsWestcollaborationofstreetfoodand style.Theladsbehindtherestaurants(there’sa secondinWorcester),saythatHongKongand ChinainspiredtheinteriorwhileLAandNewYork inspiredtheflavour.

HanbaomeansburgerinMandarinwhichgaveus someideaofwhatwewereinfor.Thinkfastfood/street foodvibeswithattentiontoflavourdetailonsteroids. Forinstance,buffalofriedchickenbites–tender chunksofchickenwithabuffalosaucewouldhave beenfine,butatHanbaotheadditionofbluecheese sauceaddedawinninghitofsaltyrichnesselevatingit. SamewiththeBBCfriestoppedwithbaconnaise, baconbitsandmaturecheddar.Itsoundedsimple,but itwasmuchmoreconsideredthanchuckingafew moreishbitsontopofsomeaveragefries.

Ontotheburgers.WewentforthesignatureHanbao whichgotabitmessy–youmightneedabib.Anicely charredsmashedpattyaddedsomesmokewhile oozingAmericancheeseaswellascheddarbrought somegooandrichness.Crunchandfreshnesscame

fromlettuceandfreshonionwhileathwackofsticky, sweet,saltygoodnesswasprovidedbyaheadysliceof charsiubaconallpackedintoasoftglazedbunwith Hanbao’sspecialmayo.Itwasanabsolutebelterand probablythebestburgerwe’veeaten.Werackedour brainstocomeupwithbetterandwecouldn’t.

WealsodabbledwiththeODB‘Dirty’burgerwhich wasalmostasbrilliant.Wefeltthecharsiubacon swungitfortheHanbao,butifyoulikeyourburgers moreclassicAmericanstyle,theODBmightbetheone foryou.Inageniusmove,thepatty’ssmashedwith Americanmustard.That’steamedwithAmerican cheese,picklesaplenty,crispyfriedonions,more Americanmustardandburgersauceinaglazedsoft bun–justclassicflavourcombosdonebeautifully.The cocktailmenuwasabitoffunandworthashout.We sampledsomeluridlookingdrinksthattastedgreat. TheGinSodawasourwinner.

Welefttherestaurantplanningournextvisit,listing disheswewantedtotry,andthattellsyoueverything youneedtoknow.Ifyoulikearelaxedvibeand deliciousindulgentfoodatareasonablepricepoint, Hanbao’stheone. ■

Sunday29March

12:00–4:00pm

OozellsSquare,Brindleyplace

OutdoorArt&Craft Market with a natureinspired theme

National Trust Trail for kids, plus blossom windsockmaking

IndoorJapaneseMarket featuring kimonos, art,sake and more

Pop-upStreet Food stalls serving delicious treats

VisitIkon Gallery’s new exhibition and enjoy creative art activities

Bringfamilyandfriendstoenjoyavibrant celebration of spring, in one of Birmingham’s mostpicturesque squares.

We look forward to seeing you!

RIESLING REDEMPTION

It’sRieslingDayon13March!Onthesameday in1435,cellarlogsrecordedthefirstsalesof RieslingbyCountKatzenelnbogennearthe RheingauregionofGermany.

Rieslingisacrowddivider.Thereareseveral reasonsforthis,somefairertothevarietythanothers. Firstly,manypeoplethinkthatRieslingisasweet wine.Whileitistruethatitcanbemadeinsweet styles,winesareoftendryorjustslightlyoff-dryin style.Secondly,peopleoftenassociateitwiththevery poor-qualityGermanwinesavailableintheUK duringthe1970sand1980s–thingshaveimproved considerablysincethen!

Theotherthingwhichputsalotofpeopleoffis thatRiesling(particularlythosewhichareaged)can havebothanaromaofkeroseneorpetrolwhichisn’t themostappealingsmellandcanbequiteoily/waxy intexturewhichmanypeopledonotenjoy.

Versatileandhigh-qualitygrape

Rieslingcan,however,makesomeremarkablycomplex andage-worthywines.JustlookupEgonMüller ScharzhofbergerRieslingTrockenbeerenausleseonthe internetandyou’llfindthebestbottlescancostinthe regionof23,000Euros.Inthe19thcentury,agedRiesling wineswereconsideredsomeofthebestandmostcomplex winesavailable,earningRieslingthetitleof‘Kingof WhiteWines’.

Despitethesometimes-intimidatingpetrolnoseand waxymouthfeel,Rieslingscanalsohavearomasand flavoursoflime,greenapple,andrhubarb,aswellas butterycreamytexturesdependingonhowthewinehas beenmade.Givenhowaromaticthevarietyis,itisoften possibletodetectjasmineonthenoseand,attimes, gingeronthepalate.Somewinesdisplayremarkable complexityandcaneasilyagefor10ormoreyears.

Typically,Rieslingwinestendtobealittlelowerin alcoholandasmentionedabove,aremadeinavarietyof sweetnesslevelsfrombonedrytoverysweet.Rieslingis alsooneofthegrapespermittedinthemakingofice winesinGermany.Thesearealsowellworthtryingifyou enjoyluscious,sweetwines.

Europeanroots,globalappeal

GermanyisbyfarthelargestRiesling-growingcountry, withsignificantgrowthintheFrenchAlsaceregionalso. SmallerplantationscanbefoundfurthersouthinAustria andHungarywhereitisusuallyreferredtoaswhite RieslingorRajnaiRiesling.OutsideofEurope,Riesling canoftenbefoundincolderregionsoftheUSAand Australia.Europeanversionstendtowardsgreater minerality,whileAustralianversionsarecharacterisedby thepresenceoflimearomas.Rieslingisavarietywhichcan behighlyinfluencedbytheterroirinwhichitisgrown. IfyouarelookingforgoodRieslingsthentheMoselin Germany,AlsaceinFrance,ClareandEdenvalleysin Australia,FingerLakesinNewYorkStateorpotentially WashingtonStateorOregonaregoodplacestostart. Rieslingistheseventhmostwidelyplantedwhitevarietyin theworld.

GreatwinewithAsianfoodanddesserts

Riesling’ssearingaciditymakesitanidealpairingwith mildlyspicyAsianfood.Off-drystylescanhelpbalance spicydishes,anditgoeswellwithPadThai,Thaicurries, andspicynoodles.Youcanevenpairdrierversionswith

DAVID’SRECOMMENDATIONSFORMARCH

Somethingsparkling:

ElyssiaGranCuvéeCava–£16.99,Decantalo(www.decantalo.co.uk)

AveryapproachableCava.Thinkcitrusandorchardfruits,alongwithsome cream,honeyandwhiteflowers.Itfinisheswithahintofbrioche.

Somethingfreshandfruity:

PetalumaClareValleyRiesling,2021–£29,Majestic. AclassicRiesling,showinglime,elderflower,flintyminerals,honey,almond andbrightacidsonthepalateandtheclassicRieslingbeeswaxnose.

Somethingbigandbold:

2023UovoCabernet/Nebbiolo,LarryCherubino,FranklandRiver–£23.95,DorsetWinecompany(www.dorsetwine.co.uk)

Aniceblend,showcasingdarkfruit(blackcurrant),herbsandevena hintofmintonthefinish.Wellintegratedtannins,andalongfinish.

Somethingclassic:

TheSociety’sExhibitionPauillac2022–£26,TheWineSociety. ACabernetSauvignon-ledblendwithblackfruitnotesofcassis,dark cherrywhicharesupportedbycedar,mochaandlicoricenotes,with spiceandpepperonthelongfinish.

SomethingEnglish:

HattingleyValleyClassicReserveNV–£36,Waitrose.

Aromasoflemonzest,orange,andhoneysuckle,withgreenappleonthe palateandbeautifullyluxuriousbriochefromthefouryearsagingonitslees.

Somethingdifferent:

ParcelSeriesPinotNoir,No.93,CentralOtago,NewZealand–£36,Majestic.

AniceexpressionofthePinotNoirgrapewithplumandcherryaromas, withsomenicespicefrombarrelaging.Perfectforaroastdinner.

fattyfoodslikefishandchips.Butoff-dryandsweeter stylesalsopairwellwithdesserts.LookforTrockenonthe labelifyouwantadrystyle,Kabinettforoff-dry,and Spätleseforsomethingprettysweet.Reallysweetwines arelikelytobelabelledasAuslese,Beerenausleseor Trockenbeerenauslese.

So,isittimeyougaveRieslingasecondchance?Ifyou do,besuretoletusknow.Andwhateveryou’redrinking thisMarch,pleasedrinkresponsibly. ■

DavidisaWine&SpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwineexpert,wine educator,alumniofBirminghamWineSchoolandauthorofthe alottowineabout.comwebsitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine.To findoutmoreaboutfun,informalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)courseonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com

WHATEVERYWOMAN NEEDSTOKNOW…

MarchisOvarianCancerAwarenessMonth, representingachancetoraiseawarenessof thisawfulkillerandtohighlightthe inequalitiesthatthousandsofwomenwithovarian cancerfaceinreceivingthebestcareregardlessofage, locationorethnicity.

Ovariancanceristhebiggestgynaecologicalkillerof womenintheUK–andthesurvivalrateshereare amongtheworstinEurope.It’sthesixthmost commonformofcancerdeathinwomen,afterbreast, lungandbowelcancer.YettheaverageGPwillseeonly onecaseofovariancancereveryfiveyears.

Morethan7,500casesofovariancancerare diagnosedeachyear(that’smorethan140womeneach week)andthediseaseclaimsaround4,000deaths annually.Shockingly,intheUKjustoneinthree womenlivemorethan10yearsafterdiagnosis.

Worryingstatisticswhichshouldfocusallourminds inOvarianCancerAwarenessMonth.Withincreased awarenessencouragingearlydetection,wecansave lives.Andthereissomepositivenews.Sincetheearly 1970s,ovariancancermortalityratesinfemaleshave decreasedbynearlyaquarterintheUK.Let’shelp improvethisevenmore.

WHATISOVARIANCANCER?

Theovariesaretwosmallglandsthatformpartof thefemalereproductivesystem,whichisalsomadeup ofthevagina,cervix,uterus(womb)andFallopian tubes.Ovarieshavetwomainfunctions:Produce,store, andreleaseeggsforreproductionandproducethe femalesexhormonesoestrogenandprogesterone

Ovariancanceroccurswhenthereareabnormal cellsintheovarywhichmultiply,creatingatumour. Tumourswilleitherbebenignormalignant.Benign tumoursarenon-cancerousanddonotusually spreadtootherpartsofthebody.Theymayrequire sometreatmentbutarerarelylifethreatening.Ifthe tumourismalignant,itiscancerousandwhenleft untreatedmayspreadtootherpartsofthebody. Treatmentwilldependonthetype,stageandgrade ofovariancancerdiagnosed.

EARLYWARNING

Three-quartersofwomenarediagnosedoncethe cancerhasalreadyspread,makingtreatmentmore difficult.Thecurrentfive-yearsurvivalrateforovarian cancerisbetween35and46percent.Ifdiagnosedat theearlieststage,upto90percentofwomenwould survivefiveyearsormore,whilewithlate-stage diagnosisthisdropstoaround16percent.Thisiswhy awarenessissoimportant,todriveforward improvementsindiagnosis,treatmentandsurvival. Thetwomostimportantaspectsaffectingawoman’s riskofdevelopingovariancancerduringherlifetimeare ageandfamilyhistory.Theriskofovariancancer increaseswithage,andit’smostcommoninwomen over50,particularlythosewhohavegonethrough menopause.However,itcanalsoaffectyoungerwomen. Mostcasesofovariancancerare‘sporadic’orone-offs. Thismeansthatclosefemalerelativesofsomeonewith ovariancancerdonotnecessarilyfaceanincreasedriskof developingthediseasethemselves.However,inaround oneinevery10cases,afamilylinkcanbeidentified.

WHATTOLOOKFOR

Symptomsarefrequent(theyusuallyhappen morethan12timesamonth)andpersistent.

THEREAREFOURMAINOVARIANCANCERSYMPTOMS:

■ Increasedabdominalsize/persistentbloating (notbloatingthatcomesandgoes)

■ Difficultyeatingorfeelingfullmorequickly

■ Needingtopeemorefrequentlyorurgently

■ Painaroundyourtummytothetopofyourthighs

Thesecanalsobesymptomsofother,lessserious,conditionssuch asirritablebowelsyndrome,ovariancystsandpolycysticovary syndromesoifyou’reexperiencingthemitdoesn’tnecessarilymean youhaveovariancancer.Othersymptomscanincludebackpain, unexpectedweightloss,changeinbowelhabitsandextremefatigue. Ifyouregularlyexperienceanyofthesesymptoms,andthat’snot normalforyouitisimportantthatyouseeyourGP.Ifyouare50or overandhavesymptomsthatarenewforyouwhicharesimilarto thoseofirritablebowelsyndrome(IBS),yourGPshouldofferyou teststocheckforovariancancer.Itisworthnotingthatunlike cervical,bowelandbreastcancers,thereisstillnoreliable,effective screeningmethodforovariancancer. ■

THERISEOF REBOUNDER

SIMPLE,COMPACTANDLOWIMPACT–

Onceuponatimeatriptothegymmeanttrying toavoidsomeratherthreateninglooking meatheads,veinsangrilythrobbingastheylifted impossiblylargeweights.Nowadaysyou’remorelikelyto encounterlotsofrathercheerfullookingpeople,decked outinLycraleapingupondownonminitrampolines.The UKhasofficiallyembracedtherebounder.

WHATISAREBOUNDER?

Inanutshell,it’sjustasmalltrampolinethat’sessentially thesameasthegiantthinggatheringmossinyourgarden. It’sacompactpieceofkitthatprovidesefficient,low-impact exerciseandit’saterrificwayofgettingfitandbeingkindto yourjoints.Andbecauseitscompactsizemeansthatit’s prettymuchsuitedtoeveryhome,you’renotatthemercy oftheGreatBritishweather(atthetimeofwritingit’s rainedprettymucheverydaysinceNewYear).

We’llgetontojustsomeofthebenefitsshortlybutit’s worthspendingsometimeonthekititself.Thereareso manyrebounders,minitrampolinesandtrampettes availableitcanbequiteoverwhelmingwhenlookingto splashthecash.Takenote,it’sbesttoavoidthesuper cheaponesunlessyou’relookingforatoyforthekids.If youreallywanttoreapthebenefits,thenyoumustbe preparedtoinvestinaqualityproductthat’sadecent

weightforstabilityandhighenoughofftheground togetaproperbouncein.

You’rethenlookingeitherabungeeorspring rebounder.Aslongasyoubuyaqualityproductthen bothareperfectlygood,it’sjustaquestionofpersonal taste,goalsandbudget.Essentiallyabungeeisquieter, lowerimpactandmoreexpensive.Thespring rebounder(whichyou’reprobablymorefamiliarwith fromthegym)isbestsuitedtoahigherintensity workoutandisabitcheaper.

BENEFITSOFTHEBOUNCE

Thejoyoftherebounderisthatyoucanbendyourexerciseregimeaccordingtoyourpersonalfitnesslevel andgoalsbysimplyincorporatingdifferentmovementpatternsintoyourbouncing.Butherearejustsome ofthehealthbenefitsyoucanexpect:

LYMPHATICDRAINAGE

Thisseemstobetheonethatmostpeopleassociatewith rebounding!Thelymphaticsystemmakesupavitalpartof partofourimmunesystemsbyremovingexcessfluidfrom yourtissues.Jumpingupanddownonarebounderis incredibleforboostingthelymphaticsystemastheone-way valvesofthelymphaticsystemareforcedtoopenatthetop ofthejumpandcloseatthebottomofeachbouncecreating aninvigoratinglymphaticflush.

KINDONJOINTS

Ifyouwanttoputlessstressonyourjointswhileexercising thangetarebounder.Someexpertsreckonthere’sasmuch as85percentlessshockofimpactwhenusingahigh quality,wellsprungrebounder,comparedtoworkingouton ahardsurface.Thismeansthatyoucanworkoutforlonger withamuch-reducedriskofinjury.

MUSCLEMASS

Asaweightbearingactivityyoucanlookforwardto strongerboneswhileimprovingmusclestrengthandtone.

CORESTRENGTH

Themostefficientwaytotrainourcoreisinthevertical position,whichishowthesemusclesareusedmostofthe time,improvingpostureandkeepingusupright.So,noneed foranymoreabcrunchworkouts–hoorah!

EXERCISEFORALL

WEIGHTLOSS

Duetotheunstablenatureofarebounder,15minutesof bouncingexercisehasroughlytheequivalentcardiovascular benefitsof30minutesofjoggingorrunning.Combinedwith ahighercalorieburnperminutecomparedtojogging,it meansasuper-efficientwaytoloseweight.

BONEDENSITY

Aswegetolder,welosebonemassandmineralcontent fromourbones.Thegravitationalforceexperiencedatthe bottomofthebouncestrengthensboneswhichisgreatfor helpingkeepussafe.

IMPROVEDDIGESTION

Themotioncanstimulatethedigestivetractandincrease flexibility,whilestrengtheningabdominalmuscles.

HEARTHEALTH

Likeanycardioactivity,therebounderwillhelpstrengthen yourheartmusclesanddecreasestheamountofworkyour bodyhastodotopumpblood–allverygoodnewsforyour overallhearthealth.

STRESSRELIEF

Theremaybesomethingtothephrase‘jumpforjoy’asbouncing aroundwillhelpreleaseendorphins—naturalsubstancesthat helpyoufeelbetterandmaintainapositiveattitude.

So,thereyouhaveit.justsomeofthebenefits…and wehaven’tevenmentionedstrengtheningyourpelvic floorandimprovingbladdercontrol.Notonlyisitgreat funandanefficientwaytostayfit,it’salsosuitedtoall agesandfitnesslevels.Andyoucandoitinthecomfort ofyourownhome,eventhougheveryoneseemstostill wanttodoitinthegym! ■

PLAY TIME

Nostradamus-likevisionfromdesigners meanstheSS26railsareburstingwiththe playfulpieceswecrave.Frompunchy primarycoloursandboldgraphicstowavystripesand prettyflorals,wearehereforit.JulianKlausnerat DriesVanNotenhasdescribedhisspringcollectionas, ‘acelebrationofsummerandtheprimalenergyofaray ofsun’.Amen.

Whetheryou’reembracingboldinyourfacemischief oratouchofwhimsy,allthejoyiswelcome.Thereare noruleshere–theaimismaximumfeelgoodvibes andthat’spersonal.Itcouldbeanything:striking embellishments,boldbrights,ditsyprintsorevena statementscrunchy.Edityourwardrobeandensure it’sfullofpiecesthatmakeyousmile. ThehighstreethasraiseditsSpringgameandis packedwithvibrancy.OliverBonasalwaysliftsthe spirits.Moresonowthaneverit’spackedwithmood boostingcolourandpattern–welookforwardto missingmoretrainsatNewStreetwhilewegetcarried away.RiverIslandisrockinggraphicteesandshowstoppingknitsthatworkbrilliantlyteamedwitha

DITSY PRINT

Adelefloralmidi

dress£69,FatFace

SNAKE HIPS

Missonisnakepattern metallicknittrousers

£820,HarveyNichols

MAGIC MOTIF

Bluemotifshirt

£68,OliverBonas

BERRY GOOD

GET SHIRTY

Burgundy

Cornellishirt

£25,F&F

Strawberrybag

£11,Accessorize

JACQUARD JOY

Statementjacquard dress£65,Joe Browns

WAVY DAYS

Patterned wideleg trousers£25.99, NewLook

PREPPY PATTERN

Clothingfrom OliverBonas

ANIMAL PRINT

Cheetahlace trimpuffsleeve teadress£115, Scamp&Dude

MELLOW YELLOW

ClothingfromVery

nonchalantwidelegjean.Scamp&Dude’s greencrocbumbagcombinesplayfulnessand practicalitywhileAccessorizehasnailedthe cutestofbagsadornedwithberriesthatsums upSS26.

Attheluxuryend,Missoni’ssignaturestripesfit thebillwhilepeagreenperfectionintheformof asilkdressatDriesVanNotenistopofthewish list.RalphLauren’srelaxedstripedshirtdressis aneasytowearSpringtriumphandtheFranca miniredshoulderbagatGimiguasistheperfect antidotetoagreyday.Checkoutpreloved optionsatSelfridgesorReselfridges–doyousee whattheydidthere?Thecheerybubble-gum pinkChanelquiltedbag,pictured,isjustoneof manybrilliantpieces. Ifyourbudgetistight,focusonplayful accessorieslikeacutenecktieinavibrant colour,ajoyfulbagcharm,agraphicteeora brightpairofsunglasses(weliveinhope…) We’vepulledtogetherabunchofideasto inspireyourinnerchild.Happydressing! ■

SMALL CHANGE

AnnaBrownstripebowmini scrunchie£12.50,OliverBonas

COOL CO-ORD

Brownstriped buttonupshirt

£25.99andtrousers

£29.99,NewLook

SHIRT DRESS

PoloRalphLauren stripedcottonblend shirtdress£325, HarveyNichols

RIGHT STRIPES

ClothingfromF&F

GO GREEN

Clothingfrom Matalan

TWINKLE TOES

Greensuede slingbacks£89, Dune

ARM CANDY

GimiguasFrancamini

leathershoulderbag

£265,Selfridges

£80,OliverBonas

BRIGHTAND BEAUTIFUL

Clothingfrom OliverBonas

TOA TEE

Clothingfrom RiverIsland

HEY MICKEY

Clothingfrom Primark

SNOOPY LOOPY

Jumperand widelegjeans fromFatFace

BUM BAG

Greenembossed crocbumbag£80, Scamp&Dude

SUPER SNEAKER

VictoriaSaturnojade greenmetallicand pinktrainers£95, OliverBonas

KISS KISS

Crochetfabric shopperbag£28, OliverBonas

PRELOVED

ReselfridgesprelovedChanelsmall quiltedHobobag £3,350,Selfridges

SPRINGREFRESH

Thismonthyou’llfindusupdatingoursunscreen,whacking onabrilliantnewhairmask,indulgingincakeandK-beauty andswipinghyaluronicacid-soakedpadsacrossourface withgayabandon.Herearesomeofourtoppicks…

1.CERAVEINVISIBLEHYDRATINGFLUIDSUNSCREEN–£13.42,CULTBEAUTY

Wefeeldisloyalwritingthis.Ourgo-toSPFisLaRochePosayAnthelios–it’sneverletusdownwhetherswelteringin40degreeGrecianheator fightingtostayuprightontheslopes.However,thisCeraVeversionisalso excellentandit’sabitcheaper.It’slight,soaksinbeautifullyandleaves skinhydrated,plusthesmallbottleslipseasilyintoyourhandbagforeasy on-the-gotopups.We’reyettogiveitanoutinginhotsunshinebecause, youknow,biblicalrainfallandintensegreyness,butit’swellworthatry.

2.PHYTO-LÈVRESPERFECTPENCIL–£52,SISLEY

Thiscreamylittlewonderistheperfectliplinerandthebestwe’vetried.It’s infusedwithbotanicaloilsthatnourishyourlipsratherthandryingout.Biege Rose(pictured)istheidealneutralcolour.Ifyouwantsomethingabitmore punchy,tryCarmin.

3.EL&NXANUACOLLAB,NEWSTREET,BIRMINGHAM

KoreanbrandAnuahasteamedupwithboujiscaféEL&Ntooffercustomers whoindulgeinthecafé’shoneyglazecake(£8.50)afreefullsizedAnua skincareduoworth£46.Thegiftincludesthe7RiceCeramideHydrating BarrierSerum(50ml)andtheRice70GlowMilkyToner(250ml).Cakeand freeKoreanskincare?What’snottolove?Theofferendson3March,soget intherefast!

4.MEDIHEALWATERMIDEMOISTUREPADS–£22FOR100PADS, BOOTS

We’vebeenswipingthesethinhydratingpadsacrossourfaceaftercleansing hopingforsomeaddedoomphandthey’rebrilliant.We’vealsobeenpopping themunderoureyesforaboostofhydrationwherewereallyneedit.With10 differenttypesofhyaluronicacidthey’replumping,depuffingandquenching andwe’recompletelysold.Sosimple.

5.LIVINGPROOFMOISTURERESCUEMASK–£36,LIVINGPROOF Weloveahairmaskbutreallydisliketheprocessofwettinghair,applyingthe maskandpotteringaroundthehouseuntilit’sdone.LivingProofhasanswered ourhairprayerswiththisfive-minutemaskappliedintheshower.Thisisthe dream.Itrestoresmissinglipidsandsealsthehairfibreprotectingitfrom dryness,leavingyourbarnetsmoothforroughlythreewashes.It’sabitpricey butworthitinourbook.

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HIGHQUALITYCAREINEDGBASTON

AtEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorinEdgbaston,ourhighlytrainedteamsareexpertsin providinghighqualitycarefromresidential,dementiacare,toshorttermcare.WhilstEdgbaston ManoralsoprovidesNursingcare.Ourbeautifulhomesofferluxuriousfacilities,includinga coffeeshop,hairsalon,loungeareasandoutdoorspacesincludingbeautifulterraceswitha passionatewellbeingteamthatmeansyourlovedone’sdaywillneverbethesame.

Alifestyletailoredtoyou

Atour‘good’CQCratedhomeOakfieldCroftand ‘Outstanding’CQCratedhomeHalecroftGrange ourteamsarepassionateaboutsupportingyouto enjoyafulfillinglife.We’lllearnallaboutyour interestsandpreferencessowecancreateafully personalisedlifestyleplanthatyou’llenjoy;whether it’sgardening,quizeveningsorplayingchess.

Luxuryliving

Ourbeautifulhomesofferluxuriousfacilities, includingacoffeeshop,hairsalon,loungeareasand outdoorspacesincludingbeautifulterraces.

Ourchef-ledkitchenteamsarepassionateabout providinghigh-qualityfoodandthere’salwaysa choiceofnutritiousanddeliciousdishesatevery meal.AtMetchleyManortheyalsohaveanawardwinningHeadChef,Scott.

Hearwhatrelativeshavetosay Werecognizetheimportanceoffriendsandfamily stayinginvolvedintheirlovedone’scareandlifestyle planandourregularrelativemeetingsarepopular.

Inourrecentrelativesurvey,94%offamiliesat EdgbastonManorwereimpressedthatthehome appearstobebasedongoodvaluesandprinciples^ and93%werehappywiththehygiene,groomingand personalpresentationoftheirrelative.

WhilstatMetchleyManor94%offamilieswhere happythattherunningofthehomeappearstobe basedongoodvaluesandprinciples,and89%of familieswerehappywiththemealtimeexperience.

Trustustocare

EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorin EdgbastonarepartofCareUK,thecountry’s mostawardedlargecareprovider.We’vebeen deliveringhigh-quality,person-centredcarefor over40years. ■

TofindoutmoreaboutEdgbastonManorandMetchley Manor,call03300295109

EdgbastonManor,SpeedwellRoad,EdgbastonWest MidlandsB57PR

MetchleyManor,5ChurchRoad,Edgbaston-Birmingham WestMidlandsB153SHCareuk.com/edgbaston

BOXFRESH

BIGAPPLE

BodeCentralPark printedtwilljacket

£1,040,Harvey Nichols

Aboxyjacketiseasytowear,theperfect weightforthistimeofyearandsimpleto layerupifneedbe.Wearoverateeor evenahoodieforacasualtakeoraturtleneckor shirtforasharperlook.Lengthsvary,sotryona fewandcheckwhichisrightforyou.Waistlength orjustbelowisthemostflatteringuniversally. Goeasyonthebottomhalf.Anythingtoobig andbaggywillmakethewholelookoutof proportion.Optforaclassicstraightlegjeanor chinoforaneatchicsilhouette.Pairwitha sneakerforarelaxedvibethatdoesn’tlooklike you’vetriedtoohard.Fabricandthereforeprice pointsvarywildly–onthehighstreetyoucan pickupadecentversionforlessthan£100.Atthe luxuryendcheckouttheFramesuedetrucker jacketwhichisdreamyorthepeachyStoneIsland shelljacket(bothpictured).Themid-pricedsweet spotisBarbourinourbook–it’shighquality,will lastandwon’tbreakthebankwhileonthehigh streetM&Shasahandfulofgreatexamples.We’ve pickedoutaselectionofoptionsatdifferentprice pointstogetyougoing. ■

POCKETROCKET

CitizensofHumanity

Hunterflappocketcotton jacket£650,Selfridges

PULLTHECORD

Collaredjacket £49,Very

TOPTRUCKER

Framesuede truckerjacket £1,655,Harvey Nichols

POPPIN'POPLIN

Coletailoredpoplin overshirt£109, Barbour

CRINKLECUT

StoneIsland crinkledshell jacket£715, HarveyNichols

DENIMDAYS

ZIPIT

Greytwinpocket jacket£50,F&F

Midbluedenim jacket£50,M&S

RAWEDGE

OurLegacyRebirthrawhemcotton blenddenimjacket£580,Selfridges

EASYWEAR

Autograph jacket£99, M&S

CHECKMATE

Westoecheck jacket£329, Barbour

HOMESliving

PRINTS CHARMING

STATEMENTRUG

PatternedrugfromRuggable

SNUGGLEINSTYLE

PatternedchairfromDunelm

Oneofthemostaffordablewaystoupdate yourdécoristoaddsomefreshpatterns intoyourhome.Ifyou’recurrentlyin magnoliawallsandbiscuitcarpetterritory,but fancyachange,patterncanfeeldaunting.Doyour researchandcollectswatchesoffabricand wallpaperalongwithpaintsamplesasastarting point.Laythemoutatdifferenttimesofthedayto understandhowthey’lllookindifferentlightsand howthemoodchanges.

SUBTLESHIFT

Aboldcolouronthewallswithpatternedsoft furnishingsandwindowcoveringscanlookstriking withoutoverwhelmingtheroom,butifthat’stoo muchforyou,goforpatternsminusthebigbold colourforagentlerresult.Yougetthestyleandvim ofanattractiveprintbutwithamoresubtlelookthat mightnotageasquickly.

HAPPYOUTCOME

Whenyoufindapatternedfabricyoulove,consider reupholsteringyourfavouritechairoruseittoupdate yourexistingcushionsforastylekickwithouttoo muchfussorexpense.Alwaysgowithsomethingyou reallyloveratherthanfollowingtrends–itresultsina happieroutcome.Youmighthaveapatterninyour homethatcaninspiretherestofit.Don’tdismiss whatyoualreadyhaveandlove.Somethingassimple asarugorlampshadecansparkasuccessfulscheme.

WORKINPROGRESS

Ifyou’relookingforlessworkandmoreshopping, sourcesomepatternedaccessoriesanddotthem aroundyourhomeforasimpleSpringrefresh–new tablecloths,punchypatternedrugs,freshbedlinen, boldtowelsandlampscanallbetransformative.Pick upapieceonlywhenyouseesomethingyoulove ratherthanpanicbuyingandtryingto‘finish’your house.Yourhomeisaworkinprogressconstantly evolving.Fillitwiththingsyouloveforahomethat makesyourheartsingthat’spackedwithpersonality. Wepulledtogetherafewexamplestoinspireyou.

MIXANDMATCH

DIAMONDINTHETUFT

Bluediamondtuftedwoolrug

£110,Habitat

WARMWELCOME

Cherrydoormat£19.50,OliverBonas

TOUCHES FINISHING

EMBRACETHEPATTERNINYOURHOME WITHTHESEGORGEOUSTOUCHES

CHICCHENILLE

Quiltedchenillecushion

£25,M&S

REIMAGINEDPRINT

WilliamMorrisprintin

goldbyBobbiBeck availableat bobbibeck.com

BERRY MOTIF

Strawberry napkins

£59,Neptune

PLATTER OFDREAMS

OUTDOORSIN

Pleatedshadein

petalmeadow

£45,Dunelm

Longservingplatter

£15,Sophie

RobinsonforDunelm

TRUEBLUE

Florallamp£24.99, HomeSense

WIGGLEROOM

Stripeceramicwiggle vase£14,Habitat

RUSTIC CHARM

Stripeceramic vase£29.50, M&S

COOLCUSHION

Zebracushion£15,Matalan

FromthePottingBench withAdam

MARCHISAMONTHOFMOMENTUMINTHEGARDEN,WITH BUDSSWELLING,BIRDSGETTINGLOUDERANDGARDENERS SUDDENLYFINDINGTHEMSELVESOUTSIDEMUCHMORE.TIME

Marchiswhenthegardenfinallyclearsitsthroat andstartstospeakup.Springdoesnotarriveall atonce,butinsmall,encouraginggesturesthat areimpossibletoignore,withbudsswelling,birdsgetting louderandgardenerssuddenlyfindingthemselvesoutsidefar moreoftenthanplanned.

Thereisasenseofmomentumnow,agentleurgencythat nudgesusintoactionwithoutquitetippingintopanic. Marchgardeningisaboutrollingupyoursleeveswith enthusiasm,whilestillkeepingoneeyeontheforecast, becausethismonthhasahabitofchangingitsmind.Here arefivetimelyMarchjobstohelpyourgardenshakeoff winterandstrideconfidentlyintothegrowingseason.

CutBackWithOptimism

Nowisthetimetocutbackmanyherbaceousperennials andornamentalgrassesthathavebeenpatientlyholding theirshapeallwinter.Ondrydays,clearawayoldgrowthto makespaceforfreshshootspushingthroughfrombelow.It feelswonderfullysatisfyingtorevealthatbrightgreen

promiseatgroundlevel,likeuncoveringgoodnewsyou suspectedwasthereallalong.Keepthingsneat,butnot obsessive,becausenaturerarelyaimsforperfection.

SowSeedsOutdoors,Carefully

Marchmarksthestartofoutdoorsowingforhardier vegetablessuchaspeas,broadbeans,spinachandcarrots,as longasthesoilisworkableandnotclingingstubbornlyto yourboots.Takealittletimetopreparebedsproperly, removingweedsandrakingtoafinetilth,becauseseeds appreciateadecentwelcome.Thereisrealjoyinsowing directlyintothegroundagain,aclearsignthatthegrowing yearhasproperlybegun.

DivideandConquer

Overcrowdedperennialsbenefithugelyfrombeinglifted anddividedthismonth,oncenewgrowthisvisiblebutbefore plantsgettoocomfortable.Splitclumpsofhostas,daylilies andornamentalgrasses,replantingthehealthiestsections andsharingtherestifyouarefeelinggenerous.Itisoneof

thosejobsthatlooksalarminghalfwaythrough,butalways endswithastronger,happierresult.

FeedHungryPlants

Asgrowthspeedsup,manyplantsstartlookingaround expectantly,sonowisthetimetofeed.Applyabalanced fertilisertoborders,giverosesaspringboostandtopup mulchwhereithasthinnedoverwinter.FeedinginMarch setsplantsupforthemonthsaheadandreducesthe likelihoodofthemsulkinglaterwhenconditionsbecome moredemanding.

PreparefortheUnexpected

Marchcanbeenthusiastic,butitcanalsobemischievous, withlatefrostsstillverymuchonthetable.Keepfleecehandy, protecttendernewgrowthwhenneededandresisttheurgeto rusheverythingoutsidetooquickly.GardeninginMarchis aboutenthusiasmtemperedwithexperience,knowingwhen tochargeaheadandwhentopauseforbreath.

Marchbringsenergy,optimismandagrowingsensethat anythingfeelspossibleagain.Bymeetingitwithsteady effort,goodhumourandawillingnesstoadapt,youhelp yourgardenmoveconfidentlyintospring.Afterall,thisis themonthwhereintentionsturnintoaction,planstake rootandthegardenremindsuswhyweweresoeager togetstartedinthefirstplace. ■

YoucanfollowAdamonInstagram @viewfromthepottingbenchorlistentohispodcast, TalesFromThePottingBench,formoregardening inspiration.YoucanalsoreadAdam’sblogat viewfromthepottingbench.com

WelastcaughtupwithRichardO’Gorman akaInstagram’s@househomojustafter hisstintontheBBC’sInteriorDesign Masterswhichdidn’tendthatwellthankstothe contentiouslengthofapairofcurtains.Theirlossisour gain.TheBirminghammuralartistworksacrosspublic spacesandpersonalcommissionscreatinglargescale piecestosuitthelocation.Somedaysit’sabig commercialspace,otherdaysit’ssomebody’sbedroom.

LastyearRichardwaspickedtocreatealegacypiece forthecityaspartoflastmonth’sbreathtaking BirminghamLightFestivalandhewascock-a-hoop withtheresult.Richard’sinstallation,WhereTheTrees Begin(pictured)islocatedinEdgbastonVillage, bringinglightandjoytoaoncedrearycarpark.The artistalsocreatedastorytogowiththepiecewhich viewerscanaccessbyscanningaQRcodesotheycan listenwhiletheyabsorbtheartworkforamulti-sensory experience.Thereareevenbenchestorelaxonwhile viewerstakeitallin.

NAPKINDOODLING

Theselectionprocesswaslengthy,involvingthe mastermindoftheLightFestivalAlexNicholson EvansaswellaseventsbusinessOPUS(Outdoor SpacesUnusualPlaces)andCalthorpeEstates.When thelegacyfundingwasannouncedRichardreceived emailshighlightingtheopportunityfrommultiple peopleincludingAlexandthepeopleatOPUSwhich hesawasasignthatheshouldgoforit.

Hewentoutforlunchwithhispartnerandcouldn’t thinkaboutanythingelse.Hesays:“Ijustkeptstaring offintothedistanceandeventuallyIgotapenanda napkinandstarteddrawingideas.”Richardsubmitted astatementaspertheprocessandwasinvitedtoan interviewwithAlex,OPUSandCalthorpeEstate’s DemiSwingler,ofwhichhesaystheygotonsowellit didn’tfeellikeaninterview.Thelistwaswhittled downtothreeartists.

Richardhadn’tworkedwithlightingonanysortof grandscaleandthankfullythefinalthreeartistswere abletochattolocalfirmTaylexabouthowtheir designsmightcometolifefromatechnical perspective.Richardsays:“Usuallyasamuralartist there’saflatwallandsomepaint,soitwasabit different.Itwasasuperfastlearningcurve!”

Keentoensurethepieceworkedindaytimeaswell asatnight,Richardsetaboutdesigningsomething unique.Hesays:“Sometimeswithlightinstallations you’rewaitingforittogetdarkforittoworkandit looksabitoffduringtheday.Itwasimportanttome thatitworkedforboth.”WhenRichardfoundouthis designhadbeenchosen,hecried.Hesayshe’dputso muchpressureonit.

BROLLIESOFBRUM

Thenbeganthetaskofcreatingthepiece.Thebiblical rainofJanuaryandFebruarydidn’thelpbutmercifully, theartworkwascreatedindoorsandtransportedtoits restingplace.Richardsays:“UsuallyIpaintontoawall directly,sotheideawasgetuponascissorliftandgofor it.Thankfullywepainteditindoorsandtransportedto site.Igotuponthelifttodosometouchups.”Therain didn’tkeepthepeopleofBirminghamawayduringthe festivaleither.Hesays:“Iwasthereeverydayand despitetherain,thefootfallwasamazing.Therewerea lotofbrolliesandhoodsbutitdidn’tputusoff.”

Richardisenjoyingawell-deservedrestbeforehe getsbacktoitandduringourchatwereflectedonhow hiscareercouldhavetakenaverydifferentpath.He wastoldbyoneofhisteachersthathewasnogoodat art.Naturallyhebelievedhim–theteacherwasina positionofpowerandresponsibilityafterall.

Richardstudiedeconomicsatuniversityasitfeltlike asoliddegreeanddidn’tpickupapencilorapaint brushforyears.Oncehedidthough,therewasno stoppinghim.Whatstartedinlockdownasasolitary yellowcircleonthewallaboveafireplaceathome, turnedintoaloveaffairwithpaintingandcolour. Richardsays:“It’sbeenonelongexplorationeversince. Iloveit.It’smyhappyplace,mytherapy.” ■

READINGFORGOOD

StudentsfromBirmingham’sCOREArenaAcademy raisedmorethan£130throughsponsoredreadingat lunchtimeforcharity.ThemoneywenttoReadforGood tohelpchildreninhospitalaccessbrandnewbooks andexperienceinspiringstorytellingsessions.Raj Mann,executiveheadteacheratArenaAcademy, praisedthestudentswhotookpart.Hesaid:“Oneof thesinglebiggestindicatorsforapupil’sfuturesuccess iswhethertheyreadforpleasureandreadwillingly outsideofschool.Ourstudentsshouldbeveryproudof thefundsthey’veraised.”

SOLIHULLNETBALLSTARS

SolihullSchooliscelebratingalandmarkachievement afterthreeofitsnetballteams–theU14s,U16sand U19s–reachedtheEnglandNetballRegionalSchools Finals,competingagainsttheverybestschoolsinthe WestMidlands.Allthreeteamsdeliveredoutstanding performancesatthefinals,withtheU19sandU14s progressingtotheNationalFinalstobeheldin Sheffieldlaterthismonth.SteveThompson,the school’sdirectorofsport,said:“Thisisaproud momentforSolihullSchool–thefirsttimeinour historythatthreeagegroupshavereachedaregional finalinthesameseason.”

SCHOOL REPORT

SHIRELANDONSIDEWITHVILLA

ShirelandCollegiateAcademyinSmethwickandAston VillaFoundationhaveteameduptodeliveraspecialist footballprogrammeforsixthformstudents.Participants willbenefitfromprofessionalcoaching,structured trainingsessions,opportunitiestoplayincompetitive fixturesandsupportinareassuchassportsscience, nutritionandpersonaldevelopment.Additional opportunitiesincludeworkingtowardsasportsleadership qualificationandtakingpartintheEFLCEFA,andthe BirminghamCountyFAWednesdayCollegeLeaguefor studentsaged16to19.

AstonUniversityhasjoinedwiththeUniversityofWolverhamptontohelpset upthenewBlackCountryMedicalSchool.Theagreementwassignedby Astonvice-chancellorandCEO,ProfAleksSubic,andtheUniversityof Wolverhamptonvice-chancellor,ProfEbrahimAdia.Thenewschoolwill provideamodern,innovativelearningenvironmenttomeettheneedsof diversecommunitiesandcontributetotacklingtheregionalandnational shortagesofmedicalprofessionals.Recruitmentofthefirststudentcohortis plannedwithteachingscheduledtobeginin2027.

FORESTTRIPSFUNDING

ChildrenfromtwoRedditch-basedschoolswillhavetheopportunitytoexploretheHeartof EnglandForestthankstofundingfromprofessionalservicesgroupGateley.PupilsatStLuke’s CEFirstSchoolandStGeorge’sCEFirst Schoolwilleachtakepartin12afterschoolsessionsaspartofthecompany’s partnershipwiththecharity.Theywill spendtimeintheforest,which stretchesacrosstheWorcestershire andWarwickshireborders,tohelp improvetheirknowledgeofthe outdoorsandconnectiontonature, withallthephysicalandmentalbenefits thatbrings.

AIRPORTSUPPORTSSCHOOLSAWARDS

BirminghamAirportisbackingaschools’sustainability andenvironmentalactioninitiative.SolihullCouncil’s GreenerSchoolsAwardsprogrammeencouragesschools tothinkgloballyandactlocallybyrecycling,litterpicking andusingmoreenvironmentallyfriendlytransport.As partofthescheme,whichtheairporthassupported since2018,representativeshaveattendedeventsand fundedprizeplaqueswhichareawardedtoaccredited schools.Thisyear,theairportsupportedKingshurst PrimarySchoolandWindyArborPrimarySchoolwith theirGreenerSchoolAwardentries.Bothschools attendedthecouncil’s‘YourFutureChelmsleyWood’ eventtoshowcasetheirinspiringwork.

THANKSTOTEDDIE

MidlandsAirAmbulance Charityiscelebratingthe incrediblefund-raising effortsofsix-year-oldTeddie GoddardfromPershore. Inspiredbyregularlyseeing theAirAmbulance helicoptersflyingoverhis home,Teddiedecidedhe wantedtohelpsupportthe charity’svitalwork.With thehelpofhismum,Lizzie, hesetupaJustGivingpage andchosetoraisefundsby walkinghisdog,Missie. Settinghimselfanambitious targetof£1,000,Teddie quicklyexceeded expectations,raisingmore than£1,200.

FUTUREPROOF

AhopskipandajumpfromSnowHillstation, NekoHealthopeneditsdoorsinJanuary amidaflurryofsocialmediaactivitywith influencersandlocalcelebsgaddingaboutinrobes andrubbershoesaheadoftheclinic’sofficiallaunch. Iwasluckyenoughtohaveacomplimentaryhealth checktoosothoughtI’dreportback.For transparency,despitebeingafreebie,there’sno pressureformetosaynicethingshere.

MOODMUSIC

Firstly,it’sahealthfacilitywithactualdoctors.It mightfeellikealuxuryspa,butNekohasserious preventativehealthatitscorewiththeBirmingham sitehavingthecapacitytodeliver25,000fullbody scanseveryyear.Whatthespavibesandgeisha-like robeandshoesdoisrelaxyouslightly.Isayslightly becauseasamiddle-agedmother-of-two,there’sa nervousnessaboutitthatnoamountofminimalist interiorsandmoodmusicwilleradicate.‘Whatif theyfindsomethinghorrendous?’closelyfollowed by,‘AtleastI’llknowthere’ssomethinghorrendous,’ and‘AslongasIcangetthekidsthroughuniversity beforetheworsthappens,’irrationallywhirredabout inmyheadwhileIwaited.

Theprocedure,ifthat’stherightword,issimple, takesroughlyanhourandispainlessunlessyoucall abloodtestpainfulinwhichcase,getagrip. Standinginyourpantsforacoupleofminuteswhile you’rescannedheadtotoeisaboutasbadasitgets andthat’sadoddle.Thescandocumentseverymark onyourbodyflagginganythatmightneedasecond lookbyadermatologist.Ihadroughly1,200marks whichisabouthalftheaverageaccordingtothe doctorwhichisstaggering.AnECG,bloodpressure checkandevenatissuescanfollowed.Yourbloods arewhizzeduptoalabinaStarTrekcontraption

whiletheotherchecksarecompletedmeaningresults areinquickly.

RISKFACTOR

Thescanassessesskinhealth,bloodsugarlevelsto identifypre-diabetesriskandbloodabnormalitiesas wellasriskfactorslinkedtometabolicsyndrome, strokeandheartattacksoitfeelsfairly comprehensive.Yousitdownwithadoctorstraight afteryourteststotalkthroughthefindings.Anavatar ofyourbodypopsuponthebigscreenwhichfeelsa bitoddbutonceyou’reovertheshockofthat,the resultsarefascinating.Ididn’thaveanythingto worryaboutsothewordfascinatingfeelsright. Ifsomethingisflaggedasconcerning,Iimagine it’slessso.AcopyofthereportissentviatheNeko appandbyemailsoyoucanfullydigestitlater,butI foundthechatwiththedoctorveryhelpful.The doctorsaredressedmoreliketechbrosthandoctors butminewasfantastic–reallythorough,he decipheredthenumbersinalanguageIunderstood.

FOLLOWUP

Thescancosts£299andit’srecommendedyou haveoneeveryyear.Asahealthcheck-upIthinkit’s fantasticandfeelsreasonablypriced.Iknowthereare healthchecksonthemarketatamuchhigherprice pointofferingMRIsandCTscans,butasanoverall 12-monthlycheck-upIthinktheofferingatNekois abrilliantoption.

Apparently80percentofpeoplechoosetore-book forthefollowingyearwhichIdid–itfeltsillynotto. I’vebeenevangelicalaboutNekosinceand recommendedittoeveryone.There’sawaitinglistas longasMrTickle’sarmcurrently,butIthoroughly recommendgettingyournameonit.Whetherthe newsisgoodorbadyouwon’tregretit. ■

CRICKETPARTNERS

WarwickshireCrickethasannouncedanew partnershipwithDestinationSportTravel,as theofficialtravelsupplierforitsteamsacross theRothesayCountyChampionship,Vitality BlastandTheHundred.Thepartnershipwill seethecompanydeliverperformancefocusedtravelandaccommodationsolutions forWarwickshireCountyCricketClub, WarwickshireBearsandBirmingham Phoenix.JamesThomas,performance directorofWarwickshireCricket,pictured, said:“Inhigh-performancesport,small detailsmatter,andtravelisakeypartofthat performanceequation.”

TOPVENUETEESUP

AWarwickshiregolfcoursehasbeen addedtovenueshostingamajor sportingeventcomingtotheregion thissummer.StratfordParkHotel& GolfClubwillhostdaytwoofthe golftournamentatthe2026UK CorporateGames,whichfeatures20 differentsportstakingplacefrom20 to23August.Itwillseelocal, nationalandinternationalbusinesses goinghead-to-headineverything frompadeltodragonboatracingand netballtorunning.About100golfers willteeupatStratfordPark.

BUSINESS

AIRAMBASSADOR

MidlandsAirAmbulancecharityhas welcomedanewbusinessambassador onboard.VicYounisisheadofdispute andresolutionandcorporateservices atWallJamesChappellandwill strengthenthecharity’sconnection withtheregionalbusinesscommunity. Vicsaid:“Iamincrediblyhonouredto benamedabusinessambassadorfor thecharity.Havingseenthelife-saving impacttheirclinicalteamshave,Iam eagertousemyplatformtosupport theirmission.”

PARADISEMOVE

GloballawfirmEvershedsSutherland willbethelatestcommercialoccupier totakespaceatParadisewhenit movesitsBirminghamofficefrom ColmoreRowtoThreeChamberlain Squarein2027.Thefirm’s500strongBirminghamteamwillbe joiningglobalfirmsCBRE,EYand ForvisMazars,withthebuildingnow fullyletjustoversixmonthssince completion.Withalonghistoryin Birmingham,thefirmhasover70 officesworldwideinmorethan30 countries.

COFFEECLUBAPP

Twoentrepreneurswithathirstforsuccesshave launchedthenextphaseoftheirmissiontochampion independentcoffeecultureacrosstheregion–this timeinCoventry.RobOakleyandAlexBaker,from Leamington,createdKuppsoCoffeeClub,a subscriptionappsettoinjectabigboosttothearea’s independentcafécultureaswellasitseconomy.The app,whichthepairhopestoeventuallytakeUK-wide, allowscustomerstoeithersubscribeorbuycoffee packs,givingaccesstoarangeofhotdrinksfroma selectionofindependentpartnervenues.

DOUBLINGUP GROWINGPLACES

AfitnessstudioinKenilworthhasmorethandoubleditsclientbaseafterteamingup withCoventryandWarwickshireChamberofCommerce’sProjectWarwickshire BusinessSupportProgramme.CrossFitTimeKeeperwasestablishedbyJackHilland SteveTurbitthreeyearsagoandmovedtoitsowntraininghubinFarmerWard Road,Kenilworth.SupportfromProjectWarwickshireandbusinessadviserMarie Stephensonhasdeliveredasharpermarketingfocuswhichhasledtoanincreasein womensigningupasmembers.

FAMILYADDITION

LawfirmmfgSolicitorshasstrengtheneditsfamilyteamwiththe appointmentofRichardPortMBEasapartnerandheadoffamilyatits Birminghamoffice.Thefamilylawspecialist,withexpertiseinprovidinglegal servicestovictimsofdomesticabuseandinmanagingcomplexproceedings, willadviseonmatters,includingmatrimonialfinance,complexchild arrangements,wealthprotection,andpreandpost-nuptialagreements.

KatherineTippetts,partnerandheadofthefamilyteam,said:“Richardwill supporttheteaminbuildingourfamilypresencefurtherinBirmingham.”

TENNIS CHIEF

Acommercialpropertyagencyhasexpandedits Solihullheadquartersasitmarks20yearsin business.TheinvestmentbyShepherdCommercial includestherefurbishmentandretrofitoftheOld BankHouseinKnowletoallowforadoublingof headcount.ManagingdirectorKaineArkinsonsaid: “RemaininginKnowlewasimportanttousasit’s beenourhomeformorethanadecade,butwe knewweneededaspacethatcouldsupportour continuedexpansion.”Thefirmalsohasofficesin Brindleyplace,Birmingham.

BirminghamcorporatelawyerRoyColabawallahasbeenappointedasthenew presidentoftheLawnTennisAssociation(LTA).Heistheyoungestpresidentinthe organisation’shistoryandthefirsttobeappointedfromtheWarwickshireregion.Royis apartnerandheadofthecorporateteamatlawfirmSydneyMitchell.Hisappointment followsthreeyearsasdeputypresidentoftheLTAandserviceasanLTACouncil membersince2018.Hehasbeeninvolvedintennisformorethan20years,holdinga rangeofrolesacrossthesport.

ARTISTICARRIVAL

Birmingham’sUK-leadingExCathedrachoirhasappointedanewartistic director.JamesBurtonisaninternationallyrenownedconductorand composer,recognisedforhisleadershipofchoirsandorchestrasonbothsidesoftheAtlantic.Heisjoining theorganisationthisspring,aheadoffounderJeffreySkidmore’sretirementinautumn2027after57 years.JameshasconductedthelikesoftheBBCSingers,Tenebrae,OAE,HandelandHaydnSociety,Ulster Orchestra,theHallé,AalborgSymphonyandMexico’sNationalSymphonyOrchestra.

CHARITYAIDAHOY

Tettenhall-basedfinancialplannerMartinDodd,took partinayachtracefromSouthAfricatoAustralia, raisingmoneyforaWolverhamptoncharity.Martinwas partofthecrewonracingyachtWashingtonDC,which completedthe5,500-milethirdlegoftheClipperRound theWorldracefromCapeTowntoFremantle.Martin raisedmorethan£3,500forPromiseDreamswhich helpsseriouslyandterminallyillchildrenandtheir familiestomaketheirdreamsareality.

HIPPODROMEHEAD

BirminghamHippodromehasanewdirectorofcreativeprogrammes. AnandBhattwaspreviouslyartisticdirectorandchiefexecutiveat DanceCity.HisnewroleseeshimleadtheHippodrome’slearning& participation,newmusicals,newworkandartistdevelopment, festivalsandaccessprogrammesofwork.Anandisachampionfor SouthAsiandanceintheMidlands,foundingtheDesiMastistudiospace,whichbecamethe largestSouthAsiandanceorganisation.Healsoco-foundedAakashOdedraCompany,which becameoneoftheUK’sfastestgrowingcontemporarydancecompanies.

BRILLIANTBLACKBERRY

Birmingham-basedBlackberryEventswontheCollaborationoftheYearawardat theinauguralBeamAwards,attendedbyprofessionalsfromacrossthe meetings,eventsandhospitalitysectors.Blackberrywasrecognisedwithlongstandingpartners,theNationalAssociationofHeadTeachers,forhelpingto growtheNAHT’sInspiringLeadershipConferenceintotheUK’slongest-running leadershipeventineducation.Judgespraisedthepartnershipforits“master classindelivery,purposeandlastingimpactontheeducationalsector.”The awardstookplaceattheBelfryGolfandSpaResort.

BUSINESS BITES

RECOVERYPLAN

WestMidlandsmayorRichardParkerhasrevealed theWestMidlandsLocalNatureRecoveryStrategy –developedbyWestMidlandsCombined Authority–whichoutlines62actionstoprotect andenhancenaturewhilealsounlockingbenefits tothehealth,wellbeingandprosperityof communitiesandbusinesses.Theyinclude restoringwildlifehabitats,improvingriversand canals,plantingmoretrees,andopeningurban greenspacesforpeopletoenjoy.

FESTIVALBOOST

Newfiguresshowthatthe2025Warwick FolkFestivalbroughtinnearly£1milliontothe towninadditionaleconomicbenefit.An economicimpactanalysisreportalsorevealed thatthefestivaldaysin2023,2024and2025 averagedafootfallupliftof46percentinthe towncentre.Thisyear’sfestivalreturnsto CastleParkfrom23to26July.

TOPTOUCHWOOD

TouchwoodSolihullhasreportedastrongtrading performancefor2025–withfootfallrising year-on-yearto11.2millionvisitors,with particularlystrongresultsinthefinalquarterof theyear(up2.3percenton2024)andthe crucialDecemberperiod(up2.6percent.)

MAKINGWAVES

Birminghammaybelandlockedandmorethan100 milesfromthesea,butitwastheregion’sreputationfor backinginnovatorsthatconvincedShahidMughalit’sthe bestplacetodevelopanocean-goingrobot.Shahidruns Tyseley-basedInnvotek,whichdevelopsrobotstocarry outmaintenancetasksinchallengingenvironments.Its Amphibianisdesignedtocleanandinspect structuresdeepundertheocean.Innvotekisworking withBusinessGrowthWestMidlandstosecurethe fundingneededtogetAmphibianintoproduction.

NekoHealthrevealsstate-of-the-art facilitiesatexclusiveVIPunveiling 3 2 4 6 7 8 9

1 SaskiaHayman,KrishmaParmar,SairaMendez-Laing,DrZoyaAwan. 2 AndrewRiley,AnitaChampaneri,SirAndyStreet. 3 IanRogers, KatherineMerry,AlexTross. 4 GeorgeGarton,AlexDavies. 5 DrTruPowell. 6 DrDevonKennard,AfrozeZaidi. 7 PogusCaesar, ShakanPitters. 8 KathrynStanczyszyn,SatnamRana. 9 KaiSmith,RobYates. 1 5

NEWHEALTHCENTRE LAUNCHESINSTYLE

NekoHealthcelebratedunveilingitsnew healthcentreintheheartofBirmingham withanexclusivelauncheventhostedat theultra-sleekspaceonLiveryStreetbeforean indulgentdiningexperienceatmodernAsian restaurantTattu.Thecompany’sCEOandcofounderHjalmarNilsonneandclinicalteam revealeditsnext-generationscanroomswherea fusionofadvancedtechnologyanddesign-led precisionisredefiningwhatpreventativecarecan looklike.GuestsincludedformerWestMidlands mayorSirAndyStreet,newsreaderSatnamRana andOlympian,KatherineMerry. ■

Thebestbusinesses,entrepreneursandleadersin theregionwerecelebratedattheSignature AwardsattheVoxConferenceCentre.The SchoolofCoding&AIwascrownedBusinessoftheYear, withAmeeshaGreen(BusinessWomanoftheYear), NiteshSomani(EntrepreneuroftheYear)andBrum-E CarChargers(Start-upoftheYear).Theeveningincluded aninspiringinterviewwithtrailblazingentrepreneur EdwinaDunnOBEbeforeguestsdugdeeptoraiseover £4,500forlocalmentalhealthcharity,theKaleidoscope PlusGroup,whichwillhelpfundtheirambitionof reducingsuicidesacrosstheWestMidlands. ■

4 5 6 3 2 1

Region’sfinestarecrowned atannualSignatureAwards 7 8 9

1 NinderJohal,CalumNisbet. 2 AmeeshaGreen,BusinessWomanoftheYear. 3 IainMcCallister,MahmudurJaigirdar. 4 MannyAthwal, founderofBusinessoftheYear,SchoolofCoding&AI. 5 EdwinaDunnOBE. 6 MonicaGhai,SartajGill. 7 GurpreetBassi. 8 NiteshSomani,EntrepreneuroftheYear. 9 AndrewHorkan,YoungBusinessPersonoftheYear. PhotographybyMrLaddMedia

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: ThePhotography&VideoShow

WHEN: 14to17March

WHERE: NECBirmingham, photographyshow.com

Whetheryouareabeginnersearching foryourfirstcamera,oranestablished professionallookingforadvicefromthe bestintheindustry,thisshowoffersit all.Childrenunder16gofree.

WHAT: James WHEN: 3April

WHERE: UtilitaArena, utilitaarenabham.co.uk

LoveIsTheAnswerwillbetheband’s biggesteverarenatour,followinghot ontheheelsoftheirdefinite compilationalbumreleasesattheend of2025.They’llbejoinedonstageby specialguests,theDoves.

WHAT: Birmingham’sRockHistoryShows WHEN: 29March

WHERE: TheKitchenGardenCafé, kitchengardencafe.co.uk

AfascinatingeveningwithBevBevanand DesTongastwooutstandingmusicians withplentyofmusichistoryoftheirown chataboutthebrilliantrockandpophistory ofBirminghamandtheWestMidlands.

WHAT: TheTalentedMrRipley

WHEN: 13to18April

WHERE: BelgradeTheatre, belgrade.co.uk

Stepintoaworldofdeception,desire anddeadlyambitionwhenan innocentopportunityspiralsintoa chillinggameoflies,identitytheft andmurder.StarringEdMcVeyand EastEnders’MaisieSmith.

WHAT: ForTheLoveofRugby WHEN: 9April

WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk

Loveyourrugby?WellEnglandlegendsBen YoungsandDanColedo,andnowthey’reretired theboysaretakingtheirpodcasttothestage, bringingyouthebeststoriesfromacrosstheir careers.

WHAT: Fisherman'sFriends WHEN: 8March

WHERE: SymphonyHall,bmusic.co.uk

Incelebrationofperformingtogetherformore than30yearsonstagesacrosstheworld, Cornwall’sfinestarebackontourwithamixof wonderfulseashanties,oldsongsandnew.

WHAT: Omar

WHEN: 16April

WHERE: TheJamHouse

EmergingfromthegoldenageofUK Soulintheearly’90s,Omarisbest knownfortheclassichitThere’s NothingLikeThis,andforoverthree decadeshehasbeenadefiningforce inmodernBlackmusic.

WHAT: AlisonSpittle

WHEN: 27March

WHERE: GleeClub, glee.co.uk/birmingham Amantoldhertositdownand nowshe'sdoingawholestandupshowaboutit.Afteran encounteronatrainwithaman triggersaseriesofeventsthat changeAlison’slife,theawardwinningcomedianpondersifit’s easiertochangeherselfthanthe worldaroundher.

WHAT: SmallIsland

WHEN: 1to18April

WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk Journeyfromthesun-drenchedshores ofJamaicatothecold,greystreetsof 1940sLondonwiththisintimate portrayalofAndreaLevy’smulti award-winningnovelonaworld shapedbyempireandentitlement.

WHAT: ChrisMcCausland:Yonks! WHEN: 15March

WHERE: TheAlexandra,atgtickets.com He’sbeencalledan‘overnightsuccess’… eventhoughhe'sbeendoingthisforyonks! TheStrictlystarisontheroadagainwith anothermasterclassinstand-upcomedy.

WHAT: TheBoyWhoHarnessedtheWind

WHEN: Nowuntil28March

WHERE: RSCTheatre,rsc.org.uk, tel:01789331111

Thisupliftingnewmusicaltellsthetruestoryof WilliamKamkwamba,aboywhowantedtobuild awindmill,butnobodybelieveshecan.As droughtclosesinonthefarmandvillageheloves, everyonepraysforamiracle.

WHAT: Thrice

WHEN: 18March

WHAT: TakeThatTributeParty

WHEN: 21March

WHERE: NailcoteHall,nailcotehall.co.uk

It’spartytimewithTake@That,oneoftheUK’sleading tributestothemulti-million-sellingBritishboyband. Includesthree-coursedinnerandafter-showDJ.

WHERE: O2Academy Birmingham, academymusicgroup.com Catchthetrailblazingrock visionaries,withasoundthat combineshardcoregritandprogressiveambitionastheytourinsupportoftheir newalbum,Horizons/West.

WHEN: 17to21March

WHAT: MatthewBourne’sTheRedShoes

WHERE: BirminghamHippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com Anintoxicatingdramawherelife imitatesartwithfateful consequences.Thistimeless fairytalehascaptivated audienceswithitspowerfultale ofonegirl’sdreamtobethe greatestdancerintheworld.

CLOSEWITHÁ

NIKKITAPPERMBE

EACHMONTHWETALKTOTHEPEOPLERESPONSIBLEFORHELPINGMAKE OURREGIONTHRIVEANDPROSPERTOFINDOUTMOREABOUTTHEIR ROLE,HOPESANDDREAMSANDWHATMAKESTHEMTICK.THISMONTH IT’SBROADCASTERNIKKITAPPERMBEFROMSMETHWICK

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

BorntoparentsfromJamaica,IgrewupinWest BromwichandQuintoninahouseholdofmusicand noTV,justtheradio!ListeningespeciallytoBBC Radio4becameareallove.Myloveforsoul/gospel musicgrewfromthereandgoingontoplayitthrough myradioshows,wasarealbonus.Ialsobecamevery community-mindedwithBirminghamAssociationof YouthClubs,GirlGuidesandlocalSundaySchool activitiesthroughoutmyyoungerlife.Afteruniversity, teachingbecamemycareer–fromlecturinginfurther educationcollegetobeingaheadinaPRUcentre.I alsobecamearadiobroadcasteronGalaxy102.2,then hadacallfromBBCWM&CWRandaskedtopresent thegospelmusicshowinMarch2003.Ijuggled presentingmyshowonSundaynights,withbeinga mumandwife,teaching,hostingevents,speakingin thecommunityand,sevenyearsago,setupmyown company,NikkiTapperEvents.

IT’SWHATIDO

Icontinuetodelivertrainingandsupporttoyoung peopleembarkingontheircareerpathorstudies, presentonradiovoluntarilyandhostpodcastsand events.Iliketobeachampioninthecommunity, especiallyforwomenandyoungerpeoplewhoselives arefullofhurdlesthattheythinkcan’tbeovercome.

BIGGESTSUCCESS

Professionally,hostingtwokeyArcherseventsat BBCBirminghamandbeinganArcherstourguide –I’mamassiveArchersfan!Alsointerviewingthe firstblackTVpresenteronITVinthelate60s/70s,

BarbaraBlakeHannah,co-hostingontheredcarpet ofPeakyBlinders’finalTVseriesonBroadStreet and,lastOctober,receivingtheMBEforServicesto BroadcastingandtheCommunityfromPrince William.Personally,beingmarriedforover30years tomyhusband,NorvalandbeingamumtoOlivia, ourdaughter.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Tofollowmydreamsearlierinlifeandsavemoney!!

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

ThewarmthandculturalethnicmixofBrummies hasalwaysmeantalottome.Andthebeautyof PiccadillyArcade,offNewStreet.Eventhoughmany oftheoriginalshopsI’vegrownupwithhavegone,its architecturaldesignstillfeelsmagical.Theadditionof OzzietheBullinNewStreetStationremindsmehow proudIwastohavetheCommonwealthGamesinour cityin2022.

DOWNTIME

IamapatronofEdward’sTrust,anincredible charitywhichprovidesfree,specialistbereavement supportforparents,childrenandyoungpeople.Ialso supporttheJamaicaHospitalAppealfundfoundedby ErmaLewisBEMafterJamaicawasdevastatedby HurricaneGilbertin1988.Itnotonlysupportsan orphanageandchildren’shospitalinJamaicabuthere, inBirminghamcomesalongsidecarersandthosein needofwheelchairs.TorelaxIlovewatchingCallthe MidwifeandDeathinParadiseandenjoymostsports, particularlyfootball,aswellasdancing. ■