Birmingham Living May 2025 (issue 145)

Mayisthemonth,accordingtoancienttradition,forcommunity gatherings,dancing(that’dberoundthemaypole!)andcelebratingthe arrivalofbetterweather.HereinBrum,itmarksoneofthebiggest outdooreventsoftheyear,theGreatBirminghamRun,whichseesthousandstakingtothecity’sstreetstoface thechallengeofrunning,jogging–walkingeven–ahalfmarathonor10k.

Manyoftherunnersraisemoneyforcharitiesandothergoodcausesclosetotheirhearts.Andtheyarecheeredonby thecrowds,liningtherouteinwhatisatruefamilyevent.Everyonetakingpartisachampionintheirownright! ‘Champion’isanaptdescriptionforourveryownTracyDuffywhodesignsBirminghamLiving’spagesevery month.Notsolongago,Tracyandherfamilysufferedthedevastatinglossofherfather–andasatributeTracy decidedtorunlastmonth’sLondonMarathoninaidofDementiaUK.

DementiaUK,likesomanycharitiesacrossthecountry,reliesonpeoplelikeTracytotakeonallkindsofchallenges tohelpraisevitally-neededfunds.Thesewonderfulorganisationsarealwayslookingforcreativenewwaystoraise cashinwhatfeelslikenever-endingtimesofausterity.OneexamplecanbefoundinournewspageswithMidlands AirAmbulanceCharity’sbrilliantHighFlyersschemewhichallowsdonorstoputtheirnamesononeoftheirlifesavinghelicopters.MAAC’sHelenMasonexplainsmoreaboutthecharityinUpCloseonpage66.

Finally,toTracyandeveryfund-raiseroutthere,wesaluteyou!

IfyouwouldliketocontributetoTracy’samazingfund-raisingeffortforDementiaUK,youstillcanatherJustGiving page:https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracy-duffy-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015

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

©RockHopperMediaLtd. BirminghamLivingispublishedmonthlybyRockHopperMediaLtdandprintedbyBuxtonPress.Viewsandopinionsexpressedbyauthorsandservicesandproducts offeredbyadvertisersarenotspecificallyendorsedbyRockHopperMediaLtd.ReproductioninwholeorinpartofthecontentsofBirminghamLivingwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Thesubscriptionrate(postpaid)is£24foroneyear(12issues).Subscriptions01905771110ISSN2051-8560

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Highlights

News

Bringingyouthebrightest,mostcolourful storiesfromacrossthecitythismonth

JessPhillips

Birminghamisthecentreoftheuniverse andalwayswillbeforaproudBrummie

PoppyElder

Thethird-generationjewellerwhoiscreating beautifultimelesspiecesrighthereinBrum

Food&Drink

SecretsfromthekitcheninChef’sCorner, plusnews,reviews,recipesandtopwinepicks

Health

AlookatthehealthbenefitsofTaiChi,plus whyaheartysing-songreallyisgoodforyou!

Style

Bookyourpedipronto…sandalweatherishere! Seethelateststylesinoursummershoeedit

BestoftheRest

42 52 54 60 64 66

Homes

It’stimetobringtheoutsidein!Welookatthe prosandconsoforangeriesandconservatories

FromthePottingBench

AdamKirtlandlooksforwardtoenjoyingallthe colourandvarietyofaglorioussummergarden

Young,Gifted&Brummie

AmuSurenkumar,theyoungestmemberofthe BearsWomencricketsquadwithahugefuture

BusinessNews

Allthenewyearnews,views,comingsand goingsfromthecommercialcommunity

What’sOn

Bestofthecity’stopshowsandgigs inourround-upofmust-seeevents

UpClose

HelenMasononkeepingthebladesturning atMidlandsAirAmbulanceCharity

BECOMEA HIGHFLYER!

MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharityis offeringsupportersanopportunityto bepartofitslife-savingmissionswith thelaunchofitsnewhelicopter.Fora £150donation,thecharityisinviting supporterstobecomeaHighFlyerand havetheirname–orthatofaloved one,communitygroup,orsomeone special–featuredinthechevronson theundersidetheH145helicopter. HighFlyerswillalsoreceivea certificatewiththeirchosennameand alimitededitioncommemorativecoin.

SeeUpClose,page66

BRINGINGYOUTHEBRIGHTEST ANDMOSTCOLOURFUL STORIESFROMACROSSTHE CITYEACHMONTH

NEWLOOKNOWSHOWING AUTOARTONSHOW

Callingallfilmfans!OmniplexCinemas,oneoftheUKandIreland’s largestcinemachains,hasunveileda£14millionnewlookatits BirminghamvenueinGreatPark,Rubery.The13-screenmultiplex boastsaluxuriousloungewithstylishinteriorsandupgradedseating, andtwoOmniplexMAXXscreens–thechain’sPremiumLargeFormat, completewithreclineseatingandsofabeds.Joe’sFoodTruck–a23foot-long‘movieset’airstreamtrailer–servespizzas,crispyfried chicken,burgersandmore,plusthere’sanewBeer&CocktailVan,too.

TheBritishMotorMuseumhasopenedThe Gallery2025–acollaborationwithHistoric CarArtfeaturingmotoring-relatedpieces fromsomeofBritain’smostcreative automotiveartistsandsculptors.The exhibitionrunsuntil26Juneandincludes ‘liveart’sessions,wheretheartistscontinue theirartworkatthemuseumforvisitorsto see.Winningworksfromacompetitionfor youngartistsarealsoondisplay.HistoricCar Artacquiresandsuppliesoriginalautomotive artandvintageposters,buildingcollections forprivateandcorporateclientsworldwide.

FESTIVALFEVER

SomeofBirmingham’sbest-knownnamesinfoodanddrink willfeatureinthisyear’sColmoreFoodFestival.Thefree-toattendColmoreBusinessDistrict(BID)eventtakesplacein VictoriaSquareonFriday4andSaturday5July.Theline-up includesAsha’s,Gaucho,Adams,Isaac’s,Qavali,UCBCollege ofFood,HotelduVin,LokiandPlatesbyPurnell’s.Therewill alsobeperformancesfromlocalentertainers.AlexTrossof ColmoreBIDsaid:“We’renowinthe12thyearofthefestival, whichattractsover30,000visitorstothecitycentre.”

CUSTARDCOLOURS

VisitorstotheCustardFactorywillseeanewpieceofpublicart.TheDigbeth ColourPaletteinGibbStreetfollowstheformatofpalettesinGrandCentral, Worcester,LeamingtonSpa,Solihull,Wolverhampton,WarwickandRugby. Eightcolourswatchescelebratethecity’screativequarterwithagradientof coloursfeaturingtheOldCrownpub,CampHillflyover,canalStopLockand, ofcourse,custard!Inaddition,there’sanewcourtyardseatingareaoutside thepopularKanteencoffeeshop.

PADELPOWER

Theworld’sfastest-growingparticipationsporthas arrivedinSandwellwiththeopeningofthreenew PadelcourtsatTiptonSportsAcademy.Alaunchevent sawtheMayorofSandwell,CllrSyedaKhatun,hitthe firstballonthenewindoorcourtswhichmarka £155,000investmenttobringPadel–acrossbetween tennisandsquashplayedonsmallercourtsenclosed withglasswalls–tothearea.Freecoachingandtaster sessionswereheldforvisitors.

CAMPAIGNING: Picturedlefttoright,chefdirector LukeTipping,chefpatronAndreasAntonaand restaurantmanagerSteveLocklin

BOYSNEEDBINS

Simpsonsrestaurantissupporting ProstateCancerUK’sBoysneedBins campaign,raisingawarenessaboutmale incontinence.TheBirmingham restauranthasinstalledsanitarybinsin itsmaletoiletaspartofthecharity’s campaignforgovernmentaction. ManagerSteveLocklinsaid:“Withone ineightmenbeingaffectedbyprostate canceritisvitaltoprovidethefacilities thatmenmightneedatatimethat wouldcausehighanxiety.”

JOE’S CLUB CALL

WorldchampiongymnastandBirminghamLivingcoverstar,JoeFraser,has teamedupwithmanagementproviderLoveAdmintolaunchanew gymnasticsclub.JoeFraserGymnasticsClubinLichfieldmarksanexciting newchapterwhichwillseetheOlympianhelpdevelopthenextgenerationof youngathletes.Thevenueoffershigh-qualitycoachingforaspiringgymnasts ofallabilitiesinaninclusiveenvironment.Joesaid:“I’mpassionateabout makinggymnasticsaccessibletoeveryoneandIwanttocreateaspace whereyoungathletescandeveloptheirloveforthesport.”

GETTING CHEEKY

BirminghamMoseleyrugbycub isstrippingoffwiththelaunch ofa‘bloopers’book.Editedby journalistandclubmemberJohn Duckers,RugbyCheek: BirminghamMoseleyBaresAllis afuncollectionofanecdotes recordingamusing,outrageous, strangeandidiotic,plus printablesexualshenanigans, thathavehappenedinthelifeof Moseley/BirminghamMoseley downtheyears.Thebookis availablefromtheclub(£10 paperback/£16hardback)or fromAmazon.Thereisalsoan ebookversion.

ROYALAPPOINTMENTS

LocalradiopresenterEdJamesandPRbossCliveReevesareamong sixnewly-appointedDeputyLieutenantsfortheWestMidlands.They willsupportLord-LieutenantDerrickAnderson–theKing’spersonal representativeintheregion–inarangeofdutiesandevents, includingRoyalvisitsandpresentations.Eachhasbeenchosenfor theircontributiontonationalandlocalcommunities.Theappointments bringthetotalofDeputyLieutenantsintheWestMidlandsto74.

TOM’SBESTPIE

MidlandsMichelin-starchefTomShepherdhas teamedupwithpubchainMarston’stoservehis previously‘secret’three-layeredbeefcheekpie.The BestEverPubPieisonthemenufor12weeksin morethan100Marston’spubs,including18pubs acrosstheWestMidlands.Tomsaid:“Forme,when Ithinkofthepub,Ithinkofagoodpie,soIwas delightedtohavethechancetoworkwiththe Marston’steamtobringthisspecialpietolife.”

UnitedBy2022,thelegacy charityoftheBirmingham 2022Commonwealth Games,heldaninteractive experienceatNewStreet station.TheNextChapter gavevisitorsthechanceto meetthevolunteerknights whoshapedtheGames’ legacyandsharetheir hopesforthefutureinthe WishingWell,beneaththe iconicOzzytheBull.Nicola Turner,CEOofUnitedBy 2022,said:“Thisevent hadcommunityand collaborationatitsheart andwasatruecelebration ofthecontinuinglegacyof theground-breaking Games.”

CRICKETMATCH CAFEINTHEGROUNDS

Anewartisancaféhasopenedinthegroundsof BirminghamBotanicalGardens.Thecollaboration withMedicineBakerymarksasignificant milestoneforbothpartnerswhoshareapassion fornaturalingredients,sustainabilityand communityspiritinwhatpromisestobecomea stylishnewhubforlocalsandvisitorsalike. MedicineBakery,knownforitsindependentspirit andcommunity-drivenapproach,operatesseven locationsacrossBirminghamandWolverhampton. Thenewcaféisopensevendaysaweekduring theGardens’operatinghours.

PICTUREPERFECT

VisitorstoLadywoodLeisureCentrecanseea pieceofartproducedbyagroupoflocal peoplewhoaredeaforhardofhearing.The workwasdevelopedduringaseriesof sessionsrunbySoothingStitches,a communityinterestcompanydedicatedto bringingqualityart,stitch,craftandholistic workshopsandprojectstodifferent communitiesintheWestMidlands.With LadywoodLeisureCentresituatednearthe canal,thepieceshowswatermovementto celebratethecentreandtheregion.

GOTANYNEWS? Emailyournewsand picturestoeditor@brumliving.co.uk

BearsWomenhavesignedalandmarkpartnershipwithleading automotiveretailerVertutobecometheteam’sfirstfront-of-shirt sponsor.Vertu–whichhasmorethan200dealershipsacrossEngland andScotland–agreedthecontracttofrontBearsWomen’sVitalityBlast andMetroBankOneDayCupshirtsintheirdebut2025season.Bears WomenareoneofeightnewTier1teamsplayingintherevamped nationalwomen’scricketstructure.

HELPISATHAND

BirminghamMindhasopenedanout-of-hours mentalhealthserviceinStPaul’sSquare. TalkingSpaceisthecharity’sfourthcrisis interventionspace,offeringsupportforyoung adultsaged18to25.OpeneveryFriday throughtoMonday,from1pmuntil9pm,it providesessentialservices–wellbeing support,preventiveandcrisiscare,signposting andadvicewithpracticalandclinicalsupport–tothoseinneed.Whileappointmentsare available,BirminghamMindisalso encouragingyoungpeopletodropinwithout priorarrangementbetween1and4pm.

Anaircadetofficerisflyinghigh–thankstoher labrador.WendyMartin,fromCastleVale, Birminghamsaysitwouldn’thavebeenpossibleto passherpilotofficer’scourseatRAFCranwell, Lincolnshirewithouthersupportdog,Penny. Sufferingillhealthandmobilityissues,Wendy, whovolunteerswith479RuberySquadronandSt Paul’sSchoolforGirlsCombinedCadetForce,said: “Pennywenteverywherewithme.Wewerein lessonsthroughouttheweekandsheevenhada reservedseatintheofficers’messforme!”

JESSAHOME TOWNGIRL!

FLYMETOTHEMOON?NOTHANKS,SAYSJESS PHILLIPS.THERE’SNOWHEREONEARTH–OR BEYOND–TOCOMPAREWITHBRILLIANTBRUM…

First,ahealthwarning.Wereallydon’tdopoliticshereat BrumLivingTowers.Generally,it’snotourbag.We alwaysliketowriteaboutthepositivesand,well,itseems tobeacommoncomplaintthatpoliticiansacrossthecountryarea bitoutoftouchwiththeverypeoplethatelectedthem.However, there’salwaystheexceptiontotherule–andthat’swhereJess Phillipscomesin!

TheMPforBirminghamYardleyforthepastdecadeand currentGovernmentministerattheHomeOffice,isoneofthose all-too-rarepoliticianswhotendtospeaktheirmindandactually saywhattheproverbial‘manandwomaninthestreet’isthinking. What’smore,wecan’trecallcomingacrossalouder,proudermore upbeatvoiceforBruminallouryearscoveringthecity.Thatvibe doubtlesscomesfromthefactthatJessstillliveslessthan500 metresfromthehousewhereshewasbornandgrewup.Atrue Brummieofthepeople,forthepeoplethen.

FORGETTHEMOON

“ThecommunityIgrewupinisbasicallystillthatsame community,”shesays.“Itreallyhasn’tchanged,andIhaven’t either.Weareoneandthesameandalwayswillbe.Nomatter whatthefutureholds,formeitwillalwaysbehereinBrum.This iswhereIamfrom,whereIlive,andwillalwaysbewhereIlive! Yes,myjobmeansIhavetospendhalfmytimeinLondonright now,butIamaproudBrummie,throughandthrough.Iwould neverwanttoleave–evenforthemoon!”

WechattedwithJessafteroneofherregular constituencysurgeries.Theelephantintheroomat thetimewas‘TheBins’.Withbagsuponbagsof rubbishpilingupinthecitystreetsduetothestrike bythebinmen,Birminghamwasgettingtrashedby thenationalpressinparticular.Ratsthesizeofcats, andsoon…

Unsurprisinglyitwasamajortalkingpointfor thoseattendingJess’ssurgery.Andsheadmitted:“It’s aterribleissuethatneedstoberesolved,butI honestlydon’tknowthatthecouncilhasanyother choice.OnethingIwouldsayisthatthecoveragein thenationalpressisn’tquitehowitisinreality.Not everystreetinBrumispiledhighwithrubbishby anymeans.IfullyrecogniseBirminghamisfacing variousterriblecrises,buttheaverageBrummiehasa levelofresiliencethatisphenomenal.It’soursuperpower.”

YoucantellfromJess’stonethatnegativityirksher. Shesays:“It’seasytonotnoticethepositives.”She highlightshowdespiteBirmingham’sfinancial problemsandthewiderissueofausterity,locallythere hasbeenprogresswithmorepeoplespeakingupand portrayingthegoodoverthebad.Andshecitesthe exampleofthenumberofTVprogrammesthattalk aboutthecity’srichculture.Allthispositivitycameto theforewhenBrumspectacularlyhostedthe2022 CommonwealthGames.“TheGameswereamazing,” saidJess.“Wouldn’titbegreatifwecouldhavethe Gamesandthatbrilliantweathereveryyear!”

JessgrewupinKingsHeath,theyoungestoffour children.HerfatherwaschiefexecutiveoftheNHS ConfederationandchairofSouthBirmingham MentalHealthwhilehermotherworkedforthe RSPCA.ShewenttoKingEdwardVICampHill SchoolforGirlsbeforestudyingeconomicandsocial

historyatLeedsUniversity.Jessgaineda postgraduatediplomainpublicsectormanagement attheUniversityofBirminghamandworkedforthe Women’sAidFederation,responsibleformanaging refugesforvictimsofdomesticabuseinSandwell.In 2012shewaselectedasaLabourcouncillorfor LongbridgeandwasappointedasBirminghamCity Council’svictims’championandalsoservedonWest MidlandsPoliceandCrimePanel.Shewaselected MPforBirminghamYardleyin2015.

STAYINGFOCUSSED

SheiscurrentlyministerattheHomeOffice responsibleforsafeguardingandviolenceagainst womenandgirls.“It’saninterestingfact,butthe averagetenureforaGovernmentministeris18 months,soIdon’tthinktoomuchaboutambitions,” saidJess,whoasachilddreamedofoneday

becomingPrimeMinister.“Myambitionnowistodo asgoodajobasIcanuntilthenextelection,”she said.“IwanttomakesureIdoagoodjobprotecting theabusedandvulnerablewiththeopportunityI havebeengivenasaGovernmentminister.”

Beingtheoutspokenindividualsheis,Jesshashad severalhigh-profilerun-insovertheyears,themost recentbeingwithbillionaireandDonaldTrump righthandman,ElonMuskoverthehandlingofthe childsexualexploitationcaseinOldham.Musk, beingMusk,postedrudederogatorycommentsabout JessonXwhichledtoanavalancheofdangerous onlinemisinformationabouther.

Jessiskeenlyawareofthepotentialdamagethe Internetandextremistviewscancauseparticularlyto youngpeople.“That’swhyweshouldtakeevery opportunitytomakeitsaferandtoeducate,”she says.“I’veraisedtwoboys–a16-year-oldanda19year-old–inthisera,soIamveryawareoftherisks. It’suptoparents,educatorsandregulatorstoact.”

Shesaysherbestmemoriesofgrowingupin Brumarethe“sensethatthepeopleonyourstreet areyourpeople”andthesightsandsoundsofthe BirminghamSuperprix,asingle-seatermotorrace heldthroughthecitystreetsinthelate80s.“I rememberthenoise,somuchnoise!”

CHOCSANDCUDDLES

Jessrevealedthatbyfarandawaythemostcommon issuesshedealswithfromconstituentsathersurgery involvehomelessnessandinappropriatebehaviour. AndshesaysthatlikemostBrummiestheyaregrateful forthehelpsheandherstaffcangivethem.“I’vehad peopleinmysurgerytodaygivingmeandmyteam chocolates,flowersandevenacuddle!”

JesshasbecomeafamiliarfaceonTVnot justforherexpertiseonpoliticalshows,butalsofor hersharpwitonprogrammessuchasHaveIGot NewsForYou–she’sevenpresentedoneepisode. Shealsorevealed:“Igetapproachedallthetimeto doallkindsofdocumentaries,butIcan’tdothat beingaGovernmentminister.Notnow,noway!”

Maybeinthefutureifandwhen Governmenttakesabackseat?Butbeforeeven consideringsuchathing,Jesssaysshehasoneoverridingambition.“Tosleepmore,”shesays.We believeher…■

GOLDDUST

THIRDGENERATIONJEWELLER,POPPYELDERLEARNEDHERCRAFT INTHEFAMILYBUSINESSANDISNOWUSINGITTOCREATETIMELESS, MEANINGFULPIECESRIGHTHEREINBIRMINGHAM

Frompostgirltodesignerandevery departmentinbetween,PoppyEldergot undertheskinofherfamily’smetalcasting andjewellerybusinesswhereshedevelopedaunique understandingandappreciationoftheindustry.Now, withallherknowledgeandexperience,Poppyis creatingmeaningful,timelesspiecesfromherstudio inSuttonColdfield.

IntheFifties,Poppy’sgrandparentsopeneda metalcastingbusinessintheJewelleryQuarter whichbecameoneofEurope’slargestindependent jewellerymanufacturers.Poppywasinvolvedfrom anearlyageworkingintheschoolholidaysforabit ofpocketmoneyandwhendecisionsaboutuniversity werebeingmade,shechosetofollowherfamilyinto jewellerymakinginstead.Inadditiontothefactory, thefamilyhadashopintheJewelleryQuarterwhere Poppyworkedsothatshecouldlearntheretailside ofthebusiness.Whatwasmeanttobea12-month stintintheshopturnedintoadecade.

Poppy’smumanduncleareintheprocessof retiringandexploredsellingthebusinessbefore settlingonanemployeeownershipschemeinorder toprotecttheirloyalworkforce.Whiletheyhad plentyofinterestfrompeoplelookingtobuythe business,Poppy’smumandunclewereworriedthey werelookingtomakeaquickbuckasset-stripping thefactorywhichobviouslytheywerekeentoavoid. Poppysays:“TheMDhadbeentherefordonkeys yearsandlotsofpeoplehadworkedtherefor decades,soitwouldhavebeenheartbreaking.There wouldhavebeenahundredjobslostpotentially, whichiswhytheystartedtheemployeeownership scheme.”

WiththewealthofexperienceunderPoppy’sbelt, goingitalonewasn’tdaunting,andshequickly foundherownuniquestylepreferringtocreate timelesspiecesratherthanfollowingfickletrends. She’shadcustomerswhohavevisitedherwithvery widegoldweddingbandsthatwerefashionable whentheygotmarried,buttheydon’tlikethem anymore.Shesays:“Ithastolastalifetime,sothere’s gottobeanelementofclassic.”Poppyenjoysusing unusualdiamondsandcoloursinaclassicsetting ensuringbeautyandlongevitywhilealsomakingthe pieceindividual.

There’salotofemotioninvolvedinthedesign process.Sheexplains:“Nobody’sbuyingfine jewelleryforthesakeofit.Itmightbeawedding,an anniversaryoraspecialbirthday.Therearegenerally alotofemotions.”Thisismostevidentwith engagementringswhenPoppydoesalotofhand holdingthroughthedesignprocess.Somepeople cometoseePoppywithverysetideasthatmight needmanaging.

Sheexplains:“It’sabigdecisionandtherearealot ofhatstowear.Somepeoplewantwhitegoldbut don’trealisethattheshinywhitefinishmightwear offintimeandneedworkfurtherdowntheline. Platinumdoesn’trequirethat.Also,thecostofgold fluctuatesbecausewhenthere’sinstabilityinthe worldpeopleinvestingold.It’scurrentlymore expensivethanplatinumandmorehigh maintenance,soplatinumisabetteroption.” Sometimespeoplewantthestonetobeasbigas possible,otherswantittobeasperfectaspossible. There’sgenerallyabudget,soPoppysaysthere’sa finebalancetostrike.Shesays:“There’salsothe

elementofsurprisewithanengagementso thataddstotheemotion.”Poppyistheonly pointofcontactthroughoutthewhole processmakingitatrulyonetoone experiencethatcustomersappreciate. SurprisinglyshesaysWhatsApphasbecome ausefultoolforansweringquestionsquickly anddiscreetlywithengagementrings.

AWARD-WINNING

Onlinebusinesshasgenerallybeenbigfor sometimeandwhilemanyofPoppy’s customersarelocalandpopinforface-tofaceconsultations,there’sasignificant proportiononlinetoo–Poppy’sbiggest wholesalecustomerisonline.

Aswellasbespokepiecesthatare collaborativeandtaketime,Poppyhas createdanaward-winningcollectionofoneof-a-kindpiecesthatarereadytoshipwhich shehascalledtheSignatureCollection. Inspiredbythenaturalbeautyofthe diamondorgemstonethepieceisbuilt around,craftedin18ctgoldorplatinum, eachpieceisuniqueandaimedatcustomers whodon’twanttowait.

LastyearPoppywaspartofthefirst cohortofthe51%Clubwhichisa Birmingham-basedorganisationsupporting femalefoundersacrossallindustries.Itaims tochangethelandscapeforfemalefounders intheregionthroughnetworking, masterclasses,workshopsandgenerally creatingopportunitiesanddeveloping supportnetworks.Onthebackof51% Poppyhasstartedrunningworkshopsfor similarbusinessestohers.Shesays:“The businessescouldbeseenascompetitivebut there’senoughworkhereforeverybody.It’s asupportivecommunity.”

Intermsofwhat’snextforPoppy,she’s alreadybuildingherdreamcareer,somoreof thesame.Shesays:“Thisisn’tjustajobfor me,it’smypassion.I’mhonouredtobepart ofsuchspecialmomentsinmyclients’lives.”

Tellusaboutyourcooking

I’ddescribemycookingasTokyo-styleramen withabitofBrummiesoul.Ilovefoodthat’s thoughtfulbutnotovercomplicated–flavours needtomakesense,texturesshouldsurpriseyou, andthere’sgottobebalanceineverybite.I’m bigonmakingsureeverythinghasitsplaceon theplateorinthebowl.Igetexcitedabout umami,fermentation,andanythingthattakesa bitofcraft.I’malwayslearningandalways tweaking.

Howdidyoubecomeachef?

Honestly?Itwasabitofahappyaccident.I coveredakitchenshiftatthepubIworkedat,andI just…gothooked.There’ssomethingaddictive aboutthebuzzandthepressure.Iwentontotrain inOxfordwithCorinEarland,whowasatthetime chefdirectoratPeachPubs–hetaughtmethe disciplineandjoyofgreatfood.ThenIhadthe madluckofworkinginTokyoatLesEnfantsGates withNaokiMatazawa.ThatplacechangedhowI thinkaboutingredientsandpresentation.It’sbeen amixofluck,graft,andjustsaying“yes”alot.

Whatdoyoueatathome?

WhenIgethome,I’mnotknockingoutdashifrom scratch–I’llbehonest.Sausageandmashhitsthe spot,properlybutterymashandgoodgravy.ButIdo liketosneakinagyudonorsomethingquickand comfortingifI’vegotleftoversinthefridge.

Whoisthebestchefintheworldandwhy?And thebestinBrum?

Bestintheworld,I’dstillsayNaokiMatazawa–he justhasthisprecisionandflairwithoutbeingshowy. InBrum,there’sserioustalent.BradCarterisdoing wickedthings.AndAndrewSheridan–whata machine.

Shareacookingtip

Tasteeverything.Itsoundsobvious,butIseeso manypeopleskippingit.Anddon’tbeafraidofacid–lemon,vinegar,pickles.Thatlittlepopcanliftawhole dish.Also,read.Justpickupbooks,watchstuff,go downrabbitholes.Andthengocook.

Whatwasyourfavouritefoodasakid?

Mynanusedtomakethisroastchickenwithproper crispyskinandbreadsauce–itstillmakesmesmile thinkingaboutit.ThatandAngelDelight,specifically bananaflavour.

Foodheavenandfoodhell?

Heaven?Tonkotsuramen,noquestion.Fatty,rich, warming–youcan’tbeatit.Hell?Anythingovercooked andbland.Oradrychickenbreast.That’sjustcruel.

What’sthemostunusualthingyouhaveeaten?

Rawhorse.Nojoke.I’djustcomeoffan18-hour shiftinJapan,totallyshattered,andmetsomemates who’dbeenoutdrinkingallnight.Itwasabout4am andweendedupinthismadlittlespotwhereyoupay perheadandeatasmuchasyoulike.Adishturnedup onthetablethatlookedlikesashimi,soItuckedin withoutthinking.Mygirlfriendatthetimecasually mentions,“That’shorsesashimi.”Honestly?Ihaveno regrets–I’malwaysupfortryingsomethingnew. Withabitofsoysauce,itwentdownalright!

Ifyouweren’tachefwhatwouldyoube?

I’dprobablybedoingsomethingwithmyhands. Maybecarpentry?Ilikemakingthings,tweakingand perfecting.OrmaybeI’djustbeoneofthoseblokeswith toomanyJapaneseknivesandnorealuseforthem. ■

ManekiRamenBirmingham,21LudgateHill,Birmingham, B31DW,manekiramen.com

SEASON’SEATINGS

WILDGARLICPESTO

It’swildgarlicseason,sowhynottrythis lovelyrecipefromMichaelBlades,head chefatUpstairsbyTomShepherd

Deliciousandversatile, Michael’srecipeis awesomeservedwith pastadishes,tossedwithroasted newpotatoes–oralongsideoneof hisfavourites,steakandchips! ■

INGREDIENTS

■ 150gwashedwildgarlic

■ 100gspinach

■ 60glightlytoastedpinenuts

■ 60gparmesan

■ 150gextravirginoliveoil

■ 1lemonzest

■ Maldonseasalt

METHOD

Placeallofyouringredientsintoa blender.Blenduntilyouhaveanice coarsepesto.SeasonwithMaldon seasalt.

UpstairsbyTomShepherd,25Bore Street,LichfieldCity,WS136NA, upstairs.restaurant

SHORTS NI BBLESand

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

MEETUPWITHCHECK-MATES

AstonUniversitystudentGurkarnpreet‘Karan’SinghandlocalentrepreneurAbdirahimYasinHajihave co-foundedChessCafé,asocialspaceinCannonStreetthatblendsgreatcoffee,socialgamingand communityengagement.Karansaid:“ChessCafeisn’tjustachessclub,it’saboutbringingpeople together,makingnewconnectionsandhavingagreattime.Wehavemusic,gamesandan atmospherethatbreaksthetraditionalstereotypeofchessbeingaquiet,competitivegame.”Theduo metthroughmutualfriendsinacoffeeshop,wheretheirconversationsparkedtheidea.

IT’SBRUMONAPLATE

KrayTreadwell,thechef-ownerof670GramsinDigbeth,has launchedanewlunchanddinnermenuathisrestaurantin theCustardFactory,showcasingthevibrantflavoursofthe city.Themenu,called5/50,usesingredientssourcedlocally anddrawsinspirationfromlocallandmarkssuchasDigbeth, hometotheoldestbuildinginBirminghamandtheoriginal Bird'sCustardFactory;Bournville,knownforitschocolate;the famousBaltiTrianglealongStratfordRoad;andHurstStreet, LadywellWalk,andPershoreStreet,theheartofChinatown.

GRANDNEWFLAVOURS

TheGrandHotelBirminghamhasjoinedforces withhigh-endcaterersVeerCuisinetobringthe bestAsianflavourstothosecelebratingaspecial eventatthehistoricvenue.WithitsstunningLouis XIV-styleballroom,thehotelhostssomeofthe mostlavishweddingsandcorporateeventsinthe Midlands.PartneringwithVeerbringsAsian expertisetothecelebrationstocreatespectacular occasions.Veerhaspreparedcuisineforhigh profileclientsandcelebritiesatsomeofLondon’s leadinghotelsandaroundtheworld.

POPEYESPOPPINGUP

CUPCAKE CART

Lola’shasbroughtitssignaturehandcrafted treatstoSolihullwiththelaunchofanew cupcakecartatTouchwoodcentre.Known foritshandcrafteddecoratedcupcakes, Lola’shasgrownintoanationwide favourite.ThenewSolihullcartoffersa selectionoffreshlybakedcupcakes, celebrationcakesand indulgenttreats.

MAGICOFTHEMED

IfyouloveMediterraneanflavours andvibranthospitality,you’reinfora treatatthenewly-openedRegina’s Bar&RestaurantinNewhallStreet. FromthecreativeteambehindNoels Bar&RestaurantinCanalWharf,the menuatRegina’sfeaturesthehigh quality,freshflavoursandattentionto-detailwhichhasmadetheflagship eaterysosuccessful.JimmyDevollaj, co-directoratRegina’ssaid:“We believeexceptionaldiningstartswith thefinestingredients.Everydishis craftedwithprecision,fromour freshlymadepastatoourexpertly grilledprimecuts.”

RESTAURANTFESTIVAL

BirminghamRestaurantFestivalhasrevealedthefirst eateriesthatwillbetakingpartinthisyear’sfeastof foodwhichrunsthroughoutAugust.Theline-upincludes Lasan,Trentina,DishoomandChapter.Eachyearthe festivaltakesoverthecity,withparticipatingrestaurants creatingexclusivemenus,givingfoodiesthechanceto experienceasmuchoftheincrediblefarethat Birminghamhastooffer.Thefinallistofeateriesand exclusivemenuswillberevealedclosertotheevent.

PopeyesUKisbringingitsboldLouisianaflavourstotheWestMidlandswithsixnewlocations openingacrosstheregionthisyear–includingitsfirst-everUKairportrestaurantandfirstrail locationoutsideLondon.TheopeningsareatBirminghamAirport,NewStreetStation,Fort ShoppingPark,Tyseley,PerryBarr,andWednesburyDrive-Thru,Sandwell.Customerswillbeable toenjoyPopeyesfavouritesliketheiconicChickenSandwich,HotWings,Tenders,andSignature ChickenWrapsinClassic,SpicyandBBQ.Theopeningswillcreatemorethan500jobs.

TOURISTCHAMPS

Thebestvenues,experiences andeventsfromacrossthe regionwerehonouredatthe WestMidlandsTourismAwards, with15winnerscrownedatthe annualcelebrationatEdgbaston Stadium.Topawardsincluded ExperienceoftheYear, RestaurantoftheYearandLarge HoteloftheYear.Goldandsilver winnersincludedMalloryCourt Hotel&Spa,OrelleandFazenda Birmingham.Theceremonywas hostedbyTV’sAmberSandhu, withentertainmentfromB:Music YoungPerformersandmusic groupW!RED.

LAVIEENROSECOCKTAIL

Wwecanallbegintofeelthatmaybe–justmaybe–summer’sreallynotsofar away.So,howaboutcelebratingthejoywiththis refreshinglittlenumberfromBethanyGaunt,the barmanagerattheSpeakeasy-inspiredunderground bar,Hush.Asalways,enjoyresponsibly. ■

INGREDIENTS:

■ 20mlVanillavodka

■ 10mlManzanaverde

■ 20mlhomemadeMadagascanvanillaandrosesyrup

■ 15mlfreshgrapefruitjuice

■ Champagne

METHOD:

Tomakethevanillaandrosesyrup: Heat300mlwaterinasaucepan,oncesimmering,addfour roseteabags.Letthissteepfor10minutesbeforetaking theteabagsout.Thenadd600gwhitesugarandstiruntil thesugarisdissolved.

Nowsplitavanillapodinhalf,scoopouttheseedsand choptheremainingpodcaseintoslices.Addallthevanilla totherosesyrupandpourintoavacuumbagandseal.Put thebagofsyrupintoawaterbathandsetthesousvideto 75degreesfor3hours.

Oncefinished,putthesyrupintoanicebath.Whencool, blenduntilthevanillapiecesandseedsareextremelyfine. Thenstrainthroughachinois.

Tomakethecocktail:

Addthevanillavodka,Manzanaverde,theroseandvanilla syrupandfreshlysqueezedgrapefruitjuiceintoaBoston shaker.Shakeuntilcoolanddoublestrainintoa Champagneflute.TopthecocktailwithChampagneand gentlystir.Expressthepeelofagrapefruitoverthecocktail andgarnishwiththepeel. ■

HushBar,hush-bar.co.uk

MEDICINE

Level2,theMailbox,53Wharfside Street,Birmingham,B11RE. Tel:01216162952 medicinebakery.co.uk

Wedon’tnormallyhangoutatthe Mailbox.We’reusuallybuying somethingspecificorhavingablow dry,butonthisoccasionwehadtimetokill,so poppedintoMedicine.Westillgrievetheclosure ofTom’sKitchenonthesamesite,butweaccept it’stimetomoveon.

MedicineonNewStreethasbecomeourgo-to meetingplacewithbuzzyvibes,loadsofnaturallight andbanginthecentreoftown.TheMailboxversion isadifferentbeastentirely.It’stuckedaway,cosyand feelsmuchmorerestaurant-y.LargelytheMedicine guyskepttheTom’sKitcheninterior–bigcentralbar, livelyopenkitchenandlotsofwood.Allverylovely.

There’sadefinitebrunchvibeandwekickedoff withacoupleofsmoothies–aVeryBerry(sweetand delicious)andaGreenGoddess(moreearthyand virtuoustastingbutstillgorgeous.)

Amongthehuevosranchosandeggsbenedict,was anunexpectedlybrilliantKoreanfriedchicken sandwich–onlyunexpectedbecauseitfeltalittleoffpiste.Chickenthighratherthanbreastwasgivena crunchycoating,honeyandgochugangglaze,punchy srirachamayonnaiseandacrispAsianslawservedin thesoftestofbriochebuns.Itwasreallygreat.Ahash

brownonthesidewassoggysofellabitflat.Itwas servedonaromescosauceandhonestly,ifitain’t brokedon’tfixit.

TheVeganMedicine,whichisessentiallyavegan versionofafullEnglish,hitthespotandboostedthe plantintakebeautifully.Pumpkinfalafel,smashed avocado,kale,mushroom,romescosauceanda whoppingsliceofsourdoughtoastwasajoy.We addednicelycharredhalloumiasanextra.Ouronly gripewasanothersoggyhashbrown.It’snottheend oftheworldbutifbrunchisoneofyourstrengths, you’vegottobeabletoserveupacrisphashbrown. Asidefromthat,theplaceisindependent,reasonably pricedandcosyservingcrackingfoodwithwarm service.It’sawin.

OnthewayoutoftheMailbox,weranthegauntlet oftheMedicinecoffeecartbutgotsuckedinbigtime. Weboughtourownbodyweightinpastry/cakeand tookthemhometosharewiththekids.Asalted caramelcruffingotthethumbsup,araspberry pavlovadonutwassogreatitcausedafight,andthe carrotandwalnutcakewasdreamy.

WithaversionofMedicineBakerysettoopenat theBotanicalGardensthismonthwe’reexpecting greatthings. ■

THEMIGHTYWHITES

THISMONTHWINEEXPERTDAVIDCARNEJOINSTHECELEBRATIONS OFTHEBRITISHLOVEAFFAIRWITHWHITEWINES

InBritain,wehavealoveaffairwithwhitewine.

Threeofthemostpopularchoiceshavetheir veryowncelebrationdaysinMay–Sauvignon Blanc(2May),PinotGrigio(17May)and Chardonnay(22May)–givingtheperfectexcuseto makethismonthacelebrationofwhitewines!

Asweflirtwiththeideaofwarmersummer temperatures,retireourwintercoatsforanotheryear, andseethespringbudsbegintoflourishintosummer flowers,wemayalsobethinkingabouttransitioningto alighterstyleofwinemoreinkeepingwiththeearly summer.So,manyofuswillbeconsideringfillingour shoppingbasketswithsomerefreshingwhitewines.

SauvignonBlancisbyfarthenation’sfavourite whitewine.Thisisahighlyaromaticandacidicgrape whichoozesfresh,zingy,tongue-tinglingflavours. Dependingonhowripethegrapesare,wecanexpect flavoursfromcitrus,greenapple,grapefruitandthe Britishspecialitygooseberry,throughstone-fruitsand eventropicalfruitssuchaspineappleandpassionfruit. Manyexampleshavearomaandtastequalitieswhich arefloral–elderflowerorwhiteblossom,butalso slightlyherbaceousnotessuchasgrass,asparagus,and

greenbellpepperwhicharearesultofthe Methoxypyrazinescontainedinthisvariety.Itisalso notunusualforfelineloverstodetectthefamiliar aromaof‘catpee’inthewine,whichcomesfroma sulphurboundcompoundknownas4MMP.

FLINTYQUALITY

Asarule,mostSauvignonBlancwinesarefor immediateconsumption,especiallythosefromplaces likeMarlboroughinNewZealandandSouthAfrica. However,anotableexceptiontothisruleareSancerre wines,whicharemorecomplex,haveaminerallyor flintyqualityandwhichcanagewell.Generally,these winesaremadeinstainlesssteeltanksoroldoak barrelsandsohavelittletonocharacteristicsofhaving beenoakaged.Itis,however,possibletofindoaked Sauvignons,fromplacessuchasBordeaux,theUSA andAustralia.Sancerreisaverymarkedcontrastwith NewZealand,soifyouarenotabigMarlboroughfan, youmightwanttotryaSancerreinstead.Ontheother hand,ifyoucan’tgetenoughofthatNewZealand Sauv,thenjustmaybeyoushouldlookoutfora SpanishAlbariñoasanalternative.

IfthehighacidsinSauvignonBlancaretoomuch foryourconstitution,youmaywellwanttoconsider PinotGrigioasanalternative.ThisItaliantippleis lessaromaticandthereforetendstogetmoreflavour fromthewinemakingprocess,thanfromthegrape itself.PinotGrigioisusuallylight,refreshinganddry instyle,withcharacteristicsofgreenorcitrusfruits, andsometimespeach,somemineralityanddepending onwhereitwasmadeandalmondnotes.Allofthis makesittheidealpatiowine:easydrinking,delicious anduncomplicated.LikeSauvignonBlancs,most PinotGrigiosaregoingtobeproducedforimmediate consumptionratherthanageing.

SUMMERMEALS

PinotGrigioisagreatwineforgettogethersbutalso particularlypairswellwithwhitemeat,seafooddishes, aswellassalads,makingittheidealwinetoservewith lightsummermeals.Itisalsopossibletomakeamore sophisticatedstyleofwinefromthisgrape,whichis usuallylabelledPinotGrisandevensweetwinesmade fromgrapes,whichareharvestedlater.Intermsof othervarieties,youmaywanttotryifyoulikethisstyle, youmaywanttooptforSoave,anothernativeItalian stylemadefromtheGarganegagrape.

Chardonnayhasanextraordinarilybadreputationin theUK,largelybasedonalotofveryheavilyoaked cheapChardonnaysofthe80sand90s,fromplaces suchastheUSAandAustralia.Whilethereare certainlystillafewcheap,overlyoakychardonnaysout there,generallywinemakersarenowmakingmuch moresubtlewineswiththesegrapes.Manyarenow unoaked.LikePinotGrigioChardonnay,isnonaromatic,sotendstotakeontheflavoursofthewine makingprocess.Flavourscanrangefromcitrusand greenfruits,throughtopeachyandevenpineapple-like flavours.Thegrapeusuallyproducesmuchmore goldencolouredwines.Oakedwinesmayhavetoasty, vanillaandnuttynotesaswell.

Ofcourse,ifyoupreferadifferenttakeonyour chardonnay,youmaywanttoconsiderconsumingit insparklingform.Chardonnayisoneofthemost populargrapesusedinsparklingwinemakingand canbefoundinmanyChampagnes,English Sparklings,SouthAfricanCapClassiques,Crémants, andeveninsomeCava,ProseccoandFranciacorta.

DAVID’STOPWINEPICKSFORMAY

Somethingsparkling: Krone'Borealis'CuvéeBrut2022/23,SouthAfrica–£15,Majestic. AnicerefreshingandlightsparklingfromSouthAfrica,which combinesdelicatefruitflavoursofmelon,stonefruitandpineapple, withsubtlemineralityandbiscuitflavoursonthefinish.

Somethingfreshandfruity: M&SGarganegaPinotGrigio–£7,Marks&Spencer. AgoodtypicalexampleofaPinotGrigiowithwhitefruit,subtleacids, notesoflime,peachandalmonds.Aniceeasydrinkingwine,whichis veryaffordable.

Somethingbigandbold: PaoloLeoPrimitivodiManduria,2022–£13,Waitrose. Arich,fullbodiedandwell-balancedwinewithblackfruitnotesof blackcurrant,blackberryandblackcherry.Strongoakinfluencesof smoke,spiceandearthinesstofinish.

Somethingclassic:

TescoFinestPouillyFume–£16.50,Tesco. ASauvignonBlancwithsomecharacterandcomplexity.Flavoursof lime,gooseberry,andgreenapplemeetmineralityandcream,to createaveryenjoyablemouthfeel.

SomethingEnglish:

ThreeChoirsClassicCuveeSparklingWine–£18.69,Haywines. Asparklingwinefromoneofthelesser-knownvarieties-SeyvalBlanc, withatouchofPinotNoir.Thinkwhiteandcitrusfruitswithsomenice brioche,breadandbiscuitnotes.

Somethingdifferent:

HoneyDropCheninBlanc2023/4–£14.99,Majestic. Stonefruit,tropicalfruit,andhoniednotes,givewaytocreamylayersof smoke,vanilla,andwithcomplexcoconutandbutterscotchonthefinish. Thisisawinewhichseriouslydeliversandwhichdeservestobesavoured.

Chardonnayoftencontributessomefloralnotes, citrusflavoursandenhancesagingpotential.Ifyou likealittleoakinyourchardonnay,youmaywantto alsotrywhiteRiojaforsomethingsimilar. ■

■ DavidisaWinesandSpiritEducationTrust(WSET)qualifiedwineexpert, BirminghamWineSchoolalumniandauthorofthealottowineabout.com websitewhereyoucanfindmorearticlesonwine.

■ TofindoutmoreaboutfuninformalwinetastingeventsandWine&Spirit EducationTrust(WSET)coursesonline,inBirminghamandWarwickcontact BirminghamWineSchool,anindependentwineeducationcompany,at www.birminghamwineschool.com

GOINGTHROUGH THEMOTIONS

Sometimescalled‘meditationinmotion’,Tai Chiislow-impact,slow-motionexercisethat consistsofaseriesofdifferentposturesthat flowintoeachotherwhilefocusingondeep,slow breaths.Itmaylookgentlebutawholehostof worldwidestudiessuggestanarrayofhealthbenefits thatmakeitaseffectiveasconventionalexercisefor helpingkeepyouintip-toporder.

THEBASICS

So,what’sitallabout.EssentiallyduringaTaiChi session,youplantyourfeetintothegroundandshift yourweightfromtherighttoleftlegasyouperform variousmovementsthatflowfromonetothenext withoutpausing.Youcanalsodoitsittingdownif you’reconfinedtoawheelchairorhaveverylimited mobility.Themovementsareusuallycircularand neverforced,andyourmusclesandjointsareniceand relaxed.Asyoumove,youbreatheslowlyanddeeply, focusingyourattentiononhowyourbodyfeels.

THEBENEFITS

Thisgentleformofexercisecanhelpmaintain strength,flexibility,andbalance,andcouldbethe perfectactivityfortherestofyourlife.Herearejust someoftheassociatedbenefits:

Healthyheart

InarecentstudycomparingTaiChitobrisk walking,themartialartwasfoundtobesignificantly betteratreducingbloodpressureandotherriskfactors forheartdisease,likebloodsugarlevelsand cholesterol.

Brainpower

TaiChihasbeenfoundtoimprovebrainfunction withmoreactivityencouragedintheprefrontalcortex, theareaofthebrainresponsibleforhigher-level thinkingskillssomemoryandmentalflexibilityare bothimproved.

Fatburn

Well,whoknew?Evidencesuggestsitburnsthe samenumberofcaloriesasconventionalexerciseand isjustaseffectiveforhelpingwithweightlossand reducingobesity.Greatnewsifyoucan’tstandthe gymorhavelimitedmobility.

Low-impact

TaiChidoesn’tcallforthesameflexibilityasyoga, norisitasstrenuousasotherformsofexercise, makingiteasieronyourjointsandmuscles.

Stressreduction

Becauseyouneedtofocusonyourbreathingand gentlemovements,TaiChihelpsquietthemind bringingasenseofquietandtranquility…aaah.

Boostyourimmunity

SeveralstudieshavesuggestedthatTaiChihas positiveimpactsontheimmunesystemandits responsetoinflammation.

Improvebalance

Fallingovercanbedangerousandevendeadly, especiallyinolderadults.Somestudieshave highlightedthatpeoplewhopractisedTaiChi hadupto50percentfewerfallsthanthosewho didn’t.

Bettersleep

Sleepiscrucialforallaspectsofhealth,and regularlypracticingTaiChimayhelpyoutohavea morerestfulkipwithallthemassivehealthbenefits associated.ResearchsurroundingTaiChiandsleep hasfoundimprovementsinjust10weeks.

Lengthenyourlife

TaiChiisparticularlypopularinHongKong, whereresidentshaveoneofthehighestlife expectanciesintheworld.Isthisconnected?Givenall theabove,it’snotamassivesurprise.

GETSTARTEDTODAY!

Feelinspired?Whatareyouwaitingfor…?You don’tneedspecialequipmentorexpertisetostartso it’ssuperaffordableandaccessibleforanyageand fitnesslevel.Ifyou’veneverdoneitbefore,suffer fromanyformoflong-termillnessoryou’renot quiteasyoungasyouusedtobe,we’drecommend talkingtoahealthprofessionalfirstbeforegivingit acrack.

Butdon’tbeafraid.Itdoesn’tcallforthesame flexibilityasyoga,norisitasstrenuousasother formsofexercise,andit’sgenerallyconsideredto beasafeexercisewithfewsideeffects,although youmayexperiencesomeachesorpainsatfirst.

Goodluck! ■

SING YOURSELF HEALTHY

Fancyanalternativetoanintensesessionat thegym?Well,there’salwaysanicebrisk walkalongthecanals,ormaybeanenergetic cycleinoneofBrum’sbeautifulparks?Orhow aboutasing-song?Noreally,there’salotofevidence thatsingingisverygoodforyou.Whetherit’ssinging ataconcert,intheshowerorwhilesatattrafficlights itexercisesthosevocalchords–andthatdeliversa numberofhealthandgeneralwell-beingbenefits.

Herearejustasmallnumberofwayssingingcan improveyourlifestyle…

Strongerandmoretonedbody

Singingcanbeofhugebenefittoyourheartand circulationbyimprovingyouraerobiccapacityand decreasingmuscletension.Italsoimprovesposture andifyousingregularlyyou’llbeconsistently exercisingthemoutharea,sofacialmusclesaretoned uptoo.

Stressbusting

Singingdoesn’tjusthaveapositiveimpact physically,itcanalsoincreaseaperson’sself-esteem andconfidenceaswellasbeingausefulstress reducer.Researchersataleadinguniversityin Swedenfoundthatwhenpeoplesingtogethertheir heartbeatssynchronise–givingacalmingeffectthat isasbeneficialtoyourhealthasyoga.

Stimulatestheimmuneresponse

PreviousscientificstudiesatFrankfurtUniversity inGermanyhavealsofoundthatsinginghelpsthe immunesystem,givingitaboosttohelpfightagainst disease.Anotherrecentstudycomparedtheeffectsof

singingwiththeeffectsofsimplylisteningtomusic andthosewhosangshowedhigherlevelsof immunoglobulinA,anantibodyyourbodysecretes tohelpyoufendoffinfections.

Improveslungfunction

Becausesinginginvolvesdeepbreathingandthe controlleduseofmusclesintherespiratorysystem,it maybebeneficialforcertainlungandbreathing conditions.

Bettersleepforyou–andyourpartner

Physically,singingcanimproveyoursleep. Researchhasshownasetofdailyvocalexercisescan oftenstrengthenaweakthroataswellasyourpalate muscleswhichareknowntobesignificantcausesof snoring.Yourpartnerwillthankyoufortakingup thenewhobby!

Happieroutlook

Evenbetternewsisthedecreaseindepressionas duringsingingthebodyreleasespain-relieving endorphinstogiveapositiveboosttomentality. Musicitselfstimulatesspecificpartsofthebrain responsibleforconcentrationandmemory.

Helpsyoumakenewfriends

OK,maybenotsorelevantifyoujustsinginthe showerbutwhynotjoinachoir?Therearehundreds ofchoirsoutthereforawholerangeofabilitiesand it’sagreatwaytomakenewfriendsandguarantee thatyouhaveajam-packedsocialdiary.Scientists haveactuallyfoundthatsinginggroupsbondmuch morequicklythananyothersocialactivitygroup. ■

SUMMER LOVING

HOWWILLYOUHOLIDAYTHISSUMMER?AREYOUALONG-HAULJUNKIEORDO YOUPREFERYOURTHRILLSNEARERTOHOME?IT’SALLWITHINEASYREACHOF BIRMINGHAMANDHERE’SJUSTASELECTIONOFOURFAVOURITES….

LONGHAUL

Lookingtotravelfurtherafield?Getinspiredbya collectionoflong-haulholidaydestinations–from NorthAmericatoAfrica.Withsomanyoptions providingawealthofvarieditineraries,picking wheretogocanbetough.Fromthewhitesandsof DubaitothesouksofMarrakesh,herearethree destinationsworthvisitingthissummer.

Dubai

Acosmopolitancityscapewithpristinebeaches, world-classrestaurantsandanexcitingnightlife, Dubaiisaholidaydestinationlikenoother.This ambitiouscityismorethanbrunchingandshopping malls.OldDubaiischarming,especiallythe preservednarrowstreetsofAlBastakiya,nowknown astheAlFahidiHistoricalDistrict.Nearhereis DubaiCreek,avibrantareawherethecitybegan,full ofstreetart,localcafesandcolourfulbazaars.

Jamaica

AjeweloftheCaribbean,Jamaicaoffersa kaleidoscopeofscenerywithbeautifulbeaches,lush vegetationandfriendlylocals.Theislandoffersallinclusiveresortsthatwon’tdisappoint.

Morocco

ThegatewaytoAfricaandacountryofspell boundingdiversity,Moroccoprovidesepicmountain ranges,ancientcities,sweepingdesertsandthe warmestofhospitality.Whetheryou’relookingfor adventure,cultureorrelaxation,Moroccohas somethingforyou.

ONYOURDOORSTEP

Whetheryou’resavingyourpennies,don’thave timeforalonggetawayorjustwanttomakethe mostofwhat’sonyourdoorstep,aUKescapecould bejustwhatyou’relookingfor.

Edinburgh

Arguablyoneofthemostbeautifulcitiesin Europe,Edinburghisapopularholidaydestination withintheUK.Acompactcity,Scotland’shilly capitalboastsmanyattractions,mostofwhichare withinwalkingdistanceofeachother.

Jersey

JustoffthecoastofFrance,Jerseyboasts exquisitecoastlines,shadedlanesandold-world charm.Althoughit’sthelargestoftheChannel Islands,Jerseyisstillonlyninemilesbyfivemiles, meaningit’sextremelyeasytotravelaroundand you’renevermorethan10minutesfromthesea!

SHORTHOP

Beingrightonourdoorstep,Europemakes foraperfectsummer-butpickingwheretogo canbehard.FromCroatiancitiestoHungary’s

capital,here’sourpickofthebestholiday destinations.

Naples,Italy

Famousforitsbeautifularchitecturalbuildingsand UNESCO-protectedhistoriccentre,Naplesisa popularholidaychoice.OneofEurope’slargestand oldestcities,it’slively,chaoticandlikenowhere you’veevervisitedbefore!

Split,DubrovnikandPula,Croatia Sapphire-clearwaterslapontostunningwhite pebbledbeachesandancientwalledtownsoffershade fromthebakingsun…CroatiaisadreamyEuropean holidaydestination.Croatia’sastoundingislandspeckledcoastlinesisitsmainattraction–theperfect backdropforallyourMediterraneanfantasies.

Budapest,Hungary

Fromdramatichistoryandflamboyantarchitecture tohealingthermalwatersandanunbeatable nightlife,Budapesthassomethingforeveryone.Split bytheRiverDanube,Budapesthastwodistricts–hillyBudaandflatPest–connectedbythe19th centurySzéchenyiChainBridge.

living

BOHO CHIC

Tallcowboy£150, OliverBonas

SUMMER SHOE EDIT

BOOKYOURPEDIPRONTOBECAUSE,HALLELUJAH, SANDALWEATHERISHEREMYFRIENDS!

WELL HEELED

Greenbeadedflower heel£46,RiverIsland

SIMPLE STYLE

Totemesuedethingsandals £330,HarveyNichols

DREAM SANDAL

Rednaturalraffiafisherman sandal£75,OliverBonas

CRYSTAL BALL

AquazurraTequilacrystal embellishedsandals£790, Selfridges

HERO FLAT

Senara10handbraidedgold sandals£270,OliverBonas

WFABFLIP FLOP

Whiteheeled sandal£99,Dune

interfeltlikealongoldslogsowhile we’realwaysthrilledattheprospectofa frivoloussummershoe,thisyearwe’re cock-a-hoop.

We’vebeentrawlingtheshops,soyoudon’thaveto andonethingthat’sunavoidablethisseasoniscolour. FromlimegreenkittenheelsandcrimsonMaryJanes totangerineplatforms,there’satechnicolourrevolution raginginfootweardepartments.

OliverBonasisexcellingasisDunewhileethical brandEsskaknownforitsvintagevibeandchunky heel,hassomepunchynewcolourways.Headto HarveyNicholsforadesignerangle–checkout Missoni’ssignaturezigzagsinwedgeformand SelfridgesforastunningTotemekittenheeledthong

POINTY TOES

Snakeskinprintpointed shoe£18,TUClothing

Evenifyou’rekeentoembracetherainbow paletteofthisseason,atimelesstansandalor chunkyclogwillgowitheverythinginyour wardrobeandisagreatstartingpoint.Trends willcomeandgobutyourneutralbasewill neverbeoutofstyle,sogrowyourshoe collectionfromthereaddingincolourand moreplayfulpieces. ■

BUCKLE UP

Redbuckleballerina

shoes£16,TUClothing

COOL MULE

Herrmonosnakeleather shoe£65,JohnLewis GO GREEN

DoublebuckleMaryJane £35,M&S CUTE CROCHET

BibiLouyellowMary Jane£155,OliverBonas

MACRAME MAGIC

Bibimacrameecruloafer £140,OliverBonas OFF WHITE

LeatherMaryJane£59, JohnLewis TWINKLE TOES

Silverpumps£10 GeorgeatAsda

CUTE CRIMSON

THISIS NOTADRILL

Selinaespadrille£50,JoeBrowns

OLDSCHOOL MOCCASIN

Galashoe£99,Dune

RETRO VIBE

Elanpollenyellowplumtrainers£99,Gola

FLOWER POWER

Floralprintedsneaker£99,Dune

CLASSIC LOAFER

Tanloafer£149,Dune

GO

BIG

KurtGeigerChelsea scarfropeplatform £199,Selfridges

ZIG

ZAG

MissoniEva wedges£380, HarveyNichols

CHUNKY HEEL

Charlieredsuede platform£160,Esska

BEAUTYUPDATE

Thismonth,we’vesampledahandfulofnewbiesthathavequicklybecomefirm favouritesandrediscoveredanoldclassicthat’sbeengivenaspringmakeover

1.CHARLOTTETILBURYEXAGGER-EYESMASCARA–£34,BOOTS

Thehypeisreal.Thismascaracurls,lengthensandthickensinjusta coupleofsweeps.Itlastsforages,doesn’tsmudgeandcomesoffeasily withagentleeyemake-upremover.Bingo.Weweregivenatravelsize versionandsnappedupafull-sizeprontowhenemptied.Thecaveat beingwe’vealsostartedusingthelashserumbelow...

2.PHILIPKINGSLEYELASTICIZER–£41(150ML), PHILIPKINGSLEY

It’sthesameclassicElasticizerthatboostsstrengthandshine,butin agorgeouslysweethoneyandpeachscentfreshforspring.What’s nottolove?It’salimitededitionsogetinquick.

3.HYDRAKATEILLUMINATINGSPF50+DROPS,–£46(50ML),KATESOMERVILLE

Ifyou’veeverbeenirritatedbythechalky,greyfinishofanSPF,trythis. It’slightandglowywithaslighttintthatevensouttheskin.Alittle goesalongwayandit’sreallyverygood.

4.UKLASHEYELASHSERUM–£38(3ML),UKLASH.COM

Wenoticedadifferencewithintwoweeksofusingthisserum.Lashes wereobviouslylonger–obvioustousatleast.Noonewasstoppingus inthestreetandgivinguscompliments,butwecouldseethe difference.Weusediteverydayforthefirst12daystheneverythree daysafterthat.Theserumsmartsslightlyifyougetitinyoureyes,but itsubsidesprettyquickly.There’salotofnoiseaboutthisonsocial media,butit’sreallyworkedforus.

5.TATCHADEWYSKINMOISTURISER–£67(50ML),SPACENK

TopnotchJapaneseskincaretechnologyatTatchaworksatreathere. Ifyouhavedryand/ormatureskinthisisworthalook.Packedwith hydrationandantioxidantsaswellasJapanesepurplerice,itleftour skinfeelingyoungerandplumper.It’sexpensivesomaybetrythe travelsizebeforeyoutaketheplunge.The50mlpotisrefillableso alsogoodfortheplanet.

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2

1

4 5

HIGHQUALITYCAREINEDGBASTON

AtEdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorinEdgbaston,ourhighlytrainedteamsare expertsinprovidinghighqualitycare,fromresidentialanddementiacaretoshorttermcare.WhilstEdgbastonManoralsoprovidesnursingcare.

Alifestyletailoredtoyou

Atour‘good’CQCratedhomeourteamsare passionateaboutsupportingyoutoenjoya fulfillinglife.We’lllearnallaboutyourinterests andpreferencessowecancreateafully personalisedlifestyleplanthatyou’llenjoy; whetherit’sgardening,cheeseandwinesocialsor playingchess.

Luxuryliving

EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManoroffer luxuriousfacilities,includingacoffeeshop,hair salonandapub/bar.Ourchef-ledkitchenteamsare

passionateaboutprovidinghigh-qualityfoodand there’salwaysachoiceofnutritiousanddelicious dishesateverymeal.

Hearwhatrelativeshavetosay

Werecognisetheimportanceoffriendsandfamily stayinginvolvedintheirlovedone’scareandlifestyle planandourregularrelativemeetingsarepopular.In ourrecentrelativesurvey,93%offamiliesatEdgbaston Manorwereimpressedwithhowthestafftreatedtheir relativewithkindness,dignityandrespect^.Whilstat MetchleyManor91%werehappythatthestaffknew theirrelativeasanindividual.^

Trustustocare

EdgbastonManorandMetchleyManorin EdgbastonarepartofCareUK,thecountry’smost awardedlargecareprovider.We’vebeendelivering high-quality,person-centredcareforover40years. That'swhyover9,000familiestrustustocarefor theirolderlovedones. ■

TofindoutmoreaboutEdgbastonManorand MetchleyManorcall03301346257

EdgbastonManor,SpeedwellRoad,Edgbaston, WestMidlands,B57PR

MetchleyManor,5ChurchRoad,Edgbaston,Birmingham, WestMidlands,B153SHCareuk.com/Birmingham

TIMELESSLOOK

INSHORT

WCHECKMATE

Checkcotton shorts£220, Burberry

INVESTMENTPIECE

Gucciregularfit monogrampattern cottonjacquard shorts£1,150, Selfridges

hileatailoredmid-thighversionisthemost flatteringandtimelessofshorts,thisyear there’salsoanemphasisonprinted,cargo andevendrawstringshorts–anythinggoeswithin reason.Forinstance,ifyougoforaboldprintonthe bottom,stickwithacrispshirtontop.Ifyou’rewearing arelaxeddrawstringshort,keepitsimplewithaclassic wellcuttee.

Cargoshortsarehavingamomentandhavemoved frommiddle-ageddadterritorytokindofcool–a sentenceweneverthoughtwe’dpen.Thenewversion isslimmerwithsmallerpocketsforalessutilitarian morestylishvibe.

Whichevershortsyouchoose,teamthemwitha smartsneakeroraclassicloaferforathoughtful,chic ratherthanchaoticlook.We’vepickedoutahandfulof ourtopshortstoinspireyouranginginpricefrom £9.99tomorethan£1,000ifyou’refeelingflush. ■

PURPLEREIGN

Purpleshorts

£9.99,TKMaxx

RIGHTSTRIPES

Phoenixtexturedtape drawstringwaiststretch jerseyshorts£78,Reiss

OLDSCHOOL

Cottoncargoshorts £550,Burberry

DRAWSTRING

FearofGodEssentialslogocotton blendshorts£110,Selfridges

PRINTSCHARMING

WalesBonnerPower intarsiacotton-blend shorts£395,Harvey Nichols

POCKETROCKET

Slickmulti-pocket wovenshorts£110, Lacoste

living

HOMES

THERE’SASMALLWINDOWINTHEGREATBRITISHSUMMERWHEN SITTINGOUTSIDEINTOTHEWEEHOURSISPLEASURABLE.THEREST OFTHETIMEWEKIDOURSELVESCOCOONEDINBLANKETSWHILE LOADINGUPTHEFIREPITBEFOREFINALLYADMITTINGDEFEAT

OUTSIDE IN

TOPPOD

LuxurySummerhousegardenpod£16,995,Cuckooland

Totrulyenjoythegardenallyearround,anorangeryor conservatoryisthewaytogo.Inadditiontoproviding anidealvantagepointfromwhichtoenjoyyour garden,itshouldprovideanadditionalusableroominyour homewhatevertheweather.Whenyou’reconsideringwhich structureisrightforyou,thinkabouthowtheextensionwill lookalongsidetherestofyourhome–itshouldenhanceyour homeratherthangrapplewithit.

Budgetandavailablespacewillalsoinfluenceyourdecision, soshoparoundandfindacompanyyoulike.Whetheryouopt foraconservatoryoranorangeryit’sabigexpense,socheckout examplesofpreviousprojectsandgetthecostslockedinatthe startsotheydon’tspiral.

GRANDDESIGNS

Ifyouhavethespaceforanorangerythatwillfitthestyleof yourhome,happydays.Anorangeryhasmasonrywallswitha flatroofandaglasslantern.Thestructureisinsulatedandfeels integratedintotherestofthehouse.Thereareafewthingsto considernotleastasubstantialbudget–anywherebetween£20k

and£40kgenerally.There’salso potentiallyplanningpermissionto considerdependingonthefootprint. Checkbeforeyousetyourheartona particularstructure.

Conservatoriesarefullyglazed floodingtheroomwithnaturallightand tendtobecheaperthanorangeries.They canbetrickytocontrolintermsof temperaturealthoughthankstomodern design,effectiveblindsandunderfloor heating,thatproblemislargelysorted. Again,checkplanningregulations.

SMALLBUTPERFECTLYFORMED

ConservatorybyAnglian

Ifyou’dloveanextraroominthegardenbutdon’twant thehassleorexpenseofanactualbuildingproject,checkout ashepherd’shut,glasspodorgardenroomthat’llstill increasetheuseofyouroutdoorspace,whilebeingseparate fromyourhome.

GETCREATIVE

Intermsofinteriors,shopUVresistantfurnishingsthat won’tfadeandmakethemostofthesunlightbypackingin plentyofplantsthatwillthrive.Addrugsandcushionstosoften theroomandmostimportantly,investindecentblindsensuring theroomisusableallday.Also,lookatroofventsthatopen automaticallyhelpingtomaintainacomfortabletemperature andoptfortopnotchdraughtfreeglazing. ■

ROOMWITHAVIEW

SheepskinrugsfromBaaStool

BRILLIANTBLINDS

COASTALVIBE

AccessoriesfromB&M

GREENFINGERS

AccessoriesandplantsfromDobbie’s

ALLNATURAL

Heglatassledjuterug

£199,CultFurniture

LIGHTUP

Dimplebasedlamp

£29.99,HomeSense

MELLOWMUSTARD

Carmosofafrom

£6,549,BoConcept

WINNINGWOOL

Marlowwoolrug

£349,Neptune

NOSHADE

TOUCHES FINISHING

HayBonbonlightshade inEarthTones

£671.20(was£839), kin.store

COOLCURVES

Eliofabriccurved armchair£180, Habitat

ANATURALTHEMEISALWAYSAWINNERINACONSERVATORYOR

ORANGERYBRINGINGTHEOUTSIDEIN.WE’VEPULLEDTOGETHER AHANDFULOFGREATEXAMPLESTOGETYOUSTARTED

NEVERENOUGH

Cane-linescattercushion

£109(was£120), LeeLonglands

SMOKIN’

BOLDPRINT

Fretwork

cushion£139, JanConstantine

INTHEGROOVE

Fourdoorgrooved sideboard£350,Habitat

Inghamsmokedglass tablelamp£936, FritzFryer

OUTDOORIN

Cane-lineSensesofa£4,095 (was£4,500),LeeLonglands

FromthePottingBench withAdam

OURGREEN-FINGEREDEXPERTADAMKIRTLAND REVEALSHISTOPTIPSFORMAKINGTHEMOSTOF MAY–AMONTHOFGROWTHANDCOLOUR!

Mayishereatlast,andthegardenisfinally hittingitsstride.Thedaysarelonger,the sunhasabitmorewarmthtoit,and everythingseemstobegrowingatdoublespeed.The firstrealsignsofsummerarecreepingin,andafter monthsofcarefulplanningandearlysowingnowis thetimetogetstuckinandenjoyit.

Withthelastfrostsbehindus,thereisplentytobe gettingonwith.Dahliascangointotheground, borderscanbetoppedupwithnewplants,andseeds canbesowndirectlywheretheyaretoflower.The vegetablegardenisalsoinfullswing,withpotatoes needingattentionandothercropsgettingwell established.Itisabusytime,butanexcitingonetoo. So,let’sgrabourtools,headoutsideandmakethe mostofMay.

PlantingOutDahlias

Ifyouhavebeenlookingafterdahliatubersindoors orinthegreenhouse,nowisthemomenttoplantthem out.Thesebold,beautifulflowersloveawarm,sunny spotwithfree-drainingsoil,andgettingtheminthe groundinMaygivesthemplentyoftimetosettlein beforetheystartfloweringlaterinthesummer.

Digaholedeepenoughtocomfortablyfitthetuber, makingsurethegrowingtipsitsjustbelowthesurface. Givethemagoodwateringafterplantingand,ifslugs areaprobleminyourgardenconsideraddingsome organicslugdeterrents.Dahliascanbeabitfloppywhen theygetgoing,soitisworthstakingthemearlytoavoid damagelateron.Afortnightlyfeedwithahighpotassiumfertiliser,suchastomatofeed,willhelpkeep themstrongandfullofbloomsrightthroughtoautumn.

SowingPoppiesandFillingGaps

Mayisabrillianttimetoscatterannualflower seedsstraightintothesoil.Poppies,cornflowersand nigellaarealleasytogrowandfantasticforfillingin gapsinborders.Theywillbloominjustafewweeks, addingburstsofcolourandattractingpollinatorsto thegarden.Simplyrakethesoillightly,scatterthe seedsandwaterthemin.Nofuss,nocomplicated techniques-justletnaturedotherest.

Ifyourbordersarelookingalittlesparse,nowis alsotheperfecttimetoaddinsummerbeddingplants orperennials.Salvias,cosmosandmarigoldsareall

greatchoicesthatwillflowerreliablyformonths. Whenplanting,makesuretowatertheminwelland keepaneyeonanylatecoldsnaps,asMaycanstill throwintheoddchillynight.Alayerofmulch aroundnewplantswillhelpretainmoistureand suppressweeds,givingthemthebestpossiblestart.

EarthUpYourPotatoes

Ifyouaregrowingpotatoes,Mayisthemonthto keepontopofearthingthemup.Astheplantsgrow, graduallymoundsoilaroundthebase,coveringthe lowerleavesbutleavingthetopgrowthexposed.This encouragesstrongtuberdevelopmentandstopsthe potatoesfromturninggreenandbecominginedible. Itisalsoimportanttokeepyourpotatoeswell watered,especiallyiftheweatherisdry.Theyneeda steadysupplyofmoisture,particularlyastheystart formingtubers.Adeepsoakonceortwiceaweekis farbetterthanlittleandoften,asitencouragesstrong rootgrowth.Ifyouaregrowingpotatoesin containers,makesuretheyhavegooddrainageand donotletthemdryoutcompletely.

Ausefultipforkeepingyourcrophealthyisto mulcharoundtheplantswithstraworgrass clippings.Thishelpsthesoilretainmoistureand reducestheriskofblightbykeepingtheleavesdrier. Withabitofcarenow,youwillhaveatastyharvestto lookforwardtointhemonthsahead.

FinalThoughts

Mayisamonthofrealmomentuminthegarden. Everythingisgrowingatpace,andthejobsyoudo nowwillshapehowyourgardenlooksfortherestof theyear.Whetheritisplantingoutdahlias,sowing annualsortendingtoyourvegetablepatch,thereis plentytokeepyoubusy.

Butamongstallthehardwork,donotforgettotake astepbackandenjoyit.Watchasnewshootsemerge, listentothebeesbuzzingaroundtheflowersandsoak upthesightsandscentsoftheseason.Thegroundwork ofspringisbehindus,andnowwegettoenjoythe rewardsofallthateffort.Happygardening! ■

Forlotsmoretoptips,adviceandideasfollowAdam onInstagramandTikTokwhereyou’llfindhimas @viewfromthepottingbenchonboth.

YOUNG,GIFTED&BRUMMIE

AMU SURENKUMAR

BALANCINGBAT,BALLANDSTUDIESISACHALLENGEFORTHE18-YEAR-OLD BEARSWOMENALL-ROUNDER,BUTTHERE’SNOSTOPPINGTHESQUAD’S YOUNGESTPLAYERWHOHASAHUGEFUTUREINFRONTOFHER

CrickethasalwaysbeeninthebloodofAmu Surenkumar–fromtheveryearlydaysasa smallchildplayingbatandballinthe gardenwithherdadthroughtoherrealisingher dreamofbecomingaprofessionalcricketerfor Warwickshire.

TheyoungestmemberoftheBearsWomensquad islookingforwardtothechallengesaheadbymaking amajorcontributionwithbatandballtotheteam’s successthisseasonaftermakingherdebutat Edgbastonlastmonth.

Despitehavingonlyjustturned18,Amuknowsall aboutfacingchallengesandovercomingthem.Asa 10-year-oldfledglingbowler,shesufferedastress fracturetoherback.Butshemanagedtoturnthefact herbowlingwastemporarilylimitedintoapositiveas itmeantshespentmoretimepractisingherbatting. Andthatallowedhertodevelopintotheall-rounder shehasbecometoday.

WORLDCUP

Therewasalsothechallengeofbeingagirl growingupinwhatuntilrelativelyrecentyearswasa predominatelyboys’sport.Thathasallchangednow, butAmuadmitsitwasprobablythehardestthingshe hadtoovercomeasshepursuedherdreamsasa youngteenager.

Amuunderlinedherpromisealongsidefellow BearDavinaPerrinwithastrongshowingatthe Women’sUnder-19sWorldCupattheturnofthe year.Takingthreewicketsforjust17runsproved crucialinsecuringEngland’sgroupstagewinagainst PakistanU19sasshedismissedbothopeners.

ThatgamewasplayedinJohor,Malaysiaandthe followingmonthAmuwasbackinclassforherALevelsinHistory,PoliticsandEconomics.“Balancing schoolandcrickethascertainlykeptmebusy,especially sinceI’minmyfinalyear,”shesaid.“However,beinga boarderatRugbySchooldoeshelpandtheyhavebeen verysupportive,allowingmetimetotrainandplay,as havetheBearsingivingmeadditionalstudytime.

“TheWorldCupinMalaysiawasamazing,a greatexperienceandanopportunitytotestmyself againstthebestup-and-comingplayersinthe world.I’mhappywithhowIperformed.I’ve

learnedthingsandbenefitedfromsomeexcellent coaching,thingsIcanbringbackwithmetothe Bears.IwillbedoingwhateverIcantohelpthe teamhaveagoodfirstseason.”

AmuwaspartofSunrisers’Academyfrom2021-23 beforemakingherseniordebutinJuly2023and signingforBearsWomenlastyear.“I’velovedbeinga Bearsofar,”addedAmu,whoplanstostudylawat universityalongsidehercricketcommitments.“The teamhasagreatgroupofgirls,andithascreateda reallyfunatmospheretobeapartof.

“Thereisabigethosdrivenbythecoachesto ensurethatsessionsaredonewithapurposesothat madepre-seasonsuperproductive,andIameagerto getstuckintotheseason.It’sanewteamwithalot ofgreatplayers,soit’llbeaboutfindingmyrole withinthesquadandperformingtothebestofmy abilities.” ■

BearsWomenarecompetingfortrophiesonthreefrontsin2025:Vitality Blast,MetroBankOneDayCup,andforthefirsttimeaknockout competition,theVitalityT20Women’sCountyCup,featuringsidesfrom allthreetiersofthenationalsystem.FindoutmoreaboutBearsWomen andticketsatedgbaston.com/bearswomen

GROWINGPLACES

WETLANDSRESTORATION

AgroupofSevernTrentvolunteersspentadaysupportinga Wolverhamptonschoolwhichisrestoringanareaof SmestowValley’swetlands,removingrubbishfromthe pond,preparinggroundworkforbridgerepairs,clearing debrisandtrimmingbackhedging.Therestorationprojectis beingrunbyStEdmund’sCatholicAcademyandaimsto boostbiodiversityandcommunitywell-beingbyclearing vitalhabitatsforrarespeciesandrepairingabridge,while alsoprovidingagreatexperienceforEcoClubpupils.Aspart oftheNeighbourGOODscheme,theAcademywasawarded agranttowardsmaterialcostsoftheproject.

SENIORSFOREIGN LANGUAGEFESTIVAL

Pupilsfromseniorschoolsacrosstheregiontookpartinadaylongfestivaldesignedtoinspiremoreyoungpeopletostudya modernforeignlanguage.Duringtheday,Europe’sleading languageorganisations,includingInstitutoCervantes ManchesterandtheOxfordGermanNetwork,ledworkshop sessionsexploringkeyA-LevelthemesinFrench,Germanand Spanish,whilenativespeakersfromSolihullSchooloffered shorttastersessionsinarangeoflanguages,includingUrdu, Welsh,MandarinandArabic.ThedayendedwithaQ&Awith leadinglanguageexperts.

SCHOOL REPORT

ACADEMICPATHWAYS

ShirelandBiomedicalUTCinWestBromwichhas announcedthelaunchofthreeinnovativepost-16pathway courses,developedwiththesupportofBirminghamCity University.StartinginSeptember,theyaredesignedto equipstudentswiththeessentialskills,qualificationsand practicalexperiencenecessaryforcareersinnursingand midwifery,paramedics,earlyyearsandprimaryteaching. Eachpathwayintegratesacademicstudywithpractical training.Studentswillbeguaranteedinterviewsat BirminghamCityUniversityofferinghighereducation andfurtherspecialisationintheircareeraspirations.

FortisAcademyhaswonBMetCollege’sPromPackageCompetition,runin partnershipwithHitsRadio.Thecompetition,opentoschoolsacross Birmingham,gavestudentsthechancetosecuretheultimateYear11prom experience–andFortiscameoutontop.Thewinningstudentswerethrilledat aspecialassemblywhenBMet’sJamesWattCollegeviceprincipal,Randeep Sami,presenteda‘goldenticket’tomarktheirprize.Theirpromwillfeaturea liveDJfromHitsRadio,a360-degreephotobooth,arrivalentertainers, balloondisplaysandanarrayofspecialsweettreats.

POPPY’SCOOKATHON

WORLD CHAMPION INSPIRATION

Theself-titledPotatoQueen,Poppy Cooks,hostedacookerylessonwith morethan3,500schoolchildrenacross BirminghamaspartoftheHealthfor Lifeprogramme.Pupilsfrom50 schoolslearnedtheimportanceof healthyeatingwhiledeveloping essentialculinaryskills.Poppyjoined studentsatManorParkPrimaryin Astonforanin-persondemo,using newcookingequipmentfundedbyHealthforLife.OtherstudentsfromBirminghamschools joinedinviaatutorialvideowhichPoppyrecorded.PoppyisaBromsgrove-bornMichelin-trained chefandbest-sellingauthorwith5.5millionfollowersonsocialmedia.

SolihullAcademystudentswere treatedtoaninspiringvisit fromformerboxingchampion andmotivationalspeakerChris Eubank.Thevisitwas organisedbyEdgeCreative throughitspartnershiplinks withTouchwoodShopping Centreandmarkedthelaunch ofTrustHuddle,anew communityfund-raising platformaimedatempowering youngpeopletosupport charitablecauses.Chrisshared personalstoriesofresilience anddetermination, encouragingpupilstoface challengeswithconfidence.

WINTERFOLDAWARDSWINNERS

Winterfoldpupilsarecelebratinganimpressive haulofsilverwareafterperformancesatthe DudleyCompetitiveArtsFestival.Morethan30 pupilsrepresentedtheschoolattheannual eventthatcelebratesyoungtalentacrossmusic, dramaandspeech.Thefestivalprovidesa challengingyetinspiringplatformfor performersfromacrosstheregiontoshowcase theirabilitiesinfrontofexpertadjudicatorsand aliveaudience.StudentsfromWinterfoldputin exceptionalperformances,demonstrating confidence,musicalityanddedication. Congratulationstoallthewinners!

LOLA BAIA

Inacrowdedswimwearmarket,sistersDaisyand GeorgiaQuirkehatchedaplanin2023tocreate 100percentsustainablepieceswithatimeless nostalgicfeel.Thefollowingsummertheylaunched LolaBaia.Exposurethroughlastseason’sLoveIsland raisedthebrand’sprofileandincreasedsales,but moreimportantly,thepositivefeedbacktheyreceive fromcustomersisthebiggestboost.

DaisyandGeorgiaalwayswantedtorunabusiness together.They’dwatchedtheirfatheranduncle successfullybuildandrunafamilyfirmin Birminghamandlikedtheidea.Theconceptof launchingsustainableswimwearwasbornoutofthe frustrationoftryingtofindtheperfectbikinifor summertripsabroad.Theyfoundthemselveshaving toorderswimwearfromAustraliaandtheUSwith highimportdutiesandlongshippingtimesplusthey wereshockedatthelackofsustainableoptions.

INSPIRATION

In2023LolaBaiastartedlifeatthekitchentablein Birminghamwithsketchesandmoodboardstaking inspirationfromcampaignsfromtheSixtiesincluding

swimskirtsandboyshortswhichDaisyandGeorgia feltweremissingfromthemarket.Theyresearched sustainablefabricsuppliers,manufacturers,howto buildawebsiteandalltheotheraspectsofrunninga businessthatwerenewtothem.Thesisterssay:“It wasallabitDIYatfirst!”Thepairfounda manufacturerinPortugalthatsharedtheirethicsand visionandafternumeroussampleroundsandfit sessions,thefirstcollectionwascompleteandready formarket.

OneofthebiggestchallengesDaisyandGeorgia havefacedhasbeenthedrivetobe100percent sustainable.Everythingtakeslongerandcostsare higher.Aswellasthefabriccostingmore,theyfound thatworkingwithanethical,sustainablefactoryis alsomoreexpensive.Whileit’smoreeffortand investment,sustainabilityremainsatthecoreofwhat LolaBaiaisabout,soit’sworthit.

Theysay:“Thefactoryweworkwithspecialisesin sustainableproductionandsmall-batchmanufacturing, whichmeanswe’reabletomaintainhighquality standardswhilealsoreducingwaste.”Theswimwearis craftedfrompremiumItalianrecycledfabricsmade fromregeneratedoceanwaste–soplasticbottles,ghost fishingnetsandothermarinedebris.It’smadetolast foryears–thisisn’tfastfashion.

WhenastylistforoneofthecontestantsonLove IslandmessagedLolaBaiaaskingforpieces,itwasa surrealmoment.DaisyandGeorgiasay:“Itwasso exciting!Wehadnoideaifthey’dactuallyendup beingworn.Wesentthemoffandjustcrossedour fingers.Whenwefinallysawoneofourbikinison LoveIsland,itwashonestlysurreal.”Beingon nationalTVgavethemaconfidenceboostand raisedthebrand’sprofile.Instagramstarted growingandtherewasabigspikeinwebsitetraffic andsales.Itbroughtanewaudiencetothebrand, andit’sopeneddoorstopotentiallyexciting opportunities.

Withanewcollectionlaunchingthismonthand plansinthepipelineforashootabroad,2025issetto beexcitingnotleastbecauseGeorgiarecentlyhada baby.Motherhoodhasinspiredsomeearly-stage planningforacutebabyswimwearcollectionto matchthewomenswearpieces.Momanddaughter matchingLolaBaiacouldbeathing.

Longtermplansforthebusinessaretoexpand intoresortwearopeningpop-upsinsomeofDaisy andGeorgia’stopholidaydestinations.Eventually they’dliketogrowthebusinessintoafulllifestyle brandmaintainingtheSixtiesinspiredfeeland ethicalvalues. ■

BAKINGASUCCESS

Acouplewhogaveupalifeinthefilm industrytorunanartisanbakeryhave seenbusinessrisethankstolocal support.DanielPerryandCharlotteLee foundedLily&FoxBakeryinEarlsdonin 2023initiallyfocusingonthewholesale market.Publicsalesquicklyoutgrew wholesalehowever,with300loaves soldeachweekalongsideotheritems suchasbrowniesandtake-awaycoffees. Thebusinesshasbeensupportedby CoventryandWarwickshireChamberof CommercethroughtheCoventryStartupProgramme.

SANAONBOARD

BirminghamLawSocietyhasappointedSana Saddiquetoitsboardofdirectors.Family lawyerandbusinessleaderSanaisthe managingdirectorofCollectiveLawSolicitors. Withacommitmenttoaccesstojustice, diversity,andmodernisingthelegal profession,Sana’sappointmentmarksan excitingstepforwardfortheBirmingham legalcommunity.Foundedin1818, BirminghamLawSocietyisthelargest regionalsocietyofitskind,representingmore than9,000legalprofessionalsacross BirminghamandtheMidlands.

BUSINESS

CLASSICDAYTEESUP

Celebritiesfromtheworldofsport,music andTVwilltakepartinthefirst-everBelfry ClassicGolfDaylaterthismonth.Sponsored byTurkishAirlinesandconstructionfirmthe ElliottGroup,theeventon22Maywillbe hostedbyTVpresenterDanWalkeratthe Brabazoncourse,hometotheBetfred BritishMasters.Proceedswillgotothe MotorNeuroneDiseaseAssociationand HospitalityAction,whichprovidesrelieffor hospitalityworkersincrisis.Therewillalso beanall-dayBBQ,liveentertainment,gala dinnerandauction.

CHAMBERPATRON

Anaward-winningfleetmanagement firm,whichservesmorethan32,000 vehiclesand1,200businessesacross theUK,hasbecomeapatronof GreaterBirminghamChambersof Commerce(GBCC).Shirley-based runyourfleetisthelatestcompanyto jointheGBCC’stoptierof membership.Thecompanyhasearned astringofawardsoverthepasttwo years,includingtheGBCC’sawardfor ExcellenceinTechnologyand InnovationandaKing’sAwardfor Innovationin2024markingthe successfullaunchofitsonlineplatform.

AGENCYOFTHEYEAR

MarketingcommunicationsagencyLeopardCo wonNewcomerAgencyoftheYearatthe PRmomentAwards.ThecelebrationoftheUK publicrelationsindustrysawtheBirminghambasedcompanytakehomethegoldmedalprize.In lessthantwoyearsLeopardCohascreatinga25strongagencyteamofferingfullservicemarketing toclients.Co-foundersRachelRobertsandAnthony Tattumcommented:“Thisrecognitionshinesalight onBirminghamwhichishometosomeofthebest talentthisindustryhastooffer.”

TheimpactofBelgradeTheatreonlocalcommunitiesandtheregionaleconomywas revealedataneventtomarkthefirstanniversaryofits‘newvision’.Artisticdirector CoreyCampbellandCEOLauraElliottledtheeventattheBelgrade’sB2studiospace, attendedbycivicandbusinessleaders,theatre-goers,artists,fundersandsupporters. Hostedbyex-BBCcorrespondentSatnamRana-Grindley,itwasreportedthatin2024, 142,000audiencemembersattended425performancesacross113events,while morethan10,000peopleparticipatedinlearningandtalentdevelopmentprogrammes.

TIMEFORANEWADVENTURE

LittleAdventuresNursery,recognisedasoneofthetop-rateddaynurseries intheUK,hasopeneditslatestchildcarefacilitiesinWashwoodHeath, Birmingham.Thenurseryoffershigh-qualitycareforchildrenagedsix weekstofiveyearsandalsofeaturesabrandnewbabyunit.Lastyearthe groupwasratedamongthetop20UKnurserygroupsforthesecondyear runningbasedonverifiedparentreviewsondaynurseries.co.uk.

MAKINGANIMPACT RACETOTHETOP

APPEALFOR WHEELS

Themanbehindacompanythathasdeveloped theworld’sfirstcloud-basedsimulationsoftware forvehiclesuspensionandchassisdevelopment wasnamedwinneroftheDragonsDen-style MinervaPitchUpcompetition.RaoulPopescuGhimis,chiefexecutiveofRACESolutions,was chosenbyentrepreneurs,innovatorsandinvestors atVenturefestWestMidlands–theannualfestival ofinnovationsponsoredandco-organisedbyWest MidlandsCombinedAuthority,InnovationAlliance WM,sixuniversities,TechWMandConnected PlacesCatapult.

SolihullRotarianshavelauncheda£30,000appealforanewpick-uptruckata Ugandanmedicalandcrisiscentreforchildren.Theappealispartofongoing supportfollowingavisittoPottersVillage,inKisoroin2023,bytheRotary’s presidentPhilGodfreyandpaediatricnurseeducator,VicciHornsby.Philsaid: “Thecurrenttruckwassecond-handandisnowinurgentneedof replacement.Itisuseddailytosupporttheworkofthecharity.”Tosupport theappealvisit:https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-godfrey-appeal3

GATELEY’SNEWRECRUITS

InternationallawfirmGateleyLegalhasbolstered itsspecialistresidentialdevelopmentteamin Birminghamwiththeappointmentsofpartner NatalieEdwardsandlegaldirectorLauraMurphy, bothjoiningfromEvershedsSutherland.Natalie, picturedleft,wasEvershedsSutherland’snational headofresidentialdevelopmentandco-headof itslivingsectorgroup.Lauraactsfornational housebuildersandpromotersonmajorresidential developmentschemesacrosstheUK.

HOSPITALHEROES

CommercialpropertyagencyandauctioneerBondWolfehasbeennamedone ofBirminghamChildren’sHospital’s100Heroesfor2025.BondWolfe CharitableTrustraisedmorethan£6,000forthecharityinthelast12months. Asoneofthe100Heroesthecontributionwillbecelebratedwithaspecialred balloondisplayedatthehospitalthroughout2025.Theachievementwas markedbyLisaWorrall,director–agency,BondWolfe;MarkBrider,BCHcharity CEO;andLibbyHoban,agencyco-ordinator,BondWolfe,pictured.

LIFE-SAVINGINITIATIVE

WarwickshireCountyCricketClubhasintroducedpotentiallife-saving softwareacrossitsEdgbastonstadiumITsystemstointerceptsearches relatingtoself-harmorsuicide.TheclubhaspartneredwithR;ppleOnline Safetytodeployitscrisisinterventiontoolonmorethan100stafflaptops andthroughouttheground’swi-ficonnectivity.Whenausersearchesfor harmfulcontent,R;pplediscreetlyintervenesandsignpoststofree,24/7 mentalhealthsupportandresources.Warwickshireisthefirstcountyclub inthecountrytoadoptthetechnologyonlaptopsandwi-fi.

GROWINGTHELOOP

Thepartnersbehindtheregenerationof PortLoopinBirminghamannouncedthe completionofanewapartmentbuilding andanewfuturefortheTubeworks. RegenerationcompanyUrbanSplashand PlacesforPeople,theUK’slargestsocial enterprise,markedthecompletionof58 two-bedroomapartmentsinMansion House–anewapartmenttypologyfor PortLoopoverlookingthecanal.They alsoconfirmedthatlongstanding collaboratorsCivicSquarehasacquired 48,000sqftofspacewithinTubeworks–acollectionofhistoricindustrialbuildings.

DOUBLEWINNERS

Acommitmenttodiversity,inclusionandthe communitysawengineeringfirmadiGroup wintwoaccoladesattheEngineering MattersAwards.TheBirmingham-based business’spre-apprenticeshipprogramme claimedtheDiversityandInclusionChampion goldawardandCommunityChampionsilver awardattheceremonyinLondon.adibeat offcompetitionfromthelikesofRolls-RoyceNovelNuclear,ABBandMicrosoft fortheawardswhichrecogniseorganisationsandprojectsthathavehelped openuptheengineeringindustrytoawiderrangeofemployees.

DUO’SCOFFEEAPP

Twolocalentrepreneurswithathirstforsuccesshave launchedwhatisbelievedtobetheworld’sfirst subscriptionservicedesignedtochampion independentcoffeeshops–beginninginWarwick andLeamington.RobOakleyandAlexBakerhave teameduptocreateKuppsoCoffeeClub,anappset toinjectaboosttothearea’scafécultureaswellas itseconomy.Theapp,whichthepairhopetotakeUKwide,isrootedintheirsharedpassionforcommunity, encouragingmorefootfallawayfromnationalchains andintolocalindependentcoffeehotspots.

LEGALMOVES

MidlandslawfirmSydneyMitchellhasmadeseniorpromotions,includingnew partnersforitsPrivateClientandFamilyteams.Thefirm,whichhasofficesin Birmingham,SolihullandSheldon,haspromotedPrivateClientspecialistLorna PayneandFamilyLawexpertGemmaWhitchurchtosalariedpartner,taking SydneyMitchell’spartnershipto16.CharlotteJoneshasbeenpromotedtosenior associateinthePrivateClientteam,whileKiranAthwal,headofthePersonal InjuryandClinicalNegligencepractice,isalsopromotedtoseniorassociate.

FLAGSHIPOPENING

BandaiNamcoAmusementEurope,ownerofthe interactiveretailexperienceBandaiNamcoCross StoreCamden,London,hasopenedasecond flagshipstoreinBirmingham.Thetwo-storey BandaiNamcoCrossStoreBirminghamsituated inNewStreetcontainsamyriadofpopular Japanesebrandsandattractions.

SPITFIRESITE

Award-winninghomebuilderSpitfireHomeshas completedtheacquisitionofa1.6-acresite formerlyoccupiedbyWestMidlandsPolicein RoseRoad,Harborne.Thesitewillfeaturenew townhousesandapartments,eachshowcasing strikingexteriors.Spitfirehasalsoacquireda 12-acresiteinCoventrytodelivermorethan 180homes.

MERRYVIRGIN

VirginAtlanticHolidayshasopenedanew designconceptretailstoreatMerryHillShopping CentreinBrierleyHill.Thestoreboastsateamof eightexpertstohelpplantravelitinerariesfor customers.coveringeverytouchpoint,from browsingthroughtodeparture,andfinally,when touchingbackdownonhomesoil.

ANNIVERSARYMUSEUM

Hereitis!VictoriaLynn,managingdirectorat DraytonManor,welcomestheopeningofanew museumshowcasingthepark’sheritageaspartof its75thanniversarycelebrations.Themuseum featuresartefacts,vintagememorabiliaandiconic momentsfromthepark’shistory–frombelovedold ridestonostalgictreasures.Openuntiltheendof thesummerseason,italsohighlightsthestoryof GeorgeandVeraBryan,whotransformedtheland fromasimplecountrysideday-tripdestinationintoa themeparkforfamiliestoenjoyforyearstocome.

WHAT’SONliving

WHAT: RoyalAscotLadiesDay

WHEN: 19June

WHERE: NailcoteHall, nailcotehall.co.uk

Enjoyacrackinglunchandlivebig screenactionfromAscot.Followedby afternoontea,sing-a-longwithWest EndstarDavidLawrenceandafter-race partywithTake@That.

WHAT: TheLion,TheWitch andTheWardrobe

WHEN: 27to31May

WHERE: TheAlexandra, atgtickets.com

Stepthroughthewardrobeinto themagickingdomofNarnia whereaworldofwonderawaits.

Aspectacularproductionthat celebratesthe75thanniversary ofCSLewis’sclassicnovel.

WHAT: TheCroft

WHEN: 10to14June

WHERE: BirminghamRep, birmingham-rep.co.uk

WHAT: PHOENIX

WHEN: 30May

WHERE: TheJamHouse

Introducinganewall-femaleband featuringatriooftheUK’sleading vocalists.XFactorVickiAnnNash,Voice UKLindsayButlerandtheirrepressible Elle-JWaltersfrontanightofclubclassics andmodern-dayhits.

Aboldandhauntingplaywherethepresentinterweaves withthepastasancienttalessurfaceandtheterrifying truthlurkingintheCroftisrevealed.StarringLizaGoddard.

WHAT: HarryStachini

WHEN: 31May

WHERE: MidlandsArtCentre, macbirmingham.co.uk

He’samassedmillionsofviewsacrosshis socialmediawithhisstand-upclipsandthis isyourchancetoseeafine,upcomingcomic inaction.

WHAT: GregDavies

WHEN: 18June

WHERE: BPPulselive, bppulselive.co.uk

The6ft8instarofTaskmaster,ManDownand Cuckooisheadingbackontourforthefirst timeinsevenyears.Utterlyunmissable.

WHAT: TINA–

TheTinaTurnerMusical

WHEN: 17to28June

WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, birminghamhippodrome.com

Settothepulse-poundingsoundtrackof hericonichits,discovertheheartand soulbehindthequeenofrock’n’roll.

WHAT: TheBabyShow WHEN: 9to11May

WHERE: NECBirmingham

Callingallparents-to-beand newparents!There’smore than350leadingbabyand boutiquebrandsonshowwith everythingyouneedtogive yourbundleofjoythevery beststart.

WHAT: SophieEllis-Bextor WHEN: 2June

WHERE: SymphonyHall, bmusic.co.uk

Thediminutivepopsterhas announcedherbiggest-everUK headlinetourincludingatripto Brumwithhergloriousand magicalbrandofdisco-pop.

WHAT: LauraBelbin:TooMuch WHEN: 22May

WHERE: TheGleeClub Birmingham

She’sloud,sheswears,she’s inappropriate,andshe’sthe comedianbehindthesocial mediaanticsofKneeDeepIn Life.Andnowshe’sliveon stagewithherbrand-new showfor18+.

WHAT: TheVanishingElephant

WHEN: 18to21June

WHERE: TheBelgradeTheatre, belgrade.co.uk

Amovingstoryoffriendship, belongingandoneincredible journeyfromBengaltothebright lightsofBroadway.

WHAT: OmidDjalili:Namaste WHEN: 16May

WHERE: TownHall,bmusic.co.uk

ThePersiancomedypowerhouseperformshiscriticallyacclaimednewshowandpeacefullybowstohisinneranger, unleashingatorrentofcomedicvitrioluponthecurrentstate ofthisdangerouslymessed-upplanet.

WHAT: MahtabHussain: WhatDidYouWantToSee? WHEN: Nowuntil1June WHERE: IkonGallery, ikon-gallery.org

Thehugelytalentedartistwhoweinterviewedin ourMarchissueexploresthefinelinebetween photographicdocumentationandsurveillance cultureaffectingtheMuslimcommunityinBritain.

WHAT: TitusAndronicus

WHEN: Nowto7June

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

Thewarmaybeover,butthe violencehasjustbegun. Shakespeare’sbloodiestplayseen throughthelensof21stcentury aggression.Olivier,TonyandBAFTA award-winnerSimonRussellBeale takesthetitlerole.

CLOSEWITHÁ

HELENMASON

THEHEADOFMARKETINGANDCOMMUNICATIONSATMIDLANDSAIR AMBULANCECHARITYLEADSTHETEAMRESPONSIBLEFORRAISING AWARENESS–ANDVITALFUNDS–FORTHEHELICOPTERHEROES.SHE ALSOHASA‘MYSTERIOUS’WORLDRECORDAMBITIONTOFULFILL…

BEENTHERE,DONETHAT

Ihavealwayshadapassionformarketingand communicationsandlatterlybehaviouraleconomics–lookingatwhatmotivatesusinourdecisionmaking.Inmy teensIwasprivilegedtobeofferedworkexperienceat HeadlineCommunicationsonNewhallStreetwhereI developedaloveforPR.IwentontoworkatGolleySlater PRfornineyearsbeforejoiningMidlandsAirAmbulance Charity,headingupthemarketingandcommunicationsteam withinacauseIdeeplycareabout.

IT’SWHATIDO

WhilemyfellowcharityteammembersandIarenot advancedclinicianson-boardourhelicopters,ourrolesstill helptogivepatientsincriticalneedthebestchanceoflifeand agoodrecovery.MyteamandIareresponsibleforraising awarenessofourcauseandtohelpraisevitalfundsasour emergencypre-hospitalservicedoesnotreceiveGovernment fundingforourdailymissions,itispurelythroughcharitable donations.TheinteractionsIhavewithourformerpatients, supportersandvolunteersisbothhumblingandrewarding. Theirbravery,selflessnessandgenerositygivemeagreat senseofprideandinturnmotivatesmetobuildfurther awarenessofandengagementwithourservice,toultimately helpkeepthosehelicopterbladesturning.

WHATI’DLIKETOSEE

Ihaveanumberofcareergoalsstilltoachieve.Creatingan award-winningworldrecordisdefinitelystilltopofthelist–watchthisspace!

BIGGESTSUCCESS

Idoappreciatelittleeverydaywins,butmybiggest

achievementprofessionallywasleadingtheteamatMidlands AirAmbulanceCharitytowintheCommunicationsTeamof theYearatthenationalThirdSectorAwardsin2021.During Covid,ourWeCan’tWorkFromHomecampaign highlightedourcrewswerestillrespondingtocall-outsand thatweneededthepublic’ssupporttocontinuetooperate.It wasamomentintimeIwillalwaysbeexceptionallyproudof.

BIGGESTLESSONLEARNED

Neverevertakecreditforsomeoneelse’sidea,effortor chancetoshine.Thisismynumberoneleadershiprule.By recognisingothers’achievements,youearntherespectofyour teamandyourwidernetwork.

WHATILIKEABOUTBRUM

Ihaveaconfession!Ihavenevermovedoutofa BirminghampostcodeandI’mproudofit!Birminghamis myhomeineverysense,youcanfindtranquilspace,cool newplacestoeatanddrink,andevenfindablastfromthe past–DJFitchyattheStoodiBakersreunionlastsummer wasincredible!

DOWNTIME

Withoutadoubt,mysecondhomeistheEdgbastonPriory Club.Asalife-longmember,Igetarealsenseofbelonging there–whetherit’sakickassclass,pickinguparacketor simplymeetingwithgreatfriends.

ANYTHINGELSETOADD?

MidlandsAirAmbulanceCharity’sHighFlyersinitiative allowsyoutoaddyourname,oralovedone’stotheiconic chevronsontheairambulancehelicopter: highflyers.midlandsairambulance.com ■