READ ONLINE AT www.B7LIVING.com ISSUE 4: DECEMBER 2011/JANUARY 2012

A free monthly magazine for the folk of Sutton Coldfield

featuring.. .Decorate for the Season, in StyleHow to: last-minute Christmas pudBeating Winter Blues

Restaurant Review: The French GrillSpotlight: local shop-spot, Boldmere!

PLUS, WIN a Hamper from The Deli!

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EDITORKate Hughes

editor@B7LIVING.com

CHIEF COPYWRITERJo Disney

Jo@B7LIVING.com

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Cover artist...This month’s cover features a gorgeous illustration by the hugely talented Kate Hindley. Kate is an illustrator living and working in Birmingham. Her first children’s book “Dare You Snare a Snortle”, written by Claire Freed-man, will be available in 2012. For more information, please visit: www.katehindley.co.uk / www.katehindley.etsy.com@hindleyillos

Welcome to the very first Christmas edition of B7LIVING!

February’s issue is a

Wedding SpecialAlong-side our regular features, February will have a very Wedding-y flavour, with

information on upcoming Fayres, budgeting tips, and editorial from industry experts.

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Well here we are with the fourth edition of B7LIVING and already it’s that time of year again. No doubt ‘yule’ be hounded by all things Christmas in the run-up to the big day, so I’d like to be able to say that we haven’t over-done it in this month’s edition, but I can’t I’m afraid. Yes, by the end you will be sick of the sight of bauballs - however, it’s not without reason! See our ‘Win a Hamper’ competition on page 9 and enter for your chance to win a scrumptious hamper worth £40! Who says we never give you anything?

As is customary with many lifestyle magazines, December and January are merged into one big edition - so we’ll be taking a little break (if you can call it that!) after this issue. But don’t despair - we’ll be back at the start of February with the first of our 2012 editions, and what a corker we’ve got in store for you. I won’t say too much, but if you’re planning to take your vows anytime soon, you won’t want to miss out on the February edition of B7LIVING! For now though, it’s back to December. As we all know, a Christmas shopper’s complaint is one of long-standing, which is why we’ve brought together a cracking set of gift ideas over on pages 22-23. They can all be bought or ordered online (so long as you get your skates on) which means you won’t have to endure those jam-packed streets or queues from the till to next Christmas!

Another quirky gift idea (from me to erm... me) is a vintage trinket or two. Vintage fashion is very much back with a bang, so if you want to bag a bargain, why not put your eBay skills to the test at a vintage auction? We went along to the very first Circa Vintage Auction recently - check out our thoughts on page 7. As ever, this issue is jam-packed. We’ve got details of The Belfry’s brand spanking new French Grill (Tried & Tasted, page 21), I share my knowledge of the Anthony Nolan charity on page 8, Bad Apple are sorting out our tresses for the party season on page 13, and starting on page 15 we have a Special Feature all about Boldmere, including a voucher for The Deli!

Also, don’t forget to check out the ‘What’s On’ page and fill your diary with as many Christmas fairs and mulled wine quaffing opportunities as you can - it’s only Christmas once a year, and my motto is ‘embrace it’! My other motto is ‘seek help’ - Tom of FreeTimeFitness gives us some tips on how to not pack on the lbs this Chrimbo (page 27). So, I hope you find a moment inbetween the festive frivolities (and January sales of course!) to have a good read of this month’s edition. I’ll see you in February - until then here’s wishing you lots of Christmas cheer and best wishes for the New Year!

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December 2011 &January 2012WHAT’S ON

Carols under the StarsWhat? Open air carols and storytelling for all the family with free soup and rolls. Hot drinks and mince pies afterwards too! Everyone welcome.When? 18th December from 6pmWhere? Sutton Coldfield Vineyard Church at the Livingwell Centre, 480 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5BP

Our Place Panto TripWhat? Come with us and see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. £9 for Our Place Schools and £14 for general community - includes ticket and round-trip coach transfer.When? 4th JanuaryWhere? Depart from Our Place Community Hub, Farthing Lane, Sutton Coldfield. Call to book a slot 0121 354 40 80 or visit www.ourplacecommunityhub.org

Plus. . .* Ramada Sutton Coldfield - There’s a whole host of Festive events going on at your local Ramada Hotel, check out their ad on page 5

* Space Hopper Events present two more wonderful Craft and Gift fairs just in time for last minute shoppers, see page opposite.

Christmas Tree FestivalWhat? Boldmere Methodists first ever Christmas tree festival. Come and see our Church Hall full of decorated Christmas trees and enjoy a glass of mulled fruit cup or a hot chocolate and biscuits. Plus... card stall for last minute Christmas card buying!When? 3rd December 1pm - 4pm, and 6pm - 8pm; 4th December 2pm - 6pm.Where? Boldmere Methodist Church. Entrance 50p, accompanied children go FREE. For more info or to enter your own tree, visit www.boldmeremethodistchurch.org

COEA Arts & Crafts ExhibitionWhat? A free exhibition of arts and crafts by students and tutors from the Centre of England Arts. This is an ideal opportunity to see what participants in COEA weekly classes and one-day workshops have achieved. The 2012 weekly classes and workshops programme will be launched at the exhibition and visitors can meet the tutors and book places.When? 3rd & 4th December 10am - 4pm Where? Centre of England Arts, Patrick Farm Barns, Meriden Road, Hampton in Arden B92 0LT (follow signs). Free entry, plenty of free parking, light refreshments (in return for donation), wheelchair access. More information: www.coea.co.uk or telephone 01676 523357

Christmas Party @ The Beauty RoomWhat? Come and join us for a glass of wine or smooothie and a mince pie to celebrate Christmas! Lots of Christmas gift ideas, FREEface mapping and skin analysis, Party lash demonstrations, stocking fillers, Christmas music and laughs...get in the festive spirit!When? 8th December 5pm - 9pmWhere? The Beauty Room, Fitness First, Mere Green

Candy Cabaret Christmas Burlesque EventWhat? Show, Vintage Salon and Class. PLUS... Burlesque Dancing workshops starting in January 2012.When? 9th DecemberWhere? Rugby. Contact info@lekeuxevents.co.uk for further information.

Christmas ConcertWhat? The New Streetly Youth Orchestra are performing their annual Christmas concert. This is a fundraising event in conjunction with Leonard Cheshire Homes.When? 10th December Where? Emmanuel Church, Wylde Green

Our Place Christmas GrottoWhat? Children will meet Santa and have hot chocolate and a cake, adults are invited to swap their hot chocolate for a glass of mulled wine. Everyone can join in our Christmas craft room and have a go at creating their own Christmas decorations and cards. All ages welcome and we can accommodate for those with disabilities, just let us know in advance. When? 14th, 17th & 19th December Where? Our Place Community Hub, Farthing Lane, Sutton Coldfield. Call to book a slot 0121 354 40 80.

Cancer Support Centre’s

Christmas FayreWhat? There will be quality stallholders selling a wide range of items

from jewellery, beauty products, crystals, ladies fashion and much more. Plus copies of the 2012 Calendar ‘Inspirational Sutton’ for sale. A great day out for all of the family with lots to do, all in the name of charity. There will be mulled wine and mince pies too! See page 9 for

more information.

When? 10th December 12pm - 4pm

Where? Cancer Support Centre, Lindridge Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6JB

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Handbags &

The very first Circa Vintage Auction took place on Saturday 19th November at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, andnaturally, B7 Living was there to find out what it was all about...What with our review of the Sutton Vintage & Arts Fair (Oct edition, pg 17) and blogger Emily Snape’s musings on the vintage rebound (Nov edition, pg 11) it certainly seems as though the vintage fashion industry is coming back with something of a bang.

Birmingham’s quirky Custard Factory hosted the very first Circa Vintage Auction, a collaboration between Aston’s Auctioneers and vintage fashion expert Claire Robinson. If you’ve never been to a vintage auction before, I’ll let you into a little secret - you’re not alone - but speaking from first-hand experience it’s definitely worth a visit.

There was a very positive turn-out for the first auction, easily 50 - 60 people on the day (with plenty more pre-auction bids) representing quite a wide demographic - from fashion students and bargain-hunters, to dealers and first-timers. Perhaps it was the beautifully presented muffins and complimentary tea that lured the crowd (in vintage china, naturally) or maybe it was the sheer quality, class and diversity of items on offer.

I’m no fashion expert, but I do like shopping - and it’s easy to see that the clothing and accessories up for auction would far exceed the quality and superiority of the brands found on our High Street today, at literally a fraction of the price.

And that’s why these auctions are such a good find.

The clothing is unique - you can be pretty sure that if you buy something, you won’t find anyone else wearing the same outfit. And the auction is a buzz!If you’ve ever been in an eBay bidding war you’ll be close to the experience, but it’s better still.

From plush designer coats and 1930s mink-fur stoles,to quaint handbags and delicate lace accessories, they had it all. I saw an authentic YSL checked jacket go for £35, a 1960s cropped ladies coat from Harvey Nics sell for £25, an immaculate 1950s gent’s pinstripe two-piece suit by Daks fall under the hammer at just £20, and a beautiful ladies’ 1950s wool dress claimed for just £10.

Among the personal favourites of organiser and fashion expert Claire Robinson was an exceedingly rare chocolate brown Astracan coat, which was snapped up after a lively bidding war for just £85. Her highlights of the sale included a 1970s Harris Tweed herringbone coat sold for £35, a Mary Quant angora and lambswool dress which went for £70, and sold for £190 was a stunning 1920s silk and lame shawl.

Stunning designer items by Alexon, Ossie Clark and Paul Smith made regular appearances, while an easy contender for deal of the day was a beautiful beaver-lamb coat, which fell under the hammer at just £8.

It‘s fair to say that the auction was a lot of fun. With party season now upon us I for one won’t be needing any excuses to pop down to the nextCirca Vintage Auction to bag some bargain gladrags! circavintageauctions.com

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It was a damp Saturday afternoon in late October, I had done a spot of shopping in Sutton Town Centre and I was making my way home when I noticed a familiar face - that of comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli (pictured avec moi!). Intrigued, I hung about to see what was going on, and I found myself being introduced to a great charity, a group of wonderful volunteers, and some shocking information.

Did you know that on average, 70 people a day in the UK are diagnosed with a blood cancer – that’s one person every 23 minutes!

Anthony Nolan is a pioneering charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer. Every day, they use their register to match remarkable donors willing to donate their blood stem cells, or bone marrow, to people they have never met who desperately need lifesaving transplants, but for every patient they can help, there is another who sadly they can’t because no match can be found. I’m not an impulsive person, but I found myself desperately wanting to potentially help save a life or two. I read the info, including the small print, completed a health questionnaire, spat in a tube and became a registered donor, right in the heart of The Mall (sorry to anyone who may have witnessed this!). I may make light of it here, but becoming a donor isn’t an easy a decision to make and requires major committment - not least because it costs the charity about £100 to register each new donor.

If you’ve never heard of Anthony Nolan and you want to learn more, you can read a little bit about the current Anthony Nolan campaign below, and then check out their website for more information.

‘Man on a Mission’ is an Anthony Nolan campaign to raise awareness of and recruit donors to its blood stem cell donor register. They’ve teamed up with Hardeep Singh Kohli, their ‘man’ of the ‘mission’, who is fronting the campaign to raise awareness of the blood stem cell register and the need for donors. Recruitment events have been planned throughout the campaign – check out www.anthonynolan.org/manonamission to see how they’re doing.

The aim of the campaign is to add 1,000 new donors from Birmingham on to the Anthony Nolan register. Beyond that, the aim is to raise awareness about the need for donors, so that people have enough information to be able to consider the decision to register.

Why Birmingham? They picked Birmingham because they particularly need more young men and people from ethnic minority backgrounds to join the register. Birmingham is home to 167,000 men in Anthony Nolan’s ideal 18-30 age range and has large populations of people from ethnic minority backgrounds, giving them a better chance of registering the people they need to help them save more lives.

On average, 70 people a day are diagnosed with a blood cancer. Of those that will need a transplant, just 30% will be able to find a matching donor within their family, usually a sibling. Anthony Nolan can currently only find matches for half of the people who need them. A blood stem cell transplant is usually the last hope of life for someone with blood cancer and there are 1,600 people in the UK who need a transplant. The chances of finding a matching donor for someone from an ethnic minority background can be as low as just 40%, due to a lack of donors from these groups. To be able to give more people the chance of life, they need more people to join the register.

Men aged between 18 and 30 are more likely to be asked to donate. This is because men are generally bigger, so they can get more blood stem cells from them, and younger donors are less likely to have any of the health conditions that would prevent them from being able to donate. Over 80% of donations are given by men, but men of the ideal age range make up just 12% of the register.

To join the register, you must be aged between 18 and 40, weigh over 8 stone and be in general good health. You can register online at www.anthonynolan.org/spit - they ask for some medical information and, once they know you’re eligible to donate, they’ll send a saliva kit in the post. You spit into the tube and send it back to them when they will test for your tissue type, to see whether you match anyone in the world in need of a transplant.

Over 80% of donations are carried out via PBSC - this is an outpatient appointment which is similar to giving blood and is much more straightforward than many people think. Needles are not fun, but in return for a few hours of your time (and of course your blood!), you really could save a life.

To find about more about the processes involved, and to learn more about registering, please visit their website www.anthonynolan.org.

To join the register, you must be aged between 18 and 40, weigh more than 8 stone (51kg) and be in general good health. For more information on the donating process, or to apply to join the register, visit www.anthonynolan.org or call 0303 303 0303. All new donors are welcome but young males are particularly encouraged to join the register.

ANTHONY WHO?Having happened upon comedian and face of Anthony Nolan’s Man on a Misson campaign, Hardeep Singh Kohli, whilst wondering around Sutton Coldfield in October this year, Kate Hughes is now registered and ready to spread the word about the work of this fantastic charity.

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In the spirit of Christmas, we’re giving ONE LUCKY READER the chance to WIN a luxury food hamper prepared lovingly by The Deli in Boldmere, worth a hearty £40!!!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply count the number of red bauballs you can find dotted throughout this issue. They have to be exactly like the one on the left, but they’re not all this large!

Email your answer to: editor@B7LIVING.com by 12pm on the 22nd December. The winner will be selected at random, and called the same day to arrange delivery of your gorgeous hamper, just in time for Christmas!

Please include your answer, name, and telephone number in your email.

Good luck, and get counting!!

Cancer Support Centre’sCHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 10th December 2011, 12pm-4pm Cancer Support Centre, Lindridge Road

Pat Brighton, Trustee and Events Fundraiser of The Cancer Support Centre said “There will be quality stallholders selling a wide range of items from jewellery, beauty products, crystals, ladies fashion and much more. We will also have copies of our 2012 Calendar Inspirational Sutton for sale and if he’s not too busy we may also be having a visit from a very special VIP. So this is a great day out for all of the family with lots to do and refreshments such as mulled wine and mince pies.”“We would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to CancerPartners UK who have sponsored the Christmas Fayre and provided the first prize of £100 and other prizes for the grand raffle.”

Stuart Southgate of CancerPartners UK said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Cancer Support Centre and their Christmas Fayre. This worthwhile cause is very close to our hearts here at CancerPartners as we know all to well the impact a diagnosis of cancer can have. “

This is the first year that the Cancer Support Centre is holding a Christmas Fayre having recently moved to Lindridge Road earlier this year. The Cancer Support Centre shares facilities with St Giles who also reside in Lindridge Road. The two charities remain independent and need to raise funds for each of their organisations and the different work that they do. The Cancer Support Centre needs to raise £100,000 this year in order to continue to provide support, advice and complementary therapies to the many local people diagnosed with cancer this year.

To find out more about how you can help The Cancer Support Centre and local people living with cancer call Ann Mckeown on 0121 378 6296 or email fundraising@suttoncancersupport.co.uk for details of the latest activities.

Win a Hamper!

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With hair styled and skin prepped, its time to find your perfect party make-up look.

It’s a good idea to take advantage of the free makeovers offered by most of the top beauty brands at your local department store. Having a specialist consultant offer their expertise when it comes to the way you apply your make-up can result in a great new look for you. After all, it’s so easy to become stuck in a make-up rut. And you get to try out the products before you buy.

Take notice of professional application tips and invest in the right tools - quality make-up brushes leave a great finish. Establishing what you want from your cosmetics means that you can find the right ones for you. Long lasting foundations, lengthening mascaras and vibrant lipsticks work wonders for evening, and will help keep you looking great into the small hours.

And finally, get your nails looking as polished as you are. Repair breakage and reinforce damage to the nail surface with a strengthening treatment. File and shape before applying lashings of colour. Or, for a really fashion-forward look, try the latest trend - nail wraps. They’re cute, creative, fun and perfect for a party.

With everything now in place to make you look fabulous, all that’s left to do is enjoy every minute of the best time of year and make this Christmas one to remember! - Helen Jane Taylor.

Tis the season to be

Courtesy of Estee Lauder

It’s that time of year again... the annual office get-together and accepting more invites to nights out the girls than you could ever possibly attend. Christmas is great, but all that socialising can become stressful and a packed diary means less time to prepare for those all important dates. So, what you really need is an easy, effective and well-planned beauty routine that’s going to save you hours getting ready, guarantee you’ll look gorgeous and ensure that you’re the centre of attention - for all the right reasons.

Being transformed from dingy to dazzling doesn’t have to take long, but preparation is certainly essential.

Book hair appointments well in advance; it’s the busiest time of year for stylists and a marvelous mane is a must-have accessory. As great as it is to try out a new look, be cautious around the holiday season - hair disasters are sure to kill party spirit! Instead stick to a look that you know suits you and that’s easy to manage - leave the re-styles until the new year.

Cold winter days, centrally heated rooms and the usual bouts of seasonal flu can play havoc with your skin, leaving it dull, dry and lifeless. So it’s a good time to take notice of your skin type and invest in a routine that will leave it glowing.

Dry, sensitive types suffer more in the winter and need to be regularly moisturised. Apply a day cream in the morning and a ‘heavier’ night cream in the evening to keep moisture levels topped up.

Oily skin shouldn’t be neglected. It too needs moisturising - a ‘light’ product works best, and should be used twice daily.

Combination skin must be managed using a specially formulated range, in order to balance the dry and oily sections of the face.

Don’t forget the delicate eye area too - use an eye cream daily to avoid wrinkles.

1. Estee Lauder - Pure Colour Sensuous Rouge Lipsticks £20 each2. Estee Lauder - Hydrationist Collection £33 each 3. Clarins Face Palette £354. Lancome Hypnose Mascara £20.505. Rebel Nail Wraps £7.95

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When I was little my grandparents always had a fake Christmas tree that groaned with the weight of about a thousand sputnik-shaped fairy lights. Candy-coloured and frosted with artificial ice, they flashed on and off in a way that, to a five-year-old, was nothing if not glorious. Yup, my grandparents really went for it – and if that’s your style, I’m not going to knock it.

There is another Christmas-decorating school of thought, however. One that allows you to celebrate without going over the top. Here are five guidelines to help you create a stylish seasonal look for your home:

1. The wreath

Your front door is the handshake to your house, and a pretty Christmas wreath is a welcoming addition. Buy or make one that suits the size andcolour of your door. Natural materials such as holly, ivy, bay and twisted willow are lovely, and you can finish it off with berries and ribbon for a traditional effect; alternatively, wire and palecoloured beads are subtle and sophisticated. Just avoid the pine-cone-sprayed-with-goldpaint-look.

2. The tree

No Christmas is complete without a tree, and this is where ideas of pared-back décor tend to go astray amid a chaotic surge of baubles and assorted hanging things that you’ve accumulated over the years. Less is more, so stick to a colour theme: you could use plain silver balls with white or coloured lights, for example. Or go for a natural look, perhaps using ribbons, green twine and cinnamon sticks. For those leftover decorations that you’re desperate to display, why not pile them onto a small tree in a pot, or create a separate mantelpiece or fireplace arrangement?

3. The cards

Even with the rise of e-greetings, the demise of the traditional Christmas card seems far away. But what to do with them all? Organise them, is the answer. Propping them up randomly around the house might make for a jolly, ad hoc look, but if you arrange them en masse it’s far more effective. if you’re short of time, the best solution is simply to clear a side table or shelf and arrange the cards carefully with the largest at the back. But if you want to go for effect, try using paintedmini wooden pegs to attach cards to a string, or punching a hole in each card and tying it on with bright ribbon, raffia or yarn.

Do you love gaudy baubles? Or are you more of a minimalist Christmas decorator? Katherine Sorrell outlines how to avoid Yuletide decorating excess while still enjoying a stylish festive season…

4. The table

Abandon any thoughts of paper napkins printed with holly berries or tartan – simple colour co-ordination is key here, from table cloth (or runner) to serviettes, plates, glassware and any extras. And the colour doesn’t just have to be red or green – with some lateral thinking a gorgeous display can be created around an unusual colour theme: pastels, icy whites and silvers, dark and moody or contemporary brights, perhaps. Start by picking one colour, and accessorise with touches of co-ordinating tones. If your crockery is coloured, it makes sense to work everything around that; if it’s white, you can do pretty much whatever you like. No need to spend a great deal of money – much can be achieved by choosing accessories such as candles, crackers and flowers with care.

5. General displays

There was a time when chains of coloured paper hung from corner to corner of the room were the height of Christmas chic. This may no longer be the case – but home-made decorations can still be a wonderful thing. It could be as simple as a row of chunky candles, wound round with ivy, a wooden bowl filled with clove-studded oranges, or a string of white fairy lights clustered in a glass vase. And last but by no means least, involve the children in making paper chains, bunting or felt cut-outs for that charmingly wonky, home-made look.

Pictured: Set of 12 glitter mini bauble decorations in a tube, £5.99. Gold wire card wreath, £14.99; pair of gold wire topiary heart mini trees, £24.99; ornate silver glass candlesticks, £11.99 each; silver-effect three kings ornaments, £29.99; gold bauble with paisley glitter design, £3.99; silver-plated vanilla scented candle pots and bowls, £8.99 and £7.99. Satin silver ribbon, £4.99; bright jewelled bauble place card holders, £11.99 (set of 6); yellow and orange vases, £9.99 each; purple tea light jam jar, £12.99 (set of four assorted colours); bright green crystal jewel star, £2.99; gingham eclectic table mat, £7.99; eclectic cutlery, £29.99 per set; large red kitchen pendant light, £54.99; gingerbread advent house calendar, £39.99; Merry Christmas unframed print, £9.99; glitter snowflake, £7.99 for pack of 12; glitter mini baubles, £5.99 for tube of twelve. All The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; www.tch.net

Styling Right for the Season

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LILY’SSTORY

LILY MELODY is a triple A-grade college student who is now studying Product Design at Bourne-mouth University. When she’s not attending

lectures, prepping for seminars or working towards her Bachelors Degree, Lily must deal with the debili-tating effects of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - better known as ME or CFS - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Thanks to the Salus Fatigue Foundation, for the first time ever Lily has been able to get her life under

control. But it’s not always been that easy...

LILY MELODY has ME. She is one of around 250,000 people in the UK that live with the condition, resulting in a daily battle against extreme fatigue and a number of other symptoms that can range from constant muscle pain and depression, to mood swings and anxiety attacks. It’s a life-altering condition that can affect anyone at any age - and it’s not uncommon for extreme sufferers to be bed-ridden for months or years.

The condition is sorely under-recognised and can place massive strain on the family, particularly as so many people struggle to find the cause and reach diagnosis, let alone cope with the demands of caring for a loved one with ME.

Lily was one of the thousands who struggled alone for a long time - battling the effects of her condition and trying to establish what it was, how to treat it and what to do next.

“I lived with ME and suffered alone for many years, lacking support, advice and guidance,” said Lily. “And then I found Salus Fatigue Foundation. My Mum made a phone call to Linda Jones, the founder of the charity - I had found someone at last who under-stood and could relate to what was going on in our world, and this was the catalyst to the start of my road to recovery.”

Lily started to attend support groups and Education Days - provided by the charity for free - which she said was initially daunting but then a “very positive experience”, led by those who have recovered from ME.

“They showed me that it is possible to improve my health. My Mum was also made to feel very welcome within these groups. At first it was quite a daunting experience as I had not been out on my own

for years, yet the environment was safe, friendly and understanding. Within these days I have learnt about pacing, stress awareness, nutrition management and life style changing.”

The Education Days helped Lily to share knowledge with friends and family, and also provided the opportunity for Lily’s Mum, who is her main carer, to have some time off and not worry about her daughter’s welfare.

“Since joining the Foundation I have actively made changes in my life. I am now able to live in such a way that I can currently manage my condition with a full recovery now in sight. This includes practicing Qi-gong, meditation, pacing and relaxation. I also have regular Naturopathic treatments, nutritional support and health supplementation.”

The Foundation brings people together to share their experiences, meeting weekly for short gentle walks, which Lily has found helps to lift her spirits, “to know that I am not going through it alone”.

“It is always very positive and the members have become true friends to me. I don’t know where I would be without the Foundation’s support, so I would like to thank them for all of the support and help that I and my family have received over the past few years, helping me on my way to recovery. Thank you!”

Salus Fatigue Foundation helps people who live with ME/CFS/Post Viral Syndrome and other fatigue related conditions, and provides support to their families, friends and carers. To find out more, contact Linda Jones on 07894 205155, linda@salus.org.uk or visit the website at www.salus.org.uk.

BRIGHT FUTURE: Lily Melody is now studying Product Design as an undergraduate at Bournemouth University

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For decades, Boldmere Road has been a place for everyday essentials - home to a butcher, baker and... pretty much every-thing else. But I, for one, had never really considered it a go-to shopping desitina-tion. Until now!

With the introduction of some ‘new blood’ to the area over the past few months, I decided to take a trip down to Boldmere to see what all the fuss was about. To my surprise, I was astounded at the array of shops and services on offer, AND the sense of community that exists there - something that lacks in commercial retail centres, and a feeling of an almost bygone era that the romantic in me just loves.

A little directory of a hand-ful of the many businesses in

Boldmere:

Boldmere Computer Shop0121 355 4474

www.boldmerecomputers.co.uk

The Deli0121 355 3981

www,thedeliinboldmere.co.uk

Edge Menswear0121 354 2214

www.edge-menswear.co.uk

The Little Cake Shop0121 354 5296

www.thelittlecakeshop.co.uk

Jen’s Sweet Shop07983 676 065

Music Matters0121 354 2311

www.musicmatters.co.uk

Marlows Jewellery0121 250 1550

www.marlowsjewellers.com

TaxAssist Accountants0121 354 5591

www.taxassist.co.uk/suttoncoldfield

French & Co Solicitors0121 362 7330

www.frenchcosol.co.uk

“Boldmere is a special place with a legacy of community spirit - I wouldn’t want to be

anywhere else” - Kay Marlow (Marlows of Boldmere).

The community spirit has of late been spurred on due to the efforts of a number of traders of the high street who have joined forces to form The Boldmere Traders Association (BTA). Under the strapline ‘Independently Yours’, the BTA have formed in recent months in order to promote the wealth of choice on offer in this often-overlooked area of Sutton Coldfield to their local and wider communities. A bold move indeed in times where retail is suffering.

The key word here is ‘independent’. With the excep-tion of one or two stores - one being Sainsbury’s which opens in January, providing even more conve-nience (and parking!) to the area - each business is independently run. This means that they are run by locals, for locals, by people who are passionate about what they are offering, and by people who have a vested interest in the local area and community.

“Boldmere is alive from 7am until midnight - the vibrancy and variety is amazing”

- Martin Pedley (Edge Menswear).

Although a new venture, the BTA have great support from local business and councillors and thre are many plans afoot to improve the shopping experience for visitors to the area. This ambitious group have joined together to work on promotions and special events

and activities designed to encourage and increase footfall, whilst making the whole shopping experi-ence more exciting for singles, couples, friends and families.

Boasting jewellery, tailoring, wedding gowns, butchers, bakers, restaurants, take-aways, cafes, delis, furniture, home interiors, hair dressers, beauty salons, travel agents, chemists, accountants, charity shops, music schools, solicitors, electricals, cars, bikes, computers and banks (breathe!)... there is truly something for everyone.

With everything catered for - including mulled wine and mince pies! - make life easier for yourself and avoid the hustle and bustle of the big shopping areas, long queues, traffic jams and miserable shop-assitants, and give local a go!

“We chose Boldmere to open our busi-ness in because it has a special air about

it. It is a place where people can shop safely and actually enjoy their visit”

- Pippa Goode (The Deli in Boldmere).

So, for all of your shopping and catering needs this Christmas, try Boldmere, you won’t be disappointed.

Christmas opening: the majority of businesses on the high street will be open until and including Christ-mas Eve, re-opening from the Wednesday/Thursday following Christmas day. It is worth calling ahead to check opening times.

Boldmere Christmas, & beyond!

With the lights already on and mulled wine flowing, now is the time to re-discover Boldmere and get into Christmas spirit - you might even find yourself a new favourite high street!

Charity car wash cleans up!On behalf of everyone who supports Children in Need, we would like to thank and congratu-late everyone at Sutton Car Wash who raised a healthy £2,100 for the cause.

Despite the dreary November weather, driv-ers with mucky motors from all over the area stopped by for a quick wash and go. With the support of local people and busi-nesses, Sutton Car Wash organised the event and donated proceeds to the very well-known and worthy charity. With balloons, banners and a cut-out of Pudsey on Boldmere Road, it wasn’t easy to miss, but they were also helped along by BBC Radio WM (95.6FM) presenter Danny Kelly (pictured above with Martin Pedley of Edge Menswear and Kate Hughes of B7LIVING), who presented his afternoon show from the comfort of the car wash!

Sutton Car Wash is open daily and is located just off Boldmere Road, just next door to The Carpenter’s Arms. They offer a full suite of car washing and valeting services at great rates. Photographs courtesty of Dave Donnelly.

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EDGEmEnswEar

Passion for style

45 boldmere road, boldmere

sutton Coldfield b73 5uy

tel 0121 354 2214

email info@edge-menswear.co.uk

www.edge-menswear.co.uk

At Edge Menswear, we carry a wide range of clothing &

accessories for all occasions, from casual sweaters to fine tailoring, cuff-links to shoes,

scarves to socks, & much more.

We would be happy to help you find a christmas gift for that

special someone, so please pop in & see us.

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foodie

Run by friends Chris and Pippa, The Deli was always meant to be somewhere that they would find interesting to go to as customers; and the great atmosphere, huge range of food and fantastic social element are testament to this.

Foods include genuine imported products from the Mediterranean, a Europe-wide selection of cheeses and some of the tastiest local food you'll find: "It's hard work dealing with so many different suppliers, but it ensures that we really do pick and choose the best food we possibly can", says Pippa.

“Some of the food sells itself, like the amazing cheeses, jams and chutneys on offer, and some took a bit of work to get going: tinned paella may not sound the most appealing but, after a bit of a push, it’s now one of our biggest sellers.”

"We have people coming back time and time again because they know they can trust us to help them get the right thing, and we know many by name, so it's always great to see them and have a chat!"

The team always envisioned the deli being more than just that, and you can experience a little bit of holidays with their twice-a-week tapas nights (tickets sell like hot cakes) or unleash your creativity at the 'do at the deli’ coffee and craft evenings, run by guest experts.

We never rush people... If you want to while away the morning with a paper, that's fine!

Sundays are now open for lots of croissant munching and coffee sipping - perfect for a break inbetween the madness of Christmas shopping. The Deli has also been granted an alcohol license, which means mulled wine and mince pies are very much on the menu!

The team never stand still for long - there are a multitude of great new products constantly hitting the shelves, some great Christmas hampers and gifts, home-made soups, gourmet sausage rolls and more.

So if you haven't already, head over to The Deli and sample some foodie heaven!

the deli in boldmere | 60b - 60c boldmere road | sutton coldfieldopen mon - sat 9am - 5pm, sun 10am - 1.30pm

heavenIt’s been four months since The Deli in Boldmere opened its doors.Here’s the latest...

There have been cheese tasting days run by the producers themselves, laid-back live jazz, and doing food for private entertaining.

The deli also has a great coffee shop which really is different to the homogenous chains invading every high street. "We never rush people", says Chris, "We always try to run the place as though we were customers, and feeling like you're being hurried really isn't nice. If people want to while away the morning with a paper, that's fine!"

“ “

Win!£40HAMPE

RThe Deli

Treat yourself this Christmas... Turn to page 9 for your chance to win a delicious hamper courtesy of The Deli - worth £40 - featuring many of their gorgeous goodies. Who says we never give our readers anything?

READ ONLINE AT18

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Concerned residents of Sutton Coldfield gathered on the eve of the Durban Climate Talks to discuss their hopes for the conference, and how to challenge the community to take action on this vital issue.

After a stimulating discussion, all of the attendees signed a petition (pictured) calling for an internationally binding deal on global carbon emission reductions.

The deal that these residents are hoping for would not only provide much needed jobs in a low-carbon economy in the UK, but would also provide strong financing to enable the poorest communities around the globe to adapt to a changing climate.

Emma Jarvis, Birmingham Friends of the Earth volunteer & Sutton resident said:

“Climate Change is the greatest threat facing humankind. Now is the time for politicians to put self

interest aside and realise that time is running out. The government

needs to lead by example and live up to the ‘greenest government

ever’ pledge by entering the talks with a commitment to a fair and

binding deal.”

Following the Durban Climate Talks, residents of Sutton Coldfield will be meeting with our MP Andrew Mitchell to discuss the outcomes of the conference and ensure that this important issue is not ignored.

To find out more about the Durban Climate Talks and how you can get involved with the campaign, visit www.the-african-connection.org

The meeting on the 24th November was organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition. The attendees are keen to set up a group of residents from our community to run a series of events on climate change and social justice. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Emma Jarvis at emmakgj@gmail.com

LOCAL RESIDENTS discuss international climate talks & how SUTTON COLDFIELD can get ACTIVE on the issues of Climate Change & Social Justice

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2011. . . in a nutshell

Looking back over the past year, which events spring to mind? Floods in Brisbane, the death of Osama Bin Laden, or the Arab uprising? And let’s not forget 2011’s more positive occasions - the Royal Wedding, trouncing Australia in the Ashes, and the missing pet cat who was reunited with her teenage owner after 11 years.

Here is a breakdown of the key events that shook our world in 2011, and a few you may have missed...

January brought sub-zero temperatures to the UKwhich left cars stranded and happy children unable to get to school. England’s Cricket team won the final Test match to claim the Ashes, photographers snapped stunning images of a partial eclipse, and delighted teenager Chloe Hill was reunited with her cat Salem after she disappeared as a kitten 11 years previously.

Across the globe, headlines brought sobering news of flooding in Brisbane, devastating mudslides in Rio, and violent protests in Tunisia, which eventually led to the fall of the government and President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee after 23 years in power.

February saw further unrest in Cairo before the resignation of president Hosni Mubarak. In Syria, anti-government crowds clashed with troops, Libya’s uprising was described as "hell" by returning British passengers, and Bahrain cancelled its F1 Grand Prix amid protests. A devastating earthquake in Christchurch claimed 181 lives, New Zealand’s second-deadliest natural disaster.

Cambridge University announced plans to charge £9,000 tuition fees, the British football transfer record was smashed by Fernando Torres’ £50m move to Chelsea, the Supreme Court commenced Tweeting, and Take That bagged Best Group at the Brits.

March brought the unveiling of the iPad2, the first batch of Olympics 2012 tickets went on sale, and a record £74 million was raised for Comic Relief (still rising). Wootton Bassett was given a Royal title, and 23 year-old medic Kylie Watson was awarded the Military Cross for twice risking her life under heavy fire to treat wounded soldiers in Afghanistan. An earthquake in Japan led to appalling loss of life and a dangerous radiation leak from a crippled nuclear plant, forcing the country into a state of emergency.

April was dominated by the Royal Wedding between the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, watched by millions worldwide. A blaze at a North London scrapyard led to the M1 being closed for several days, and one local resident took the opportunity to do his ironing in the middle of the deserted motorway. (Pic: tenorblair, YouTube)

May brought news of the death of Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted man, in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Former IMF leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested over sex attack allegations, the EU agreed to a €78 bn rescue deal for Portugal, and Queen Elizabeth visited the Republic of Ireland in a historic four-day trip.

June experienced the biggest strike for five years as thousands of schools, courts and job centres were closed. The Royal newlyweds began their tour of Canada, Beyonce rocked crowds at Glastonbury, and Carlos Tevez slammed Manchester for its grim weather, high house prices and bad restaurants.

July brought glory to Novak Djokovic and PetraKvitova in the 2011 singles championships at Wimbledon. The 168-year old News of the World published its last story with an apology over the phone hacking scandal, Europe's biggest lottery winners in Ayrshire celebrated with a £161m prize, Zara Phillips wed rugby star Mike Tindall, and Tom Cruise dangled from the Burj Khalifa for a Mission Impossible stunt. Sadly, troubled British singer-songwriter star Amy Winehouse was found dead at her London home. (Pic: Spekoek, Wikipedia)

The world watched in horror on 22nd July as shocking scenes emerged from Norway, where a Norwegian right-wing extremist carried out twin terror attacks, first in Oslo, killing 8 people, followed by a second horrific attack at a youth summer camp which killed 69. The terrorist was caught and charged.

August sent a smattering of blue paint onto Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg at a meeting in Glasgow, who later said: "These things happen. It's not a big deal." PM David Cameron got into the driving seat of the 2,000,000th new Mini and drove it off the production line at Oxford, while Rowan Atkinson had a lucky escape after crashing his McLaren supercar into a tree. Dominating the August headlines were scenes of rioting, looting and burning streets throughout the UK. 5 people died and over 3,000 people have been arrested.

September marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11, following numerous co-ordinated terror attacks in the US in 2001 which killed almost 3,000. Two tragic mining disasters in the UK happened at the Gleision Colliery, near Swansea, South Wales, and at the Kellingley Colliery in North Yorkshire.

David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy became the first Western leaders to visit Libya since the over-throw of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The battle over illegal homes at Dale Farm stole headlines as police and bailiffs attempted to evict residents, and temperatures soared on Friday 30th - the hottest for 100 years.

October brought news of Gaddafi’s death in Sirte, ending the war. Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, initially convicted of murdering British student Meredith Kercher, were found innocent four years after her death. Liam Fox MP resigned from his position over allegations that he allowed close friend Adam Werritty access to the MoD, game show host Bruce Forsyth was knighted, and national treasure Sir Jimmy Saville died just short of his 85th birthday. The Rugby World Cup culminated with a win by New Zealand over France, and the England team was sent home after defeat in the Quarter Final. Also, two words: Blackberry crumble.

November saw interest rates yet again held at the historic low of 0.5%, three disgraced Pakistan cricketers started prison sentences for a match-fixing scam, anti-capitalist protesters forced the closure of St Paul’s Cathedral, and London was announced as host of the 2017 World Athletics Championships. November was marred by tragedy on the M5 near Taunton, in which a 34 vehicle pile-up as a result of freak fog conditions killed seven people.

Armistice Day brought cities and towns to a standstill as the nation observed a two- minute silence to commemorate 11-11-11-11, and the Queen led proceedings for Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph.

So, that’s 2011 in a nutshell thus far.

What does December have in store, aside from Christmas parties, too much food and the inevitable Eastenders cliff-hanger?

We would love to hear your own take on 2011, whether it’s reflections on the stories that shook the world or your own tales and shenanigans from the past year. So drop us a line to share your thoughts and tell us what you’ve been getting up to.

In the meantime, head over to our ‘What’s On’ page to find out what’s happening right here in Sutton over the coming weeks.

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Belfry’s New

French Grill

The

Fat cut chips!

Mmm...

tried &tastedThe Belfry are launching a new addition to their sumptu-ous dining experience - The French Grill - and B7 Living went along to try their new range of flavours.

Inspired by British and European fare both classic and contemporary, the newly unveiled French Grill offers a balanced selection of dishes from grill, stove and sea - crafted by the experienced hand of Executive Head Chef Patrick Harness.

I find that choosing from the menu is always troublesome, and while the selection on offer at the French Grill is varied it is thankfully not overwhelming. Starters range from Wye Valley smoked salmon and baked black figs, to Caprese salad and Tunisian sausage, offering a tempting choice that would suit any mood and can also be adapted to match various dietary requirements.

A crispy duck mooli with hoi-sin brought an explosion of taste to the mouth, and my dining partner Helen Pickering’s crispy pork rilette with apple purée went down a treat, with tender pork and a gener-ous helping of crackling that certainly lived up to its name.

“Zingy and fresh... deep and flavoursome”

Later, seared sea bass with a crispy skin, served with a fennel, chilli and soy salad, was zingy and fresh, the meaty flesh deep and flavoursome and complemented by the crunchy salad. Helen’s choice of classic coq au vin with lardons and herb croûte was rich and hearty; a delicious combination that brought each flavour shining though (and nicely rounded off with some chunky ‘fat cut’ chips!) - a perfect choice for chilly evenings.

My sweet tooth always gets the better of me and we soon found ourselves in front of a Belgian waffle with poached pear, drizzled with

hot Valrohna chocolate sauce, and a dark chocolate fondant with an oozing middle. The waffle is generous and not for the faint hearted - especially when the hot chocolate sauce soaks in - but it was delicious and needless to say I left a clean plate. Helen’s fondant was beautifully presented and delicate, yet rich and satisfying - great for chocaholics.

It’s clear that the Belfry’s new French Grill intends to make the most of seasonal produce and bring a range of both classic and contemporary dishes to the table. The atmosphere is cosy and traditional, with exposed beams and light homely touches. The service is warm and attentive and when quizzed, the response was confident and knowl-edgeable - which is especially helpful when faced with the likes of ‘mooli’ and ‘rilette’.

When it comes to dining out, The Belfry certainly knows how to get those taste buds tingling, and my experience of the new French Grill was a pleasant one that would easily see a return visit.

LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS PUDDINGThis time of year can be taken over by last-minute panics but, if you’ve not yet got round to making your own Christmas pudding, then don’t despair! The Belfry’s pastry chef Dean Cole dispels the common myth that Christmas puddings need to be made months in advance with his own recipe which will be served in the resort’s French Grill throughout December.

INGREDIENTS:

120g apples, grated120g caster sugar 120g vegetarian suet120g sultanas120g currants120g raisins120g dates120g plain flour80g carrots, grated90g breadcrumbs40g mixed peel1 egg30ml brandy30ml rum150ml Guinness30ml whisky½ tsp mixed spice½ tsp ground ginger½ tsp cinnamon1 orange, zest and juice

1. Place the grated apples and carrots, dried fruit, suet, sugar, flour, mixed peel and breadcrumbs into a bowl and mix well

2. Break the egg into another bowl and beat with the alcohol, spices, orange juice and zest

3. Pour the liquid mixture over the fruit mixture and fold together for a few minutes. At this point, get your friends or family to stir the mixture and make a wish (all The Belfry chefs did!)

4. Cover and place in the fridge for two to three days

5. Lightly butter a pudding basin and fill with the prepared mixture, leaving an inch of clear space for the pudding to rise

6. Grease a double layer of greaseproof paper with butter and make a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Cover with foil or a clean tea towel and tie with string

7. Place the pudding basin in a saucepan of water, covering halfway up the basin. Cover with a lid and simmer for three hours. Keep the water level topped up so the pudding does not boil dry

8. When cool, remove the foil and refrigerate until Christmas Day!

TO REHEAT: Repeat the steaming process for 1 hour or microwave on full power until piping hot. Garnish with a sprig of washed holly and serve with brandy sauce or custard or brandy butter cream - and enjoy!

ABOVE:The Belfry’s pastry chef Dean Cole puts the finishing touches to an individual Christmas pudding being served in The French Grill.

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ALL I WANT FOR Christmas...There’s no denying it. The festive season is well and truly upon us,

which means the shoppingmadness has begun!

Thankfully, B7 Living is here to help resolve your December dilemmas with some wonderful Christmas

present ideas.

One thing’s for sure, ‘yule’ never look a gift horse in the mouth again!

ALL WRAPPED UP:Happy Wrap is a reusable fabric that can be used to wrap presents timeand time again. It

comes in a range of beautiful colours and

designs, complete with matching ribbon, which means you won’t have to

bear the guilt of putting all that old paper in the bin.From £3.95 | www.happywrap.co.uk

EAZY PEAZY: The ‘Standeazy’ is a cracking bit of kit. It’s a credit-card-sized stand specifically made for small devices such as the iPhone, iPod,Android and Blackberry, and can be used inportrait or landscape position. Prop your mobile device up at home, at work or on the train and be entertained - completely hands free! It can also be personalised with branding for a great corporate gift. From £3.50 | www.standeazy.com

These Christmas decorations are not onlyhome-made, edible AND cheap to make, they also serve as great gifts from the kids.Naturally, they will have great fun makingthem too - which should keep them occupied for an hour or so. Hangthem from the tree with pretty ribbon or offer them to the carol singers - either way they’ll make a beautiful addition to your festive frivolities.Less than £1 | www.makeitandmendit.com

GLORIOUS GIFTS & GOODIES: STAINED GLASS WINDOW BISCUITS HEADS UP:A novel way to tidy up whatever age you are! Big kids love this just as much as the small ones, and the yellow head fits onto other Lego storage bricks too, so you can collect ‘em all.From £11.95 | www.johnlewis.com

Designed for the social media generation, the miScroll 7” Android 2.3 tablet offers a 4GB memory and is powered by a 1GHz ARM11 processor. Watch movies on the go and personal-ise it with interchange-able covers.From £89.99 | www.7dayshop.com

NET’S GO:

LOOK AFTER THE PENNIES:And the pounds will look after themselves. Let’s face it, it’s hard enough saving money at the best of times, even more so in our rocky economy. This digital coin jar is a great gift from savers to penny-pinchers, and helps to keep track of those wayward pennies with a handy little counter. Pop any current British coin into the slot and the jar will keep the tally going for you. 19cm x 12cm, takes 2 x AA batteries.From £9.99 | www.yellowmoon.org.uk

SNOW GO:These lightweight Ice & Snow Grippers slip easily over your footwear and make walking on slippery surfaces a doddle. The rubber grips onto tarmac or concrete while the hard steel spikes grip frozen ground and ice-covered paths. They also fold away easily into pockets or bags. From £12.99 | www.shop.telegraph.co.uk

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ALL I WANT FOR Christmas...There’s no denying it. The festive season is well and truly upon us,

which means the shoppingmadness has begun!

Thankfully, B7 Living is here to help resolve your December dilemmas with some wonderful Christmas

present ideas.

One thing’s for sure, ‘yule’ never look a gift horse in the mouth again!

ALL WRAPPED UP:Happy Wrap is a reusable fabric that can be used to wrap presents timeand time again. It

comes in a range of beautiful colours and

designs, complete with matching ribbon, which means you won’t have to

bear the guilt of putting all that old paper in the bin.From £3.95 | www.happywrap.co.uk

EAZY PEAZY: The ‘Standeazy’ is a cracking bit of kit. It’s a credit-card-sized stand specifically made for small devices such as the iPhone, iPod,Android and Blackberry, and can be used inportrait or landscape position. Prop your mobile device up at home, at work or on the train and be entertained - completely hands free! It can also be personalised with branding for a great corporate gift. From £3.50 | www.standeazy.com

These Christmas decorations are not onlyhome-made, edible AND cheap to make, they also serve as great gifts from the kids.Naturally, they will have great fun makingthem too - which should keep them occupied for an hour or so. Hangthem from the tree with pretty ribbon or offer them to the carol singers - either way they’ll make a beautiful addition to your festive frivolities.Less than £1 | www.makeitandmendit.com

GLORIOUS GIFTS & GOODIES: STAINED GLASS WINDOW BISCUITS HEADS UP:A novel way to tidy up whatever age you are! Big kids love this just as much as the small ones, and the yellow head fits onto other Lego storage bricks too, so you can collect ‘em all.From £11.95 | www.johnlewis.com

Designed for the social media generation, the miScroll 7” Android 2.3 tablet offers a 4GB memory and is powered by a 1GHz ARM11 processor. Watch movies on the go and personal-ise it with interchange-able covers.From £89.99 | www.7dayshop.com

NET’S GO:

LOOK AFTER THE PENNIES:And the pounds will look after themselves. Let’s face it, it’s hard enough saving money at the best of times, even more so in our rocky economy. This digital coin jar is a great gift from savers to penny-pinchers, and helps to keep track of those wayward pennies with a handy little counter. Pop any current British coin into the slot and the jar will keep the tally going for you. 19cm x 12cm, takes 2 x AA batteries.From £9.99 | www.yellowmoon.org.uk

SNOW GO:These lightweight Ice & Snow Grippers slip easily over your footwear and make walking on slippery surfaces a doddle. The rubber grips onto tarmac or concrete while the hard steel spikes grip frozen ground and ice-covered paths. They also fold away easily into pockets or bags. From £12.99 | www.shop.telegraph.co.uk

GO GADGET: Another one for all you gadgeteers out there. Designed for the Barnes & Noble Nook, this beautiful, earthy case cover will protect your e-reader and make sure it stays in tip-top condition.

Made from natural hemp with lovely embroidered patterns, the cover also doubles up as storage for notes and business cards. From £22.99 | www.tuff-luv.com

BAAA HUMBUG: These gorgeous bookends mean you can really ‘ram’ your books in and keep them tidy. Buy them for yourself for some sheep thrills or give them away as the perfect gift from ewe to your loved one.From £24.99 | www.findtheperfectpresent.com

PICTURE PERFECT:This lovely hanging

twin-heart photo framemakes the ideal gift for

just about anyone.It would go down espe-

cially well with newly weds and loved-up

couples - so if you don’t get it in time for Christmas, bear it in mind for your next wedding gift list, or even as treat

for your significant other on Valentine’s Day.From £9.95 | www.handpickedcollection.com

FILM BUFF BABIES: No-one can deny that this has got to be one of the best baby outfits ever created. These cute babygros sport a range of famous film quotes and will be the perfect gift for any new arrival or future film buff.From £16 | www.twistedtwee.co.uk

LIGHT OF MY LIFE:And then there was tealight. So

naturally we need something to put them in - and what better than this gorgeous set of 3 tealight holders?

This rustic set is handmade in Leicester-shire from reclaimed timber with a

small branded heart motif on each one. The holders include tealights and come in 3 different sizes, 12cm - 22cm high.

From £19 | www.notonthehighstreet.com | Giddy Kipper

GREAT DAYS OUT:Enjoy great days out with the National Trust or English Heritage, to name just two. An eternally great gift idea that will please the recipient, and also give you a warm fuzzy feeling to know that you are helping to preserve some of the UK’s finest and most beautiful landmarks.Prices vary, starting from £17.63 with the National Trust (child/student).www.nationaltrust.org.ukwww.english-heritage.org.uk

Wrapped Up in You, Carole Matthews.

Down-withlove Janie Johnson is 30 and in need of kickstarting her life. She astounds her friends by deciding to leave the Christmas snow behind and heading off in search of the beating African sun and the vast landscape of the Massai Mara. Will Janie be able to escape her past and find love on a higher plain? This tale of starting over will have you rooting for the down to earth heroine. Snuggle up in front of the fire for this heart-warming story.

Stock-Up on Stories this C h r i s t m a sYou can take it as given that there won’t be anything good on television again this holiday. Why not endeavour to beat the box this yuletide, armed with a book. We have the pick of the Christmas releases that are guaranteed to have the whole family engrossed, bringing peace on earth and a silent night of reading.

May I Have Your Attention Please? James Corden.

There’s no getting around it. Men like big, hardback, biographical tomes and what better than to buy theman in your life the highly-anticipated autobiography of funny-man James Corden. As a selfproclaimedattentionseeker, Corden’s life story (all 32 years of it,so far) will have you laughing and crying in equal measures. Talking openly about repeated knock-backs in his early career, Corden charts his lifefrom his first role as family entertainer, right through to his national fame and winning a place in our hearts as ‘Smithy’ in the acclaimed TV series Gavinand Stacey. This is a very, VERY funny book about triumph and determination. A must-have thisChristmas.

Diary of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever, Jeff Kinney.

Greg’s back for the sixth instalment of this hilariousseries. When the Heffley family are snowed in for theholidays, cabin fever inevitably sets in. What happens when you’re forced to spend time with your relatives? A definite must-read for any family this Christmas, this may even make your tribeseem normal.

For Him

For Them

For Her

For Snuggling by the FireThe Night Before Christmas, Clement Clarke Moore.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.’ Why not rediscover the classic Christmas poem; the perfect antidote to Christmas commercialism. It’s one of the most parodied poems of all time but the original still brings a tear to the eye. The Night Before Christmas is an ideal accompaniment to mince pies and warm milk ahead of the last sleep before the big day itself.

Immortal Beloved, Cate Tiernan.

For teenage girls mourning the end of the Twilight saga, comes ‘Immortal Beloved’, the first book in a new trilogy by acclaimed author for young adults,Cate Tiernan. This classically dark romance centres round Nastasya who’s forced to keep living her life over and over through her inherited immortality.Nothing ever changes when you’re doomed to live forever. An intense and thoughtprovoking book about friendship, love and loss.

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BID ballot returns ayesThe question over whether or not Sutton Town Centre should become a Business Improvement District (BID) has seen 62.3% of local businesses voting YES. B7 Living finds out what it means for the community with the help of the Sutton Coldfield Local.

The BID will be run by a not-for-profit company from January 2012, formed by directors of local businesses who give their time and resources voluntarily. In addition, other stakeholders include local Councillors, who have been instrumental in supporting the BID. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has also been heavily involved in the process, and will continue to support the next phase of development.

There are three main themes that the BID will provide. In brief, these are:

1. Clean and greenProviding additional cleaning services in conjunction with the Council, including regular litter picking around the railway station and elsewhere, and ensuring that the outlying areas of the town centre are cleaned more regularly. Arranging regular “deep cleaning” of the paved areas throughout the town centre - focusing on chewing gum deposits and the general build-up of grime - which to date have been organised on an ad-hoc basis. Improving and extending floral displays throughout the centre, including (where possible) in the Conservation Area around High Street.

2. Safe and secureWorking closely with West Midlands Police and the Council to make public safety a clear priority. Eg. extending the radio scheme, improv-ing lighting and providing a town centre warden to assist business and customers. This also includes promoting the ‘family friendly’ values of the town centre and improving or introducing facilities such as baby changing areas.

3. Marketing and promotionA very strong message was received from businesses in response to the recent questionnaire: the town centre needs to market itself far more strongly. We have much to offer, and the BID will aim to promote Sutton Coldfield to both the local population and a wider audience. As part of a marketing plan for the town centre, the BID aims to work with local groups and businesses to attract visitors, encourage more “dwell time”, increase the number of town centre events, and encourage Birmingham-based activities to hold special events in the town centre. The BID will also develop local guides, improve signage and on-train advertising, and ensure that the Christmas lights continue every year.

Do you think that the 62.3% reflects the confidence that local businesses have in Sutton Coldfield Town Centre?I think it does yes. I think it reflects that we managed to talk to a lot of people who really understood what we are trying to do. We have to accept that some businesses, some people, do not support the idea, it might be a company policy, it may be a personal philosophy.

What kind of changes will we start to see in Sutton Coldfield?In the short term it will be a very slow build up as we have to set lots of projects up. There are changes that could take place in the town centre, changes that could take place in the national economy and maybe changes in the mix of business which in turn may change what we want to do.What we are looking to do in the first year are things which people can see - so things like deep cleaning of the paved areas. There is deep grime in some parts of the town centre, like Mill Street - we canreally tackle that, we can get on with that fairly quickly.

Shouldn’t some of the work that the BID will be doing be covered by the council?That’s a very fair question. To make it clear nothing that the BID will do will replace the statutory duties of the council. What we will be doing is in addition to what the council does. So we will reach an agreement with the council on what the baseline services are of what they actually do and we will take the view that we will be looking to do more of that, beyond what the council is obliged to do.We want to do an awful lot more about litter in car parks which is outside the remit of the council. There have been issues raised about the litter that sits around the car parks near the station. We can do

something about that.Christmas lighting will be funded throughthe Community Chest this year and will befairly basic but next year we can do moreand really make a splash of that, somethingthat the council is not obliged to do.

How big an area does the BID cover?It goes from the Driffold to the college and picks up businesses in the roads joining on to that, such as Duke Street. It goes aroundthe retail core, Station Court, around the High Street to the PoliceStation and the College on Lichfield Road, back down High Street into Midland Drive as far as the old station, back in to ColeshillStreet and around to Mill Street.

Finally, the BID will be run as a non-profit company, is that right?Yes. There will be communications going out to all the levy payers telling them what has happened. We will be looking for thecompany to be made up of a two-to-one majority of business people to stakeholders. We have a nucleus of the steering group and we are looking for additional people from the business community and also a wider group of people who can help us on specific topics. I am sure there are people out there who have an issue and want to do something about it. That is who we want to talk to.

Read the interview in full at suttoncoldfieldlocal.co.uk.Updated info about the BID is available atwww.suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk.

Following the result of the BID ballot, Najm Clayton of the Sutton Coldfield Local inter-viewed Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Manager, to find out more...

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I have to admit it, I LOVE Christmas… and if there is one part of it I’d hate to do without, it’s a Christmas tree. No, I don’t mean a tinsley one or trendy black or brown one… I mean a tree complete with needles and ideally that wonderful aroma that only a real, proper Christmas tree can bring.

perfection!

If you’re worried that real trees are not good for the planet, don’t forget that a British grown tree is most definitely not an ecological disaster zone – if you think about it, they’re a crop plant rather like a field of wheat except that they are generally given less fertiliser and fewer chemicals than many more run of the mill crop plants. So go on, make sure you buy one this Christmas!

There are a few things you ought to think about before you buy your tree, faced with rows of different types at often very varying prices. It can be really daunting, so have a read of my guide to real Christmas trees:

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the traditional tree, my favourite but perhaps not a favourite if you are more house proud. It has gor-geous dark green pointed needles and that unmistakable aroma but sadly it is the most likely to drop its needles. Havingsaid that, if you treat it well, it won’t perform that badly and you can enjoy the lowest cost of the real trees.

The Scots pine is now a regular option as a Christmas tree, with its long paired blue-green needles it’s quite distinctive. The needles are fairly densely packed on the branches and they also hold quite well.

The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorica) has long been the favourite festive tree in central Europe, as it’s good looking and has good needle holding… but of course no Christmas-tree smell!

The Nordman fir (Abies nordmanniana) has become increasingly popular in recent years, with its shiny green needles being almostimpossible to shift, so certainly a good choice for those who hate any mess.

The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is less regularly available, but the com-bination of its good looks and needle holding capacity make it well worth considering.

So, you’ve been persuaded to take the plunge, I hope? But how do you make sure you buy the best tree of the type you’ve decided on? And how do you help it keep its needles and its gorgeous appear-ance for as long as possible?

It’s important not to buy a real tree too early as the longer they hang around after they’ve been cut, the more likely they are to go down-hill. I always try to buy a tree produced by a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association – the BCTGA logo should be on the tree or clearly displayed nearby. Take a bit of time to choose the tree – check that it has a good, full shape and that its not too gappy or lop-sided (or if it has the leans make sure that this will be hidden when the tree is in your house). Check the needles - they need to be glossy (for those varieties where this is a characteristic) and the correct colour for the type of tree you’ve chosen. They also

need to be free from pests and diseases - basically anything yellowed or inclined to shed, or with white fluffy bits should be avoided at all costs. Never buy a tree that has already been net-ted as this makes it a real lucky dip situation.

If you do buy one quite early then the most important thing is to keep it outside - just recut the end of the trunk (yes, its time to dig out your DIY saw) and put the tree in a bucket of water in a shel-tered spot outside. If it was in a net when you bought it, remove this as it’s important to have air circulating around the needles.

When you bring the tree inside, try to avoid putting it anywhere too warm or close to a heat source and make sure that you use a stand with a water reservoir with water levels really well topped up – if kept well supplied with water then even the notorious (but lovely) Norway spruce Christmas tree should hold its needles well.

When Christmas is over and it’s time for the tree to come down, complete the green-loop and make sure you recycle it – they’re not the easiest thing to recycle or compost at home, but many councils and garden centres now offer a recycling and Christmas tree chipping service. Written by Pippa Greenwood.

Sign up for Pippa’s newsletter at www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll receive a free e-book on organic gardening too. On Pippa’s website she also offers a new range of GYO essentials and a stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card, a perfect gift for Christmas, where the recipient receives their chosen garden ready veg plants in the spring and every week Pippa emails with topical hints, tips and advice. Vouchers priced from just £39 for up to 66 garden-ready plants, 6 packets of seed and the weekly emails.

Tree

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On his Coronation day in 2008, the young king of Bhu-tan pledged to promote Gross National Happiness above gross national income, just like his father had done be-fore him. The people approved, the king bowed, showing humility and his desire to serve rather than rule.

First time visitors to this tiny Himalayan kingdom may be surprised to find mobile phones, internet and satellite TV, but although Bhutan welcomes progress and technology, it is never at the expense of its traditional values. Everyone agrees that these are essential to the country’s happiness and indeed survival. Respect is still the corner-stone of Bhutanese culture, offered not only to king and monks but to all human beings, animals and plants. Children may cover their mouth as they speak to avoid polluting the air you breathe and people bow at the roadside if a dignitary goes past - no compulsion, just tradition.

Bhutan was given democracy as a parting gift by the retiring king, but the royal family remains as close as ever to the people’s heart. Where else would a king walk across the fields to chat to farmers, join in an archery contest or dance with his people at festival time?

BHUTAN

Bhutanese festivals are joyful religious events, a chance to meet family and friends from distant villages, have fun and earn merits for the next life, according to tradition. There are dancing monks and jesters, offerings, blessings, Buddhist teachings, and reminders about safe sex and the importance of work, valued as an act of worship. Should a new shrine be needed or a temple statue, there’s no shortage of free labour and from a young age, children are taught house chores and farm work and expected to clean their classrooms to prepare them for adult life.

Here there are no beggars or homeless in the streets, nearly every farmer owns his plot of land and men and women have equal status. Healthcare and education are free and a total smoking ban was introduced to protect the children’s health. It may seem harsh to outsiders but it made sense to the people.

Most Bhutanese claim unreservedly to be happy, have no wish to live anywhere else and those who study abroad are keen to return. Travelling through the kingdom’s virgin mountains and valleys, it’s easy to understand why.

Buddhism teaches respect for nature and all living things and in matters of conservation, Bhutan is well ahead of many ‘devel-oped’ nations. Some 60% of the land is protected forest, solar power and hydro-electricity are favoured for minimum impact, hunting and fishing are almost non-existent and there are no plastic bags. Small farmers and herders respect the environ-ment and national parks and reserves stretch from tropical lowlands in the south to snowy peaks and glaciers in the north. It’s no wonder this small kingdom should claim over 5000 spe-cies of plants, including blue poppies, rare orchids and a wealth of medicinal herbs. Black bears, snow leopards and tigers live undisturbed and there are over 675 species of birds, from hornbills to endangered black-necked cranes whose return to wintering grounds is celebrated with great joy.

In the quest for Gross National Happiness, this pristine natural world is sure to play a major role, alongside sustainable devel-opment and unshakable traditional values. Written by Solange Hando.

During November 2011, ‘The Players’, who are based at Erdington United Reformed Church, Holly Lane performed a lively, energetic and inspi-rational version of the musical ROCK NATIVITY.

The cast of 38 included the main characters of the nativity story, a troupe of dancers and a large chorus. The cast included performers aged be-tween 5 and 70. The large cast was a combina-tion of members of ‘The Players’ and members of Wade Street Church, Lichfield. This was the first time that the two groups had worked together on one project and the camaraderie, work ethic and professionalism shone throughout the outstand-ing performances. The production was played to full houses both in Erdington and Wade Street Church, Lichfield. The performances in Lichfield were preceded by a choir from Scotch Orchard Primary School, which was enthusiastically received by a very apprecia-tive audience.This musical version of the nativity story was thoroughly enjoyed by audiences of all ages, reception age children through to retired folk. All left the performances smiling and singing the very catchy numbers, so well written by Tony Hatch, Jackie Trent and David Wood.One retired headteacher in the audience was so enamoured with the production in Erdington, that

he immediately bought a ticket to see the whole thing again in Lichfield the following week! The Players next production will be during March 2012, the production to be announced nearer the time. Performance will once again be at Holly Lane Theatre, URC Holly Lane, Erdington. The history of ‘THE PLAYERS’ goes back many years to its roots at the old Congregational Church, High Street, Erdington – now the home of the Greek Orthodox Christian Church and the Olympian Gym. The congregation moved from High Street, in 1975, to the newly built United Reformed Church on the corner of Holly Lane and Orphanage Road. ‘THE PLAYERS’ continued to meet and perform, finally making the church hall of the URC Church in Holly Lane their new venue. Since the move in 1975, ‘THE PLAYERS’ have performed a grand total of seventy three produc-tions, with many more performed at their previous church. Holly Lane Theatre can seat an audience of 140 and each production runs for an average of 4 nights, with pantomimes also providing a Saturday matinee. ‘THE PLAYERS’ are an affiliated group to the Erd-ington United Reformed church and support the church in a number of different ways throughout

the year.All profits from productions go towards: Church funds, improving the theatre, increasing the ward-robe, building new sets, updating lighting, sound systems etc. ‘THE PLAYERS’ meet each Monday evening, with second rehearsals later in the week in the run-up to a production. There are usually two main produc-tions a year, as well as supper and entertainment provided for the much valued ‘Patrons’ of the group whose number has now reached 100.

Look out for dates of our next production, and come and join the fun!

‘The Player’s Rock Christmas!

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It’s that chilly time of year when sniffles and bugs are all around us. Itcan make for a miserable Christmas and prevention is better than cure, so learn how to boost your immunity and ward off winter bugs...

On average an adult can experience colds two to four times every year, while a young child can experience anything from three to eight colds over the same period, with the worst times for susceptibility occurring during winter. Tweaking your diet is key to boosting your immunity, as vitamins and miner-als, naturally found in fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all play a huge part in cold-proofing your body. Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet, each packed with essential vitamins and minerals, can help to im-prove immune function. Foods rich in vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the body’s immune system, include orange and yellow fruit and vegetables such as apricots, mango, sweet potato and carrots. Vitamin C is a super immune and all-round health booster that can also be effective in minimising asthma symptoms. Dietary sources of vitamin C include kiwi, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, steamed broccoli and green peppers.

Did you know ñ raw green pepper actually has higher vitamin C levels than many fruits.

Vitamin E is another great immunity booster due to its high antioxidant lev-els. Fruits such as berries are antioxidant-rich so fill up on these at snack or dessert times whenever possible. Vitamin E enriched foods include avocado, carrots, almonds, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds. Zinc is an important im-munity-boosting addition to the diet that helps to reduce the amount of time you have symptoms for, if the early signs of a cold are already present. Zinc can also help you to recover more quickly. Foods rich in zinc include dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, tofu, lentils and sesame seeds. Omega-3 oils which are naturally found in oily fish varieties plus vegetarian-friendly options such as flaxseeds, linseeds, almonds and walnuts, can also help to boost immune function, reduce our susceptibility to infections and reduce the inflammation associated with colds.

It may not be the most obvious, or the most popular smelling food, but garlic is a fantastic natural antibiotic, which has anti-viral properties due to its active ingredient allicin, which is effective in opening up airways and easing allergy and asthma symptoms. Try to minimise your intake of refined food items such as white bread, white flour, white rice and white pasta as these can depress the immune system and increase your susceptibility to cold viruses.

If you struggle to eat a varied colourful diet, or would simply prefer to have the reassurance of a daily supplement to ensure you have healthy levels ofessential vitamins and minerals in your body over the colder months, opt for a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. However, experts warn that although multivitamin supplements will help to fend off cold infections, they will not replace all of the immuneboosting benefits of a healthy diet.

Leading a healthy lifestyle, being physically active and getting a good quota of sleep can additionally help to boost your immunity. Don’t fall into the habit of using the cold weather as an excuse to stay indoors. Getting outdoors, even for moderate exercise such as a brisk stroll, really helps to boost the immune system by strengthening the body and making it better able to fight seasonal viruses and infections. Written by Julie Penfold.

Boosting Immunity Ho, Ho... uh oh!Did you know... the average Brit eats a belly bulging 7,000 calories on Christmas Day alone, with young children consuming nearly four times their recommended coloric intake in one day!

Scary isn’t it. We’ve asked our resident personal trainer, Tom Hartin of FreeTimeFitness, for some tips on how to approach the festive period so we can still indulge, but stay healthy and keep the pounds off. Here’s what he had to say...

Employ the 80:20 rule Plan your Diet and make progress by being 80% nice 20% naughty! This means eating healthily 80% of the time and having treats up to 20% of the time. This way you can plan your meals more effectively and give you a break which allows you some treats whilst making your metabolism work harder and your waist line thinner.

Drink water between every alcoholic beverage Hydration is important to allow normal bodily functions. The heart, liver and kidneys in particular have an increased strain in which water can help counteract and it should decrease the effect of a hangover!

Avoid second helpings This is simple but easier said than done! However this could reduce you calorie intake by as much as 50% so it’s worth the sacrifice!

Cheat days! Make Christmas day, boxing day, New years eve and New years day cheat days or evenings, let your hair down enjoy it but remember when the day is done so is the cheat!

Walk it off Walking, jogging or even dare I say it going to the gym in the Christmas break is a good way to maintain fitness or even begin. A brisk walk in the park after a Christmas meal will kick start your metabolism, making you burn more fat.

2012: A Fresh Start!

There’s no time like the new year to kick-start a healthier lifestyle. Contact Tom today for a personal detox diet plan or to book in a complimentary fitness consultation.

For more information on training tips and supplement advice, or to arrange a one-to-one consultation, contact Tom Hartin at FreeTimeFitness.: Tel 07894 134 507 | Email Tom@FreeTimeFitness.co.uk | www.freetimefitness.co.uk

“Look after your body, it’s the only place you have to live!” -

Jim Rohn.

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On Thursday 11th November, award winning youth charity, Envision launched the third year of running the Truth about Youth project, in part-nership with The Co-operative Foundation, to challenge and change the widespread negative perceptions of young people.

This photo features students from Arthur Terry School who have chosen to tackle the issues of human traffick-ing and teenage depression for their Envision projects.

The Arthur Terry team are funded by The Co-operative Foundation. The Co-operative Foundation is committed to supporting young people to become active citizens and change their world for the better. The Co-operative Foundation is helping to bring about a cultural shift in the way that young people are viewed and treated in

this country.

The Kick Off 2011 saw over 200 young peo-ple and adults come together at Villa Park, including 30 students from Sutton Schools.

Following opening remarks from Birming-ham’s Lord Mayor Cllr Anita Ward and Gisela Stewart, MP the event split into 2 sections. Around 150 young people took part in a va-riety of interactive workshops delivered by charities, businesses and individuals with the aim of developing the young people’s knowledge of a number of issues including homelessness, climate change and drugs and alcohol.

Alongside the workshops, 50 young people and 50 adult guests including local decision makers, business leaders and media repre-sentatives took part in the ‘Birmingham is..?’ Debate.

The debate provided an opportunity for young people to voice their opinions on the future of Birmingham and the role they see themselves playing within that future. The panel featured a host of local talent in-cluding:

Joel Graham-Blake, Entrepreneur and Diver-sity Consultant; Talisha Johnson, Young en-trepreneur and Envision Grad; Waheed Sal-

eem, Vice Chair of the Lunar Society and Youth Consultant; Suzie Branch, Managing Director of Branch Martin Spicer; and Dave Harte, Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication, Birmingham City University.

The message from the debate was clear. Although 86% of young people in attendance stated very clearly that they were proud to be from Birmingham, they are also feeling increasingly despondent. They are worried about their employment prospects in the city and are frustrated at the lack of opportu-nity to voice their opinions and engage with local decision makers.

Envision is an educational youth charity which inspires young people to rea-lise their capacity to make a real difference in their local community. Envision supports 2,000 young people across the UK on a weekly basis to imple-ment their own youth-led projects about issues they are passionate about and with real community benefit.

To find out more about the Truth about Youth programme, please visit: www.envision.org.uk/truthaboutyouth

The Kick Off & ‘Birmingham is..?’ Debate, 2011

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Hot off the heels of Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s successful production of Little Shop of Horrors, preparation is already under way for their next production The Pirates of Penzance, which will be performed at Lichfield Garrick Theatre in May 2012.

Rehearsals start on Friday 6th January 2012 and the company are looking to add to their bevy of pirates.

Director of the show, Sally Baxter would like to add some more men to the cast to fully create this high energy production. She says: “SCMTC is a strong, very professional company, with a high standard of singing, dancing and acting ability amongst the cast, we are looking to welcome new members to the company, particularly men, with or

without prior experience but who have a good singing voice and who are able to take on the choreography.”

Little shop of Horrors was a real success for SCMTC, it was very well received by the public and press alike with quotes such as:

“I came with high expectations but was blown away with the professional

performance of the SCMTC cast!”

And...

“It’s recommended that you take the opportunity to go and see SCMTC’s

next production, as amongst them are some real West End-worthy perform-

ers!”

So whether you’re an old pro or a total beginner looking for a new challenge, if you feel that you could turn your hand to playing a convincing pirate, give it a go!

Get in on the Act!

For more information, contact Sarah Clarke on 07581246137 or by email scmtc@hotmail.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook and visit our website: www.scmtc.co.uk.

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon, has opened the doors to its newest pub in the area, The Mare Pool.

Having spent £570,000 developing the outlet, on the site of the former ‘Après Bar’ in the centre of Mere Green, the new-look pub will feature one bar, as well as a beer garden to the side of the premises, and provide the area with the creation of 50 new jobs.

The Mare Pool, will be managed by David Waddell and is situated in an area once known as ‘Mare Pool’ or ‘Mare Fields’. The name refers to pasture land by a ‘mere’, or pool. The fair-sized pool was sited on the far side of the car park in front of the premises.

The new pub will specialise in real ales, serving a wide range of beers, including those from local and regional brewers. The Mare Pool will be open from 8am until 12 midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 8am until 1am Friday and Saturday. Food will be served throughout

the day, until 10pm every day.

Photos, local history artwork and infor-mation boards relating to the history and characters of the area, will be displayed in the pub, as well as commissioned artwork by local artist Carl Melegari. Manager David Waddell (pictured) said:

“Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into

the pub and we are confident that it will be a good addition to Mere

Green’s community.”

THE MARE POOL - NOW OPEN

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BRAIN GAMES

Easy Sudoku Hard Sudoku

November’s solution:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

11

12 13

14

15 16

17 18 19

1 20 21

22 23 24

25 26

27

28 29

30 31

December’s Cryptic CrosswordAcross1. Page to find recipe for soup (6) 4. Apostle friendly or tepid (8)9. Land occupied by hot beasts (6) 10. Toy dress one does away with? (8) 12. Paths son took to get the picture (8) 13. Pierce with maple I fashioned (6) 15. Topless lady somewhere foreign (4) 16. Acquired knowledge from an elder? (7) 20. Rum code to use for propriety (7) 21. Composer any dog could call (4) 25. An aged sort of plan (6) 26. Brief era leading to an absence (8) 28. Erect and sly in a covert way (8) 29. Commercial break at sea (6) 30. Sun god – serves vegetables (8) 31. For each boychild, a soul (6)

Down1. Store for chess enthusiasts? (8) 2. Rip-off making someone wild (8) 3. Rag? Yes, and oily (6) 5. American man being exploited (4) 6. Trapped in a bent dome somehow (8) 7. Girl in one grand jacket (6) 8. Wet stuff said to be overlooked (6) 11. Bedroom ennui? (7)

14. Fetched hot grub out (7) 17. Unnecessary to goad with a couple of

points (8) 18. Irrational enthusiasts, in fact as strange

as can be (8) 19. Rate then turn to present a danger (8) 22. Somehow scare a Roman emperor (6) 23. Enclosed and fought with swords (6) 24. Rugged kind of resentment (6) 27. Girl in cheap-looking jewellery (4)

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The darker days and nights caused by the shorter daylight hours of winter can have a huge effect on how we feel. If you find yourself wanting to eat and sleep more during winter or are less eager to get out and socialise, tips to alleviate the winter blues are at hand, writes Julie Penfold.

If you feel a dip in mood and a lack of enthusiasm during winter; you are not alone. Our internal patterns of sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity all rely on natural light cycles. Experts recommend getting more light into our lives to help alleviate symptoms.

Getting outdoors each day is crucial to tackling winter blues as it increases our exposure to sunlight and can positively impact on our mood. Exercise and laughter both stimulate and boost endorphins, those wonderful feelgood chemicals in our bodies that help to lift our mood. Make a point of spending time with people who make you smile. It is also important to eat well during the winter.

Over two million people in the UK are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The low levels of light during the winter months can cause a range of symptoms from slowing down and lacking energy, right through to severe depression. Other symptoms include feeling gloomy, lethargic and experiencing feelings of being unable to carry out our normal routine. Not wanting to go outdoors, loss of libido and craving sweet carbohydrates are also indicators of SAD.

Light therapy has been shown to be extremely helpful for many sufferers and is very easy to use in the form of a lightbox which mimics natural sunlight and can be used daily. “If you have any of these symptoms, even on a mild scale, these are all indicators of SAD,” says Carol Barksfield, managing director of SAD Lightbox Company (www.sad.uk.com). “Using a lightbox is a

Alleviating the Winter Blues

natural and successful treatment for SAD.”

Mind, the leading mental healthy charity, is calling for people to get outside to guard against winter blues and to improve mental health. Ecotherapy can be a good solution as it combines exercise with time outdoors. If you opt for group activities, it is also a great way to socialise.

“Many of us feel low in winter and research shows this can be related to decreased exposure to natural light. Getting outdoors can help to strengthen our mental resilience and outdoor exercise can be as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression and anxiety,” says Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind.

“Exercise will increase physical fitness and improve self confidence. Many of us also tend to eat more, especially comfort foods, which can cause weight gain, lead to reduced self esteem and loss of energy. Increasing exercise levels will help to maintain a healthy lifestyle and in turn increase mental wellbeing. Activities with friends or an organised group such as one of Mind’s Ecominds projects can also help to lift our mood as support networks can be important when we’re feeling low.

“Whether going for a lengthy bike ride, a brisk walk, a quick jog around the local park or spending time pottering around the garden, I encourage everyone to step utside and find something they enjoy this winter,” adds Paul.

Mind has developed many ideas to show how ecotherapy can easily be built into our daily lives. Please visit www.mind.org.uk/ecominds for more information.

Pictured above: Harriet Crowe, from The Belfry’s special events team, handing over the cheque from The Moth Ball to, left to right, Cat Yates, fundraising manager for

Birmingham South and Solihull, and Nicola Skipwith, area fundraising manager for

Birmingham and Black Country.

Partygoers entered into the spirit of The Moth Ball by stepping back into their outfits worn as brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, mothers-of-the-groom and wedding guests.

Gowns of all eras were dusted off for the ladies-only night which was held as the resort in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, celebrates its own golden wedding anniversary with it being 50 years since its first wedding reception.

The money was raised from tickets, raffle and auction of items which included The Belfry’s executive head chef Patrick Harness cooking a Sunday lunch for four at home and pastry chef Dean Cole giving a chocolate masterclass for two.

Harriet Crowe, from The Belfry’s special events team, said: “The Moth Ball was such a fantastic success that we’ve already decided to hold it again next year.

“We’re delighted to be able to hand over a cheque for £2,572 from the event to Macmillan Cancer Support and would like to thank everyone who supported it.”

It brings the total raised by The Belfry for Macmillan Cancer Support from two events in October to nearly £4,000.

A night at the resort’s Bel Air nightclub to coincide with LiveStrong Day, organised by resident DJ and cancer survivor Mark Porter, raised £1,392.

The money from both will provide grants to help cancer sufferers struggling to keep warm to pay their increased heating costs, as part of the charity’s Freeze Out Fuel Poverty campaign.

Cat Yates, fundraising manager for Birmingham South and Solihull for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Our sincere thanks go to The Belfry and DJ Mark Porter for the fantastic fundraising they have done in recent months. “They have raised a phenomenal amount at the two events which will make such a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. “We are looking forward to working with The Belfry in the coming months to raise even more money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Brides re-living their wedding day helped The Belfry raise more than £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support...

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