Birmingham Post

Editor's Letter

EdITOR's LETTER with Jon perks As you read this I will have just come back from my late summer holiday - which for me not only means the chance to relax, catch the sun and enjoy some local food and drink, but also to catch up on my reading. The pile of unread tomes has been calling out for weeks, and doubtless there'll be even more to work my way through after visiting this month's Birmingham Book Festival. Nick Hornby and Kate Mosse (the author, not the supermodel) are amongst the big names ...

A Grand Day Out ; in Brief

A grand day out If you're looking to renovate, improve or extend your home Grand Designs Live Birmingham sponsored by British Gas, at the NEC from October 9-11, has plenty of amazing ideas. The show will bring together more than 500 exhibitors and six separate shows. Follow our guide to the 10 essential things to do or see: The Grand Village demonstrates the ways in 1. which architects and designers are pushing the boundaries to create and build the most advanced, energy efficient living spac...

Goes Great with Beef ; in Brief

We know Sir Ian Botham as a man who appreciates his food, whether it is a wheat-based breakfast cereal or a quality bit of beef. But a quaffer of fine wines? Well apparently the cricketing legend is a bit of a connoisseur on the quiet as he is co-hosting a wine dinner at Hotel Du Vin with his own label taking centre stage. Beefy united with fellow ball chucker Bob Willis and wine maker Geoff Merrill to produce the Botham Merrill Willis label.

One Night Is Never Enough

October 31st is traditionally fright night but it's not enough for the steely-nerved citizens of Stratford-upon-Avon They are holding a Halloween Festival throughout the month, right up until November 1. The fourth annual festival will take place at the Creaky Cauldron museum in Henley Street, reputedly one of the most haunted houses in the country, and is being organised by Black Letter Days, providers of the most authentic supernatural experiences in the UK. Daily events will include trick ...

Ken's Got a Lotta Bottle ; Rare Display of Birmingham Born Artist's Stunning Still Life Images

B irmingham born photorealistic artist Ken Orton will be deceiving the eye with a collection of his original works and limited editions that are in show at Castle Fine Art in the ICC. This is the first time in 35 years that Orton's work has been shown in his home city, as he has spent many years living in Europe and the US and is currently based in the Catskill Mountains.

Inside ...

Let's Hear It for the Independents!

At last it seems we are taking our small independent shops seriously. The arrival of specialists like The Bread Collection on Colmore Row have become instantly popular, mainly because of the lack of competition. Not only is this good news for people who live in the city, but for those visiting too. Some may still thrill at finding C&A alive and well while visiting Germany but in general no-one is going to get all fired up about how many branches of the High Street multiples we have. And even ...

Film Festival Celebrates Third Year ; in Brief

Faced with reduced arts funding the organisers of the Black International Film Festival refused to abandon it but instead sought out private financing to ensure it carried on for a third year. The festival is being held at the ICC from October 26-Nov 1, and the flagship show, the Music Video and Screen Awards (MVSA) will be hosted by actor Wil Johnson and Galaxy FM's Sasha Brooks.

Page Turners ; in Brief

Nick Hornby, Brian Keenan and the other Kate Mosse will be some of the star turns at Birmingham Book Festival which began on Wednesday and runs until October 29. The Fever Pitch/High Fidelity author will be in conversation and talking about his latest work Juliet, Naked. Brian Keenan, the man who became famous as a hostage in Beirut, will remember more innocent times in his memoir I'll Tell Me Ma. Kate Mosse will lead The Giant Reading Group.

The Future of Fashion ; in Brief

The future of fashion Eight Birmingham designers have made it to the finals of the 2009 Midlands Young Fashion Designer Awards (MYFDA) and will battle it out to be named Designer of the Year 2009. Contestants from all over the Midlands entered the competition which is split into three categories - haute couture, ready to wear and evening wear.

This Month You'll Mostly Be ...

Centuries in the Making

Foodies who enjoy the flavourful cuisine of Kashmir should head to Lasan on October 25 where they are devoting a day to it. The Kashmiri Food Festival has been inspired by the staff's regular visits to India and their enthusiasm for the dishes indigenous to the northwest.

A Word in Your Ear ; Gadgets

Social scene - Motorola DEXT Available from October, from orange. co.uk The American mobile maker is back with its first Android platform phone - and it's able to stream all the social activity you can shake a stick at. On the home screen are "always open" windows that access Myspace, Facebook and Twitter so you can keep updated and update others without the need for repeated logins. A full keyboard and five megapixel camera make it all so easy.

Body Balance - Core Conditioning

The third and final part of my body balance series examines core conditioning/stability, a technique that is at the forefront of the fitness industry these days, but what do we mean by the term core and how can it benefit you? Introduction To The Core When we talk about our 'core' we are referring to the muscles of the body that provide support and stabilisation for our movements. Therefore core conditioning is vital to allow us to move and function more efficiently and also aid in the quest ...

Keep On Running ; Retail Therapy

Tried&Tested ; Body Treats

trIED&tEstED With Diane Parkes Body treats Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Elixir (50ml, pounds 50) A limited edition, this is Hollywood glamour in a bottle. Blending Coco Mademoiselle with specks of gold, pricey but special. HHHH Nivea Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion (250ml, pounds 6.25) Gives instant hydration which lasts well with a slightly floral and musty scent. Works well on dry areas and reasonably priced.

Forher ; Must-Have Fashion and Beauty

This year's contributions in the fight against breast cancer o ctober is the month when we have the perfect excuse for doing our bit. Cosmetic companies, beauty brands and clothing labels all unite to help battle breast cancer by pinking up their products and donating part of the sale proceeds towards research. Retail therapy indeed... Decorated with a pink ribbon and a reminder to get a breast cancer exam. Aveda Hand Relief contains plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and a...

Return of the Mac

Q: The damp and cold of autumn is upon us and I need some sort of anorak - but don't want to look like Hayley off Corrie. What are the more stylish alternatives? Suzanne, from Walmley A: It would be hard for me to encourage you to wear an anorak, I'm afraid, as rarely would you find one that oozes sartorial elegance. But that doesn't mean you can't protect against the damp and cold of autumn with style. Macs are a big look for this season and you'll find a wide variety of styles picking up on...

'I Can't Live Without' ... ; Zoe Gillings, Snowboarder

The Dirty World of Facials! ; Therapy Hub

Therapy Hub is based in Edgbaston, Harborne and the Jewellery Quarter. www.therapy-hub.com Jane Hobbs of Therapy Hub looks at the benefits of using mud facials as part of your health and beauty regime. When you think of all the lovely things you can put on your face - mud is probably not at the top of your list! However, when you consider the many positive effects mud has on our skin - and in fact on our complete well being - it should be. Mud, when used as part of a holistic facial, not only...