Birmingham’s ‘alternative’ Christmas market returns with foodie and music feasts

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A vibrant independent street food market in the heart of Birmingham is back. City Social returned on 25 November as an underpass has been transformed to welcome revellers for culinary and musical treats. Now in its sixth year and after a break because of Covid, it’s getting under way in the Suffolk St Queensway underpass next to The Mailbox, from midday to 9pm each Wednesday to Sunday until Saturday December 18. Traders this year include the award-winning Laghi’s Deli, City Social Bar, and Roastie Toastie’s – roast dinner in a sandwich. There’s also a chance to browse Christmas gifts and ready made-up trees. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, cider and …

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Caring Birmingham company gives children’s charity new home

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A charity that helps children fleeing domestic violence has a rent-free new HQ thanks to a caring Birmingham company. The Buddy Bag Foundation (www.buddybagfoundation.co.uk) now has an office space on Maybrook Road in Minworth, near Sutton Coldfield thanks to Graham Johnston, director of logistics firm The Haulage Group. Founder and CEO of the foundation, Karen Williams OBE said: “We had been dreaming of a new space where we could base the charity. It was vital that the Buddy Bag Foundation had a place to call home, not only so we could have a dedicated space to pack our bags but …

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Campaign to save Christmas for struggling families

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When she heard that a parent had decided not to tell her children it was Christmas day because she couldn’t afford presents, the headteacher of a Wolverhampton nursery school knew she had to do something to help. Natalie Showell launched the Christmas in a Box scheme, providing boxes of food treats and gifts, and this year she hopes to help 100 families who might otherwise struggle. Natalie, aged 36, is the head teacher at Low Hill Nursery, in Jenks Avenue. She and her staff had been helping families in the Low Hill area on a small scale for many years, …

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Renowned businesswoman turns ‘Mother Christmas’ to save companies’ festive parties

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A businesswoman is on a mission to save corporate Christmas celebrations as a nation of festive parties face the axe. A new venture from events expert Emma Jones is set to keep Christmas alive for cautious UK companies whose teams aren’t ready to live it up in a face to face celebration. With demand slumping for face-to-face office and corporate Christmas get-togethers, Emma, director of Birmingham-based AllinAll Events (https://www.all-in-all.co.uk/) and her flourishing new company, Events in a Box, (https://eventsinabox.co/) aims to bring peace of mind. According to a new survey of UK workers nationwide, just 36% said their workplace is holding a Christmas party this year. …

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Christmas ad removed after dog safety issues raised by expert

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A dog behaviour expert who raised concerns over a Christmas advert showing a young child hugging a husky has praised the company for removing it. Dog behaviourist Debby Lucken, who runs Kids Around Dogs, was concerned over the message being sent out by the ad for VistaPrint, which showed a young girl approaching a large husky and putting her arms around it. Debby said: “The dog is clearly not happy in the clip. The little girl goes toward the dog and faces the dog, but this can be seen as confrontational. The dog has his mouth closed, his eyes are …

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Rail, Trail, Ale scheme relaunched to bring people into village

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A rail and ramble project launched this year aimed at bringing people into a Shropshire village is to be extended next year. The Albrighton project is being relaunched under the heading ‘Rail, Trail, Ale’, and promises to be bigger and better. Albrighton parish councillor and organiser Peter Illes said: “We want people to come to Albrighton by train, they can have a lovely picturesque train ride, following by an easy guided ramble through the beautiful Shropshire countryside and then enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the pubs, restaurants or coffee shops that are all within a short walk …

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Brum Ting is a sure thing for enterprising teens

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Four enterprising Birmingham teenagers have launched their own business selling a range of tourist merchandise promoting their beloved home city. Charisma Meehan, Decrae Simms, Alex Yang and Ethan Widgery-Powell all met at the free@last youth club, which was set up to help young people in the inner-city Nechells area. Aged just 15, 16 and 17, they created Brum Ting as a way of making some money and learning about business. It is already proving a success and they have big plans for the future with their sights set on turning the brand into a global franchise. John Street, founder and …

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Bank worker Laura’s passion for art transforms children’s lives

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A financial crime investigator has followed her passion for art to help improve children’s mental health after the pressure of lockdown.   Laura Brown, 33, who works in the City of London, has founded an illustration company alongside managing her career in finance. Since starting LHB Illustrations, Laura has created a fun activity book for children filled with animal facts and watercolour illustrations – My Emotions Activity Book. Her work has proved a massive hit with high-profile childcare experts. Among them are specialist play teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital, who now use the Activity Book with their patients’ families within …

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Business’s big ‘thank you’ to suppliers for support over lockdown

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A business launched in lockdown has said a special thank you to all the suppliers that helped it thrive during such a difficult period. Bosses at Elevate FM threw a big party for around 35 suppliers and their guests to thank them for their support and service. Dave Warren, director of the Birmingham-based facilities management company, said: “We invited all the people that have helped us over the past 12 months. We wanted them to feel appreciated and part of the team. “It’s easy for people to thank their customers, but people forget about the people who have helped you …

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Mum publishes late daughter’s beloved bedtime story in her honour

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A proud mum has published a fun bedtime story her late daughter crafted — almost a year after she died of Covid.  Norma Cooper, aged 83, has worked hard over the last few months to ensure the story that her late daughter wrote is turned into a book.  Her daughter, Dawn Downes of Atherstone, Warwickshire, died aged 60 in February this year.  Norma said that Dawn had always made-up bedtime stories for Maddie, her granddaughter, now 11, including one about Annie the Ant. The story features guest appearances from both Dawn and Maddie.  Norma said: “Maddie used to love the Annie …

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