Something for the weekend
Brum serves up a treat
The organisers of Colmore Business District’s first food festival are chuffed to bits with the public response to the event.
More than 2,000 people crowded into Birmingham's Victoria Square last Thursday for the festival which showcased the food and drink on offer in Birmingham's commercial district. More than 20 stands representing businesses within the area served up a wide variety of taster menus.
Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell of Purnell’s and David Colcombe from Opus Restaurant launched festivities at midday with a live cookery demonstration.
CBD communications coordinator Tahreen Kutub said: "The atmosphere on the day was fantastic. The festival was a huge success and really brought the business and professional community together, as well as attracting families and students. This is exactly what we wanted to achieve from the event."
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Mount Kilimanjaro will be choc-a-bloc over the next few months with local business types trekking and triking their way towards the summit on behalf of charity.
In October a group from Santander Midlands & Wales Division are climbing the Tanzanian peak to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society (which is the bank's charity for the year). They include divisional managing director Jon Howe and West Midlands regional director Keith Webb.
Webb, who is funding his part in the attempt himself, is aiming to raise £5,000. Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Webb
Meanwhile, Sue Reid, general manager of The Co-operative Travel is also dusting off her hiking gear and in intense training for an attempt on the 19,330 ft African mountain. Accompanying her will be husband Ben Reid, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative.
Sue, who is 48, says: "I know it will be tough but it will be worth it and I’ll be supporting Women’s Aid which is our charity partner. When we get to the top and look out on the roof of Africa it is sure to be an amazing and emotional experience."
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/sue-reid
Mad world at Barclays Wealth
On the charity trail closer to home is Barclays Wealth which helped 800 sick and disadvantaged children from across the region enjoy a fun day out by volunteering to support the Birmingham-based Mad Hatters children's charity.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, saw volunteers from the charity, Barclays Wealth, Barclays Corporate, the police and fire services entertain several hundred children and their carers with bouncy castles, play areas and craft activities.
In addition to providing volunteers for the day, Barclays Wealth donated a £500 grant to provide craft materials for the day’s activities. This enabled the children to make and take home colourful T-shirts, bracelets, hand puppets and windmills as a memory of their day.
