So back to school, back to Uni and back to where we started? With case numbers on the up again it would seem so, but are we really surprised by this? Whilst I completely agree that we need to start reopening the world and move forward, it would have, perhaps, been wise to have some strategies in place to reduce risk? Simply asking thousands of stir-crazy students – some away from home for the first time – to social distance and not party the night away was always going to be a non-starter.
But what do you do to make young people pay attention to a disease which will, largely speaking, leave them physically untouched, but just might possibly send great granny off to the netherworld? We were asked this very question on the BBC radio yesterday morning and it was a question that required all the strength of three Shredded Wheat and a pot of strong coffee to answer. Afterall, how can you say it’s not safe to go out and party, but it’s fine to use public transport, or go to the office, school or college? It’s conflicting and messy.
I think the time for clever ‘hands, face, space’ slogans has passed. What we need is hard, cold, shocking and emotive facts to make perpetrators stop in their tracks and think about the selfish risks they are taking. Perhaps that will stop the conspiracy theorists, the party goers, the non-quarantiners and those that refuse to wear masks in public? Or, perhaps, it will make no difference whatsoever. There are no easy answers and no easy solutions in any of this, that’s for sure.
So, as is our mantra: be safe, be sensible, be kind and stay cool
Until next week,
Jon, Kevin and the #FUFighters
**It would be remiss of us not to reflect on the horrific knife attack at the weekend on the streets of Birmingham. Like you, we are horrified at the appalling violence and tragic loss of life. We salute all services and individuals who helped bring this attacker swiftly into custody. RIP Jacob Billington **.
VOTE FOR FU
How cool is it that FU Media is up there battling against some of the biggest PR & Marketing agencies in Brum for the upcoming City of Birmingham Business Awards? Do us a favour and give us a little vote.
OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE
A Clown held the door open for me yesterday
It was a nice Jester.
SELFRIDGES BIRMINGHAM BULL HAS BEEN GIVEN A MAKE-OVER!
The iconic jellybean bull at Birmingham’s Selfridges store has been given a sleek new makeover as part of their Project Earth initiative. Check it out here.
NEW FATHERING SUPPORT TOOL BECOMES THE DADDY OF ALL APPS
Successfully raising a child is unchartered territory for many men as we all know there is no rule book or instructions. But, with the help of a brand-new app – DaddyAF – you need not charter this particular journey alone. The app is both a forum, decompression chamber and motivational space to help Daddies become the Don. Find out more here.
SAVE 20% WITH CHATSWORTH COUNTRY FAIR 2021 EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Chatsworth House have released Early Bird tickets for their annual Country Fair 2021, on what would’ve been the 39th Anniversary of the event, saving the more organised among us a stately 20%. Visitors to the three-day long show can expect grand-ring entertainment, a star-studded cookery theatre, stunt teams, military bands, aerobatic displays, a fairground, and a food village. What’s not to love. Find out how to get your 20% OFF here.
‘SAY CHEESE’ WITH THE CHEDDAR GORGE CHEESE CO’S ‘CHEESE HAMPERS’
*Drum Roll* When shouldn’t you believe a word your cheese is saying? When it’s too Gouda to be true *Cymbal Crash*. Whilst the joke might be cheesy, there is nothing but good taste with the new ‘Cheese Your Own’ bundles by the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, which brings some of the most gorge-ous artisan cheeses direct to your door. Find out more here.
RSC OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES EXTENDED
The RSC has announced that it will continue to tread the Bard throughout September with lunchtime performances of well-known Shakespearean texts alongside promising new writers. These sessions take place Friday – Sunday, 1pm and 3pm. Find out more here.
UNLEASH THE QUEENS! FIRST LOOK AT DRAG RACE HOLLAND
Ru Paul is, unquestionably, the world’s biggest Drag star – and rightly so, in our opinions. She’s redefined Drag and taken it from the back streets into an artform in full limelight, making stars of her contestants and millions of dollars in the process. The Drag Race dynasty is making a scheduled stop in Holland this time around – for the first time ever – and if you want to see the ten queens competing for the crown, click here.
BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK 2020 STARTS TODAY
Get ready to explore and celebrate the Second City with the Birmingham Heritage Week 2020, which launches today and runs for 11 days. From online talks with local historians to a rare chance to explore the Moseley Park & Pool, there are over 80 events to whet your whistles. Click here for more.
SPA AT HOME WITH THESE TOP 4 TIPS
If lockdown has knocked your confidence a bit and the idea of a country spa is out of your comfort zone, don’t worry as you no longer have to miss out on some self-love and pampering. Here are our Top 4 Tips on recreating a blissful spa experience from the comfort of your own home.
LEICESTER GOES GAGA FOR BULGOGI CHICKEN
Umm, how did we not know about this? Deliveroo is offering £5 off deliveries from your favourite local restaurants if ordered Mon-Wed in September. Turns out, we’re late to the party as it’s already going down a storm and Leicester folk are already going gaga for Bulgogi Chicken. Find out more here.
VEGAN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER
Whether you’re a flexitarian, vegetarian, or full-on vegan, there’s something for every ethical eater at this year’s Vegan Festival which takes place next month in Leicester. As well as food and drink, there’s talk of vegan beauty, too and stalls from lots of other ethical entrepreneurs looking to inspire. Find out how to reserve your ticket here.
CELEBS BACK LOROS FUNDRAISER
A host of famous faces are pitching in for the annual LOROS 35th Anniversary Quiz, which is a critical fundraiser for this Leicestershire charity. In addition to Stephen Graham and Greg Davies, LCFC legend, Alan Birchenall joins the ranks, alongside Anne Davies and Hollyoaks heartthrob, Charlie Clapham. The event takes place Thursday 17th September, so there’s still time to get involved. On this occasion, charity really does begin at home. Find out more here.
GET 50% OFF STEAK AND PASTA AT THE LOST & FOUND
If you’re feeling down in the mouth since the Eat Out To Help Out scheme finished last week, fear not as our friends at the Lost & Found in Birmingham are offering a whopping 50% off steak and pasta every Tuesday. Read all about it here.
FLEXIBLE WORKING MADE EASIER WITH WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS NEW TRAVEL OPTION
With the traditional Monday to Friday commute a thing of the past (for now), West Midlands Trains have responded to the change in working routines with a new Flexi-Travel option. Read more here.
THIS ISN’T JUST ANY COFFEE MORNING
…It’s an M&S-backed World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, for the wonderful Macmillan Cancer Support charity. Sadly, we know only too well how amazing this charity is having called on their services in our hours of need and this fundraising month is vital in securing funds to support people living with cancer who need Macmillan more than ever. Now we can eat cake and know it’s for a good cause. Read more here.
ORTON’S CONTINUE EAT OUT TO HELP OUT IN SEPTEMBER
Orton’s Brasserie – Leicester’s hottest new restaurant and bar – is helping us to eat out again in September. Previously backed by the government, the scheme officially ran out at the end of August, but Orton’s have picked up the tab when ordering from their Tapas ‘n Tini’s menu on Tuesdays, or their A La Carte menu on Wednesdays. Book your table by clicking the link here.
GET YOUR BUSINESS BACK WITH FREE EXPERT ADVICE
If you’re in Leicester’s retail and night-time hospitality sectors, you may want to jump on these free social media webinars by Business Gateway that aim to help you win back business. The free to attend online sessions will include practical tips from expert coaches primed to motivate you and help you get your business back on track. Register your place here.
DOUBLE YOUR ANNUAL LEAVE WITH THIS HOLIDAY HACK IN 2021
Read all about how you can use Bank Holidays and long weekends to reward yourself with up to 41 days of annual leave in 2021. You do the maths. Find out more here.
BIRMINGHAM INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK
The Birmingham Indian Film Festival – the UK & Europe’s largest South Asian film event – is back on 20th September at its new Millennium Point home. Read more here.
FACT OF THE DAY:
The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ has become one of the most recognised sources of funding when buying your first home. According to Legal & General, the average loan is a staggering £20k. Read more about it here.
BLACK LIVES MATTER – SHORT FILM RELEASED
If you do nothing else today, watch this short film about what it’s like to be black in Britain, which has been created by spoken word artist, Paul Gialo and Adam Savva. Together, they have created a visual poem about being black in Britain, racism, the BLM protests and their personal experiences of racism. Educate yourself here.
LEICESTER TOPS CHART AS BEST CITY FOR OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
We kid ye not. It’s been revealed that Leicester tops the charts as the best city in Britain for families looking to spend time outdoors, according to research by The Entertainer. Read all about it here!
COVENTRY CITY OF CULTURE LAUNCH SEARCH FOR APPRENTICES
Whether you’re starting your career, or facing an enforced break due to Covid, this could be the best thing you’ve read all day: Coventry City of Culture is looking for 15 Apprentices to help deliver a world-class programme of events and entertainment, as part of the City of Culture 2021 year. Find out more here.
This Week’s Motivational Quote
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
― Abraham Lincoln
