I’m starting the newsletter this week by reminding you all that this is a safe space, with no judgement… I’m saying this, as I’m about to mention the ‘C’ word – before Halloween – which I know is sacrilege to some, but I feel like this is the year that rules go out of the window. Any opportunity to bring joy and I’m there, so be warned, my inner Mrs Claus is making an appearance extra early!
I’ve already watched a couple of festive films, been humming Christmas songs as I potter around the house and I’ve even started my Christmas shopping. We’ve made a pact to buy the majority of our gifts from local, or small businesses so we can support as much as we can. We’re also foregoing sending Christmas cards and choosing to donate to a charity instead. I know this year has been tough for so many of us, but I’d like to think it’s also reminded us of the importance of helping others and of taking joy in the little things.
Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I’m off to make a hot chocolate with marshmallows in my Christmas mug and pre-warn the neighbours that Mariah is about to be blasted full-volume, with me attempting to sing along (those that know me are fully aware that I am not gifted with the voice of an angel – more like the voice of a strangled cat!)
Keep safe, keep smiling and do something every day that makes you happy.
Until next time…
Rebecca, Jon, Kevin & the #FUFighters x
OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE
Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?
Because demons are a ghoul’s best friend!
COVENTRY BID TEAM CELEBRATED AS UK BUSINESS HEROES
The Coventry BID team, headed up by BID Director Trish Willetts, are celebrating becoming UK Business Heroes this week, as they received a Royal nod from HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, thanks to being nominated by the Coventry Chamber of Commerce – find out how they’ve been bringing joy to the city during the COVID crisis here.
THINGS ARE GETTING SPOOKY AT SELFRIDGES THIS HALLOWEEN
Selfridges Birmingham is getting ready with deliciously spooky sweet treats, adorable kids costumes, pumpkin hunts and a Spooktacular brunch to enjoy – find out all the dastardly details here.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AUTUMN COLOURS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
As the evenings get darker and the days chillier, the Botanical Gardens are starting to adapt to the new season, as hues of maroon red and mustard yellow fill the landscape. The Grass Garden, in particular, comes into its own at this time of year, especially in the low autumn light, with its ornamental seed heads and late flowering.
It’s the perfect place to escape for a little bit of ‘me time’. The Gardens remain open 7 days a week, but please note that pre-booked tickets are still required. You can get them here: birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
RUPAUL REUNITES SEASON 12 QUEENS FOR HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
The queens from season 12 of RuPaul’s drag race will reunite for a variety special this Halloween weekend that’s sure to be full of gag worthy ghouls, spooky senoritas and creepy queens – scrap that, Sherry Pie ain’t coming- find out who is here.
THE 8 BEST HORROR FILMS OF ALL TIME TO WATCH THIS HALLOWEEN
With party season on hold for 2020, Pete Appleyard, a tutor at Ealing’s world famous MetFilm School, has taken time out to pull together this haunting selection of spooky films from the last 100 years that are sure to add some eerie entertainment to your Halloween weekend. It’s a mixture of classics, blockbusters and unusual but worthy finds – see the selection here.
WIN AN ANNUAL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP!
Youngsters may not be able to go door-to-door trick or treating this Halloween, but families are being invited to throw on their fancy dress and head to the Gardens on the 31st for a spook fest. Come in your best/most horrific fancy dress, upload a photograph of yourselves to Facebook or Instagram and tag the Gardens in to be in with a chance of winning a family membership.
Another annual family membership will be awarded to anyone who is unable to visit the Gardens but uploads a photograph of themselves dressed up for Halloween at home, while a third will be awarded to a youngster who sends in photographs of their homemade spooky treats.
WEST MIDS LAW FIRM SUPPORTS LOCAL HOSPICE WITH CHARITY SKYDIVE
Two employees from Enoch Evans LLP have decided to swap life at the West Midlands law firm for the clouds to take part in a charity skydive to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice. Trainee solicitor, Jessica Hubble, who jumped on Saturday 19 September, alongside HR manager, Melissa Greatrix, who will take to the sky on Saturday 28 November, smashed their initial target by raising over £1,100 for the law firm’s chosen charity of the year – find out how you can donate here.
NEW BERT & GERT STORE SHOWCASES INDEPENDENT TRADERS IN SUTTON
Located next to Patisserie Valerie and TSB bank in The Gracechurch Centre, the new Bert & Gert store will showcase a collection of small independent businesses all under one roof. Customers can expect goods from a host of local producers, including Mary’s Cupcakes, Urban City Woodshop, Page2Page Book Club, Swanky J’s, Pretty Little Flowers, Oscars Pet Food, Piggin Yummy, Mandy Crafts, Unicorn Cards, M&M Lamps and SHP Pottery. Find out more about it here.
BELGRADE ANNOUNCES NEW SHOWS FOR NOVEMBER
From live music to literary classics, the Belgrade Theatre is back open for business with covid-safe performances, now possible thanks to rigorous safety measures that have been put in place, including regular cleaning, contactless payment and e-ticketing. With Coventry now under Tier 2 restrictions, patrons are reminded that, while indoors, they must remain distanced from anyone outside their own household or support bubble. Visitors will also be required to wear face coverings inside the building except when seated – find out what you can see here, but be quick though, tickets are selling fast!
GUSTO PLEDGES 10,000 FREE MEALS FOR THE NHS
Local Italian restaurant, Gusto Italian, has launched a new campaign called Pledge1Cook1. It promises to fund and deliver 10,000 free meals to NHS frontline workers this December – find out how you can support here.
HYGGE TOO MUCH LIKE HARD WORK?
If the Danish phenomenon, we wrote about a few weeks ago, of embracing the elements and cosying up for winter seems like far too much effort then may we introduce you to a much lazier trend that’s on the horizon: ‘Niksen’. Better known as the Dutch art of doing absolutely nothing. Sit down, take in your surroundings, embrace them and just do nothing!
HALLOWEEN MUNCHIES AT MARKS AND SPENCER
The spookiest of seasons is here and what better way to celebrate than with a SPOOKTACULAR family feast from M&S Food! They’ve got everything you need to create the ultimate ‘fright-night’ this Saturday, which not only includes Frankencolin the Caterpillar, Halloween Pumpkin Shaped Bloomers and a vegan Popping Candy Jelly Brain which pops for OVER AN HOUR!
You can create the ultimate family feast with the great value 3 for £10 square deal; choose from terrifyingly tasty Halloween Burgers, made with British beef with creepy Jack-o’-lantern faces, Eerie Eyeball Margarita Pizza, or last year’s bestselling Mummy Meatloaf, packed with British minced beef and pork, with cheddar cheese and bacon, wrapped in puff pastry bandages. There are also Yummy Mummy Yumnuts™ (that’s right, everyone’s favourite Yumnuts have had a Halloween makeover!) and Sticky Toffee Spooky Cookies. Visit the store to find out more.
VIRTUAL ENTREPRENEUR INVESTMENT SHOWCASE EVENT LAUNCHES
Are you ready to show off your business in front of a leading panel of industry experts and get real-time feedback that could potentially change your life?
The Bullring virtual entrepreneurs showcase is an event where entrepreneurs meet head-to-head with investors for ‘exceptional outcomes’. If you are a founder or know someone who wants to take their business to the next level, then register now. Birmingham Enterprise Community is sponsoring the pitches at the Bullring which makes it completely free to pitch.
GET CREATIVE AND PRINT YOUR OWN MASKS AT HOME!
With just the touch of a button you can craft your own mask to coordinate with any outfit in your wardrobe! The Printable Mask creates a template to match the image you upload, and then allows you to print it straight onto specially designed cotton inkjet sheets from a regular home printer! Find out more here.
SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR INVITES YOU TO A HALLOWEEN KITCHEN DISCO
After keeping us going through lockdown with her weekly kitchen disco, Sophie and family are back for some spooky shenanigans and haunted happenings in a special Kitchen Disco! Set to go out live over her Instagram and Facebook this Friday at 6:30pm, put your scariest masks on and get ready for a proper bop!
COVENTRY’S TELEGRAPH HOTEL OPENS ITS DOORS
Coventry city centre’s new Telegraph Hotel is to open its doors to guests on November 18, following two years of construction and £15m of investment. The former Coventry Telegraph headquarters have been transformed into a luxury hotel that celebrates the cool Mid-Century style of the building – get a sneaky peek of the stunning interiors here.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one.”
– Confucius
