Power of Love… ❤ FU Loves The Midlands #30

We often leave writing these newsletter forewords until the last minute – and this week is no exception.  It’s hard to know from one day to the next what’s going to be announced, much less how we – and the nation – are going to respond to it.  Only this week, we’ve seen the new tiering system come into force and seen/heard some of the reactions to it, including the near-riots in Liverpool. Will these new restrictions work, who knows?

What all this media noise does do effectively, however, is make us anxious. And angry. And scared. What to believe? Who to trust? Which are the real stats based on real evidence, and which are #fakenews circulated to stir up emotion?  It’s nigh-impossible to know, but what’s easier to see is that it’s dividing the nation again – much like Brexit. And we saw how ugly that became.

So, we’re taking control of how we engage with the world from now and taking inspiration from the Power of Love this week. No, not the Frankie Goes To Hollywood version, but the new business book by an author friend of ours, Sarah Higgins, that looks at how Love can be used in the boardroom (and life) to build emotional intelligence and create better businesses – for you, your staff and those close to you.  Given the climate in the country (and world) right now, it couldn’t be better timed and we’re up for giving it a whirl.

So, as a tip of the hat to the Power of Love, we bring you our best stories of the week, all chosen with love by us to entertain you, inspire, educate and keep you feeling that we’ve got your back.

Take care,

Jon, Kevin and the #FUFighters


Voting ends on 23rd October, so don’t forget to vote for us! Just click on the picture above and it’ll take you straight to the voting page, yes, it’s really that easy!


OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE

What do you get from a pampered cow…?

Spoiled milk!


Paired-up puffins by Evie Easterbook, UK Highly Commended 2020, 11-14 Years Old© Evie Easterbrook
BOOK NOW TO SEE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR IN BIRMINGHAM

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a treat we look forward to every year and it’s coming to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) from Saturday 17 October 2020.  Tickets are now available to book for the world-renowned exhibition, but be warned: it will sell out, so act now. Find out more here.


BE A CONSCIENTIOUS BUSINESS & CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH VAL 

This year’s Leicester Business Festival has another fantastic array of sessions and workshops available – all virtually, of course (thanks COVID!) If you’re a business that wants to be more conscientious and have a positive impact on the community, then we would highly recommend signing up for Voluntary Action LeicesterShire’s session on Wednesday November 11th at 9:30am. Attendees will learn a deeper understanding of what kinds of organisations exist in the local voluntary sector; how your organisation can identify voluntary groups to support and how VAL can help connect your business to the community – amongst other things.To find out more, and to sign up to this session, click the link here.


DESIGNER EXCHANGE: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Sustainable products and a demand for more environmentally friendly gifts are at the forefront of everyone’s mind (credit to David Attenborough).  With Christmas a mere ten weeks away (eek), Designer Exchange offers gifts for the eco-friendly, yet fashion conscious connoisseurs – find out how they can make your Christmas that little bit easier and greener here.


Original 2019 production photography_The Color Purple_T’Shan Williams (Celie) and Danielle Fiamanya (Nettie)_Photography by Manuel Harlan
CURVE ANNOUNCE REOPENING PLANS

Curve have announced its plan to reopen with spectacularly re-imagined, socially distanced performances of a trio of Made at Curve favourites using the building’s unique theatre design and a triple-revolve, donated by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Click here to find out more.


£20,801 OF FUNDING RAISED FOR LOCAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT IN LEICESTER

Leicester’s Live Cancer Free group has received £20,801 to empower Muslim, African and Minority Ethnic women living in the Highfields and Spinney Hills areas of Leicester. The Stronger Together project is supported from funds raised through the Health Lottery East Midlands and distributed by People’s Health Trust- find out how the project aims to help members of the community here.


NOISY NEIGHBOURS? HOW ABOUT LIVING WITH THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS?

If next door is getting a bit noisy and you’re looking to take advantage of the drop in Stamp Duty, why not take a look at this familiar period property: the house used in the filming of The Silence of The Lambs as serial killer Buffalo Bill’s lair. Recently listed for sale, this estate agent’s creepy guided virtual tour is to die for!


BLACK FUTURES LAUNCH AT BELGRADE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

With Black History Month now widely marked across the UK, October is generally recognised as a time for reflecting on the past. But how does history inform our understanding of the present, and how will current events shape the histories of the future? Belgrade Theatre is staging a month of exhibitions, discussion and workshops – get involved here.


THE WOMEN’S AWARD GOES ONLINE

Last weekend saw female excellence celebrated in the prestigious The Women’s Awards, formerly the East Midlands Women’s Award (EMWA). The fourth annual awards ceremony was held online, hosted by BBC Radio Leicester presenters Rupal Rajani, Dave Andrews, and the Women’s Award founder, Sandra Pollock and, for the fourth year running, supported by our very own DLUXE magazine. Find out who won here.


SIX FOODS THAT AREN’T AS GOOD FOR YOU AS YOU THINK

What if you found out that your favourite healthy snack wasn’t actually healthy? Many ‘guilt-free’ alternatives are essentially junk foods in disguise, with some loaded with sugar, artificial colours, sodium, trans-fats and other additives that diminish their nutritional value. We spoke to Nutritionist, Donia Hilal from Personalised.co, who outlines the top 6 foods that aren’t as healthy as you think – see if your favourite is listed here, then step away.



ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE MIDLANDS GET £23 MILLION BOOST

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Arts Council England have announced that cultural organisations In the Midlands are to receive over £23m as part of a vital financial boost from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

This will help 135 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and local venues facing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, to ensure they have a sustainable future and continue to bring joy to local communities and international audiences.

Organisations that have received grants include in Leicestershire Curve, 2 Funky, Leicester Cathedral, Leicester YMCA, People Dancing, Soundhouse and Athena and in the West Midlands Birmingham Royal Ballet, Corey Baker Dance, Geese Theatre, Hare and Hounds Pub, The Pen Museum and Sonia Sabri Company.

More funding announcements are expected in the coming days. You can see the full list of recipients here here.


CHOCOLATE, PYJAMAS AND TEDDIES…JUST RIGHT FOR HALF TERM 

To celebrate the launch of their Christmas creations every child who visits the Lindt chocolate shop in their pyjamas on Wednesday 28th October will receive a free chocolate Teddy dressed in Pyjamas.  Find out more here.


SPOOKY SIPPING AT THE IVY THIS HALLOWEEN

With Halloween just around the corner, the team at The Ivy on Temple Row have been busy creating some spooktacular treats for all to enjoy, including deliciously wicked cocktails and a showstopping dessert – get all the boo-zy details here.


SUPPORT LOCAL LEICESTER DESIGNERS AT CITY’S 3rd DESIGN SEASON

More details have been released about this year’s Leicester’s Design Season.  This is the event’s third year celebrating success and growth of the sector and curated by LCB Depot alongside a network of key local designers and design businesses – find out what’s happening here.


CELEBRATE NATIONAL BAKING WEEK BY BECOMING YOUR OWN STAR BAKER

Did all those posts about Banana Bread leave you feeling inadequate after lockdown? From complete beginners to the more experienced who want to expand their skills, the award-winning bakery, Ruth’s Little Kitchen, is offering online classes, including an ‘Introduction to Baking’- get involved here.


HEADLINES ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR LEICESTER’S FORGOTTEN FUTURES 2021

Colliding music with visual arts, Forgotten Futures is bringing together a musically diverse programme of artists for a full day of immersive performances in spectacular environments.  With the aim of being an ‘accessible’ experimental event, it’s challenging but without pretence, which sounds good to us! Find out what’s happening and who with, here.


WEST MIDLAND’S MAYOR OPENS A CREATIVE INCUBATION CENTRE TO NURTURE YOUNG TALENT

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, visited the Martin James Network offices to officially open CoLAB – a creative incubation centre to mentor and support entrepreneurial talent across the Midlands- find out more here.


LEICESTER BUSINESS FESTIVAL BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Ahead of this year’s events, the Leicester Business Festival (LBF) 2020 digital brochure has now been released. Packed full of festival news and events for every type of entrepreneur, it highlights the extensive range of support available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire – find out how you can get it here.


Constructed – Main Show Image – Credit Kris Askey
THE REP STAGES WORLD PREMIER THIS DECEMBER

This December, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, will present the world premiere of Constructed, a new play by CJ Lloyd Webley and Lightpost Theatre Company.  It’s playing in The DOOR from 3-5 December 2020. The new commission joins sold-out world premieres from Birmingham Royal Ballet (22-24 Oct) and Rosie Kay (21 Nov) in a season of new works at The REP this winter.  It’s so wonderful to be getting back into theatres again- find out all the info here.


MUSCLE MEAT LAUNCHES TO CATER TO BIRMINGHAM BODYBUILDERS

Frustrated by the availability of quality protein products for body builders and fitness fans during the pandemic, an entrepreneurial husband and wife duo from Birmingham have launched a new online food delivery business, helping the UK stay on top of their health and nutrition during the coronavirus outbreak – get all the meaty info here.


LONELY PLANET RELEASE THEIR ULTIMATE TRAVEL LIST

Satisfy your wanderlust from your armchair and plan for the day when our adventures can start again, with the help of Lonely Planet’s Top 500 unmissable global travel experiences – find out what tops the charts here.


DRIVE IN WINTER CINEMA LAUNCHES AT NEC

After a frosty year, we’re all in need of the merriest Christmas ever – and what better way to feel the Yuletide magic than to cosy up and enjoy iconic Christmas classics on the big screen with friends and family? Find out how you can enjoy a festive family drive in here.


NURSES HONOURED WITH BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

Two local nurses have scooped the prestigious British Empire Medal for fantastic leadership and care to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic – read their inspiring stories here.


HIPPODROME REOPENS WITH ABSORBING VAN GOGH EXHIBITION

Our social media feed has been on fire this week, as Birmingham Hippodrome has welcomed back visitors for the first time since March for the UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.

Created by Grande Exhibitions, Van Gogh Alive is a digital art experience using stunning projections, classical music and scent, giving you the unique opportunity to step on to the Hippodrome’s main stage and truly venture into Van Gogh’s world.

Van Gogh Alive is now open until 31 December and tickets can be booked at https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/van-gogh-alive-the-experience/


LEICESTER APP CO FOUNDER JOINS HIGH STREET TASK FORCE

High street app, LoyalFree’s co-founder, Sophie Hainsworth, has been invited to join over 150 experienced professionals to work with towns in England over the next four years, as part of the High Streets Task Force.  It’s designed to help communities and local government transform their high streets – find out how here.


BLACK HORSE KEEPS LAUGHTER IN LEICESTER OVER LOCKDOWN

Aylestone’s, The Black Horse, has kept Leicester laughing during the extended lockdown with its weekly Giggles in the Garden events, converting the spacious beer garden into an al fresco comedy club.  Complete with covered private dining pods and socially distanced tables, recent headliners include Sean Walsh and Nathan Caton. Find out who’s performing over the next few weeks here.


SCARIEST MOVIES REVEALED

With the spookiest day of the year nearly upon us, a new report by thortful.com uncovers the top 10 scariest (and least scary) films of all time… find out who’s top and who’s bottom here.


This Week’s Motivational Quote

“Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”

– Harvey Fierstein

You May Also Like