Here’s to the staycation! I’m always getting teased for how many trips away I take but I love to travel and always have. With 2020 well and truly squishing my travel bug we decided to set foot outside our front door and explore some UK favourites and it has to be said we were more than pleasantly surprised. Shops were busy, bars and restaurants were buzzing and there was a lovely atmosphere despite the safety measures of masks and social distancing.
Of course, there were those who ignored the hard work made by shop keepers and restaurateurs to reassure and reduce risks -as they say, you just can’t tell some people. So instead of worrying about the minority that won’t listen, we focused on what we were doing and on all of those wonderful people that were working hard to make our visit to the beach safe and still fun despite the limitations we now live within. Thank you.
One sad thing we did notice was the number of homeless people who are now back on our streets following cuts to emergency funding. It was a depressing fact that we couldn’t help with the spare change they were requesting as, thanks to the pandemic, we’ve gone completely cashless. We found ourselves stopping and over apologizing for genuinely having no ‘real’ money, as if this explanation would give them some form of comfort… Feeling more than little useless and very aware of our privilege we made a donation to Crisis when we got home. One good thing that the pandemic did do was show that homelessness could be ended with the right resources. Find out how you could help at www.crisis.org.uk and perhaps, for one night, eat in to end homelessness and donate what you would have spent instead.
Until next time,
Stay supportive
Jon, Kev and the #FUFighters
OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE
Why did the scarecrow win an award?
He was outstanding in his field.
DOUBLE THE FUN ON THE BANCROFT – RSC LAUNCHES NEW SOCIALLY-DISTANCED FAMILY TRAIL
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have continued to entertain and educate throughout the pandemic and have announced an all new installation for families to enjoy on The Bancroft Terrace now… find out more here.
TIME FOR CHANGE? BANISH YOUR BATHROOM BLUES
It comes as no surprise that over the past few months we’ve been daydreaming about how we want to transform our home interiors.
After spending a considerable amount more time in doors we’ve been busy creating the mood board of our dreams, visualising that beautifully designed sanctuary that is the bathroom.
Sleek aesthetics, clever furniture with stacks of storage, ambient lighting, fabulous décor set the scene for the ultimate self-care haven. That blissfully long soak in the bathtub awaits…
Now is the time to turn those interior dreams into a showstopping reality with Geberit and Obsidian Bathrooms. Read more here.
M&S COLLECTS FOR BIRMINGHAM NHS COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE
M&S stores across Birmingham have been raising funds for NHS Charities Together over the last few months and customers have already raised over £129,625.06- find out the creative way it’s being spent here.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR COMPLETES 116 MILE “STEP FOR THE REP”
Completed over the course of seven days, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s Associate Director, Steve Ball finished his 116 mile walk from The REP to London’s Leicester Square in the heart of the West End’s “Theatre Land” on Friday 28 August. Step For The REP has raised a total of over £3,700 to date, with donations still coming in- add yours here.
WRITERS SPILL THE TEA IN NEW KINDLE COLLABORATION
They say some of the world’s greatest decisions have been made over a cup of tea and in this new book, eighteen new writers come together from around the world to share their own personal ‘Cup of Tea Stories’. Grab a brew and find out more here.
FITBIT REVEALS THE MOST RELAXING HOBBY FOR STRESSED OUT BRITS
As Brits get back into the office and life begins to return to ‘normal’, maintaining a work-life balance can be stressful, so what’s the best way to unwind? We reveal the hobbies that reduce our stress levels the most and the results may well surprise you – especially what comes last! Find out more here.
COVENTRY IN LOCKDOWN FOCUS OF NEW SOCIALLY DISTANCED EXHIBITION
Work on Windows: The Herbert in a New Perspective is an exhibition produced in response to the artwork created and displayed in the windows of thousands of Coventry homes during the recent lockdown- find out who’s work is exhibited here.
GET BACK TO SCHOOL WITH SELFRIDGES
Banish back to school blues by making sure your little one is the flyest kid in town with our perfect pick for pupils this autumn. Find out more here.
£30K PLEDGED TO SUPPORT LIFE-SAVING CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT
As pupils return to classrooms this week, mental health charities have warned of a shortage of resources to cope with the number of young people that have witnessed or suffered domestic abuse during the pandemic. But a new, free dedicated trauma treatment plan has been launched to help young people across Birmingham and Solihull- find out more here.
NEW! HEAVEN SKINCARE LAUNCHES VEGAN EYE CREAM
Hot on the heels of the sell-out Nettle Venom Anti-Ageing Cream, Heaven Skincare has unveiled its Nettle Venom Eyes. 100% plant-based the new eye cream is designed to ease puffiness and dark circles around the eyes while relaxing fine lines and wrinkles- find out how it works here.
INCUBATION HUB LAUNCHED FOR CITY ENTREPREUNEURS
Digbeth’s Art.quarter has announced plans for a start-up incubation space designed to help young entrepreneurs from across Birmingham- find out how you can be part of it here.
GET THE EXERCISE BUG -TOP FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU GET CYCLING
Didn’t get bitten by the lockdown exercise bug? If pictures of everyone’s home gyms and countryside cycling trips left you feeling left out, we might have just have the advice to help you get back in the saddle and burn off some of that banana bread. Read them here.
HALF PRICE TRAIN TRAVEL FOR BACK TO SCHOOL TRAVELLERS
With families sending kids back to school, West Midlands Railway is helping out with half price travel for students aged 16 and over and 25% off for those aged 15 and under – find out how to get your discount here.
THIS WEEK’S MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
– Anne Frank
