Former footballer Lee Sharpe is to kick off the Christmas celebrations when he opens a festive bazaar at Redwood House Residential Home, Cherry Hill Road in Barnt Green. The free event starts at 2pm and promises fun for the whole family with a Santa’s grotto, children’s toys, cake stalls and local hand-made arts and crafts available. There will also be a Christmas lucky-dip with a variety of prizes donated by local businesses. West Midlands-born Match of the Day 2 and Football Focus pundit Lee, 42, is lending a hand at what is the Barnt Green care home’s first ever Christmas event which they hope will raise money to take their 27 elderly residents on trips, days out and allow them to put on regular entertainment.

Nicola Hill, manager at Redwood House Residential Home, said: “We’re really excited about the Christmas bazaar. It’s the first time we’ve held the event and it’s got an extra boost with Lee coming along to lend his support and sprinkle some extra stardust on the event.“I’d like to thank all of the generous local businesses who have donated prizes. People have been so kind and it promises to be a fantastic afternoon for all the family. Everyone is welcome to come along. We have so much happening and some unique locally-made arts and crafts which will be ideal Christmas gifts. Our residents have a packed schedule of events and outings every year and the money raised will really help to bring them extra happiness and memories.”

For further information call Nicola on 0121 447 7447

A Cinderella Life……….

Motoring journalist, Sue Cooke is to speak at this Enterprising Women Lunch organised by Solihull Chamber of Commerce. Sue has spent the last 16 years working in an exclusive man’s world. And it is a sector that men understandably, would prefer to keep to themselves.

As a motoring journalist she has travelled throughout the world to research automotive news and to review new car launches. She said in 1997 when she embarked on her first overseas new car launch to Sardinia, that she was treated with either disdain or lust, by the Jeremy Clarkson types of the motoring world. But through hard work and perseverance she has gained exclusive interviews with ex-Formula One driver and Le Mans winner Allan McNish and Charles Morgan, former MD of Morgan Motor Company.
Sue likens the role of a female motoring journalist, which a lot of people might envy, to the life of Cinderella. You can find out why when you attend this inspirational lunch - to book, email solevents@solihull-chamber.com

From the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, this is story telling at it’s very best. Featuring comedy, songs and the lovely tale of Billy the goat, this is a magical entertainment for everyone aged 3 and up.

Visit www.macarts.co.uk

The centre of Brum has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland with its very own ice rink. With a capacity of more than 200, Winter Skate will be open every day and the rink’s Ice Café provides warming sustenance with an outdoor viewing terrace for spectators. You know you want to…

For more details tel 0844 338 0338 or visit www.winterskate.co.uk

Fabian Perez returns to the UK this November bringing his powerful and emotional new exhibition to Whitewall Galleries Birmingham. You can also win the opportunity of a lifetime. Visit the gallery, invest in any item from Fabian’s collection during his November 2013 Tour and you could secure a unique opportunity to have your complimentary portrait created and personally presented to you by Fabian when he returns to the UK in May 2014. The portrait will have an estimated value of £10,000, but to the individual fortunate enough to own it, it will of course be priceless…

Visit: www.whitewallgalleries.com/fabian-perez/

Comedian, actor and King of the I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here jungle, Joe Pasquale stars in this hilarious Sherlock Holmes spoof.

Visit www.belgrade.co.uk

Following the release of their fifth album and recent headline appearance at Glastonbury, the band visit Birmingham with support from talented support band, The Strypes.

Visit www.lgarena.co.uk

Just an Illusion, Body Talk, Flashback, In and out of Love…Imagination sold more than 26 million records during a staggering, multi-award winning carreer that was littered with hits. Get down and dirty with Leee as he celebrates the new album launch.

Visit www.thejamhouse.com

An amazing tribute to the ultimate boy bands, it only takes a minute for these lively lads to relight your fire. Have a little Patience as they thrill with a medley of classics from two of the biggest boy bands in the UK.

Visit www.nailcotehall.co.uk

Ten schools. Ten minutes. Ten scenes. Ten decades. Inspired by material from The REP’s archive, ten schools rediscover the hidden stories and secrets of Birmingham and The REP in performances that culminate in 10 blazing scenes.

Visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk