Glass Domain
August 25th, 2010 199, Warstone Lane Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B18 6JREmail: info@glassdomain.co.uk
A Golden Future?
August 9th, 2010The planning permission for the proposed flagship Golden Square went through despite some local concerns about the loss of trees. Contrary to popular (or should it be poplar) opinion, these trees are not the old oaks of England…in fact a tree survey rated the best ones as no more than average and none came in the good or excellent category. In any event, we are replacing them almost tree for tree with fruit bearing varieties (and before anybody gets smart.. yes we have checked for ground contamination!). The new trees aren’t twiglets (another local rumour) but are semi mature and reflect the allotment history of the area.
On the business side we are on the cusp of launching a preapprenticeship scheme to encourage new young blood into the trade – the enthusiasm from local employers has been heartening and (after a slow start) so has the response from the eligible young people. These are mainly on benefits and from the local area which proves not all young people have aspirations based on appearing in the X Factor or appearing in Big Brother.
RO St Bernards launched their Newhall Square with a great event to tie in with the JazzFest. Apart from an atmospheric quartet,’ the Baghdaddies’ and an excellent Photographic Exhibition, the icing on the cake was an impromptu appearance from a party of OompaLoompas courtesy of a stag party from the Travel Lodge in Charlotte St which backs onto the Square. Apparently it is the busiest place in Brum for Stag and Hen parties!
On my daily early morning yomp between my office in the JQ and the BCC HQ at Lancaster Circus, I noticed a new Gallery had opened in Kenyon St.It is a Chinese Gallery and currently has an exhibition of Calligraphy and is well worth a visit…another JQ Gem tucked away which is one of the fascinating things about the area..you never know what you might find around every corner. On that subject I hear that Fierce, the avant garde arts organisation, are moving into Caroline St.
ANDY MUNRO
David-Louis.com
August 5th, 2010Designer Maker of contemporary tableware and lifestyle products.
The Merlin Centre for Contemporary Design
23-24 Warstone Lane
Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
B18 6JQ
sales@david-louis.com
Kiran Rangoli
July 11th, 2010
The handcrafts and painting produced by Ranbir are a captivating image of Art from the East, significant of horizons depicting distilled heritage of the past and reflecting fascinating techniques of the modern world. The delicate paintings with skilful designs create a vision of contemplation and the works of Art attempted by her display the depth of originality combined with imaginative alternatives and revolutionary instincts.
This is the only South Asian Crafts Gallery in the West Midlands and possibly in the UK
‘Walk in to the Gallery to explore shimmering colours of South Asia’
Entrance to the Gallery is Free by appointments only.
Monday to Thursday 10:00am – 16:00pm
248, Bar Street Hockley Birmingham B19 3AG crafts@rangoli-arts.comDON’T CARRY ON CRUISING!
July 6th, 2010Although this is my Jewellery Quarter blog I thought that I would indulge by reporting back on my recent break from the Quarter before returning to local matters next time.
Two things that I thought that I would never do was to go caravanning or cruising for my holidays. Yet due to a decision by close friends on their holiday arrangements, I found myself and wife booked on a 9 day ‘Round the British Isles’ cruise. Normally one for warm weather and exotic locations, the prospect all seemed a bit bizarre. Certainly it raised eyebrows when I said that I was cruising around Great Britain, although once I explained that I wasn’t intending to retrace George Michael’s footsteps, it actually got a vote of confidence. Slightly worryingly, that vote generally came from people wearing bright turquoise Regatta waterproofs.
The cruise liner SS Marco Polo was due to leave from Tilbury Docks…last time I was in that neck of the woods, I had been taking fairly speedy steps to avoid a special ‘welcome’ laid on by local Millwall fans. This time, however, I’m pleased to report, it was all a little more sedate. On arrival we went through a slightly ‘half baked’ customs checkpoint to walk up a gangplank onto the ship.
I soon realised that our friends and ourselves were undoubtedly the youngest ‘cruisers’…eye candy was definitely of the Troach Drops variety and I’m sure that I heard a gasp from onlookers as we boarded the ship without visibly using any walking aids.
As we looked out to sea on the main deck it was a sea of blue and as I turned to look in the opposite direction back onto the deck ,it was a sea of beige and the shape of things to come.
We were all given a ‘deck card’ as the ship was a cash free zone. Meals, however, were free covering breakfast, elevenses, lunch, high tea, dinner and supper. Although I never made the full set of dining options there were plenty that did. On the other hand, drinks had to be paid for with the wine expensive and average but the beer and cocktails were better value albeit bitter was served up in cans. Despite the imbalance of food, the ship’s gym was a lonely place with just me and a couple of gay Cossacks….the majority of crew were Ukranian evidenced by bar receipts in the names of Viktoriya, Anya, Mariana(unfortunately without the Waves) and Eleanora.
The first day was spent on the ‘cold’ North Sea. And amazingly it was the best day and warm enough to be sprawled on the deck sunbeds although there was no room to swing a ship’s cat. However this didn’t stop most passengers soaking up the sun in an endeavour to get even more prune like.
Our first stop was on the East of Scotland.. Invergordon, which was a bit of a one horse town although at least we were piped off the ship to Scotland the Brave although already a more apt choice would have been ‘Who Ate All The Pies?’ Incidentally at every stop there were organised trips but they were not only expensive they were generally a bit too regimented for me.
Next stop was the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The whole ship was buzzing with the anticipation of buying some Harris Tweed apparel but this proved extraordinarily expensive. There was the obligatory whisky distillery and we hopped on a local bus to visit the historic ‘black houses…these were buildings dating back hundreds of years made mainly of peat with an open fire and no chimney…an atmosphere similar to a 1950s ‘snug’ full of blokes smoking ‘Woodbines’. Interestingly on our journey my rose tinted vision of neat well kept crofters’ gardens was blown out of the water by gardens which will ensure that there will never be an Isle of Lewis In Bloom.
Next day we docked at Tobermory with its coloured houses of Children’s TV fame. It was a real picture postcard scene and lunch was a delicious ‘scallops and chips’ from the Mc Chippie…the only disappointment was that ‘fish of the day’ was haddock which I can easily get back in dear old Brum.
On the subject of food, that night was a formal ‘meet the captain’ dinner. Dinners were rated as ‘casual’,’ informal’ and ‘formal’. Mind you , even ‘casual’ didn’t mean you could wear a shell suit although I wouldn’t have minded doing so for a substantial bet. The ‘formal’ status meant a suit or preferably DJ with a dickie. Everybody had two minutes with a slightly bewildered looking captain and a photo was taken to be purchased later at an exorbitant cost. One tip when being introduced is don’t say ‘it’s a nice boat you’ve got here’. .the comment will go down like the Titanic as ‘ship’ is the word to use.
After the meal and on other nights was the ‘camp’(in more ways than one) entertainer and his team with themed nights..’ From Russia with Love’ etc etc. Afterwards there was a disco in the late bar.. I never thought that I would ever see somebody doing the foxtrot to a medley of the Stones’ greatest hits.
Anyway next stop was Dublin in the pouring rain. On the way in we passed up a pricey opportunity to see the ‘Book of Kells’.. it’s a big thing to Irish Catholics I’m told but as a Proddy I’m happy enough with the Bible. We did however visit the excellent City Art Gallery and also found a real authentic pub just on the border of the plastic leprechaun country that is Temple Bar. Squeezed next to a chatty farmer from Tipperary wearing a trademark flat cap, we watched several guys playing impromptu on a guitar and drum everything from Dylan to Van Morrison. By the way the draught Guiness was as sweet as a nut and far superior to the bitter British version.
Next stop was the Scilly Isles.. another stop in doubt because of inclement weather(as they say on the bridge).Luckily it went ahead and, as a keen gardener I was looking forward to seeing Tresco and I wasn’t disappointed. There was an amazing array of sub tropical plants growing to their heart’s content in mild if wet conditions.. and I’ve never got wetter in my life on the return trip back to the ship.. serves me right I suppose for not investing in a bright turquoise waterproof!.
The Channel Island was next and St. Peter’s Port. We visited a fascinating Museum telling the story of the island under occupation and the bravery in the face of the conquering Germans…maybe Wayne Rooney needs to pay it a visit! Funnily enough the only disappointing thing about the whole visit was sampling a Channel Islands cream tea.. I was expecting great lumps of chloresterolly enhanced cream which would need to be prised away from the spoon.. instead it was a bit of spray cream on a dry and tasteless scone.
Our last stop was Honfleur and this included a trip to Monet’s Garden. Disappointingly a three hour round trip resulted in less than one hour to enjoy the gardens and his house. I felt a bit like a Japanese tourist as we were almost frogmarched(excuse the pun) around with no real time to enjoy the place.
Overall the Cruise was an experience not to be missed as I saw parts of Britain that I probably would never have got round to seeing. However I also felt that I had eaten for England ,Scotland, Wales and Ireland, been cooped up in a cabin with no natural light and never staying long enough to get under the skin of a place. Any sort of quiet or solitude was difficult to find on a ship with, even the deck, packed like sardines. With the age profile it also felt a bit like God’s Waiting Room and the rush to be first for meals was all too reminiscent of mealtimes at my 99 year old Mum’s sheltered housing complex!
So in future, it’s likely to be up, up and away for any holiday breaks!
ANDY MUNRO
Laurina
June 22nd, 2010
We retail cards, gifts, original art, silk flowers and stationery.
16, Augusta Street Birmingham B18 6JA
e-mail: info@laurina.co.uk
“WE’RE STILL HERE “
May 17th, 2010Most people will be aware that I have lost part of my team due to budget cuts at the Council. Somebody, I thought perhaps a tad unfairly, suggested to me that Birmingham City Council’s financial position makes Portsmouth FC look like Chelsea but obviously I couldn’t possibly agree!
Certainly the concerns about cuts galvanised the local community who embarked on a vigorous campaign to fight the cuts and, to an extent, the position has been salvaged – in my opinion to a tenable degree.
I will continue to be based in the Jewellery Quarter several days a week (my office is unit 101D – still at The Argent Centre) although I will be spending some time over at Alpha Tower (aka the Regeneration HQ for BCC). Mind you all those in Alpha Tower will soon be moving to Lancaster Circus which I suppose is almost as near. Quite soon, no doubt, I will be an expert on wholesale electrical and textile prices as I trudge down that super highway known as Great Hampton Street.
Incidentally, on the subject of Lancaster Circus I have always found it a rather dreary place. May be it is because of its location but, in my opinion, you can paint the walls sky blue pink but I don’t think you can completely make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I have always felt it was a sort of ‘Feng Shui’ in reverse with the negative vibes over many years caused by the building being stuffed with Highways Engineers’ whose life’s work seems to revolve around putting obstacles in the way of getting things done – at least in Regeneration Terms.
Anyway back to the positives. We are keeping our Information Centre open by the Clock and the Jewellery Quarter Association, Jewellery Quarter Marketing Initiative, Jewellery Quarter Neighbourhood Forum and the Manufacturers Group are all working closely together to continue to champion the Quarter. The City Council, despite the unfortunate cuts, currently remain very committed to the area and we are about to submit a Stage 1, World Heritage Site Bid in Mid June. It’s the start of a long road but it is a journey definitely worth starting.
So it’s a case of using the term Keeping Right On!
Andy Munro
Victor Henry – Business and Law
May 16th, 2010Victor Henry Specialises in the legal and business needs of small and medium sized companies.
Fixed fees are available.
Solicitors, Business Consultants, Corporate Finance.
Sprung Fair
February 15th, 2010I haven’t been to the NEC for some time – in fact the last time it was to watch yet another of the Who’s ‘farewell’ tours when I remember Pete Townsend having the temerity to do the vocals on ‘Happy Jack’ whilst he was under suspicion of using the internet for nefarious purposes.
The time before it had been a visit to the Good Food Show when the pain of paying out for the admission AND having to pay extortionate parking fees was deadened by consuming an array of free samples – unfortunately freebees at the Show are apparently now as scarce as the proverbial Rocking Horse ****…and now the same can be said for my visits.
However as part of my Jewellery Quarter job, I needed to beat a path to the Spring Fair and was also looking forward to seeing how one of Brum’s crown jewels was progressing as a top venue in the face of increasing competition. The good news on arrival was that, as it was a trade fair, the parking was free but the bad news was the stressful process of finding that parking. Right from the start of entering the maze that is the vehicular routes into and around the NEC, there were loads of arrow signs for the ‘Spring Fair’ and lots for ‘Car Parking’ but none bearing the simple legend ‘Spring Fair Car Parking’.
Anyway by the time I had parked, I was so relieved that I forgot to remember the car park number until I had almost arrived at the Hall but luckily somebody on the shuttle bus remembered.
Now for those of you who like shopping – a word of advice – NEVER go to the Spring Fair. There are lots of interesting and innovative products but none are on sale to the public. Mind you some of the stuff is a bit strange and for example in the Jewellery Hall, there was jewellery with insects entombed in them….cockroach earrings anybody?
It was all thirsty work pushing through crowds of smarmy sales reps and glam assistants done up to the nines and all waiting to pounce the moment anybody even broke their stride…it was like being in the souk in Marrakech. Consequently having made my business calls, I decided to have a relaxing cup of coffee. I might as well have been asking for the finest vintage claret because there was apparently no coffee available and even if there had been, the coffee came from the sort of vending machine frequently ‘gracing’ office tea points. In fact the state of cleanliness on the tables and the range of food was about as good as Kings Heath Garden Show – another catering opportunity missed.
On my way out, I decided to draw out some cash so I could at least eat something on the way home. Typically all the cash points charged commission and it was only at the third time of asking that I found one that worked.
Overall the NEC was a disappointing experience and it seems to me that the venue has become complacent which is a shame when it needs to be top of its game!
Andy Munro
A New Year and All That
January 25th, 2010I have never been a great one for linking arms and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ but there again as a Blues fan with McLeish the incumbent manager I might just start to change my habits. I have also never been one for making New Year’s resolutions but I have been having a think about what I might do from a work perspective. I think perhaps my resolution would be to “never give up, never say die and don’t let the buggers grind you down” – perhaps I might even add to those thoughts a need to be more patient myself, but then again maybe not!
Working in the Public Sector is not as easy as some people think and it’s even less easy when you are trying to get things done. I recently discovered a note that I did years ago on the steps it took to just put up a simple notice on some redundant urinals in the Jewellery Quarter – suffice to say that the ‘simple’ process took around seventy steps to accomplish thanks to a list of Public Sector people who will remain nameless until I write a future book on Regeneration.
On the subject of regeneration, I took Ian Austin, the current Minister for the West Midlands around the Quarter. This was to try and convince him that manufacturing isn’t completely dead in Birmingham and didn’t necessarily solely revolve around the car industry. I took him behind the scenes and he was quite obviously impressed with the quality of products still made in the area.
A slightly amusing anecdote is that he fell behind schedule (as Ministers do) and I tried to persuade Government Office officials to extend his time in the Quarter but they seemed in a desperate hurry to get away. I later found out through the ‘Stirrer’ website that the rush was merely to attend a Government Office Christmas Party and judge a Civil Servants’ cake making competition (I suppose that’s manufacturing of a sort!). Apparently he then fell victim to a bit of a scam from his ‘Loyal Subjects’ when he chose the winning cake and then found out later it had actually been bought from Tescos… although in fairness it was apparently from Tescos ‘Finest’ range!
Continuing on the subject of food, it really was good to see Lasan win Gordon Ramsay’s ‘F Word’. It is great for the Jewellery Quarter although as a fan of Balti I hope Birmingham’s most famous culinary dish won’t be forgotten. Incidentally, I am launching in my own time a new Balti website www.balti-birmingham.co.uk so do have a look when you can. As part of that website which celebrates the authenticity of Brummies’ favourite dish I also included on the site twenty things to do in Birmingham which don’t involve shopping ‘til you drop in the Bullring. A number of those things to do predictably include the Jewellery Quarter.
Back on the work front, we’re pushing forward a number of proposals and this includes improving Ludgate Hill bridge, which perhaps represents the worst of Birmingham from the 60’s and 70’s. I am hoping that we can put together a package to make this bridge more user friendly, safer and perhaps slightly iconic, in partnership with the Colmore Row Business Improvement District and private developers.
Finally here’s a few things that I’d like to see happen by the end of the year in the Quarter:-
- New signage from the City Centre into the Quarter
- Ludgate Hill bridge improved
- An Apprenticeship scheme developed for the jewellery industry
- A new Designer Maker outlet opened in the Quarter
- A funding package in place to improve both Key Hill and Warstone Lane Cemeteries with initial work underway
- A new Square at the end of Albion Street
- A package for the new iconic Golden Square in place and approved by the City Council Cabinet ready for an early 2011 start on site.
- Both J.W Evans and the Coffin Works open for pre-booked tours.
Happy New Year
Andy Munro
