Gisela Stuart has attended an event marking the launch of ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ week.

‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ is the flagship of the National Pharmacy Association’s consumer campaign.

This awareness raising scheme will reach people across Birmingham reminding them of the importance of community pharmacy.

The campaign seeks to highlight the wide range of healthcare services provided by community pharmacy and encourage people to make use of the service.

For more information see www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk

Gisela said: “I wholeheartedly back this campaign that reminds us of the vital service provided by pharmacists.

I urge people in Birmingham to use the community pharmacist whenever possible.”

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Millennium Point

Fashion students at Birmingham Metropolitan College raised £2,000 for Children in Need after staging a ‘sponsored sew’ and completing the challenge of producing 100 children’s garments in 20 hours.

Using material donated by Fancy Silks and Barry’s fabric stores, the college’s Fashion Lab based at Millennium Point devised a production line where students in fancy dress cut patterns, sewed, pressed and quality checked garments. The clothing will now all be donated to local charity Surestart.

Tutor, Emily Ford-Halliday said: “We are incredibly proud of all the students who worked tirelessly to make sure we finished all the garments in time. We didn’t want to let each other down, or disappoint Children in Need so the students spurred one another on to produce clothing of the best quality.”

Tutor, Jeanette Prole added: “It was definitely a challenge at times, but the activity was great fun and gave students the chance to develop their cutting and sewing skills, as well as gain an insight into the world of clothing manufacturing. Special thanks go to Fancy Silks and Barry’s for donating the material.”

With BBC West Midlands broadcasting live on the night from Millennium Point, the Fashion Lab also produced a stunning origami window display as a backdrop for some of the students’ work.

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Gisela Stuart MP

Local MP Gisela Stuart is calling on businesses to show respect for job seekers by promising to respond to all those who submit job applications and provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Gisela has asked the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to write to all its members to remind them of the importance of supporting those looking for work.

Gisela said: “In these difficult economic times it is important that we all pull together. There are a lot of people out there looking for work and applying for every job they can. How hard can it be to show some basic courtesy and thank people for applying?

Similarly, giving applicants feedback if they had an interview can be of vital importance to a job seeker.

I know from talking to people, how demoralising it can be to put in application after application without even an acknowledgment.

I’ve asked the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to back my campaign by writing to all its members to remind them to do their bit to help during the recession.”

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Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr

Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr set off a creative spark in the region by officially opening new Media and Games Development studios at Birmingham Metropolitan College. The 600 sq m newly-refurbished area will develop the talents of more than 200 Media Studies, Journalism, Graphic Design and Media and Games Development students based at the college’s James Watt Campus on Aldridge Road, Great Barr.

Mr Mahmood was given a tour of the new area which includes purpose-built recording studios, sound booths and editing suites, plus classrooms containing the latest equipment for designers and modellers. A media reception also awaited the MP who featured in the maiden broadcast for the college’s TV station, MET TV. In a live interview with BTEC National Diploma in Media student, Noel Phillips, followed by a radio broadcast led by Journalism Advanced Diploma students, Petra McDermott and Josh Saunders, Mr Mahmood shared his admiration for the new suites and revealed that Star Trek was his favourite television show of all time.

Commenting on the role the Media and Games suite will play in increasing employment opportunities within the region, he stated: “The new suite is exactly what this city needs to help recover from the recession. I’m sure students will thoroughly enjoy making use of the wealth of learning opportunities these excellent facilities will provide.

“An impressive environment like this clearly demonstrates that positive steps are being taken to enable people to develop the skills they need to secure employment and improve their career prospects.”

Mukesh Kumar, Director of Creative and Performing Arts at the college stated: “There’s no doubt that Birmingham’s creative and entertainment industries continue to thrive and this investment in the talents of aspiring journalists, graphic designers, media technicians, games developers and modellers highlights Birmingham Metropolitan College’s commitment to ensuring sure that our region’s cultural heritage continues to flourish.

“The creative industries have been identified as ‘the’ sector to lead us out of the recession. The college looks forward to demonstrating how these first-rate facilities, coupled with the enthusiastic and innovative mindset of our students will influence the way the regional economy moves forward.”

Birmingham Metropolitan College will be holding its next Open Day on Saturday 16 January. A Media and Games Development Careers Event is also taking place on Tuesday 26 January and these will give prospective students the opportunity to view the stunning new suite and discuss with tutors the courses available in 2010.

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Gisela Stuart has joined forces with other MPs in demanding that more be done to preserve war memorials. The motion asks that all memorials remain well presented, regardless of age.

On Wednesday 11th November we remember all those that have fallen in wars. Given the recent casualties in Afghanistan, this day is especially poignant. It is now more than ever, that we must remember the devastation that war causes.

It is fitting that at such a time we should remain committed to preserving the legacy of these special individuals.

The sacrifices of men and women both recently and throughout history must not be forgotten.

Gisela said: “War memorials should reflect our unending respect for those that have lost their lives for the sake of our freedom.”

“I am pleased to sign this motion, which encourages us to appreciate the sacrifices made by so many. It is important to preserve war memorials for the sake of both those that have died and those that are still serving.”

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Birmingham’s world famous Frankfurt Christmas Market returns this week, with organisers promising the event will be bigger and brighter than ever before.

Frankfurt market in Birmingham

The market, which last year attracted a record 2.8 million visitors and boosted the city’s economy by £67 million, is open for seven days a week (10am to 9pm) from November 12 to December 23.

Heading into its ninth year, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is now a major highlight in the city’s calendar and the economic impact has steadily increased.

And Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby says that impact is felt by retailers and other businesses across the city centre.

He said: “The continued success of our Frankfurt Christmas Market truly is remarkable, and goes from strength-to-strength as we continue to support the city’s retail sector.

“This event has grown steadily year on year and we had almost three million visitors to the market last year, many of whom travelled from outside the city.

“Visitors come here and spend money in our shops, restaurants and hotels, adding to the overall economy of the city centre at a critical time of year for retailers and business.

“We’re proud of the fact that Birmingham has the largest German Christmas market in the UK and the Frankfurt Christmas Market provides a massive boost to the city’s economy, as well as being an incredibly popular social event.”

Staged in Victoria Square and New Street, the Frankfurt Christmas Market features traditional stalls offering handmade toys, Christmas decorations, jewellery, clothing and craft goods.

Visitors can also enjoy the delights of German mulled wine (Glühwein), grilled sausages, pretzels, German beer, gingerbread, stollen, crepes and marzipan sweets.

Responding to last year’s huge demand, this year’s market will feature 180 stalls, stretching further down New Street, offering festive visitors to the city even more choice.

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Birmingham singer and two-time the X Factor contestant, Dominic Harris

Birmingham singer and two-time the X Factor contestant, Dominic Harris will help celebrate the success and many achievements of over 100 students from Birmingham Metropolitan College at a Student STAR award ceremony taking place at Birmingham Town Hall next Wednesday (11 November).

Dominic, who is studying a Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts at the college’s James Watt Campus in Great Barr will be performing at the ceremony which recognises the personal and academic achievements of A Level and vocational students, as well as the college’s adult and work-based learners over the past year.

“I’m really excited to be performing at the ceremony,” said 18-year-old Dominic who was one of the last 50 contestants in this year’s the X Factor and was one of the final six performers in 2007. “The college has been incredibly supportive of my ambitions and continues to help me gain new skills and improve my abilities.”

The Student STAR award ceremony is part of Birmingham Metropolitan College’s celebrations for Colleges Week (taking place from 9-15 November) which recognises the opportunities colleges create for individuals, businesses and communities around Britain.

Principal and Chief Executive of the college, Christine Braddock, CBE commented: “The STAR awards are one of the highlights of the year for Birmingham Metropolitan College. They are an opportunity for us to personally congratulate the many students who have excelled academically and inspired so many others to do their best.

“Dominic’s strong work ethic and his desire to continue to develop his talents make him an excellent ambassador for the college, so we are very much looking forward to his performance at our ceremony.

“We’re also delighted to be supporting Colleges Week because we believe it is important to celebrate the vital role that colleges play in identifying and developing the talent and skills of both students and staff.”

For details about Dominic and his career to date, visit www.dominicharrismusic.co.uk

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Steve McCabe MP with Lynda Clark

Steve McCabe MP for Birmingham Hall Green spent the day working alongside WRVS volunteers to serve visitors, patients and staff and keep the café spic and span. He gave up some time to highlight CSV Make a Difference Day, which aims to encourage more people to use some of their spare time to make a difference in their communities.

Steve said: “Make a Difference Day is a great opportunity to find out what volunteering opportunities are available in your area and how you can get involved in your local community. I’m volunteering for the WRVS at their Birmingham Women’s Hospital café. I’ll be finding out how the WRVS volunteers make a difference and what they get out of volunteering.”

Gillian Stevens, WRVS manager, said: “It’s great to have the support of local MP Steve McCabe. We’re looking forward to welcoming him on Saturday; we have a great team here who’ll be sure to put him through his paces!”

Left to right: Gillian Stevens (Manager of WRVS project at Birmingham Women's Hospital), Steve McCabe MP (Labour, Birmingham Hall Green) and Lynda Clark (Supervisor at the WRVS project, BWH)

WRVS volunteers run 450 hospital shops and cafes across Great Britain. Last year WRVS raised £6.3m for NHS hospitals to improve facilities and patient care from profits made in our hospital shops and cafés. In addition we raised millions of pounds to support our charitable work in the community, where we provide the practical services that older people want in order to maintain their independence. All of this work is carried out through the dedication and commitment of our 55,000 volunteers and 2,500 employees.

WRVS is an older people’s charity and runs services across Birmingham. We always need volunteers, anyone interested in befriending, helping out at a lunch club or lending a hand in a hospital café or shop can contact us on 0845 601 4670.

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Birmingham company, the Hospital Group has reported that the number of women choosing to have a breast reduction has gone up by 78% since 2005.

The main reason for considering a breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty is that an over generous bust size can be distressing or uncomfortable.

A spokesperson for The Hospital Group, said: “We have seen a noticeable rise in women wanting to feel less self-conscious about their bodies. A lot of women with naturally large breasts are embarrassed because of their size and feel insecure as they can attract a lot of unwanted attention.”

Large breasts can often be the cause of significant physical discomfort and self-consciousness. Breast reduction surgery could significantly help to relieve the constant backache or shoulder pain associated with big breasts.

The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery, number one in Obesity Surgery and breast surgery experts.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has risen to become the UK’s biggest plastic surgery providers, performing more gastric procedures last year than the NHS. The Hospital Group is committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.

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Local PR Company becomes the story

Marketing Birmingham has been shortlisted for two awards at by a national association for the PR industry. The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) has included Marketing Birmingham on the shortlist for Media Relations Award In House for the Taste of Birmingham food festival. On top of this PR Manager Emma Ward has also been shortlisted as Young Communicator of the Year In House.

Now entering their 29th year, the PRCA Awards provide a showcase for the best that the UK’s PR industry has to offer.

The PR team worked with agency McCann Erickson to deliver a campaign for Taste of Birmingham 2009 which generated £1.5m worth of media coverage across regional and national press. This is the first year Marketing Birmingham has managed the food festival and it attracted a record number of people with over 14,000 people over four days.

Emma Ward, shortlisted for Young Communicator of the Year Awards, has worked at Marketing Birmingham for nearly four years. She has worked on award winning food and drink campaign Birmingham Bites which won Chartered Institute Public Relations Gold Awards in 2007 and, as part of this, organised a civic reception for 80 of the city’s key stakeholders to celebrate Birmingham spearheading Delice – an international gourmet network. This included working with some of France’s top Michelin starred chefs to arrange their visit to the city.

Dave Hodgson, marketing director at Marketing Birmingham, says:

“We delighted – being shortlisted for two PRCA Award is a fantastic achievement. It shows that Marketing Birmingham has made its mark in the industry with outstanding individuals and campaigns. To have Taste of Birmingham shortlisted for an Award in the first year we have managed the event is a true accomplishment; and I’m delighted our PR Manager Emma has been nominated as Young Communicator – this really reflects her success to date.

“This double award nomination for Marketing Birmingham is proof that the work we do not only achieves real results, but has an outstanding impact on the industry as a whole.”

The PRCA nominations mark the end of a successful year with Birmingham being crowned as the Best UK City at the influential Group Leisure Awards 2009.

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