Once upon a time......

When welovebearwood received details of Thimblemill Library’s October calendar, one of the events of the month which stood out for us was the Story Telling Cafe.

Lovely Julie McKirdy from Bearwood’s no 1 library sent us the press release and all of us in the welovebearwood office thought.....now this sounds really exciting!

As part of the library’s popular ongoing Live@The Library, (we’ve already had a soul jam night and a folk ceidilh night – thank you Thimblemill!),Utter Bearwood with the support of the wonderful Black Country Touring team will be hosting a series of performances from the region’s best storytellers.

Black Country Touring

We’ve been able to catch up with story teller Gav Young who’s been instrumental in putting together Utter Bearwood to find out more.

Gav Young

“I am storyteller, though my background has been populated far more by acting and poetry and trying, like so many others, to write novels. Being immensely impacted by the undeniable power of traditional stories and just adoring the emerging artform of performance storytelling, I joined forces with a passionate and brilliant young man, Tim Franklin - now working as the administrator for Friction Arts and so chairing our steering group - and together we undertook to create a performance platform for live storytelling in the Black Country.

Finding the humble and hard working Julie Mckirdy, of Thimblemill Library, was the key to making this happen: having already begun to run a successful event calendar for the library, with jazz and soul nights, cabaret and author readings, she was only too eager to expand on the entertainment offered by her progressive library and has proved to be nothing less than a whirlwind of enthusiasm on our behalf.

Along with Julie we have been blessed to work closely with the Community Champion, Fran Ellis, who has from the first bravely sat througth all of our overlong meetings, adding valuable imput on each ocassion, and has now come into her own helping us to promote our event to the parents of local schools.

Then making our venture possible not simply as an evening of diversion but as an event of the highest artistic standards, that will live long in the memory of the community, has been our collaboration with Black Country Touring who, taking us on as promoters, have been most generous in their advice and support, both financial and personally.

My co-organiser, Cath Edwards, I met through our work together telling stories to families at the Cannon Hill Park Jubilee Celebrations. Cath is a performance storyteller of incredible grace and wit. Having compered for Birmingham's popular Storytelling Café and been an integral part of this year's storytelling festival at Martineau Gardens, and having told stories to adult audiences at storytelling clubs throughout the Midlands, she now brings all her marvellous talents to bear as compere and resident storyteller for Utter Bearwood.

Cath Edwards

My good wife, Gemma Young, apart from making our striking posters, will be turning the library into a spectacle for the eyes, creating warm tablecloths, bright bunting and inspiring backdrops for our events.

Gemma Young

It is safe to say that all my best decisions towards this venture have all either come from Gem and Cath or have been filtered through their wisdom and practicality.

Utter Bearwood is our pilot series of storytelling evenings for adults currently spanning from October this year to May next year, the events taking place every fourth Thursday of the month (apart from Christmas for which we will have a fun family event on the evening of Thursday, December 13th).

So far we have managed to bring in the regions top storytellers Peter Chand (National Storyteller for the 2012 Olympic Games), Katrice Horsley (National Storytelling Laureate), Cat Weatherill (Children's Author and International Storyteller), Polly Tisdall (Young Storyteller of the Year 2011) and Shonaleigh Cumbers (National Storytelling Laureate Runner-Up 2009 and Consort to the Laureate 2009)!

Peter Chand

We are, above all, a local event for local people and we wish to be part of and support the local community in any way that we can. To this end we have made the ticket prices as low as possible and at our events we will have stalls run by local caterers. Already we have local baker Karen of Truly Scrumptious providing cupcakes in October and, in November, Crafty Muthas co-founder Rachael Gandolfi of Flutterby Cakes and member, Jennifer Emanuel of Charlie's Mom's Chocolate Factory providing their delicious goodies."

We have to agree with Gav’s comments “This is (very!) exciting stuff for Bearwood”

Tickets are on sale in advance at the library front desk for £4 and on the door for £5.
For more information please call the library on 0121 429 2039 or visit the Utter Bearwood Facebook page by clicking here!

Vote For Warley Woods!

Welovebearwood want everyone to vote for Warley Woods.

They did brillantly last year by coming second in the nation's vote for the most popular Green Flag park and we would love them to do as well again this year if not better.  How cool would it be to have the nation's favourite park in Bearwood....eh?

To do it they need your help by voting for Warley Woods on the Green Flag website.  You can do it here by just clicking on this link. 

Get everyone you know and their families and friends to vote too and put the link on your Facebook Page, Twitter account, Myspace page etc etc too.

As Viv Cole, Warley Woods Trust Manager, has said "We know Warley Woods is valued by so many people, we’d love the award to prove it."

Get voting Bearwood!

He came....he saw.....he coiffured!

It’s so true, you know, everything you could ever want is right here on our doorstep!

The welovebearwood team have had their hair cut, styled, coloured and unfortunately once scalped (ouch!) in Harborne, Moseley, centre of town etc and we have always found that we have the best hair and beauty salons in Bearwood.

Our personal favourite is Sezer Antonio on Bearwood Road (no 476 to be exact!). Every time we go there to get beautifully coiffured we come home with big smiles on our faces. Very friendly and helpful staff, endless cups of tea and coffee....we have never been disappointed.

Although the main geezer, Sezer, is a very busy man, he very kindly spared us some time between doing low lights and hi-lights to tell us more about his salon, mixing with the stars and what he thought of Bearwood.

So Sezer, why did you decide to open your hairdressing salon in Bearwood? How long has it been opened for?
Because compared to Harbourne and in the City Centre, Bearwood had better business prospects and the rent was the cheap and there was more opportunity to build a client base. Sezer Antonio’s has been open since 2008.

Where does the name Sezer Antonio come from?

The name Sezer Antonio is half Turkish and half Italian and it is also my name.

Have you cut the hair of anybody famous?

Rhydian from X Factor he came to the salon and Pamela Anderson in London

Why do you think people should have their haircut in Bearwood rather than in Birmingham or Harborne?

Because Bearwood has professional hairdressers of a high standards and it is also free to park and is easier to travel to.

Do you have any funny or unusual stories about things that have happened in Sezer Antonio which you could share with the rest of Bearwood?

The main story I feel that sticks out to me is that on the 1st of April one year I came to work and found that all my staff was getting ready to leave and told me that they were all walking out, I was extremely angry as they left. around 5 minutes later they all turned back up at the shop laughing at me as I had not realized it was April fools.

Do you think it's easy for new businesses to open up in Bearwood?

A few years ago, but as shops closed down on the High Street the business rates grew it will be harder to open a business now.

And what do you think Bearwood could do encourage more independent shops to open up in the area?

Lower the business rate and rent and introduce more up to date shops such as clothing shops.

Sezer, what changes would you like to see to Bearwood High Street? What do you see as the future of Bearwood?

No to let signs, better parking and more organised and I want to see more people within the high street.

We've heard on the Bearwood grapevine that you love acting. What do you particularly like about it?

I love acting because my father is a famous actor in Turkey and always wanted me to act and then I decided to start hairdressing. I occasionally act and I now use this as my hobby.

Do you think Turkish culture has much of a presence in Bearwood?

There are Turkish food shops and a Turkish eat in and take away along the high street.

This is our favourite question.  What/who/where makes you smile in Bearwood? What’s your Bearwood All-Star?

The friendly people that come into the salon or just generally passing by my salon and Anatolia café shop

Sezer ....we always like to ask this question! What makes Lightwoods Chippy’s chips orange?

The batter they use on their chips

Sezer ended our interview to tell us about the amazing offer currently available at his salon.

I would like to give the people of Bearwood 50% off all colours so that they do not have to travel as the high standards are kept up and the prices are low.

Please click here to book your appointment.

http://www.sezerantonio.co.uk/

Thimblemill Library's October Calendar!

Those lovely folk at Thimblemill Library are at it again with their calendar of events for next month!

The highlights for us have to be Utter Bearwood's Storytelling cafe on Thursday 25th October, Children Have Talent on Saturday 27th October and the Halloween Ghost Hunt on Saturday 13th October. 

Definitely spoilt for choice!

Bringing Comedy Back To Bearwood!

It must have been amazing popping down to The Bear Tavern for a spot of comedy in the late 1980s. Not only were the nights hosted by Frank Skinner but Sean Hughes, Ed Byrne and some of The Fast Show’s stars appeared on the bill too.

Well thank goodness for Bearwoodstock is what welovebearwood say as they’re bring comedy back to the Bear on Friday 5th October.

Miss Andre

Mark (who puts on the Bearwoodstock events) told us that the performers on the day will be Comedy Drag Artiste' "Miss Andre', (welovebearwood are very envious of Miss Andre’s lovely long legs!) and stand up comedians David Rees-Jones, Billy Rubins, Liam Dillan-Cambridge and Christopher Hammond There’ll be two performances from each of the named performers during the evening.

Host/compere for the night is Mr Stuart Bryan (known as "Klunk" to all his friends in the Bear!). You probably know him - Stuart used to be a regular performer at Comedy Nights in The Bear when it was a regular gig on The Comedy Circuit.

Doors open at 8pm with the comedy starting at 8.30pm sharp. There’ll be a disco too after the show and the bar downstairs will be open until 1am.

All of this for a mere £5 per person (£5 – what does that buy you nowadays eh?) and money raised goes to Guide Dogs For The Blind. No wonder we’ve just added Bearwoodstock to our Bearwood All-stars list!

For more info on how to get your advanced tickets (get in there quick - they're selling fast!) visit the Bearwoodstock website by clicking here!

Bearwood Needs Talent!

On Saturday 27th October Thimblemill Library’s holding its very own Bearwood’s Got Talent Show!

So if you know any youngsters who are budding Jessie Js, Tinie Tempahs or even just like a bit of boogie (how old do I sound....boogie...you can tell I’m an 80s child!) get them to put their names on Thimblemill Library’s list of future stars.

Please contact Thimblemill Library on 0121 429 2039 for more details

Bearwood Shuffled!

Bearwood Shuffler Noel Kavanagh sent welovebearwood some wonderful pictures from last Sunday's Bearwood Shuffle and told us what a fantastic time he had at Lightwoods Park Bandstand.

Noel told us that "Good vibes and friendly family atmosphere was the overall feel for the day.."

"Health and efficiency played a good energetic set, while Rich McMahon got the crowd going with his playlist."

"Just a shame it was all over and that it couldn't have carried on !!"

Fingers crossed we don't have to wait too long for Bearwood Shuffle V!

Win tickets to BBC Good Food Show Reminder!

Welovebearwood are so excited.....The BBC Good Food Show competition tickets have arrived in our offices and it won’t be long now till we'll pull the winning 5 pairs of tickets out of our magic colander.

If you haven’t entered yet get in there quick! We’ve had loads of entries and the closing date is October 31st 2012.

All you need to do to enter is to answer the following simple question and send your answers to welovebearwood@googlemail.com putting the word FOOD in the subject box.

Which two Great British Bake Off hosts will be giving demos at the show?

Good luck!

P.S. The BBC Good Food Show’s on at the NEC from 28th November to 2nd December.

Standard tickets are on sale right here, right now from £21.50 per person. 

Bearwood Shuffle IV Line-up Confirmed!

Bearwood Promoters are a busy bunch! They’re finalising all the details at the moment for Bearwood Shuffle IV and the line-up’s looking shuffling good!

Here’s a taster of what you’ll be able to shuffle along to next Sunday (16th September) at Lightwoods Park Band Stand.

One man band Steve Ison who describes himself as “Birmingham born singer/songwriter worshipping at the altar of magical ranscendent pop music like The Beatles,70s Bowie,Love,T.Rex,Tamla Motown,The Kinks,Velvet Underground,Simon and Garfunkel for almost as long as he can remember.” WOW!

You can see more of Steve Ison here and here

Folk-tastic Rich McMahon, who will sing his celtic heart out to Bearwood. 

If you like this visit Rich's website....find it here!

And last but by no means least experimental art rockers Health & Efficiency. 

Here's their facebook page!

Khakan Can!



Can he cook it?.........Yes he can!

Khakan Qureshi’s such a dab hand in the kitchen that he’s been on TV showing his culinary skills to the nation.  Welovebearwood were so happy when Khakan told us how he does it.

Your cakes look so good on your QT cakes Facebook page. What inspired you to start making cakes and where do you get your ideas from?

I used to bake as a teenager, but stopped when I went to a drama college in London. Over the years though, I used to eat cakes and desserts after every evening meal and when I used to ring my mum, she commented on this and suggested that rather than buy in cakes with artificial ingredients, why not bake your own?

My mother was diabetic and was very ill. In the Summer of 2009, Mum asked if I would bake her a cake just like in the old days and I said I didn’t have the time as I was busy with work etc and would bake it for her one day soon. But I went out and bought a set of cake tins in the hope I would get round to baking that cake.

Sadly, that day didn’t come as in February 2010, mum passed away and a week later as a form of therapy I suppose, I started baking. On a positive note, my ideas for the cakes generally come from what I think the cake ought to look like.

I’m a very creative individual and tend to visualise the end product before I start baking. For instance, I don’t draw the cake before I start like lots of other cake makers might do.  All I do is ask the customer a few questions like what is the recipients’ favourite colour or what are their hobbies or interests and just work from that. I try to personalise the cake as much as possible to reflect their individuality.  

What do you see as the future of QT cakes?

I would like to receive more orders obviously as I’m a fledgling home business in Bearwood. If I can gain more customers, support and financial investment, I’d like to set up a coffee shop in Bearwood similar to the Fallen Angel in Harborne except I would rather my shop work as a Social Enterprise.

I would like to use volunteers, individuals who would like to enter this field and use it as a stepping stone. I would even consider using second hand tables and chairs that I could perhaps refurbish and sell to interested customers so that the environment or the look of the shop would be constantly changing.

I also have a strong interest or passion in Interior design, photography and art so would use the walls to display work by local photographers and artists, including my own work. It sounds all very exciting but I can dream, can’t I?

You’re definitely a local TV star! You’ve been on BBC’s Weakest Link, Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me and ITV’s May The Best House Win. What’s it like being on TV and what was it like when Anne Robinson said you are the weakest link....goodbye?

What’s it like being on TV? Well, it’s hard to explain that as I only applied to be on those shows out of interest and to win the prizes of course! I’ve gained some valuable experience and insight into how the shows work. CDWM and May The Best House Win are very similar formats in that it brings together four strangers to take a peek into how one behaves in given circumstances within their own home.

With CDWM, I feel, it’s about the food, hosting, entertainment and mostly personality clashes whilst with “Best House” it’s a more genteel lifestyle show about the home décor, hosting and comfort, with minor personality clashes. But people have to remember; they are only TV shows made for entertainment with a cash prize thrown in and are edited so that you don’t get the whole picture.

I was on The Weakest Link in August 2002, and only took part after my neighbour suggested I apply. I wasn’t the weakest link though, I just happened to get kicked off because I hesitated in the second quick fire round. She asked me a question related to painting wood: do you go with the grain or against and I asked her to repeat it and replied “Against”.  It was a bit embarrassing though as I had just finished decorating a room at home a week before I appeared on the show! But I stepped off the platform with my head held high as I certainly wasn’t The Weakest Link!

Your Indian cooking looked yummy on Come Dine With Me. Who taught you how to cook so well and what’s your favourite dish to cook?

My mother taught me how to cook or rather I used to help her out in the kitchen, observe and learn by asking questions. She didn’t exactly say right, here are the ingredients and I want you to cook this curry or that curry and you’ve got to cook it now. It was more about being with mum in the kitchen, you know? Quality time, comfort, chatting…

We used to go shopping together and she showed me how to pick ripe tomatoes or check the firmness of aubergine, that type of things. My dad was also an exceptionally talented man and back in 1968, had apparently introduced various curry dishes to Birmingham. There was also an article in the local press at the time saying he was a man of 1,000 dishes!

My two sisters also had some influence on me to cook, but that was more out of necessity than luxury as they wanted me to be more independent at the age of 13 rather than rely on them to cook me meals when mum wasn’t around!

My favourite dish has to be either Balti Ginger chicken or kebab curry. They are not like the kebabs you find in the local curry house, but rather like spicy minced beef or lamb sausages in a thick masala sauce. Just the thought of them makes my mouth water!

What was it like going round to the other contestant’s houses for dinner? Are you still in touch with any of your fellow Come Diners now?

I was nervous and apprehensive about meeting the other diners at first because you don’t know who they are, have never met them before and don’t even know what they look like before you get there, so your immediate reaction is filmed right in front of the camera for the first time on the first night. And if you don’t hit it off immediately or rapport is forced, the camera picks it up and you’re a goner!

When I met my fellow diners I think I knew straightaway what I let myself in for so going to their houses was not a big deal. I think you have to take it all in your stride and be open to what is on offer and if you do find you complain about one thing, it looks like you’re moaning all the time! People act and react differently in front of the camera so it doesn’t always reflect the true personality of the people involved…

I have kept in touch with most of the contestants from CDWM and “Best House” via facebook or phonecalls. From CDWM we even had a reunion a year after we met and featured in an article in the Express and Star! CDWM in particular has certainly garnered me a reputation as being controversial and easily recognisable.

I’ve been recognised not only in Bearwood, but in the Black Country, the City Centre, Kidderminster, London and more recently, in Manchester. People come up to me in the streets and ask don’t I know you or recognise me immediately from CDWM. I try not to let it phase me but I’m certainly not a celebrity in the true sense of the word – no red carpet events, champagne dinners or lucrative contracts have been signed.

It’s nice to be recognised but it also depends on what mood I’m in. Lol! I’m just happy to be me, to live and shop around Bearwood. Of course, I wouldn’t say no to a contract as it might help set up my QT Cakes coffee shop. Haha!

Do you have any other TV projects in the pipeline?

I have recently returned from filming a ground-breaking new documentary in Manchester and Carlisle. It’s called “The Audience” and was commissioned by Channel 4. The series starts on Thursday 13th September at 9pm and involves 50 people from a cross section of the community helping an individual or family with a dilemma.
For example, the individual might ask should they leave work, split up, sell their business or whatever. The 50 people would make observations, ask questions and probe into the lives of the individual concerned by visiting family, friends work or home life and at the end of the week deliver a solution to their problem, in the hope that it would turn their life around using the “wisdom of plenty” theory. I’ve got another program coming up soon but I can’t say which one!

You work in the Debra Charity Shop. What’s that like and do you have any funny anecdotes you could share. Have you found any bargains?

I’ve been working as a volunteer for over a year now. Although the charity has been established for over 25 years, people are not as familiar with it as say, the British Heart Foundation or Oxfam.

The letters EB in the word Debra stands for Epidermolysis Bullosa, which is a life threatening genetic blistering skin condition in which the skin and internal body linings blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing painful, open wounds.

It affects babies and children, many of whom do not reach adulthood.

This is why donations or contributions are needed and the support offered is very much appreciated by the Bearwood store.

I enjoy the banter, camaraderie and the variety of customers who just pop in for a chat and a browse. I like to arrange the merchandise and sometimes my other half would come in and try to take over the visual displays even though he doesn’t work there, much to the amusement of the management and customers! Or we might try on the various wigs, hats and other garments and do a bit of posing or role play just to try to sell the items.

I’ve found a selection of good, reasonably priced items like books, objet d’art such as a pair of praying hands on a small block, an old black enamelled victorian teapot dotted with gold gilt and a small silver plated, cut glass floral vase circa 1950’s. Items of real value, such as antiquities and collectibles we let the general public buy as it adds more funds to the charity.

What’s your connection with Bearwood?

My partner lived in the Bearwood area all his life, so when I met him 20 years ago it was only natural I suppose that he introduce me to his local shopping centre. I’ve always found the shopping centre attractive, the traders friendly and helpful and the appeal that it attracts a wide multicultural community adds to its feeling that this is home.

What do you think of Bearwood’s restaurants, takeaways or delis? Do you think Bearwood is on the foodie heaven map?

I appreciate the delis like the Baguette shop, Mud, Anatolios on the High St and Antonios Emporio on St Marys Rd. Overall, the well established restaurants are to be recommended and with the introduction of new eateries such as Red Oven and Purnima helps to move the Bearwood eating options in the right direction.

However, I feel and it is only my opinion, that there are far too many takeways or burger bars along the High St and the burning smell of grease and fats does not help the healthy eating options or the obesity crisis and the environment at large.

We need more artisan bakeries, independent coffee houses and good, quality food outlets to cater for all like a vegetarian café, salad bars or more cosmopolitan eateries. I think Bearwood has a long way to go before it can establish itself on the foodie heaven map, but with the aforementioned indies we could set the trend and introduce or establish more choices for the consumers.

You’re also involved in Better Bearwood.  What would you like to see change in Bearwood and what do you see as Bearwood’s future?

As I said before, we could reduce the amount of burger bars that are coming onto the High St and make more use of the empty retail outlets with pop up business perhaps to show off wares by QT Cakes, the Crafty Muthas and other small businesses that are trying to make a go of it in this recession.

There are many talented, creative folk in Bearwood and I would like to see them given an opportunity to show off what they can do with exhibitions, Performing Arts productions at St Marys perhaps or other larger venues within the area.

I applaud Richard Marshall and the Traders Association for attempting to make the High St more attractive with the introduction of colour e.g. floral boxes and hanging baskets and making the businesses more cohesive in what they have to offer, the work with Lightwoods Park and Warley Woods to make better use of the green environment for pleasure and leisure pursuits.

Although I wasn’t involved in the Mary Portas bid, but am aware of the processes involved, I still think we could make changes ourselves just by asking or suggesting that more effort is made with the window displays, a lick of paint given to some stores and encourage people to be more motivated to a make a difference.

I know it’s difficult to see what the future may bring in a recession but we could try to encourage more businesses to invest in Bearwood. We’ll be having a new Poundland soon which would create more job opportunities, the old Woolworths premises could be used to benefit the community even if it was changed to smaller retail units.

More than anything, we need more financial investment, government initiatives with grants, loans and try to attract more independent businesses like fashion or wedding boutiques, art and design stores, homeware and gift shops instead of takeaways. The Bearwood Chapel taking over the old lettings office and converting it into some sort of community hub is a great start…

What/who/where makes you smile in Bearwood. What’s your Bearwood All-Star?

I would have said Odds & Sods but they have moved on now… I could be biased and say the Debra charity shop for the work that they do in trying to raise funds and awareness for worthwhile cause or I could say QT Cakes of Bearwood. ..It’s a tough decision so I’m going to say I’ll leave it to you!

P.S. You can contact Khakan regarding his cakes via his facebook page. 
Here's the link: QT Cakes of Bearwood

P.P.S. Mrs B says don’t forget to enter welovebearwood’s competition to win tickets to BBC’s Winter Good Food Show!  Click here for more details.

Hooray for Holocene!

How amazing were local band Holocene at Warley Woods Picnic in the Park? Bearwood's Got Talent, we tell you!

Still in their teens (OMG! we are so envious!) Holocene’s Bishan Davies, Marcello Sanzari, Aaron Barnett-Bass and Ben Campbell are already a big hit.

When we caught up with them they told us that they are busy getting ready for their next gig. They're playing at the O2 Academy 3 on 12 September with KillTimers and Last Masquerade.

Ben Campbell, the drummer, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity to play with The Last Carnival in what promises to be a great gig”

“The response at Picnic in the Park was great and our new single All Around went down really well. We're looking forward to playing more local gigs soon."

Doors open at 6pm, tickets cost £7. You can buy them from here!

Bearwood's New Art Class!

Artwork by  J. Ballam

Calling all those arty types!  Do you fancy yourself as Van Gogh, Dali or do you just have spare time that you would like to fill in doing something artistic?

Una Rose Smith contacted welovebearwood to tell us all about her new art class which just sounds ideal.

This is what Una told us...

"My New Art Class will be held at St. Mary's Church Hall in St. Mary's Road off the High Street in Bearwood. I am hoping that parents with spare time before picking-up their children from local schools might be interested.

I will be teaching all aspects of Painting & Drawing and instructing students in the use of a variety of mediums. I will also support those wishing to go on to futher studies in Art. I have a Masters Degree in Fine Art and I am a practising Artist and Art Tutor.

The classes will run between 1.00 and 3.00 p.m. on Fridays and begin on the 21st September. The cost is £7.00 per two hour session."

People who want further information before booking a place can contact Una via email  at unarosesmith@hotmail.com

P.S. The painting's by J Ballam, one of Una's many talented students.

Win tickets to the BBC Good Food Show!

Food glorious food...Bearwood’s blessed with some real gems, there’s Franzl’s Austrian Restaurant, Haweli (possibly the best balti house in the universe), Neelams, Lightwood’s Chippy (home to the world famous orange chips), Antonio’s Deli (not forgetting Home to Home Cooking) and Azzari Too, plus a whole load of other great eating places and not forgetting Charlie’s Mom’s Chocolate Factory and Rachel Gandolfi’s cakes of course.

So we just know you’re going to love our latest competition to win tickets to the BBC’s Good Food show. It’s foodie heaven...stuffed full of mouth watering treats for you to sample and buy (perfect for stocking up on those Christmas treats!). There’s a fabulous drinks section too...wines, spirits, ciders, real ales...all free to sample.

As if that wasn’t tempting enough some of the biggest celebrity chefs will be there as well. This year the line up includes the newly slimmed down Hairy Bikers, James Martin and the sweetest thing to come out of Italy since Tiramisu, Gino D'Acampo. There are some special Masterchef Cook Offs too, hosted by Gregg “Cooking doesn’t get tougher than this” Wallace and John ‘raised eyebrows’ Torrode, featuring the winners of this year’s celeb and non celeb competitions.

We have FIVE pairs to tickets to give away...yes...FIVE pairs...all you need to do is to answer the following simple question:

Which two Great British Bake Off hosts will be giving demos at the show?

Send your answers to welovebearwood@googlemail.com putting the word FOOD in the subject box. The closing date’s October 30th and we’ll be drawing the winning names from our magic colander on October 31st. Good luck!

The BBC Good Food Show’s on at the NEC from 28th November to 2nd December. Standard tickets are on sale right here, right now from £21.50.