Updated 4:19pm 24 May 2013

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Diane Parkes

Diane Parkes

My stolen childhood in a Japanese prison camp

Joyce Storey tells Diane Parkes how three gruelling years as a wartime prisoner haunted her for decades after.Read

Beetles and buttons make new jewellery for Magnus and Bella

Diane Parkes talks to a couple who create beautiful jewellery from mundane everyday objects.Read

From Kings Heath to Skegness for guerrilla knitter Sara Fowles

A Birmingham textile artist is to decorate Skegness pier – with giant crochet work.Read

Keith Gray's words are given life with Ostrich Boys

Author Keith Gray is looking forward to seeing one of his books adapted for the big stage, he tells Diane Parkes.Read

Arthur Jeffes steps into his dad's shoes at the Penguin Cafe

Musician Arthur Jeffes has resurrected the unusual music of his father’s famous Penguin Cafe Orchestra, writes Diane Parkes.Read

Birmingham silversmith Theresa forges ahead

The delicate beauty of a talented young silversmith’s creations echoes that found in the natural world, writes Diane Parkes.Read

Book claims Midlands dementia patients were robbed of their dignity

Diane Parkes speaks to a nursing student who kept diaries of the difficulties experienced by staff and patients in dementia wards across the MidlandsRead

Birmingham Royal Ballet keeps its promise to Japan

Birmingham Royal Ballet is hoping to raise its international profile on a tour of Japan. Diane Parkes reports from Tokyo.Read

Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers tell of being caught up in Japan earthquake

The recent turmoil in Japan caused by a tsunami and earthquake was particularly close to home for two of the dancers on this tour as they both hail from the country. Read

Review: Macbeth, RSC, at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

Royal Shakespeare Company artistic director Michael Boyd has certainly made a bold statement with this first new production in the renovated theatre.Read

Hats off to Janie Lashford

Diane Parkes meets a milliner who has created works of art.Read

Talking about our culture will help defeat Islamophobia, says Muslim group

The arts in Birmingham are leading the way in breaking down misconceptions about the city’s Muslim communities, according to a group of women who have helped organise Islam Awareness Week in Birmingham. Read

Welcoming Winnipeg

Diane Parkes visits a quaint Canadian city where tourists really are made welcome.Read

Caroline Horton inspired by gran's enduring romance

Diane Parkes meets a playwright who was inspired after discovering a wartime romance in her family.Read

Review: Notes to Future Self, at MAC, Birmingham

This Birmingham Rep production has found its ideal space in the MAC’s small and intimate theatre where the audience feel very much part of the drama.Read

Birmingham Hippodrome launches £1m appeal for new stage

Birmingham’s biggest theatre the Hippodrome is launching a £1 million appeal to replace its stage.Read

Birmingham Hippodrome launches £1m appeal for new stage

Birmingham’s biggest theatre the Hippodrome is launching a £1 million appeal to replace its stage.Read

Leighton's top tips for beautiful nails at Selfridges

“The most attractive person can become much less so if their hands and nails are not well kept – from bitten down nails to chipped polish,” says nail guru Leighton Denny. Read

The Post goes undercover at London Fashion Week

Diane Parkes experiences the frenetic pace of a make-up artist at London Fashion Week. Read

Outdoors indoors with Jane Packman at Mac

Diane Parkes visits a new art installation at the Mac that brings the outdoors indoors.Read

Author Profile

Diane Parkes has worked in journalism for 14 years and has been with the Birmingham Mail for ten. She is Women's Editor covering health, fitness, education, fashion and beauty features. As Dance and Theatre Editor she is also responsible for professional arts coverage across the region.