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Helen Cross: Putting right the wrongs of my first first novel

The Birmingham Post’s Richard McComb is attending Tindal Street Press’s first creative writing masterclass. Here, guest tutor and award-winning Birmingham author Helen Cross explains the experience of getting her first novel published Read

Track and field and glamour shoots for Olympic hopeful Louise Hazel

Olympic athlete Louise Hazel is one of Britain's model sportswomen. Just don’t ask her about make-up, writes Richard McComb.Read

Garden Watch: The Jerusalem artichoke

Its botanical name is Helianthus tuberosus, making it a close relative of the annual sunflower, as can be seen from its habit - it will reach 6ft or more – and its foliage.Read

Get to know your drinks at Birmingham Whisky Club

Do you know your whisky from your whiskey? Your blends from your single malts? Mary Griffin finds a new night class offering guidance to Birmingham's whisky novices.Read

Time for Birmingham to join the International Food & Wine Society

Gastronomy professor Alan Harrison tells Richard McComb why the time is right for a dining culture club.Read

Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury keeping the tradition of coaching inns alive

They were the motorway service stations of their day but now there are precious few coaching inns left for us to enjoy, as Chris Upton discovers.Read

The devil is in the detail when it comes to writing your novel

In the second part of the Birmingham Post's series on the art of novel writing, author Josie Barnard, course leader for Tindal Street Press's new masterclasses, examines the importance of knowing your setting with reference to Joseph Conrad.Read

Our lovable hedgehogs are disappearing

The lovable hedgehog is disappearing at an alarming rate. Liam Creedon explains how you can help to reverse the trend.Read

BAFTAs hair stylist Charles Worthington shares his top tips

As he celebrates 25 years in hairdressing, Charles Worthington, official hairdresser at the BAFTAs, shares his tips for recreating red carpet glamour at home.Read

Fashion: Get the Wallis Simpson look!

DRESSES nipped in at the waist, prim-collared frocks and knee-length skirts are all over the high street this spring.Read

Fortunately for audiences, comedian Dave Spikey has come a long way from his first Birmingham gig.

That was memorable for all the wrong reasons. While most comics get to hone their craft in front of a handful of people in a room over a pub, Dave’s early effort was broadcast to millions of viewers.Read

Everybody loves hedgehogs. Alongside puppies, baby elephants and Bruce Forsyth, they bask in the warmth of being universally adored by all.

The sight and snuffling, chortling sound of them lumbering around the flower beds on a warm summer evening is a lovely sight to see.Read

Top model Laura Bailey has been named as the new Brand Ambassador and face of Radley’s new Spring Summer ‘12 campaign.

Lorraine Pringle, the brand director, said they picked Laura to represent the much-loved premium handbags with the distinctive terrier logo because of her “natural and effortless style”. Lorraine said: “She is a modern woman who juggles work, family and life and always manages to look amazing.” Laura, who can be relied on to bring a Grace Kelly-esque touch of class to any campaign, has more than just a mannequin’s string to her bow. The mother-of-two is also a writer, contributing editor for British Vogue and Cultural ambassador for the BFC (British Fashion Council).Read

A novel approach at the Tindal Street Press writing masterclass

Has Richard McComb got a blockbuster novel in him? He's about to find out at a new writing masterclass in Birmingham.Read

Raphael Selbourne's road to Costa literary success with Beauty

Costa First Novel winner Raphael Selbourne looks back at writing BeautyRead

Steve Bloomer - football's first superstar

Chris Upton reflects on the life of a Midland footballer who became the game's first superstar.Read

A tasty recipe for a the Chinese New Year celebrations

Richard McComb talks to Chinese food specialist Brian Yip about the feasting and symbolism of Chinese New Year.Read

Sewing Cafe culture in Birmingham with an itch to stitch

Needlework needed a new image – and seamstress Sheila-May Green had an idea brewing. Diane Parkes finds out why her cafe club is oh-sew special.Read

Finding the stomach for home-made haggis on Burns Night

To celebrate Burns Night Mary Griffin rose to the challenge of creating a homemade haggis - the ultimate in thrift food.Read

Raising many a fine glass at the Decanter Encounters

Clive Platman enjoys a cut-price tasting of quality vintages.Read