More rail strikes on the way
More rail strikes on the way
Plus: is Birmingham losing the balti forever?
Dear readers, welcome to the end of another week and Friday’s Dispatch!
It’s a short and sweet edition today with your Brum in Brief leading on news that more train strikes are happening in early December. Do check to see which dates will affect your travel to and from the city. We also have a link to a nice feature about the balti, but I’d advise reading when you aren’t hungry — it is very mouthwatering. There are a couple of recommendations for nice, calming things to do this weekend too, before we get into the madness of the Christmas period.
There are now 3,517 of you on the list, passing another little milestone. A week ago we had 2,650 so we’re growing at a frightening (and very pleasing) speed. We now have 46 pledges too, which is unbelievable. If you are yet to pledge, please hit the button below (and make sure you are logged into our site or you won’t be able to see the pledge button).
Brum in Brief
☀️ Dry, bright, and sunny, with the odd patch of cloud. Colder spells in the evening.
🚆 ASLEF the train drivers union has announced new strikes in December affecting the West Midlands. Walkouts will take place between 1-8 December and members will also refuse any overtime between 1-9 December, impacting services. The BBC reports: “Aslef said it was time for a ‘proper pay rise’ but the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents operators, called the action ‘wholly unnecessary’.”
🕊️ The mother of teenager Shawn Seesahai, who was fatally stabbed on Monday in Wolverhampton, has made a moving tribute to her son. She said: “He was looking forward to accomplishing many future plans and ambitions. He cared dearly about his family and friends and he absolutely loved to help people. He was a generous person and had a good personality.” Two 12-year-old boys remain in custody on suspicion of his murder.
🍛 Travel writer James March has penned a fun, appetite-whetting deep dive into the history of the balti and the struggle to keep it alive. “Efficiency is the key — it only takes around 10 minutes to cook — and the scorched caramelized peripherals of the balti bowl give it a wonderful light sweetness.”
🕯️ A string trio will perform ABBA hits by candlelight in the All Saint’s Church, Leamington Spa tomorrow. A percentage of proceeds goes to charity. Between £17.50 and £30. 7 - 8pm.
💆♀️ A sound bath and creative workshop takes place at 2pm on Saturday at The Old Print Works in Moseley. “Using a basic twisting and wrapping technique using wire and beads, Mel will guide you every step of the way to make this cute hanging tree of life to hang in a calming space in your room. Once finished, it can be embellished with hanging beads and wires.”
Thank you to new pledger Nigel for the vote of confidence. And your subscription is quite enough as it is :)
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Have a great weekend and enjoy our Saturday read which will be in your inbox at 7am tomorrow.
Today’s cover photo is by rain rabbit.