Updated 1:59pm 12 February 2012:

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Diane Parkes

Diane Parkes

Tanith Carey tackles the problem of the 'Lolita effect'.

A FORMER Malvern Girls’ College student tackles the problem of retaining the innocence of childhood in her new book.Read

Villagers meet to oppose high speed rail link

A MEETING held in Water Orton to oppose the high- speed rail link HS2 proved to be so popular that villagers had to be turned away.Read

Oxfam picnic for shoppers

SHOPPERS in Birmingham city centre were invited to join a free picnic organised by Oxfam to launch a new campaign.Read

Laughing Cow Comedy Club raises cash for Birmingham and Soliull Women's Aid

A COMEDY club for female performers has raised £1,000 for women escaping domestic violence.Read

Birmingham theatre company to perform kitchen sink drama in your own home

A BIRMINGHAM theatre company is aiming to ensure its latest show is up close and personal – by performing in people’s houses.Read

Theatre: David's sequel to Macbeth

WRITER David Greig was watching a production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth when it set him thinking – what happens afterwards?Read

Pet rescue Japanese style

TWO former Midland women are helping spearhead a campaign to rescue animals from the nuclear exclusion zone around Fukushima in Japan.Read

Birmingham Rep names Roxana Silbert as new artistic director

DIRECTOR Roxana Silbert is to take over the helm at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.Read

Families in Kingstanding at risk from budget cuts

THE rumble of children playing downstairs is more than evident in Janet Higgins’ office. But as a Home-Start scheme manager, there is no sound she enjoys more than that of happy families.Read

Review: Richard Marx, at Birmingham Symphony Hall

MARX’S first concert in Birmingham in more than 20 years was a casual affair with an acoustic set and lots of chat.Read

Theatre: Treyc Cohen goes from X Factor to the Wiz

TREYC Cohen was singing in Midlands pubs and clubs for more than ten years – but it took her appearance on the TV talent show X Factor for her to become a household name.Read

Birmingham youngsters can follow in Catherine Zeta Jones' footsteps

A THEATRE coach who helped Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones on her first steps to fame is preparing to share her skills with Midland youngsters.Read

Vincent and Flavia do the tango

FANS of Strictly Come Dancing duo Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace will not feel short-changed by this show in which the former World Argentine Tango champions are certainly the stars.Read

Kelly found safe and secure home with Selly Oak foster parents

KELLY McGuinness was just five years old when she crossed the doorstep into her new home – and into a new life.Read

Future is bright for Acorns

WITH millions of people and organisations feeling the financial bite, is not the ideal time to be running a children’s hospice on which hundreds of families depend.Read

Vaq is on his bike for Acorns Children's Hospice

CYCLIST Vaq Hussain is set to say Good Morning Vietnam as part of a marathon charity challenge.Read

Birmingham Royal Ballet stars battle jet lag in Japan

WITH two performances under their belt, Birmingham Royal Ballet are well on their way into their three-week tour of Japan.Read

Theatre: Rhydian is spitting image for police chief in We Will Rock You

AS a music student in Birmingham, Rhydian Roberts was often in the audience at the city’s Hippodrome Theatre – and this summer he returns to be on its stage.Read

Margaret's more than 20 years as an Acorns volunteer

MARGARET Middleton was volunteering for Acorns Children’s Hospice before the Selly Oak centre was even built – and she is still giving up her time 22 years later.Read

Support for Sophie from Acorns

SOPHIE Robinson was just eight weeks old when her parents realised she had health problems – but what they did not expect was the devastating diagnosis that their daughter had a life-limiting condition.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.