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Diane Parkes

Diane Parkes

Handbag fan launches internet shop

KATE Waugh is such a lover of handbags that when she decided to set up her own business there was only one product to sell. Read

Noele Gordon liked my show so much she put a poster in the lobby of Crossroads motel

WHEN actor and dancer Wayne Sleep first took to the stage at Birmingham Repertory Theatre 30 years ago he was given a helping hand from an unlikely quarter – Crossroads actress Noele Gordon. Read

At 12 I was told I had diabetes and wouldn't reach a ripe age - now I'm 63 and fighting fit

WHEN Susan Cottrell was 12 she was diagnosed with diabetes and told she would not survive into old age. Read

Jenny's loss is her dog's gain

WALKING her dogs is Jenny Brandon’s favourite exercise - but she was finding it tough going when she weighed two stone more than she does now. Read

My holiday pics made me resolve to get slim

IT was a fun holiday in Egypt but when Cheryl Robinson saw the photographs she was horrified to realise her own size. Read

Defend yourself the Israeli way

WOMEN in Birmingham are being offered the chance to fight back with a new self defence course based on techniques used by the Israeli army. Read

Supercalifragilistic day for caring kids

SELFLESS youngsters who care for sick relatives were flying as high as kites when they were treated to a week of activities based on the musical Mary Poppins. Read

Man of many talents

ONE minute he is a chimney sweep, the next a toy, the next a kite flyer - in fact actor and dancer Chris Gardner takes on a whole mountain of roles in the touring production of Mary Poppins. Read

I knew I was overweight and I had to take action

PROUD Justine Henn is proving to be such an inspiration for other slimmers for her determination to shift the pounds that she has gained a Woman of the Year award. Read

It's a good way to experience what it is like to work in theatre

YOUNGSTERS from across the West Midlands are playing that funky music in a two week intensive theatre school to stage Boogie Nights. Read

Our dream turned into a nightmare

IT WAS supposed to be the most magical moment of Sally Johnson's life. Read

Hippodrome theatre to host Queen show We Will Rock You set

BIRMINGHAM will be going Ga Ga next summer for the Queen musical We Will Rock You, which will play the city for ten weeks. Read

Getting down to the bare bones

THE stage plunges into darkness, a single actor enters the stage, a white skeletal figure against the black and he begins to speak. Read

Thanks Liza, my old chum

SAMANTHA Barks won the hearts of millions of viewers as she vied to win a part in Oliver! on TV's I'd Do Anything. Read

Rain gods have a special gig in store

AS THE band notorious for bringing on the festival showers when performing Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, weather is always a risky subject to raise with Travis. Read

Friends join forces to provide the perfect fit shirt

TWO friends who first met on the primary school playground have joined forces to launch a new internet business. Read

Dance routine makes sunscreen fun for children

WHEN the sun beats down, it is imperative that children are protected from its potentially harmful rays. Read

Su has shed her excess baggage

OFFICE worker Su Handford’s five stone weight loss was kickstarted by an advert in her local newspaper – the Birmingham Mail. Read

We need to help make our area healthy and clean

DEVANTE Pryce knows better than to drop litter because he has pride in his neighbourhood. Read

Nechells is coming up roses

WE ARE all used to seeing the marigolds and geraniums appear for the annual Britain in Bloom contests but children and adults in Nechells are learning the event is about much more than flowers. 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.

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