Time to break out the BBQ and enjoy the sun
Beacon's James Carpenter discusses BBQ weather, Suzie Smart, our famous locals and what to do this weekend in his Express & Star blog.
Is it safe to brave the shorts and summer shirts yet? Following a couple of days of sunny weather, I'm now wondering whether, I can safely get the legs out writes James Carpenter.
I've been covering the breakfast show all week and at 4am, the temperature is so different from when it hits lunchtime. I start out with my coat on and end the day with my shirt sleeves rolled up. Anyway, I'm told we're heading for a nice weekend, so let's roll out the beers and BBQ's!
The summer shirt you see in the picture above took a lot of stick in the office when it first entered Beacon on Thursday morning.
But the attention should really be on the more attractive person standing next to me; her name is Suzie Smart and she's a local singer/songwriter who pre-recorded an interview and session for my show, which you can hear next week.
Top Midlands music producer Gavin Monaghan (Ocean Colour Scene, Editors, and The Twang) tipped me off about her.
She's very Kate Bush or early Gwen Stefani so look out for her as I'm sure she'll do well in the future. You can hear some of her work here.
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It seems that a lot of local people are currently starring on national television at the moment. We've got Jean Martin from Brewood on 'Britain's Got Talent', Melody Hossaini from Walsall on 'The Apprentice' and Aktar Islam from Birmingham, who is currently doing well on the 'Great British Menu'.
Aktar recently invited me to join him at his restaurant 'Lasan' for lunch and we talked about his success as a chef, his confidence appearing on the GBM and how he struck up friendship with Gordon Ramsey.
I don't know whether you find this, but whatever job you end up doing in life, you always seem to fit in with the stereotype. Radio presenters usually have terrible dress sense and live on their nerves, while Chefs always have a direct way with words and a temperament!
I have to say, although I know when Aktar is in his working environment he may take those traits on board, on meeting him for a chat over lunch, he was absolutely charming and the food is unbelievable.
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If you're looking for something to do over the weekend, I'll be spinning the tunes at Cheeky Monkey's on Friday 3rd June, and if you're after something for all the family, try the new Hollywood Bowl at Bentley Bridge. I will be there from 11:15am on Saturday 4th June for a couple games – come and take me on!
Have fun, enjoy the sun!
James x
