Alexandra Taylor: Writer

If you prefer your Halloween more atmospheric than alarming, then head down to Sarehole Mill on 30th or 31st October for an evening with a difference.  The idea is simple. Families bring along a pumpkin, carve it and put in a candle. Once lit, the lanterns are put on floats and sent bobbing off across the millpond, candlelight reflecting on the water in the gathering dusk beside the picturesque 18th century watermill. Add a carving competition, a storyteller and some toasted marshmallows and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a family evening out. “There’s limited space, so people will have to register,” says organiser Irene, “but we’re hoping it’ll be a simple, low key but magical evening. All the floats are made by our volunteers from recycled materials and the flotilla provides a very satisfying finale for the pumpkin carving.” For more information visit the Sarehole Mill website . Published in  My Moseley and Kings Heath  magazine, October 2014

Once upon a time, a teenage boy ran away to join the circus. It sounds like the start of a fairy story, but that’s pretty much what happened to Joe Fearn. He landed a summer job in a circus aged eighteen and discovered a magical place where unique people come from all over the world to share their skills and become part of a strange and eclectic family. He lived the circus lifestyle for the next eleven years, attending circus school, travelling the globe and honing his skills.  However, Joe never lost touch with his Birmingham roots and three years ago decided to return and put his talent to good use by establishing a circus community in his home city. From a few informal classes, CircusMASH quickly grew and expanded. Now run by him and his partner, it has brought circus skills to over eight thousand people, and is now involved in a huge range of activities, such as youth programmes, workshops, classes and school visits. They are also working with Solihull College to develop uni...