Hippodrome Trust appoints two high profile trustees

BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome Theatre Trust has appointed two new high profile trustees – architect Glenn Howells and Sega chief executive Mike Hayes. Both become non-executive directors.

John Crabtree, chair of the trust, said: “I am thrilled to welcome both Glenn and Mike to our board. Their insight, experience and enthusiasm will make an important contribution to the implementation of our vision.

“Working closely with our chief executive Stuart Griffiths, we intend to ensure that Birmingham Hippodrome grows its position as a major cultural enterprise with vibrant international links. The theatre is fortunate in that it can boast a board made up of a diverse set of talented and committed people, and to add Glenn and Mike is very positive news indeed.”

Mr Howells said he was delighted by his appointment.

“Not only is this theatre one of the most ambitious and successful in the UK, but it is a vital component for the future regeneration of Birmingham. I am focused on how we can maximise this potential,” he said.

Mr Hayes said he was honoured to have been asked to take up the role.

“It is an exciting prospect to be able to work with the first class team at the Hippodrome and to make a contribution to the on- going and outstanding success that has been achieved by Stuart Griffiths, his staff and all the supporters of the theatre,” he said.

The board in full is: John Crabtree, chair, Anita Bhalla, Bridget Blow, Rod Dungate, Sara Fowler, Mike Hayes, Glen Howells, Mick Laverty, Hon Alderman David Roy, Mark Smith and The Rt Rev David Urquhart. Its special adviser is Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham.

The Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Development Trust comprises: Mark Smith, chair, Fiona Alexander, Simon Boardman-Weston, Andrew Connors, John Crabtree, John Driver, Martin Guest, Mark Hales, Jayne Herritty, Michael Kuo, Jeremy Millington and Ruth Pipkin.

New partnership is just the ticket for Edgbaston

EDGBASTON Stadium has teamed up with ticket booking firm Ticketmaster to improve its booking service both for members of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and those attending test matches at the venue.

The partnership will see Ticketmaster operate a 24-hour Membership and Ticket Hotline for customer telephone transactions, while it will also offer a new ‘Print at Home’ facility to give customers attending England and Warwickshire fixtures the opportunity to obtain their tickets immediately.

Colin Povey, chief executive of Edgbaston Stadium, said: “We’re constantly looking at new ways to improve the customer journey for Warwickshire members and those that attend our international fixtures. And with a busy summer ahead, including England playing here in all three forms of the game, this partnership comes at a perfect time.”

He said Ticketmaster’s service had helped to improve the club’s off-the-field performance in recent seasons.

“Its increased involvement through the provision of a dedicated Warwickshire CCC management team will assist us in creating easy access to our ticketing and membership products. The additional support will complement our own on-site services and ensure we improve our customer experience particularly at times of peak demand,” he added.

This summer Edgbaston hosts the third Investec Test Match between England and the West Indies (June 7-11), a day/night NatWest Series ODI against Australia (July 4) and a floodlit NatWest Series t20 International against South Africa (September 12).

Chris Edmonds, Managing Director at Ticketmaster UK, said: “We have been working closely with Warwickshire County Cricket Club for many years now and we are very pleased to be extending this relationship further.”

Dragonboat Festival returns to Brindleyplace

BIRMINGHAM’S annual Dragonboat Festival returns to Brindleyplace in June for its 13th year.

Taking place on Saturday June 16  on Birmingham’s Fazeley Canal, 22 teams from the city’s business community will compete against each other in traditional 40 ft long Chinese dragonboats. The teams will be pitching their rowing skills on a course that runs from Pitcher and Piano at The Water’s Edge to the finishing post at the NIA.

The event will raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital cancer unit to help mark the hospital’s 150th anniversary.  Last year’s event, which supported the Children’s Hospital End of Life Care Team, raised a total of £38,000.
 
Kate Fittall, Destination Marketing Manager, GVA said: “The Dragonboat Festival is always a huge highlight of the year at Brindleyplace. Last year was a roaring success and probably our best event yet, raising a significant sum of money which really has made all the difference to patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

Sponsored for the second year by Deutsche Bank, the majority of teams have now been filled, with competitors including last year’s winner, West Midlands Fire Service and the best fancy dress winner, No. 5 Chambers.