In just over 24 hours, The Commonwealth Games will open in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
I qualify that as UK, as there is another Birmingham in the USA.
Anyway. The City of my Birth, welcomes athletes from across the world to participate in what are the dubbed ‘The friendly’ games.
Birmingham, is friendly to it’s core. Here in Birmingham, the city of a thousand trades, we all come from somewhere. The former workshop of the world has connections to so many places. It’s richness and diversity is what makes it tick.
The City of Birmingham is also a backdrop for at least four of my books. I’ve been thinking for months, how could I make a link with the games?!
I didn’t figure that bit out. Only that I like Birmingham. So whether we think about the Bull Ring, the BMAG, Gravelly Hill, the Jewellery Quarter or the canals; you’d be making a bingo card for all things Birmingham.
It’s not often that Birmingham makes it into books. That’s to say, I’ve rarely encountered it. May be in an Austen, or even Jilly Cooper’s Appasionata, where there’s a bit of ragging towards the CBSO.
(I love the CBSO, and one day, I’ll write a story around them)
I feel positive about the Commonwealth Games coming into town, I hope they happen well.
And if you get time between the events, why not check out the books.
horticultural 'obbit 