Digbeth Residents Association (DRA) meeting at the Old Crown

So what DOES a group of young fashionistas do to kill time in Digbeth before a DRA meeting? Answer: browse the vintage shops of course! In fact, Digbeth's offering is Birmingham's finest, many of the area's boutiques are destination hot spots. Carly and I enjoyed trying on endless revamped jackets and skirts in Cow's warehouse but left spending only a healthy 15 quid. Phew! Next stop, coffee break at Yumm Cafe with Sarah (Project Manager) and Imogen (Team Leader) in cosy cafe Yumm to discuss upcoming events, prospective oral interviews and yes, you've guessed it, all things retro. Still another 20 minutes left of valuable shopping time before work commitments! Making a teeny tiny detour via Urban Village, I left very chuffed indeed with a nude leather shoulder bag, before trying on an array of hats and commenting on the beauty of every other item on display (everything really was amazing, promise).

Round the corner and travel back in time (about 600 years'll do it), you'll find yourself at the Old Crown pub, a surviving architectural archive of Medieval Digbeth. An absolute gem, the Old Crown is frequented by some serious locals, and the bar staff are friendly and relaxed. Meandering through the corridors, and smaller dining areas, all with original features, we made our way to back of the pub to meet the residents. A big thank you to Pamela Pinski of the Digbeth Residents Association for inviting us along and for showing wonderful interest in, and support of, our project.

The team met passionate residents, property developers and an adrenaline seeking charity worker. We discussed renovations and expansion for The Woodman Pub in the hope of boosting Digbeth's recreational backdrop. The minimal disruption and arrests on St Patrick's Day celebrations on Digbeth's High Street was also mentioned. Approximately 80,000 visitors walked through the High Street on that day and a nominal total of 5 arrests were made. Then, the team presented the project's ideas and objectives and some great contacts and suggestions were made! And finally, back to that adrenaline seeking charity worker...On 8th June, Abseil for Acorns are hosting a charity abseil event off the Custard Factory walls, and we hope to be capturing the excitement and sounds at the bottom before some our own volunteers are kitted out to conquer their fears, watch this space!

Marie Giraud, Team Leader