Kate Knowles

2 weeks ago | birminghamdispatch.co.uk | Kate Knowles

Dear readers — today's story is about a clash between two Birmingham heavyweights. One is our most prestigious educational institution. The other? A group of retirees with a deep passion for preserving the city's history. At the centre of the conflict is a cluster of Arts and Crafts cottages and a manor house, set in a peaceful Selly Oak quadrangle. The university owns the buildings, most of which have been sitting empty for the last 20 years — locals say time is running out to save them.

3 weeks ago | birminghamdispatch.co.uk | Kate Knowles

Dear readers — have you ever found yourself exiting Grand Central Station and wandering past the busy crowds on New Street, up Corporation Street, only to end up at an odd little roundabout? You know the one I mean. It’s next to the Square Peg pub and the Priory Square Shopping centre (RIP) and there are lots of different styles of architecture on the adjoining streets, including some gorgeous Victorian buildings. In the middle of the traffic is a mini public realm — Old Square is its name.

1 month ago | birminghamdispatch.co.uk | Kate Knowles

Kate's in the driver's seat today, with her editor's edition. What I did over the bank holiday: On Saturday, a disappointing weather forecast put to bed my plans to host a barbecue in my garden. Instead, I had Sam and a few other pals round for a good old-fashioned dinner party. As usual, work was so busy last week that it took me until Saturday morning to plan the menu, buy the ingredients and throw together the recipes — not the ideal scenario.

1 month ago | birminghamdispatch.co.uk | Kate Knowles

During the uncommonly cold May of 1903, a crowd of important people gathered in a room at London’s School of Economic and Political Science. They were there to hear from the aging, slightly stooped man at the front of the room. As he began to speak, the bright white and bushy mutton chops that made up for the distinct lack of hair on his head, quivered.

2 months ago | birminghamdispatch.co.uk | Kate Knowles

In 2015, UK grime made an explosive return to the mainstream. Artists achieved global recognition and started climbing the charts. And as the year edged to a close, Birmingham MC, Lady Leshurr (government name: Melesha Katrina O'Garro), released the fourth part in a musical series cheekily titled ‘Queen’s Speech’.