A BBC broadcaster and six passionate Brummies prove that meaningful change can begin with a single meal

By Rubina Begum

People often imagine change happening in grand boardrooms, driven by executives with lengthy job titles. In Birmingham, however, meaningful conversations and community action can begin somewhere far more welcoming: around a dinner table.

Six individuals from different walks of life and career stages recently came together at the acclaimed restaurant within Birmingham City University’s College of Food, demonstrating that positive change is rooted in people who genuinely care about their city.

A fundraiser that started it all

The gathering came about following a fundraising event hosted by the One Thousand Trades Group (OTTG), which raised more than £10,000 for Cancer Research UK. The charity remains close to many hearts, particularly given that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

Among the auction prizes on offer was a fine dining experience for four, alongside Trish Adudu from BBC Radio West Midlands. The winning bid was secured by myself, Rubina Begum, a former NHS Blood and Transplant employee who understood the importance of cancer research through her previous work in social media and community engagement, where she regularly shared stories from platelet recipients and blood donors.

I had previously met Trish at a BBC “What’s Your Blood Type?” event. 

Trish is always keen to support the community. I love listening to her show because she’s hilarious, so I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to dine with her.

A carefully chosen guest list

I selected guests who had all crossed paths with her during her work promoting plasma donation in the UK. They included Miriam from the Birmingham Plasma Centre, Dr Rani Gunshu QPM, one of the West Midlands Police’s longest-serving female officers, and award-winning community advocate Nabila. They joined by Professor Paul Cadman, chief executive of the OTTG, who had originally arrived simply to pay for the meal before being warmly persuaded to stay and join the conversation.

“Not only do you get some of the finest food in Brum, but you are also supporting talented students training to become the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals,” he said.

Conversations that went beyond the menu

As the group enjoyed a series of beautifully presented dishes prepared by aspiring chefs, conversation quickly moved beyond food. Despite their varied backgrounds, the women discovered a common purpose: supporting people, spreading positivity and championing Birmingham in the best possible light.

Discussion turned to the upcoming Disability Festival taking place on Saturday July 4, which celebrates Disability Pride and brings together local businesses, entertainers, organisations and independent retailers that actively support disabled communities across the region.

Homelessness, netball and new beginnings

Trish also updated the group about the forthcoming Netball Aid event, revealing that several high-profile names from the sporting world would be taking part, though she kept their identities firmly under wraps.

The issue of homelessness in Birmingham featured prominently in conversation. Trish recently interviewed a Mexican-born entrepreneur hoping to establish new initiatives supporting homeless communities across the Midlands. Miriam, who moved from Mexico to Birmingham two years ago, warmly offered her support as those discussions continue to develop.

The group also turned their attention to supporting me in finding a new role following her departure from NHS Blood and Transplant, with ideas, contacts and opportunities shared openly around the table.

Students steal the spotlight

No evening with Trish would be complete without her turning the spotlight onto others. She soon found herself interviewing the talented students and their lecturer, Ramesh, for her radio show, praising both their professionalism and culinary skill.

One standout dish of the evening was an Italian-inspired anchiene, filled with rich mozzarella that melted effortlessly and released layers of flavour, perfectly complemented by sautéed mushrooms. Guests praised the impeccable service from the students, who demonstrated confidence and enthusiasm throughout. Trish was so impressed that she personally sought out chef Jasmine to offer her compliments, though not before enquiring about the possibility of a doggy bag.

The spacious restaurant, with its calm and elegant atmosphere, makes diners forget they are inside a college setting. Open during term time for both lunch and dinner, it offers an affordable yet high-quality dining experience suitable for business meetings, celebrations and social gatherings, with options catering for a range of dietary requirements.

A reminder of what Birmingham does best

“It was one of those evenings that reminds you why Birmingham is such a special place. Great food, inspiring people and genuine conversations about making a difference in the community. You can’t ask for more than that,” said Trish Adudu.

The evening served as a reminder that real change often begins with simple conversations between like-minded people. When passionate individuals come together with a shared purpose, even one dinner can spark ideas, create opportunities and strengthen communities across the city.