June 2015 - My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge by The MY Magazines

JUN / JUL 2015 PUBLIS

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Local schoolboy wins My Solihull writing competition p8-9

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Twinning in Solihull what does it all mean?

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Summer camp ideas for busy parents

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles shares his memories of Edgbaston Cricket Club

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Hello Neighbours, Yippee - it’s finally summer. Picnics, Wimbledon, Father’s Day and exams. Lots of bank holidays to enjoy as well as the best, most brilliant family events happening all over our parks and borough. The young man on our front cover is Jack Edge, a Sixth Former from Solihull School and the first winner of The My Solihull Sixth Form Colleges’ Writing Competition which we hope will continue to annually grow into an achievement to aspire to for all university applicants. We have a lot about bicycles in this issue and were chuffed when Andrew Cole, general manager of Touchwood agreed to be our Human of Solihull. Magazines always available from the Information Desk in Touchwood, The Manor House, High St and Eclipse Dry Cleaners, Warwick Rd. Olton Hollow.

Julia Parsons 07831 395029 juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org www.swanpublishing.org

www.facebook.com/ swanpublishing @MYSolihull

For advertising rates and sizes see page 43 Also advertise in our sister magazines My Moseley & Kings Heath and My Harborne & Edgbaston. THE TEAM: Editor Photography

Julia Parsons Seven Star Photography

Published by Swan Publishing Ltd: 0121 689 0432 Designed by Digital Glue: 0121 399 0065 Printed by Newman Thomson: 01444 480 700

In this issue Cricket memories from Andy Peebles 5 A window is just a window - or is it? 6 COVER STORY: Urbs in Rure, origins and history of Solihull by Jack Edge age 16 8,9

Lawn care tips for summer Human of Solihull: Andy Cole of Touchwood Rugby World Cup On your bike with Cyclesolihull Wimbledon recipe to get you in the mood for tennis Kate Sharma - Dorridge’s Bat Girl Part 2 Mad about science - a summer camp to keep boredom at bay Summer holiday camps and activities Eco friendly driveways Into sports and fitness? - you’ll love this! £10,000 window giveaway What to get dad on Father’s Day? Celebrating local talent Twinning in Solihull - what does it mean? Blood bikes - saving lives Divorcing with dignity Help the hedgehogs

Regulars Tutor listing What’s on Local clubs and societies Where to eat Local business directory

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Former Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles pictured here with the great Ian Botham

With the Ashes due to return to Edgbaston in July Andy Peebles takes a walk down memory lane Tom Dollery was captain of Warwickshire when I was a schoolboy in the 1950s. My uncle lived in Acocks Green and I could never have dreamt that I would spend so much time at Edgbaston in the 1980s 90s. I witnessed Dennis Amiss collect his 100th century and gloried in the exquisite skills of Allan Donald and Brian Lara whilst enjoying local lads like Geoff Humpage and great characters like Gladstone Small. The ground today is a very different place, modernised and thoroughly professional but it has witnessed great moments. David Lloyd’s double century against India, Colin Cowdrey & Peter May in 1957 taking on the West Indian spin twins, Ramadin and Valentine. Not to mention the bespectacled MJK Smith, the last man to play rugby and cricket for England. All part of the rich tapestry of Warwickshire cricket. When Eric Hollies dismissed Don Bradman at the Oval in 1948 it was a Warwickshire player who deprived ‘The Don’ of a Test average of 100. Players of that era

could only have dreamt of their team being called the Birmingham Bears! My favourite Warwickshire story took place at Old Trafford. My fellow commentator liked a flutter and availed himself of generous odds on Neil Smith (son of MJK Smith) top scoring. This Neil did - only to see Graham Lloyd of Lancashire beat his total off the last ball of the match! Enjoy your cricket. Andy Peebles Andy Peebles covered cricket for the BBC for 27 years. He was at Radio One for 13 years and was the last English broadcaster to interview John Lennon, two days before his death.

A window is just a window You could be forgiven for believing that this is true; white, plastic, contains glass. You could also be forgiven for assuming that double glazing companies are all much of a muchness, giving high quotations then slashing the price with pushy salesmen who outstay their welcome. At Finesse you will find a vastly different type of product and a very different type of company, but really the only way to know if they are for you is to make a visit to the Finesse Factory Showroom.

The factory is open too so you can actually see where your windows and doors will be made, see the fabricators at work and learn about the manufacturing process in as much detail as you like.

Finesse has just celebrated its 34th birthday and as a family the management team has spent the last three decades perfecting their products and service to achieve an oldfashioned British company in the way they do business at the same time as offering industry leading products and contemporary design.

Managing Director Russell Bridge said: “When you meet the Finesse family you will see that we do business in a more civilised way, listening to your requirements, drawing them up on computer, printing your quotation with a ‘real’ price, and leaving you alone to have a think. Then out of courtesy we will check to see if you would like to proceed. It’s as simple as that. We really would love to show you around and prove to you that a window is definitely not just a window!”

And what’s more - they have a greatly kept secret – their factory showroom! A little oasis tucked away on the Kings Norton Business Estate. Everyone who pops in to see them is always pleasantly surprised. You can step inside a lovely orangery Livin’ Room fitted with the stunning New Wave Door, and see a large range of Palladio doors and of course their own range of windows and doors which they would love to demonstrate to you.

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photograph by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Kate Wild, Ben Sandford-Smith, Solihull School Head of Sixth Form, Jack Edge, Competition Winner and Mayoral Consort, Mr Jim Wild

Solihull Sixth Form Colleges' My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge's WRITING COMPETITION And the winner is…..? Jack Edge from Solihull School Sixth-Form Once upon a time many months ago the idea was borne of offering Solihull sixth-form colleges’ students applying for university places the opportunity to be published. Not wishing to big up this publication too much it’s quite a deal to go to 22,000 homes with a potential readership of many more and so the heads of our local sixth-form colleges were approached with the concept that the students could write about Solihull from any angle - historical, artistic (eg. cartoon storyboard), geographic, architectural or just for the joy of English writing, covering many aspects of the general educational curriculum. The article would then be handed in by the agreed deadline to each head for the selective process. The heads, having narrowed down the entries to the final 10, would present their choices anonymously identified only by coding unknown to anyone else, to be judged by our Mayor Cllr Kate

Wild, herself once a teacher, and by Swan Publishing, the owners of this magazine. We loved Jack’s wry humour and the illustration even though the subject matter wasn’t the most original. (See opposite). But still, there may be many readers who wouldn’t know where the name of the town originated - so it was informative. Grammar and spelling were excellent so no editing was required. When Jack does his CV profile and university application he will have available a copy of the magazine with him on the front cover to go with it. Fingers crossed he will get chosen for his first choice of university and will continue to write and delight with his clever humour - and join the ranks of successful Solihull alumni who make us all very proud of our town.

Calling all new Solihull colleges' sixth-formers - look out for the next competition to be run at the beginning of the Autumn term by checking with your head teacher.

! !

The MY Solihull’s Sixth Form College’s Writing Competition Winner

Urbs in Rure – The Origins and History of Solihull by Jack Edge (age 16)

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

It is thought that Solihull comes from the old English ‘sol hyll’, meaning ‘muddy hill’, because a big soily hill, upon which the Church stood, was the main landmark of the town. The mud made the town almost impassable during the wet winter months, which it still is because of Christmas shoppers. If it was named after its main feature now, it would probably just be called Touch Wood. It’s strange, how such a thriving town came from just a muddy hill – but mighty oaks from acorns grow.

Solihull’s motto is Urbs in Rure – meaning ‘Town in Country’, for those of you with a similar lack of Latin knowledge to me. As mottos go it’s - well - a bit boring, isn’t it? Yet despite its seemingly mundane nature, it is steeped in history.

It is thought that Solihull began as a clearing in a forest, a place of trade to serve the scattered population; literally a town in the country. St Alphege Church is one of the oldest landmarks in the area, residing on the hill the town is named for, and was built in around 1220 – when Solihull was just beginning to take shape. Nearby, Knowle became the local centre for the Church – maybe someone confused it with Noël – and Solihull slowly grew over the next six hundred years. In 1586, historian William Camden mentioned Solihull in his recordings, rather rudely saying “I saw Solyhill, in which was nothing worth seeing beside the Church”. Clearly, he didn’t stay long enough to get a Krispy Kreme from Touchwood.

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Human of Solihull From Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb and Eric Clapton guitar solos to setting off fireworks - meet Touchwood’s Andrew Cole, a leading man in many guises. You won’t be familiar with his name but many will have visited the place he is in charge of - Touchwood. His responsibility covers everything minor to major and it is his thoughtful dedication to detail as well as his strong sense of care that makes it the envy of many other city centre shopping malls, attracting thousands a year as a destination location from far and wide. Andy’s passions (apart from his family and job) are photography, holidaying on motorbikes, guitars and music, his dog and chickens. Our Human of Solihull came to Touchwood from a short walk away, having been the Manager of Solihull’s historic George Hotel. With his 2 teenage children enjoying a wonderful education at Arden School and because he has lived and worked here for so long, everything “Solihull’ affects him and his family too, so he genuinely cares that whatever changes happen in the future under his guardianship, they evolve sympathetically and in harmony within the landscape of the town centre.

Having left University in Bournemouth (where he met his wife) with a degree in Business Studies & Tourism he spent three years studying hotel management in Bath, eventually landing a job with a Rosette Awarded hotel in The Cotswolds. This led to a move to Bristol with the Ramada group and from there to The George in Solihull. For some time he did a long commute and it was only when his wife joined him one day and discovered a lovely town with exceptional schools, did the family move here. In his spare time (which there isn’t a great deal of), he is a member of Blood Bikes (WSBB Organisation) fundraising for the £26,000 needed for new motorbikes and for the last five years has been part of the Solihull Round Table team that brings the fabulous Bonfire Night Firework display which raises thousands of pounds for local charities, to Tudor Grange Park. Trust him. He’s a great asset to Solihull.

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From Webb Ellis in 1823 to a World Cup Trophy Tour in 2015 Excerpt from: “From a New Boy” written by Rupert Brooke in 1904... When first I played I nearly died. The bitter memory still rankles – They formed a scrum with me inside! Some kicked the ball and some my ankles. I did not like the game at all, Yet, after all the harm they’d done me, Whenever I came near the ball, They knocked me down and stood upon me. As many tourists visit the place where The Game began, preparations build to celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015 and the matches in Birmingham on September 26th and 27th at the Aston Villa Ground. In 1823, when William Webb Ellis with a fine disregard for the rules of football, picked up and ran with the ball trying to evade opposition players, few would know the game would grow to become a popular worldwide sport. In Webb Ellis’s day players at Rugby School wore the school garb of the period – linen shirt with emblem of the school house they were in, breeches and long socks with formal shoes. Velvet caps and tassels signified their school house. With The Game’s popularity booming at the moment especially after the riveting finishing

day of the Six Nations Championship, we look forward to welcoming the RWC’s magnificent Trophy which is touring the area supported by Birmingham Rugby Partnership on the following dates: July 18 North Midlands North Midlands North Midlands

Hereford Cathedral Worcester Warriers Telford Town Park

July 19 Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham

Sutton Coldfeild Moseley RFC University of Birmingham

July 20 Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham

Birmingham City Centre Villa Park Victoria Square Council House Bullring Shopping Centre

Check the Rugby World Cup 2015 website for times and more details:

www.rugbyworldcup.com Andy Johnson 0780 3935406 adjohnson.coach@btopenworld.com

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On your bike Dig out that dusty bicycle you bought years ago, pump up the tyres and spruce it up because now there’s every reason to enjoy riding it again… Cyclesolihull started with a simple idea - there must be people who like cycling or would like to give it a go, but where to ride gently and with whom? So a small group of people, led by keen cyclist Stephen Holt, decided to develop a number of short routes using quiet roads offering free, supervisor led rides open to everyone. Stephen takes up the story; “There were a number of very active cycling clubs at the time but they tended to offer much longer rides, or be focussed on cycling as a sport. We wanted to attract the ordinary person who might be willing to cycle a few miles for leisure or just as a healthy way of getting from A to B. We also wanted parents to feel they could bring the kids on our shorter rides”. That was ten years ago and Cyclesolihull has gone from strength to strength, organising over 500 rides attracting nearly 10,000, riders.

so that traffic isn’t a problem. People come on our rides for the first time and can’t believe how pleasant it is. Our original 6 routes have expanded to over 50 and now cover around 800 miles, including lanes in Solihull and the surrounding area”, Stephen said. This spring and summer Cyclesolihull will be offering over 60 led rides, ranging from 5 to 30 miles. They are free and to join - you simply turn up at the start point with your bike. A ride programme can be downloaded from www.cyclesolihull.org.uk with leaflets providing maps and directions for most of the Cyclesolihull routes which can be cycled when you wish, alone or with family and friends. What a wonderful benefit CycleSolihull bring to us - thank you Stephen and Jane Holt for giving your valuable time. For more information go to

“We are lucky that Solihull is surrounded by miles of quiet country lanes, ideal for cycling

www.cyclesolihull.org.uk 17

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Experienced senior teacher, one to one tutoring and small groups for 7 to 11 years for maths, English and 11+ with excellent results. Weekday evenings and weekend. CRB checked, discounts available for multiple children. sheilrai208@gmail.com Tel: 07879 358 153

Pimm's Cup – drink like you're at Wimbledon Prep time: 15 mins Total time: 15 mins Ingredients for 1 cocktail

The No 1 cup is as popular today as ever; originally introduced as an English summer drink, the first Pimm’s Bar opened at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1971 and every year over 80,000 pints of the combination of Pimm’s and lemonade are sold to spectators. Though most closely associated with Wimbledon, it has a long history of appearing at events associated with British sporting traditions, including cricket and polo matches, yacht regattas and an annual opera festival.

2 oz fresh lemon juice ½ to 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled just until sugar dissolves; cool) 1.5 oz of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup Club soda Garnishes: Cucumber spear or slices, mint, lemon, orange and strawberries Instructions: • Combine lemon juice and simple syrup to make lemonade (start with 4 to 1 ratio and increase to half of each if sweeter is desired) • Fill a tall glass with ice; add Pimm’s and lemonade and top off with soda; stir to mix. • Garnish with an abundance of fruit and colour.

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Kate Sharma - Dorridge's bat girl Environmentalist and ecologist Kate Sharma continues her story from the April/May issue: After leaving University, I applied to work on the island of Jersey at the legendary Durrells Wildlife Conservation Trust, an exceptional and inspirational organisation renowned for their pioneering work saving eco systems and entire species. I worked mainly with the callitrichids (marmosets and tamarins); stunningly beautiful, small, new world monkeys with fascinating social lives, fierce intelligence and insane courage, as well as two species of fruit bat. I now work as an ecological consultant with local Dorridge company AMPA Associates Ltd, for Dr Penny Angold, with the added bonus of possibly the world’s shortest commute and it’s quite different from being at Durrells. There’s less time being hands on with animals and more interacting with people but with results being just as valuable. Part of my work is carrying out surveys on protected species - 90% of which involves Bats. When a new development is planned, there is a requirement to establish whether legally protected species are present. I have to be licensed in

ecology, behaviour, handling techniques and so on. Each species demands a separate licence which I now hold for bats, great crested newts as well as barn owls. I am working towards a dormouse one as well (and also considering the white clawed crayfish, a native species in our rivers). Our little creatures are as important as the larger ones to the wellbeing of planet Earth. My passion is all encompassing. Passion is what will fuel you when you have spent months with four hours sleep a night, when your dog has given up sulking when you eventually return home and simply goes back to sleep, your friends and family have written you off and occasionally leave food parcels for you as they realise you have lived on biscuits, jerky and caffeine for a month.

www.durrell.org for more information and news on The Durrell Zoo’s conservation work. Read in the next issue how Kate’s work affects the environment in our Solihull community.

Mad about science If you are looking for something a bit different to keep boredom at bay for your children this summer then you are spoilt for choice. Sports camps are in abundance and a great way to ensure they are entertained and doing something active, but for something that will capture their imagination and open their eyes to the wonders of science it’s got to be Mad Science every day of the week! And lucky for your children, Mad Science is holding the craziest Summer Camps this year! Summer Science Camp at Lady Catherine Leveson CofE Primary School 2015 runs from 20 July to 24 July. Mad Science children will not only be creating explosions, making gooey slime, launching rockets, building robots, chocolate welding, going on outdoor expeditions, and super hero training!… but will also join in on team building games, group challenges, sports games and clever quizzes! Mad Science is the world leader in science enrichment programmes, and has been running for 30 years. All staff are of the highest standard with years of experience, DBS checks, classroom management & child protection trained.

The camp runs from 8.30am-4.00pm therefore offering wrap around care for your children age 4 - 13. Here’s what a mum from the local area had to say; “I just wanted to say thank you for the fantastic summer camp that Paige attended. All the children had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the session. They have not stopped talking about it at school and nor could the other mums! “We will without doubt be recommending your company. Kind regards, Lorna Reilly and family” Places are limited so do not leave your booking to the last minute. You can find more information on the website or call today to secure a place for your son or daughter.

Further information:

01926 429 875 jade@madsciencewm.co.uk westmidlands.madscience.org

Summer Camps & Activities There are some amazing summer camps this year that focus not only on providing care and stimulation for your children over the long school break but also helping to build their confidence, give them a chance to meet new people and develop essential life-skills. All Active Sports Holiday Camp What: A fantastic fun-filled

multi sports activity camp jam packed with fun activities and games suitable for children 5-14 years. Where: Knowle C of E Primary School When: Summer holidays see website for more details. Info: 07912 936 361 www.allactivesports.co.uk Footie Bugs What: An action packed week

of football helping your child to develop core football skills, take on new challenges and make new friends. Where: Sixth Form College, Solihull. When: Summer holidays see website for more details. Info: 0121 777 7792 ashley@footiebugs.com Fun Fest What: An exciting holiday

club with a vast assortment of sessions for children to choose from including; pottery, laser quest, cookery, circus training, martial arts, photography, craft, sport action, olympic challenge, dance fever, performing arts and much more. Where: Saint Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, Brueton Avenue, Solihull When: Summer holidays see website for more details. Info: 0121 274 0225 funfestholidayclub@yahoo.co.uk

All Active Sports What: A combination of sport,

music, drama, arts, crafts and team games. Where: Eversfield School, Solihull. When: 13 Jul - 28 Aug Info: 07912 936 361 info@allactivesports.co.uk www.allactivesports.co.uk Phys-Kids Sports Camp What: A cheaper alternative

- Children will get the chance to learn from sports coaches, teachers and instructors from over 20 different sports activities. Where: Solihull. When: Summer Holidays see website for more details. Info: 0121 708 2116 www.phys-kids.co.uk/sportcamp The Cricket Clinic What: Fun cricket help sessions,

games and competitions to improve childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; batting, bowling and fielding which they can put into practice in games. Excellent cricketing coaching to both new and experienced players. Where: 10 Ashfurlong Close, Balsall Common, Solihull, CV7 7QA When: Summer holidays see website for more details. Info: 07812 579 229 thecricketclinic@gmail.com www.thecricketclinic.co.uk

Please mention My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge when responding to adverts

Mad Science What: Learn about science

through interactive and hands-on science activities. Children can become junior scientists for the summer and embark on a series of science adventures! Where: Lady Katherine, B93 0AN When: 20 Jul - 24 Jul Info: 01926 429 875 www.westmidlands.madscience.org Theatre Summer School - The Hunger Games Continued What: A week long course

including acting, devising, physical Theatre and more. For children aged 9-18. Where: Solihull Art Complex When: 27 Jul - 31 Jul Info: See website for details. www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk Fun for the little ones:

Pond Dipping What: Find out more about what

lurks beneath. Age 4+ When: 27 Jul, 11am - 12noon Mini Beast Hunting What: Search the reserve for

creepy crawlies. Age 2+ When: 27 Jul, 1pm - 2pm

Butterfly Detective Workshop What: Use our nets to try and

catch some butterflies. Age 2+ When: 28 Jul, 10.30am - 12noon Where: Parkridge Centre,

Brueton Park

Info: www.solihull.gov.uk/events

IFAs - worth every penny It’s worrying to know your money is diminishing thanks to inflation. Seeking the help of a financial adviser creates a sensible safety net to guide you through the minefield of information and choices. Money must be made to work for you. It is challenging finding an impartial person to trust, especially with bewildering new legislation on pension issues. Simple language and clear, patient explanations are vital, as well as the ability to listen and understand your needs. Expect to pay for your service but it’s comparatively little and will be from money you’d not have earned otherwise, effectively covering the cost.

Sameena Kossar is a highly trained associate of Abacus Independent Financial Advisers, Solihull. They are unaffiliated and maintain complete transparency on any charges and she will come to your home. An all round win-win.

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What's on in Solihull... June / July Festivals

Lunar Festival What: Lunar is a family friendly festival with a great line up of music and activities, and lovely artisan food. Where: Umberslade Farm Park, Tamworth in Arden. When: 5 Jun - 7 Jun, 12noon-2am Info: www.lunarfestival.co.uk

Solihull Carnival What: Celebrate 80 years of the carnival with the Solihull Lions! Bob Wilson’s funfair will also be in residence at the park as well as plenty of entertainment, stalls and activities to enjoy. Where: Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU When: 6 Jun, 12noon - 5pm Info: www.solihllions.org.uk

Charity fun

Dorridge Fun Run What: This year’s Fun Run and Summer Fair is fundraising for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Reachout Network Ministries, The Lily Mae Foundation, soLO and The Motor Neurone Disease Association. Where: The route follows a figure of 8 shaped course starting and finishing at St Philip’s Church. When: 7 Jun Info: www.dorridge funrun.org

Solihull Race For Life 2015 What: Join cancer research by taking part in a Race for life 2015 5K event. Run, walk or even dance your way around the course. Where: Malvern Park, New Road, Solihull, B91 3EA When: 21 Jun Info: www.raceforlife. cancerresearch.org

Bit of culture

Twelfth Night What: The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Shakespeare’s naughty tale. Where: Packwood House, Solihull When: 13 Jun, doors open: 7.30pm-9.30pm Info: www.skiddle.com

‘Under the Sea’ Shakespeare themed Summer in the Park Charity Ball Presented by Sustain What: Heartbreak and Age UK Solihull Productions presents What: Drinks reception, three course dinner, live music, fun casino and the chance to win great prizes in the raffle and auction. Tables of 10 or individual tickets. Where: St John’s Hotel. When: 10 Jul, 7pm-11.59pm Info: www.solihull-sustain. org.uk - 0121 704 3361

Donkey Derby What: Help Shirley Round Table raise money for charity by supporting the ever popular Donkey Derby event now in its 44th year. This event has it all - donkey races, entertainment for all ages, childeren’s rides, sideshows and stalls. £2.00 per person. Where: Shirley Park, B90 3AL. When: 12noon Info: donkeyderby@ irvinefamily.co.uk DonkeyDer-by@ irvinefamily.co.uk

Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. Where: Brueton Park, B91 3HA When: 22 Jul, 7pm (doors open: 6pm) Info: www.solihullarts complex.co.uk

Something for the kids Mr Stink

What: Fun family hilarity as David Walliams’ bestselling book springs to life in the outdoor setting of Brueton Park (Heartbreak Productions). Bring a Picnic, drinks, friends and neighbours! Suitable for ages 5+ Where: Brueton Park, B91 3HA. When: 21 Jul, 7pm (doors open: 6pm) Info: www.solihullarts complex.co.uk

Markets & Fairs Farmers’ Market What: A tempting range of local produce sourced from within 30 miles of Solihull. Where: High Street, Solihull, B91 0NA When: 5 Jun, 9am-5pm (first Friday of every month) Info: www.localfoods.org

Fine and Local Food Fair What: Sample the best of locally sourced food and produce from a range of top quality suppliers. Where: High Street, Solihull, B91 0NA When: 20 Jun Info: www.localfoods.org

Midsummer Craft Fair What: Handmade items from home and abroad, including the work of local artists and jewellery designers. Plants, fine foods and hog roast also available. Where: High Street, Solihull, B91 0NA. When: 10 Jul - 11 Jul, 9am-5pm. Info: www.solihull.gov.uk

To list your event near Solihull, Knowle or Dorridge FREE email info@swanpublishing.org 26

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Are you looking for the best? Well you’ve found it! West Warwickshire Sports Club is an established community based multi-sports club in Solihull with outstanding facilities. The club has recently completed an exciting multi-million pound re-development and rebuilding programme. The hockey pitch and tennis courts are great quality and there is a modern clubhouse with changing and social facilities. A Crown Green bowling green, squash courts, a fabulous cricket ground and large indoor and outdoor changing facilities are also available. General Manager Robert Saffrey said: “We are dedicated to being the best multi-sport club in Warwickshire and aim to offer everyone the opportunity to become involved in sport at any level. “Our clubhouse is completed and provides a welcoming bar in which to relax after your game, or to enjoy a sociable evening out with team mates or friends and family. Maybe you would like to watch the latest sporting events on our large TV screen or enjoy a lovely meal.” And now is a great time to join with a special discount available for a limited period.

Call 0121 706 3594 today for more information or to arrange a tour of the facilities. West Warwickshire Sports Club 78 Grange Road Solihull B91 1DA www.westwarwicks.co.uk

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Rowheath Pavilion, a community centre in the heart of Bournville has been nominated - do you have a better suggestion?

DO YOU KNOW A WORTHY CAUSE? Finesse Windows in Kings Norton is donating £10,000 worth of windows to a not for profit organisation. Who wins? You choose! Over the last 34 years Finesse has built strong relationships with many local residents, businesses and charities, putting a strong emphasis on the importance of community. Managing Director Russell Bridge said: “We’ve always tried to make sure that when able, we would contribute to our community and help those in need. Statistically it’s a nearfact that each of us know someone who has been affected by a life threatening illness, and understand how it can completely devastate a family. “We’ve held a number of events and fundraisers to benefit sufferers of disease and illness, in particular Motor Neurone Disease and Leukaemia. “As a family run business, we love helping out whenever we can. There’s nothing like the

satisfaction we feel when our services improve other people’s lives. Now it’s time for us to help out again! But we need your help. “We want you to SEND US YOUR SUGGESTIONS on which local causes, groups and charities would benefit from a revamp.” Finesse is donating £10,000 worth of windows to a not for profit organisation that will be voted for via its social media pages. Organisations must be within a 10 mile radius of Finesse Windows to qualify. So, if you know a worthy cause you can nominate them by posting a message on Finesse’s Facebook with details of the cause, the leader, and their website.

Question... What the heck to give him? Answer… Time Harry Chapin’s song ‘The Cat’s In The Cradle’ about the relationship of the father to the son which as they grow older becomes reversed is written about and quoted by journalists every Father’s Day. And for good reason. Because there is nothing more valuable than Time. Once spent - it can never be regained. Time given and spent together can create wonderful memories too - captured in photographs to look back on and enjoy. People can walk around shops or sit at their computers using a great deal of their valuable time looking for a gift or present when really there is no better thing they can give than thoughtfulness in finding a creative and enjoyable way of spending this day together, honouring their parent. It’s a rare parent who wouldn’t appreciate knowing that they have been thought about enough that their child wants to spend time with them and makes

the effort to do so on the day set aside to honour them. And the power of words should never be underestimated. A toast acknowledging all that has been done to finance and guide and share; time taken choosing a card - perhaps with shared humour to make him laugh but then with hand written words speaking of love and thanks - goes a very long way. This is a day when being cheesy is okay. After my Dad had died I found all the cards I’d written gathered in a bedside drawer together with photos and other precious items from his past. So, although the shops might suffer if you choose not to spend your precious time buying their goods, give some thought to what he’ll enjoy that creates a memory - even if it’s just to ask him…. “what can I do to make your day a better one, Dad?”

Julia Parsons

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Made in Knowle At My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge we like to highlight some of the interesting and inspirational companies in our Borough. One of them, on the top floor of an unassuming building on Station Road in Knowle, is Lockdown Media belonging to audio producers Mathew Corbett and Mike Wilkie. Lockdown is an impressive music production company responsible for a great number of themes and incidental music heard on TV and film. If you’re a Horrid Henry fan - CITV’s most successful animated children’s series ever - you’ll be familiar with their theme to the TV show and the film of the same name, created by none other than Lockdown Media. Mathew and Mike have had their music featured on The Keith Lemon Sketch Show, Fifth Gear, Embarrassing Bodies, A Taste of Britain, Come Dine With me, Bargain Hunt, Location Location, Made In Chelsea….the extensive list goes on and on. They have also managed to have their music placed in several major Hollywood movies as well as international advertising campaigns including BMW, Bugatti and Pizza Hut. Matthew recalls, “We formed Lockdown Media in 2002 after a brief stint together at Design One in

Lapworth where we won an Online Music Award for one of the earliest download sites for professional users of music in 2001”. Having been to a music seminar on downloading and piracy they had to think about putting their work where it wouldn’t be stolen and decided to specialise in music for the media knowing that noone would risk an investment into a TV programme by stealing music. So one Sunday afternoon the two composers rolled up their sleeves and worked together for long hours creating and planning Lockdown Media. Mike says “When people start up a small business, a common mistake is to provide a product or service without paying attention to marketing and promotion. We were acutely aware of the oxygen of publicity from the first day we opened our door and put a huge effort into establishing our brand. Since that time, the duo have gained a reputation as one of the leading production and composition teams for media music throughout Europe. Lookout for Lockdown Media’s name when the credits roll - haven’t they done well…!

Making friends with our twin towns in France and Germany Solihull has enjoyed town twinning connections for more than thirty years, yet it seems that many Silhillians are unaware of this. The first friendly link was made with Main Taunus Kreis, a wine producing area near Frankfurt. This link was later made official by Solihull Council and remained our sole twinning link until Cholet proved to be a good match for Solihull. Cholet is situated in the Loire Valley, famous for its wonderful chateaux and vineyards. Over the years lasting friendships have been established and new ones made as members join the associations both here and in France and Germany. Exchange visits usually take place in May and September each year. These visits are an opportunity for people with an interest in French and German and in the cultures of other countries. You do not have to be a fluent speaker of either language but a willingness to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;have a goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is helpful. Hosts do not all speak fluent English so swap to and fro between English and French or German which seems to work very well.

This year Choletaise friends visited Solihull in May and members of the Twinning Association have been invited to visit Main Taunus Kreis in September. Solihull Twinning Association is completely reliant on raising its own funds for entertaining French and German guests. This is done by holding several events a year when family and friends are invited to join in. They have varied social events such as skittles, petanque, walks, theatre visits and meals and regularly meet up between twinning visits. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful opportunity to travel as a solo person but with friendships to be found.

For further details phone Chairman Heather Clarke on 01564 702976

Blood Bikes - saving lives Patients needing urgent medical supplies such as blood, drugs and human tissue out of hours rely solely on a little known charity to deliver them between hospitals after 5.30 and at weekends. Warwickshire & Solihull Blood Bikes (WSBB) is a charitable organisation established by local volunteers to deliver essential medical supplies, out of hours when NHS deliveries are not available, between hospitals and key health sites in the Coventry & Warwickshire area. The name might sound a little sinister, but Blood Bike volunteers belong to a 1500 strong team of dedicated men and women over Britain who give up a few evenings a week. The Blood Bike organisation also has volunteer controllers working from home, responsible for taking the calls and assigning deliveries. Blood Bike Rider Volunteers are provided with bikes by the charity which despite being equipped with blue lights and sirens have to stick scrupulously to the speed limit and stop at every red light. (MI6, bomb disposal units and the coastguard operate under the same strictures) though this is due to change shortly due to Section19 of the Road Safety Act.

A volunteers’ night will begin and end with the controller who takes the first call from a hospital and then rings one of the two to three riders on duty. A Duty Rider must have passed an advanced qualification either RoSPA or IAM, have held a full UK/EU Motorcycle Licence for over 2 years, be at least 25 years old, have no more than 6 points on their licence and no claims against insurance. The WSBB recommend riders contact them with questions. Volunteers have to undertake 2 yearly assessments with in-house assessors to remain eligible to use their fleet bikes, but full training is given. All over the country these heroes are saving the NHS a great deal of money. So..do you want to do something immensely valuable for others? Then consider being a volunteer either as a controller or a bike rider or choose Solihull Blood Bikes to be your fund raising charity.

For more information: www.wsbb.org

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A Selection of Clubs & Societies in and around Solihull Arden Bridge Club 0121 745 1389 Arden Tennis, Squash, Gym & Social Club 0121 704 9451 www.solihullarden.co.uk Knowle Camera Club www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk Knowle & Dorridge Ladies Circle wwwladiescircle.co.uk melaniemeadwell@hotmail.co.uk Knowle & Dorridge Lions 08458 335894 www.knowleanddorridgelions.com Knowle Flower Club 01564 775899 Knowle Probus Club 01527 529363 www.knowleprobus.org.uk member@wiles38.freeserve.co.uk Knowle Ramblers knowleramblers.tripod.com Knowle Women's Institute Mrs Pat Bedward 01564 770485 mbpbknowle@talktalk.net Silhill Bridge Club 01564 782232 www.bridgewebs.com/silhill Solihull (Historic) Athletics Club www.solihullathletics.co.uk Solihull Archaeological Group 0121 783 8517 www.sites.google.com/site/solihullarchaeology Solihull Blossomfield Townswoman's Guild 0121 705 7226 Catherine de Barnes Art Society of Arts patricia.ritchie@mypostoffice.co.uk Solihull Central Badminton Club Tel: 01564 777495 stevearms@gmail.com Solihull Central University of the Third Age U3A sol.centralu3a@gmail.com Solihull Canoe Club 0843 289 5272 Solihull Choral Society 0121 705 0311 www.solihullchoral.org.uk Solihull Chandos Choir www.solihull chandoschoir.org CYCLE Solihull Provides routes on minor rds; organises free rides w/leader & back marker. www.cyclesolihull.org.uk Solihull Cycling Club secretary@solihullcc.org.uk Solihull Day Time Stamp & Postcard Club 01564 776879 www.solihullphilatelicsociety.org.uk Solihull & District Orchid Society 01295 788159 LaeliaM@aol.com

Solihull & District, Soroptimist International Club sisolihull@yahoo.co.uk www.si-solihull.org.uk Solihull Indoor Bowls Club 0121 709 2233 www.solihullindoorbowlsclub.co.uk Solihull Karate & Self Defence Club www.TheEKO.eu Solihull Ladies Probus 0121 705 3118 mollywindle42@me.com Solihull Ladies Football Club www.solihullladiesfc.co.uk Solihull Ladies Lunch Club 01675 533 500 Solihull Local History Circle 0121 706 2345 www.solh.org.uk heathermolliec@yahoo.co.uk Solihull Model Flying Club www.smfc.co.uk 0121 705 7459 Solihull Mountaineering Club 0121 744 1468 or 07776 492009 Solihull Open Gardens www.solihullsopengardens.com Solihull Photographic Society www.solihullphotographicsociety.com Solihull Ramblers Branch Assoc. 0121 705 5753 www.solihullramblers.org.uk Solihull Society of Arts Recorded Music Circle 0121 705 1041 Solihull Riding Club 01564 770180 RSPB Solihull Group www.rspb.org.uk/groups/solihull Solihull Singing For Pleasure 0121 704 4006 Solihull Speakers Club www.solihullspeakers.co.uk. Mtgs held at Downing Hall, Knowle. Solihull Society of Arts - Art Section 0121 706 5042/4379 Solihull Swimming Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk Solihull Symphony Orchestra www.solihullsymphony.org.uk 0121 745 5548 Solihull, The Rotary Club Secretary 0121 705 4102 Solihull Twinning Association Heather Clarke 015644 702976 Solihull Victim Support 0300 303 1977 www.victimsupport.org.uk Solihull Water Polo Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk/waterpolo Solihull Women's Institute 0121 705 1285

If you know of a club or group that is not listed here but should be, please get in touch to let us know: juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org 35

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Divorcing with dignity The recent news about Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin splitting up has highlighted how divorce can be done with dignity, according to Solihull-based Family Law Solicitor Sian Kenkre of The Wilkes Partnership. Sian comments: “Whilst there was a huge amount of press regarding the ‘conscious uncoupling’ of these two megastars they have confounded their critics by divorcing quietly and splitting their fortune equally. “As with many couples they have children together and recognise their one shared goal to bring their children up to be happy, functional adults.” Despite the stereotypical view of divorce lawyers chasing the money, most good lawyers will be members of Resolution, a national body committed to dealing with divorce and family law matters constructively and assist their clients in resolving the end of their marriage with dignity. Sian continued: “We recognise that in the real world it is not always as simple as splitting a 200 million fortune equally! Most couples don’t even earn the same amount and in most families one partner, often the wife, has stayed at home to look after children. There can be complex issues to address to ensure both parties receive a fair settlement which meets their needs. “Even with the best intentions many couples will experience friction over finances. It is essential to take early advice on your options. There are many ways to involve lawyers mediation, collaborative law or with them taking

a backseat role in checking over an agreement made directly with a partner. The best thing to do is to sit down with a solicitor at an early stage and find the right approach for you and your family.” If you are considering divorce Sian would like to reassure you that involving solicitors needn’t mean matters will escalate into courtroom battles, but rather it will assist in managing the legal process, keeping you in control and enabling you to move on quicker through an inevitably stressful time.

If you would like some advice on divorce matters then contact Sian Kenkre at The Wilkes Partnership skenkre@wilkes.co.uk The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS 0121 733 8000 / www.wilkes.co.uk

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Where to eat

A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull

The Agrabad Finest Balti Restaurant 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW

Khana Peena Bangla Cuisine 1039 Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8AS

0121 743 7883

0121 777 3961

Beeches Bar & Grill Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH

The King’s Arms 2110 Warwick Rd Knowle Canalside.

01675 442 277

01564 771 177

Bella Venezia Italian Knowle B93 0JU

Knowle Indian Brasserie B93 0LY

01564 779806

01564 776 453

The Farm British Shelly Farm off Monkspath B90 4EH

The Lazy Cow Steakhouse Warwick Rd, Solihull, B91 3DA

0121 711 7273

The Finest Catch Shirley A family Fish & Chips Restaurant 1097 Stratford Road Solihull, B90 4EB 0121 745 1755

Happy Heart Cafe 26 Richmond Road, Olton, B92 7RP 0121 706 8674

Some organic, local produce, live events Janito British Continental Fusion Knowle, B93 0JU 01564 779 802

01564 785364

Pavarotti Italian Solihull Ice Rink, B92 8JN 0121 743 3222

The Punchbowl Lapworth, B94 6HR 01564 784 564 Red House British Carvery Hermitage Rd Sollihull B91 2LP 0121 711 8856

0121 704 1567

The Little Owl Country Pub Bickenhill Parkway B401QA

Thai Brasserie 52 Station Road, B91 3RX 0121 704 0353

0121 781 0331

Loch Fyne Seafood Knowle B93 0JU 01564 732 2750

The Forest Restaurant At The Forest Hotel 25 Station Approach, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8JA 01564 772 120 2 Rosetttes

The Orange Tree Chadwick End B93 0BN

Luna Rosa Spanish/Italian Knowle, B93 0LE 01564 739 395

The Malt Shovel at Barston B92 0JP

The Thai Village Restaurant High Street Knowle B93 0LF 01564 771 595

The White Lion Inn Hampton in Arden B92 0AA 01564 444 2833

Wagamama Japanese Touchwood B91 3GS 0121 711 7075

01675 443 223

Metro Bar & Grill Warwick Rd, B91 3DX 0121 705 9495

Minh’s Chinese 8 Station Road, Knowle, B93 8HH 01564 779929

Zengz Asian Vegetarian Old Lode Lane, B92 8JE 0121 722 2099

ZiZi Italian Poplar Rd B91 3AB 0121 704 5030

For all your heating, gas and multi-fuel requirements x x x x x x x

Gas and electric fires Over 30 working displays Multi fuel stoves Smokeless zone stoves Fireside accessories

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Solid wood, marble and stone surrounds Full installation, servicing, repairs and spares

Call us now or pop into the showroom which is open Tuesday to Saturday 0121 441 3232 www.gas-showroom.com 300 Vicarage Road Kings Heath Birmingham, B14 7NH

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Help the hedgehogs You might be surprised to know that the numbers of hedgehogs have gone down dramatically over the last 20 years and they are now declining at same rate as tigers. In the 1950s there were over 30 million hedgehogs in the country and now there are less than 1 million - so every one is important. If you see a baby hedgehog looking lost, especially during the day time, then the chances are it has lost its mother and will not be able to survive. In fact any hedgehog you see out in the day is likely to need help. The best thing to do is keep an eye on it for a while to see if there are any others, then pick them up carefully and if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cold day wrap them up in something to keep them warm. At home pop them in a cardboard box with an old towel and call your local hedgehog rescue centre straight away. Please remember that time is of the essence and bringing a sickly small hedgehog back to health is not easy. It is important to leave this to the experts and not try to help them yourselves. The increased use of pesticides has killed off much of hedgehogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; source of food, plus

hedgerows have been ripped out, forcing them into urban areas where they at risk of being run over by cars, drowning in garden ponds or being accidentally strimmed by gardeners. Everybody can get involved in helping hedgehogs which walk up to a mile a night in search of food. Small things can make a huge difference to them. If you have a fence around your garden, make a small 5 inch hole at the bottom somewhere to enable hedgehogs to come and go freely in their nightly search for food. You could even leave out some water and cat food for them.

Happy Hogs, Solihull www.happyhogsrescue.org.uk 07984 716 868

Local Business Directory Bespoke Footwear Arden Bootmakers

Building and Roofing Adam Askey 2G Nick Jones

2 30

Clubs & Societies

Conservatories & Orangeries Finesse Windows Ltd 6/7 The Harborne Sash Window Company 23 Driveways Central Driveways Resin Drives

24 44

Gas Showroom MD Services

School St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School for Girls 10

Graphic Design Digital Glue

Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership

Sports Club West Warwickshire Sports Club

Summer Holiday activities Mad Science Activities listing

20 21

Tree Surgeons Oakwood Tree Care

Tutor Listing

Web Design Digital Glue

Independent Financial Advisor Abacus Associates Insurance Specialist 22 Approved Financial Services 14 Lawn Care Specialist Lawn Science Solihull

Mortgage Specialist Acclaimed Mortgage Consultancy 36 Approved Financial Services 24

Equity Release Specialist Acclaimed Mortgage Consultancy 36

Painting & Decorating Krean Property Maintenance 16

Estate Agent Hunters Estates

Photography Seven Star Photography

Restaurant Sweet Chillies Restaurant Guide

38 39

Gardening Services Betel UK Gardens & Treeworks Lawnscience Solihull Oakwood Treecare

12 11 24

Roofing Adam Askey 2G Nick Jones

Windows & Doors Finesse Windows Ltd The Harborne Sash Window Company Working From Home Opportunities for You

6/7 23

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