The Dickens Heath Directory February 2020 by ortonmedia

February 2020

The Dickens Heath Directory Delivered free to all homes in Dickens Heath, Tidbury Green & Major’s Green

A small private nursery for children aged 3 months to 4 years Offering a unique mixed aged experience for children 56 Bridge House, Waterside, Dickens Heath B90 1UD

Call: 07944 543874 Email: blossomspreschool@hotmail.co.uk Visit: www.blossomspreschool.co.uk LADBROOK PARK GOLF CLUB  Poolhead We areLane open| Tanworth MondayIntoArden Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm, 51 weeks a year

Solihull | West Midlands B94 5ED. Sessions starting| from just £27.50 *NEW* School Day Session available  www.ladbrookparkgolf.co.uk

vita_solihull

NOW OPEN IN MELL SQUARE

greens_solihull

Mell Square - Solihull - B91 3AY

Bill Boyce Decorators

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21/01/2020 18:04

A Family run Business with over 30years experience Bill Boyce Decorators are proud to announce that we have been awarded 'Best of Houzz 2019 for the 2nd year running in the customer service category. Houzz is a Architecture, Interior Design and Decorating and Home Improvements website. Viewed by thousands of people all over the country. Please visit us at the Houzz website.

• Painting & Decorating • Internal/ External • Offices, Restaurants & Private Houses

• Reliable • Excellent reputation • All Work carried out to a high standard

Call Bill on 07976 810680 or Dan on 07966 275134 89 Union Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3BY

Tel: 0121 744 0040 or Fax: 0121 744 0312 Email sandraboyce@billboycedecorators89.freeserve.co.uk

www.billboycedecorators.com



Editor’s notes

Welcome to the Febr uary edition of The Dickens Heath Directory

It’s all about NEW this month, with new advertisers and tasty new openings in Mel Square Solihull see pages 2 to read about Vita & Green’s Desserts and Bubbles. Hogarths share with us their new branding on page 29! If you would like your drive or patio to look like new see CleanTheDrive.com on page 3 for a free quote. Solihull Property Maintenance another local reliable builder has joined on page 7. A new feature on travel with Carrick Travel starts this month on page 15, its always good to book in advance and have something to look forward to whilst the weather here is still cold and mostly gloomy. Now for the “Old”, Marshfield Property Improvements have been with us a very long time read their story on the centre pages. Along with a brief outline of Orton Media and our publications it all began over 15 years ago read the story and enter the draw on page 34. Regulars, where to eat this Valentine’s Day on page 28, with cinema details on page 30 and Parish Council by monthly news is back with us on page 36. Events to book up are Reggaelators, highly popular local band raising money to help a local school with a garden project see page 27 and Spring Sporting Dinner at St Johns Hotel as advertised on page 39. More announcements for our very own Solihull Summer Fest will be coming soon watch this space!! Enjoy the month of love, see you in March!

Gail

What’s inside ...

Page

Book your next getaway with Carrick Travel

Page

A reggae evening to remember!

Page

Gail Orton gail@ortonmedia.co.uk 0121 745 8904

Ideas for where to dine on Valentine’s Day

Useful Numbers

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

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Shirley Heath Trees

20/01/2020 15:24

Gardens & Grounds Maintained, Specialists in Tree & Hedge work, Paving & Fencing Contractors for Schools, Factories etc FREE ESTIMATES, FULLY INSURED. LOCAL & RELIABLE

Office: 01564 700143 Mob: 07836 647745 E: sales@shirleyheathtrees.co.uk

www.shirleyheathtrees.co.uk

warming curry

RY 202 - FEBRUA

WITH T ADVERT0 -

F 10% OF HIS

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;You will be tempted by an unrivalled fusion of authentic and imaginative dishes, each freshly prepared and presented by our Chef, using only the highest quality ingredients. Our approach to healthy eating demands that no artificial colours, stocks or additives are used in our dishes. Indeed, most of our cooking uses olive oil, and the spices we use are freshly ground in our kitchen.â&#x20AC;? Iqbal Hussain, proprietor

Call or book a table NOW on 443 2737

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836 Yardley Wood Rd

Legal ser vices

L P A s now more flexib le In a recent application by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to the court of protection, Senior Judge Carolyn Hilder examined a sample of Lasting Powers of Attorney submitted to the OPG for registration by a number of donors, to consider the lawfulness of certain provisions that had been included in them. These provisions intended to enable the attorneys to provide financial assistance to persons other than the donor in the event that the donor lost mental capacity. Previously, it was thought that any gifting or payment of monies to or for the benefit of another person or persons by the attorney were generally not permitted other than the quite restrictive provisions of s12 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). Under that section, attorneys can only make small gifts to the donors’ family members and friends on ‘customary occasions’ like birthdays, Christmas and marriage. After considering the LPAs submitted to the OPG for registration by the donors in question, the judge concluded that a donor could express a wish within their LPAs so that their attorney(s) could be empowered to use their funds to benefit other persons. This offers greater flexibility for attorneys and appears to extend slightly the powers given under the MCA. The judge clarified that the provision would have to be an expression of wishes and could not include mandatory terms even if this related to a pre-existing legal obligation.

A precatory provision like “I have paid for my grandchildren’s uniforms since they started school and I would like my attorneys to continue this” is likely to be accepted. An expression of wishes is optional and enables the attorneys to assess the donor’s financial circumstances so that they can make a decision that is in the donor’s best interests. If you would like further information or advice on preparing an LPA or amending the wording in your LPA in line with this ruling, please contact Ann-Marie Aston at The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors – aaston@wilkes.co.uk or 0121 733 8000.

Ann-Marie Aston The Wilkes Partnership

For instance, a mandatory provision like “my attorneys must pay for my grandchildren’s uniforms every year” would be classed as ineffective.

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

Barbers for life, not just fashion. Prices.

Opening Hours Hours:

Monday CLOSED Friday 9-5.30 Gents cut £8 Tuesday-Friday 9-5:30 Tuesday 9-5.30 Saturday 9-4 9-4 Boys cut £6 Saturday Wednesday 9-5.30 Sunday 11-3 11-3 Crew cut £5 Sunday Thursday 9-6.30

Pensioners £5 Mens Cut: £9, Pensioners: £7, Boys cut from: £8.50 Call: 07983 548482 Contact us on: 01564 829 736

- DHD September 2013:0099-0 - June DHD

Useful Services

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16/8/13

2:39 PM

Earlswood Garden and Landscape Centre Earlswood Nurseries Ltd. Forshaw Heath Road Earlswood, Solihull B94 5JU

Page 8

Harvest Supper

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Saturday 19th October Tidbury Green School Hall (by kind permission of the head teacher Mrs McHale)

Folk music and Barn Dance Ploughman’s Supper £10 per person Bring your own drinks Tickets available from Ann at Yew Tree Farm Shop (Crossroads of Tilehouse Lane/ Dickens Heath Road)

21/01/2020

With a warm & friendly atmosphere we have all your beauty requirements within one location. Our expertly trained stylists only use the best Wella products. • • • • •

Hair Cut and Styling Wash and Blow Dry Hair Colouring Hair Straightening Gents hair cut

• Chiropody • Aesthetics • Laser hair removal We Offer Student Discount (conditions apply)

Pop in and say Hi or book a FREE consultation

For appointments call:

0121 450 9104  Halo Hair & Beauty 310 Wake Green Road, Moseley, B13 0BN

Like. Share. Comment. Halo Hair and Beauty @HaloMoseley

BE SURE THAT YOUR HEALTH IS ALL IN ORDER

BY HAVING A HEALTH CHECK WITH US

BLOOD TESTS:

Biochemistry: Full Blood Count: Anaemia: Hormones: Tumour Markers: PSA: Thyroid Function and many more

WELL MAN/ WELL WOMAN HEALTH SCREENING Kidney: Liver Function: Diabetes: Bowel/ Colon Screen: Cholesterol: Urinalysis: Full Health Report and more

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

13 Panel Drug Test: Home Office Approved Alcohol Breathalyser

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING Fit for work Certificates: Audiometry: HAVS: Musculoskeletal: On-site Medicals and more

VITAMINS NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE

Vitamins B1: B2: B3: B6: B9: B12: Vitamin A: C: E and more

ALLERGY SCREENING

Egg White: Cows Milk: Soya Bean: Peanut: Wheat: Fish: Microorganisms and many more tests

SEXUAL HEALTH SCREENING

Chlamydia: Gonorrhoea: Syphilis: Hepatitis: HIV: Varicella

MEDICAL CANNABIS PRESCRIBING CLINIC Contact Solihull Health Check Clinic for details

ANTI-WRINKLE REDUCTION INJECTIONS Injectable anti-aging treatment to smooth out facial lines. Carried out by a trained and Licensed Clinician.

WELL-MAN & WELL-WOMAN HEALTH SCREENING

Included in your screening is: Consultation: BP: H/R: AF: Body Composition: Temperature: Blood Oxygen Saturation Levels: Lung Function: Complete Urinalysis: Diabetic Blood Test: PSA for men: Menopause Screening for women: Kidney Disease: Bowel/ Colon Disease: Cholesterol Profile: Full Biochemistry and more... CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

Tel: 0121 745 7400 www.solihullhealthcheckclinic.co.uk Email - connect@shcc.co.uk

Solihull Health Check Clinic, The Lighthouse, 8 Gorcott Lane, Dickens Heath, Solihull, B90 1FF

ARTISTS ANNOUNCED

...SO FAR!! SATURDAY

KOOL & THE GANG

SHALAMAR

THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES

TONY HADLEY

BELINDA CARLISLE

SUNDAY

LEO SAYER

SAT 25TH & SUN 26TH JULY 2020 | TUDOR GRANGE PARK

TICKETS: TKT.TO/SOLIHULLSUMMERFEST  SOLIHULLSUMMERFEST

 @SUMMERSOLIHULL

 SOLIHULLSUMMERFEST

Puzzle corner

Win cinema tickets

Sponsored by:

For 2 people at Empire IMAX Crossword

Across 1. Being stuck up in a room with no air (6) 5. ÀSwedish pop group formed from an Arab Band (4) 8. Little mite becomes one thing (4) 9. Reveal old stance taken by model (6) 10. Having a pleasant nature (8) 12. Dangers involved playing with pliers (6) 13. Sounds returning from local papers (6) 16. Prolonged periods trapped by enemies (6) 19. American money paid to ‘80s pop group (6) 20. Escapes from custody (8) 22. I pout a little differently in ideal society (6) 23. Fish caught in steel snares (4) 24. Knockout with a hand of blackjack (4) 25. ÀVulgar and coarse like freshly dug potatoes (6) Down 1. Winter warmer of meat and gravy (4) 2. Not going under when lighter than air (8) 3. The returns obtained from crying uncle (6) 4. Shout out at performer on stage (6) 6. Food of choice for the panda (6) 7. Illegal visitors from space (6) 11. One half or two houses joined together (4) 14. Take 30 minutes another way (4,4) 15. Short test for retired mother coming up (4) 16. Interference that remains the same (6) 17. Attempts to write some short stories (6) 18. Male offspring catch 14 lines in verse (6) 19. Diana’s employment has fallen out of work (6) 21. Girl lost the right to get wed (4)

Last months winner 16

Congratulations to A. Rivers who received 2 tickets for Bohemian Rhapsody

Suduko

Send an email to gail@ortonmedia.co.uk with the answers by 20th February 2020.

How to Play: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition! Its challenging. Its addictive!

Good luck!

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

Salon 335 Tel 0121 448 4430

335 Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 2NG

MARK DURRANT CHIROPODIST

M.Ch.S.

H.P.C. & State Registered Chiropodist Surgery: Salon 335 Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 2NG Hair Extensions 10% discount

for all new customers Follow Us. Like. Share. Comment.

The

Tel: 0121 448 4430 Home Visits also available please call to book on 0121 744 4038 m-durrant-chiropodist.business.site

We are a family owned company 20/01/2020 with long-serving, vetted and insured staff providing a top quality cleaning & ironing service in and around your area since 2007.

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CLEANING & IRONING SERVICES

“Are you looking for help with cleaning the house?”

• Regular Weekly Cleans • Ironing (free collection & Delivery) • Vacuuming & Dusting • Bed Changes • Cooker Cleaning ns Free collectio • Carpet Cleaning • Dry Cleaning in your area!

Call FREE: 0800 083 6594 / 0121 314 8828 enquiries@thecreaseline.co.uk • www.thecreaseline.co.uk • 079 6661 6662

Feature

Live well, yo ur way

Activities in and around Solihull for over 60’s Walking Football Sessions for over 50’s Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Blossomfield Road. B91 1NB Mon – Thurs 10-11am, Contact Martin Howles 07719 999 519 Tai Chi The Core Theatre, Solihull. B91 3RG Fridays 9-10am , Call 0121 704 7499 Strong & Steady Exercise Class Tudor Grange Sports Centre, Blossomfield Road. B91 1NB Weds 1-2pm, Solihull Active Team 0121 704 8207 Walking Netball Tudor Grange Sports Centre, Blossomfield Road. B91 1NB Weds 7-8pm, Call 0121 705 6371

Singing for the Brain Shirley Methodist Church, 257 Stratford Road, Shirley. B90 3AL 3rd Monday of the month 10.30-12noon, David Johnson 0121 700 7361 Uplifting Exercise & Movement The Bridge 234 Stratford Road, Shirley. B90 3AG Mon 11.15-12noon, Penny 07815 053 534 Tea Dance Solihull Lodge Community Centre, Grafton Road, B90 3AG 2nd & 4th Weds of the month 1.30-3.30pm, Call Dave 07578 501635 Lively Hearts Club Solihull Christian Fellowship, The Bridge 234 Stratford Road, B90 3AG Tues 2-4pm, 0300 5610 300

Seniors at APG Studio, Main Street, Dickens Heath. Monday 11:00 Chair Yoga, 12:15 Healthy Back 13:00 Easy Yoga Tuesday 12:40 Gentle Yoga 13:00 Easy Yoga Wednesday 13:00 Chair Yoga Thursday 18:15 Easy Yoga Friday 13:00 Chair Yoga, 18:00 Relaxing Yoga Saturday 09:30 Healthy Back 18:00 Relaxing Yoga

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

The best home to be in is your own...

Clients like Stanley should be able to stay at home for as long as possible, surrounded by their memories and belongings. If you want to help older people like Stanley, then #YouCanCare like Christine.

Home Instead Senior Care Solihull Telephone: 01564 330 395 | 01212 704 615 www.homeinstead.co.uk/solihull

Each Home Instead Senior CareÂŠ franchise office is independently owned and operated. Copyright ÂŠ Home Instead 2017.

Health & Fitnes s

Lo cal g yms Local Gyms of where to train and stay lean in 2020. Personal Trainers, small groups or larger classes, it can be fun. Cre8 Health & Fitness 122 Main St, Dickens Heath, Solihull B90 1UA Phone: 0121 745 7777 Forder's Gym Birmingham Woodside Farm, Seafield Lane, Nr Beoley. B98 9DB Phone: 07843 783 068 MK Health Hub Cranmore Dr, Shirley, Solihull. B90 4RZ Phone: 0121 704 0593 Training for Warriors (TFW) Lido House, Sansome Road, Solihull. B90 2BJ Phone: 07962 990 841 Woodrush Sports Centre Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham B47 5JW Phone: 01564 820 099

With Spa & Pool Facilities: Village Gym Solihull - NOW OPEN 24/7 The Green Business Park, Shirley, Solihull B90 4GW Phone: 0121 796 9670 Virgin Active - Health club Blythe Valley Park, Blythe Gate, Solihull B90 8AT Phone: 0121 506 9850

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

FITNESS & WELLNESS CLUB

LATEST STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOGYM EQUIPMENT 400+ MONTHLY FITNESS CLASSES HEATED SWIMMING POOL

JOIN ONLINE AT VILLAGEGYM.CO.UK OR CALL 0121 701 2908

VILLAGE GYM SOLIHULL THE GREEN BUSINESS PARK | STRATFORD RD | SHIRLEY B90 4JG

#FoodAwards

Authentic Italian Cuisine personally created by Italian Proprietor & Head Chef

Midlands

New Seasonal Menu available now. Bookings being taken for Valentines Day dinner from a la carte menu.

Open Sunday Lunch from 12- 4pm. Authentic Italian Roast from Â£16.95. Regular menu also available.

To book call: 0121 744 8088 | 9-11 Main Street Dickens Heath B90 1UB www.giovannisitalianrestaurant.co.uk Giovanni's_142.5x100.5_Advert_FEB_2020.indd 1

22/01/2020 10:30

CLASSES HELD IN DICKENS HEATH. STREET & FREESTYLE DANCE.

WWW.LOVE2DANCE.CO.UK | INFO@LOVE2DANCE.CO.UK | 07812 998319

Join A Club Investing In The Future

27 Championship Holes Membership Enquiries Welcome

kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk/opens

Based in Dickens Heath, Marshfield Property Improvements (MPI) established in 2016, but have been in the building trade for over 30 years.

Our services:

Electrics - to 18th Edition BS7671:2018. Registered Part P Approved Contractor with Elecsa (www.elecsa.co.uk). Plumbing, carpentry, tiling, kitchens, bathrooms, loft conversions, garage conversions and so much more. We are a local independent family run business who specialise in all types of renovations and conversions including domestic electrics and plumbing. With attention to detail and 100% customer satisfaction, you will be glad you called us.

Qualified, experienced, fully insured, and CRB checked for your peace of mind. Some of our recent Customer testimonials. • ÀCannot recommend them enough. Very professional and expert tradesmen. Delighted with the work they did for us. – Helen B • ÀThanks to Bal and Vinny for sorting out our bathrooms! Awesome work, so pleased with the result & I would definitely recommend marshfield property improvements without hesitation. 5 star job. - Katie R • ÀRecently refurbished our main bathroom. Bal and Vinny carried out all work to an excellent standard. They were completely reliable, made some great suggestions regarding design of our bathroom and had an excellent eye for detail. We could not be happier with our new bathroom. The cost of the bathroom was also competitive. I would not hesitate in recommending Marshfield Property Improvements and would definitely use them again. – Gareth

• ÀMPI fully project managed the whole refurb which included new kitchen, bathroom, and full redecoration. I just handed them the keys and left them too it. Very reliable with attention to detail. The work was completed in time and to a high standard. Highly recommend 5star service. – Gulshan B • ÀI can highly recommend Bal and MPI Ltd!!! We had Bal come round to finish off our kitchen worktop and do the tiling. His work was outstanding, and the finish is incredible. He went above and beyond to help us even when I asked him to do some extra jobs. They work hard and get the job done to a very high standard! We were that impressed we got Bal back to do our flooring! Again, another job done perfectly! Thanks again guys! We love our new kitchen dinner and are very happy customers! – Fran F

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL COMPANY BASED IN DICKENS HEATH .

All Trades Under One Roof

Fully Project Managed Service .

Design * Supply * Installation. .

Supply & Fit or Fit Only Service .

Plumbing Solutions For All Water Pressures & Systems .

All Electrical Work Undertaken

Packages To Suit All Needs & Budgets .

Attention To Detail & .100% Customer Satisfaction .

Fully Insured & All Work Guaranteed

CROSSROADS SERVICE STATION LTD

A friendly, family-run business since 1969

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

• MOT Testing – Cars & Motorbikes • Servicing & Repairs • Air Conditioning Service & Repair

MON – FRI 7.30am – 6pm Sat 7.30am – 1pm

• Diagnostic Service & Repair • Laser Wheel Alignment

MOT’s while you wait!

• Tyres – Supplied & Fitted • Qualified & Experienced Staff

• Courtesy Car or Collection/Delivery available

599-601 Tanworth Lane, Shirley, Solihull B90 4JE

Tel: 01564 703225

www.crossroadservicestation.co.uk

Events at Dickens Heath Library

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VAT No.: 113213041

20/01/2020 15:49

Contact the Library on 0121 744 6078 for further information Rhyme time Every Monday at 2.15pm during term time (pre-school & baby sing along sessions). Story Box Every Thursday at 10.15am during term time – (pre-school story time, colouring and play session).

Story Time Saturday 15th February – The ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ story times at 10.30am & 2.30pm and ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ craft session (we’ll run the crafts all day).

Coffee Club Thursday 6th February 11.00am – 1pm This is open to all, we offer tea, coffee & homemade cakes & have occasional guest speakers (in February with have someone from the Solihull Local History Circle giving a talk). These are held on the first Thursday of each month (small donation to go towards costs). Community Coffee Morning Saturday 29th Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm – our new, regular ‘Community Coffee Morning’. Open to all, we serve tea, coffee, and homemade cakes for a small donation.

or call 0121 733 3000

This event is sponsored by our Taxi Partner A2B Radio Cars. Download their app here: appsend.me/a2b

All profits go to a local school project

07796 334 955 or 07988 605 292

numbers limited, book now:

only ÂŁ10.00

Moseley All Services Club, Church Road, B13 9EA

Friday 28th Feb 8pm

Amazing 8 piece band of classic Reggae & Ska

Lo cal dining

Where to eat this Valentine’s Day AKAMBA

Caribbean Restaurant - Open for Breakfast, Coffees/Teas & Cake, full menu and Caribbean Buffet on Sundays and Rum Bar! Also live music venue. Tythe Barn Lane, Dickens Heath, Solihull Tel 0121 733 3111 www.akamba.co.uk

ASHA’S

Indian Restaurant. Touchwood Shopping Centre, Homer Rd, Solihull B91 3GJ Tel 0121 200 2767

GIOVANNI’S

Authentic Family Italian Restaurant serving Lunch & Dinner. 9-11 Main Street Dickens Heath, Solihull B90 1UB Tel 0121 744 8088 www.giovannisitalianrestaurant.co.uk

HOGARTHS

Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas, Dinner. Four Ashes Road, Dorridge Tel 01564 779998 www.hogarths.co.uk

INDICO

Indian street kitchen & bar 16, Parkgate Shopping Centre, Stratford Rd, Shirley B90 3GG Tel 0121 448 5204 28

JANAKI

Indian Cuisine. 33 Main Street, Dickens Heath, B90 1UB Tel 0121 745 5055

MORTONS

Kitchen, Bar & Deli. 7 Main Street, Dickens Heath, B90 1UB Tel 0121 744 2884

SWEET CHILLIES

Indian Restaurant & Takeaway. 836 Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham, B13 0JE Tel 0121 443 2737

YAO’S

Chinese Takeaway. 73 Colebrook Road, Shirley B90 2JZ Tel 0121 744 3308

TAP & TANDOOR Indian food and craft beers & cocktails. 568 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 3DX Tel 0121 711 1166

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

We’re blossoming Po p i n a n d s e e w h a t we ’ r e u p t o . 2020 promises to be a year of exciting changes at Hogarths.

H OTE L S

A ND

RE S TAU R AN T S −

w w w. h o g a r t h s . c o . u k

Cinema rev iew

E m p ire Febr uary

There are so many great movies to be released this month here are just a few take a look on the Great Park Cinema website for a comprehensive list and trailers.

Dolittle

Release date: 7th February Directed by: Stephen Gaghan Starring: Robert Downey Jr.; Tom Holland A great family adventure movie. Robert Downey Jr. electrifies one of literature’s most enduring characters in a vivid re-imagining of the classic tale of the man who could talk to animals: Dolittle. After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.

Greed

Ghost (30th Anniversary)

Release Date: 21st February Directed by: Michael Winterbottom Starring: Steve Coogan; Isla Fisher; David Mitchell; Asa Butterfield; Sophie Cookson; Shirley Henderson; Stephen Fry. A light-hearted Comedy with Drama. Greed is the fictional story of a retail billionaire, set in the glamorous and celebrity-filled world of luxury fashion, which is cantered around the build up to a spectacular 60th birthday party in an exclusive hotel on the Greek island of Mykonos.

Release Date: 14th February one night only! Directed by: Jerry Zucker Starring: Patrick Swayze; Demi Moore; Whoopi Goldberg; Tony Goldwyn; Vincent Schiavelli; Armelia McQueen This Valentine’s Day sit back and enjoy one of the most romantic movies of all time. A movie full of Drama, Fantasy and Romance. Celebrating 30 years since its release!

Supported by: 30

One to watch out for in March Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show – screening on 3rd and 8th March only Booking will be necessary!

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

SOLIHULL TOWN CENTRE'S FIRST INDEPENDENT GASTRO PUB CRAFT BEER - MIXED GRILL- HOMESTYLE CURRIES

COCKTAILS - LIVE SPORTS - PRIVATE ROOM HIRE

- warwick road - solihull - b91 3dx T: 0121 711 1166 E: solihull@tapandtandoor.co.uk

www.tapandtandoor.co.uk follow us

/tapandtandoor

Dickens Heath

Library

Old Dickens Heath Road

Opening Hours Mon: 2pm - 6pm Tue: 2pm - 5pm Thu: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Sat: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm

www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries

Tel: 0121 744 6078

Meeting rooms available for use

Dickens Heath Medical Practice 94 Old Dickens Heath Rd, Dickens Heath Village. B90 1SD Phone: 0121 744 9393 Opening Times:Monday 08.30 - 18.30 Tuesday 08.30 - 18.30 Wednesday 08.30 - 13.00 Thursday 08.30 - 18.30 Friday 08.30 - 18.30 Saturday by appointment only at Blossomfield Practice NOT Dickens Heath Email: jaceypractice@nhs.net www.jaceypractice.co.uk Follow us on FB Jacey Practice

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GIVING BLOOD IS QUICK, EASY AND IT SAVES LIVES CRANMORE CONFERENCE & EVENTS Cranmore Avenue, Shirley. B90 4LF Limited walk in or appointments can be made sessions: 1.40 – 3.30pm and 4.20 – 7.20pm Tues 11th Feb and Tues 10th March **Be sure to book appointments online

SOLIHULL CORE THEATRE (was Arts Complex) Limited walk in, best to make appointments – sessions 1- 3.30pm and 4.20 – 7.20pm 4th Feb, 3rd & 21st March Be sure to book appointments online. Its now quick and easy to register online

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO BE IN?

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20/01/2020

COPY DEADLINE FOR MARCH EDITION IS 18TH FEBRUARY 2020 To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

For tickets & details visit www.thewineeventscompany.com thewineeventscompany @TheWineEventsCo info@thewineeventscompany.com

Enjoy six fantastic wines for just £15.

Last Wednesday of the month with Tony & Lucy

Learn about and enjoy wine in this fun and informative wine tasting at the Village Hotel, Shirley.

Solihull Wine Tasting Club

Solihull_Open_Air_Cinema_142.5x100.5_Advert_JAN_2020.indd 1 20/01/2020 15:34

(All children must be accompanied by an adult)

EARLY BIRD PRICES Adults £10 Children £7.50 | FULL PRICE Adults £15 Children £10

For Tickets: tkt.to/bohemianrhapsody

Gates open 5.45pm · Showtime 7.30pm · Band 9.30pm

TUDOR GRANGE PARK SOLIHULL

FRIDAY 24th JULY 2020

Live performance by

Feature

g n i r e v s o c r f o a e 1 5 y Dickens Heath and beyond...! Celebrating fifteen amazing years of publishing, is the much-loved, local magazine, The Dickens Heath Directory. Privately owned by longstanding Dickens Heath resident, Gail Orton, the magazine supports and promotes the variety of events, happenings and commercial activities in and around the DH area. The magazine was launched when the village was in its infancy; the school had only just opened and the library was still under construction. Recognising that Dickens Heath village is someplace rather special, the magazine supports this community environment with local information, promoting events from the School and Village Church, many useful services with offers and contains newsletters from the Parish Council and Local MP. “We used to be black and white on thick paper now we are full colour, glossy and the support from both readers and advertisers continues to grow.” All of the residents in DH, Tidbury Green & Majors Green receive a copy of the monthly magazine and anyone who is missed can pick up a copy in the local library, medical centre or community centre. It’s well worth a read to find out what is happening and frequently carries recommendations of local restaurants and worthy competitions you can enter.

In 2009 I launched Monkspath Monthly shortly after adding Hillfield to the title and the distribution is also now doing extremely well serving the community of Hillfield & Monkspath. Orton Media also co-ordinates Local Expert Networking aka LEN who meet each month for further information see the advert within this publication. Finally, I am also very proud to have raised thousands of pounds over the years for various charities close to my heart, through organising Golf Days, Gala Dinners, Comedy Nights, Afternoon Teas and more. From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone who has helped, supported, advertised and recommended me.

To commemorate the fifteenth anniversary, I will be giving away 10 pairs of passes to the Village Gym. The first 10 people to email with “congratulations” in the subject box will win, email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk before 20th February to be in with a chance of winning. New website on its way so watch this space. 34

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

ADVERTISE WITH US & talk DIRECT to your local community Fantastic advertising rates available in The Dickens Heath Directory & The Hillfield & Monkspath Monthly

FREE LISTING IN THE ADVERTISERS INDEX WITH EVERY ADVERT BOOKED

INSERT YOUR OWN ADVERT OR HAVE US PROFESSIONALLY DESIGN IT FOR YOU

DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES FOR:

Business stationery, leaflets, posters, menus, brochures etc.

For further information, call: 0121 745 8904 or 07796 334 955

Parish news

Par ish Co un cil News Parish Council Meetings

The Parish Council’s next meetings will be held on Tuesday February 11th and then Tuesday March 10th 2020 starting at 7.15pm, in our new venue of Dickens Heath Library 1st floor. Please come and join us, with an opportunity to ask questions at the start of the meeting.

Update on Village Green and Playground

As of writing, we are hopeful that this very long negotiation process is finally nearing completion. The General Election, followed by Christmas and the New Year, have unavoidably slowed things down. We understand that the Liquidators have now completed their paperwork, the Parish Council are ready to put the maintenance programme in place – we are just waiting for Solihull MBC and the lawyers to finalise the transaction. With a bit of luck, the next Parish Council News will confirm that the Village Green has finally been transferred into public ownership.

Would You be Interested in Volunteering in the Library?

In relocating to the Library, one of the main aims of the Parish Council is to extend the limited opening hours of the Library with the support of volunteers. This could involve, for example, opening the Library earlier on a Tuesday while Parish Council staff are in the office, or enabling the Library to stay open through lunchtime on a Saturday. Knowle Library very successfully extends its opening hours on Saturday afternoons through a team of volunteers. The Parish Council would like to assess whether this might be a possibility for our Library – if you might be interested or have any questions about this, then we would love to hear from you. Dickens Heath Parish Council Telephone: 07772 469 271 Email: dickensheathpc@hotmail.com Visit: www.dickensheathpc.org.uk c/o Dickens Heath Library, Old Dickens Heath Rd, Dickens Heath, Solihull B90 1SD 36 12

Dickens Heath Parish Council

Dickens Heath In Bloom 2020 – Seeking Help

Following the fantastic success of Dickens Heath in Bloom 2019 – in which the village won a Silver Gilt award – the Parish Council are aiming for Gold in 2020! Every extra contribution could make the difference. Would you be prepared to help? We need help with planting and tending the planters around the village, and with watering. Or maybe you have a spectacular front garden or hanging basket and would like to enter our Best Front Garden Competition? If you could spare a little time to help then please do get in touch – it would be greatly appreciated.

Additional Trees for Dickens Heath and Wildflower Planting

Councillor Mike Small is leading a project to plant additional trees in Dickens Heath, and has placed an initial order for 30 saplings to be delivered in March 2020. Both Dickens Heath Community Primary School and Dickens Heath Scouts have indicated that they would like to be involved with this project. The Parish Council have also been discussing the planting of wildflowers with Solihull MBC officers. A couple of the approach roads into the village are being looked at for this, around the Welcome to Dickens Heath signs, with a view to sites being seeded in April with flowering from June onwards.

Parish Council Precept Charge 2020/21 – Good News!

And finally – some good news for residents regarding our council tax. Although the Parish Council are planning for some increases to their budget – for example in taking on responsibility for the Village Green – the move to the Library has significantly reduced our premises costs. So the Parish Council have agreed to a reduction for their part of the Council Tax bill, and you will be seeing a 3% reduction in our precept charge for 2020/21. Maureen Holloway, Chair, Dickens Heath PC

Contact Gail with your local information – email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

So kind and GENTLE

OUR THREE GUARANTEES 1 We will be very gentle 2 We will endeavour to see you on time 3 Your treatment will be affordable Call now and take advantage of our FREE 5 step consultation (COST: £97.00 - FREE OF CHARGE)

“Excellent care, so painless!” Says JG “My fear of the dentist has gone” Says JB

Call 0121 667 9958 www.heathdental.com Heath Dental 32 Main Street Dickens Heath B90 1UA

THE SOLIHULL SPORTING SOCIETY SPRING DINNER “Bringing Business & Sport Together” Sporting Dinner

Thursday 26th March 2020 at St. John’s Hotel, Solihull B91 1AT.

TICKETS:

£85.00 inc. VAT Tables of 10 - £675.00 + VAT

Meet: 6.45 for 7.15pm sit down. Dress Code: Lounge Suits (the evening is a mixed event)

GUEST SPEAKER

JASON LEONARD OBE Former Harlequins, England & British & Irish Lions prop-forward. (AKA The Fun Bus)

Jason will be supported by the exceptionally funny comedian AARON JAMES who will also be the MC for the evening To book or for further details please contact Dave Radburn on: Phone: 0121 733 3855 or Email: dave@radburnccc.co.uk Web: rcccpromo.co.uk Autumn House, 66 Yoxall Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3RP

BASED IN SOLIHULL WITH PROVEN RESULTS FOR A NUMBER OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

COMPELLING GRAPHIC DESIGN THAT WILL DRIVE YOUR SALES LOGOS • WEBSITES • BROCHURES • LEAFLETS • SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

www.attackcreative.co.uk

Dancing shoes on. Eyes down. Bottoms up! Disco, prize bingo and 3 course menu. Tickets from Â£25pp Saturday 29th February 2020 Friday 10th April 2020 Friday 6th June 2020

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE VillageHotels.com/TributeTour VILLAGE HOTEL SOLIHULL

The Green Business Park, Dog Kennel Lane, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4JG 0121 701 2920

Feature

Its hugely impor tant

r u o r e t f a k o o l to Mind, Body & So ul

With the colder weather, reduced sunlight and lack of Vitamin D there are damaging effects to our mental, spiritual & physical well-being… we have put together a few simple practices to help get you through the winter.

Mind

Declutter! Write a list of everything you want to do in the foreseeable future, ambitions, jobs list everything just unload the mind and then you can focus on the NOW.

Body

Be sure to pamper yourself it doesn’t have to cost a lot you can self-pamper at home… Exfoliate dead skin Trim your nails Massage your muscles Take a bath in scented oils, put some petals or salts in and burn a candle. Its important to get some endorphins Go for a morning jog or brisk walk Morning star jumps will get the heart going Find a home workout Go swimming

So ul 42

Be KIND to yourself Say encouraging thing to yourself, in your head and out loud! Listen to music that makes you happy or uplifting Give yourself a hug. Make time every day to do some reading, a book, magazine, poem anything. If you make these few simple practices a habit hopefully winter won’t be quite so tough on your mind, body & soul. Honour yourself when you need a moment to yourself To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

Fun r un to test yo ur reso lve Knowle Fun Run – Sunday 17 May Thinking of getting fit? It’s not too early to resolve to enter the Knowle Fun Run on Sunday 17th May and do something about it. Knowle and Dorridge Lions have already opened their website for entries to this year’s 37th Knowle Fun Run at www.knowlefunrun.org.uk, so now is the time to go online enter and commit to a 5k or 10k run through the traffic-free roads of Knowle. Why not encourage your friends and colleagues to join you, perhaps make up a team of 4 runners? ‘Anyone who has taken part in recent years will tell you about the great atmosphere of 1800 runners, many in fancy dress, being cheered on by the residents who always line the traffic-free streets,’ says Lions President Richard Buckley. ‘We hope runners commit early by entering online now and will make a donation or get their run sponsored to help raise funds to support this year’s partner charities – the Solihull Hospital Charity and CLIC Sargent with half of all proceeds being retained for local causes. In addition to the 5 & 10km Fun Runs with individual as well as team trophies to be won, there will be 4 Kids runs around Arden playing fields for each of school years 1 to 4. Already the Lions are busy planning for the day, seeking business sponsors and advertisers to cover costs and volunteers to make the event its usual great success. We are also looking to identify a VIP to set the runners on their way & present the winners trophies. If you can help please get in touch via 2020@knowlefunrun.org.uk today.

Enter online at www.knowlefunrun.org.uk

In touch

The evolution of retail

Tony Elvin, General Manager at Touchwood, comments: Touchwood has always had a good balance of retail and leisure. A mix of great fashion brands, beauty, gifting, technology, coffee shops and restaurants etc. A question, we continually ask ourselves and our customers though, is whether that balance is right and what does it need to be. We’re currently awaiting the results of our latest in-depth customer surveys collected in person throughout December. Thank you if you were one of the many that took some time out to share your thoughts with the research team. Last year, as we would expect, our guests told us that the way they shop has changed. So much is done online but people also enjoy shopping in person, especially when you’re making a ‘day out’. Another factor that arose was that bricks and mortar stores were a great place for collecting and returning goods purchased online and, very interestingly, this often led to further unplanned or impulse purchases with guests being lured by window displays and environment. The way Next proactively manage Click and Collect, amongst others has become very slick and of course John Lewis have a dedicated Click and Collect with its own dedicated car park. The demand or desire for a ‘day out’ at a Shopping Centre has led to managers and owners looking to diversify what they offer. Bricks and mortar stores alone are not a big enough draw for consumers, we need to offer other experiences to make us a destination worth visiting for that day out. If like me you follow Solihull on social media you will be used to regular comments around ‘oh no, not another restaurant, that’s all Solihull needs’ but I have to disagree as does the research. Solihull is evolving as a destination and we don’t yet have enough ‘leisure’. The introduction of new independent restaurants and bars to complement our trusted brands is long overdue in Solihull. Why should we have to go into Birmingham to eat food cooked by a family owned business? Our cinema is very successful so why don’t we have a bowling centre or escape room too? We put a pop-up mini golf course into the centre as a pop up and it was very popular. I’d love to see something like that here permanently. We will continue to keep asking questions and continuing to evolve to stay relevant. I hope you will continue to support us.

Tony Elvin 44

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

Explore highlights of the museum after dark! Thursday 12th March, 6pm - 10pm

www.acorns.org.uk/NATM Registered charity no. 700859

Acorns_142.5x100.5_Advert_FEB_2020.indd 1

Local Network Meeting

22/01/2020 13:18

Join us for breakfast rolls on Wednesday 5th February whilst networking with Like Minded Experts Only

ÂŁ15 pp

with all profits going to local charitable causes

Fulford Heath Golf Club, Tanners Green Lane, Wythall, B47 6BH from 7.30 - 9am

Contact gail@ortonmedia.co.uk to book your place Follow us:

@LenLocal

Adver tisers Index Bathrooms 25. Marshfield Property 07708 809 979 47. Edwards Plumbing 0121 764 4626À Barbers 11. Shed Head 01564 829 736 Beauty 23. Halo Hair & Beauty 0121 777 4800 Blinds 11. Shades 0800 0197730 Builders 25. Marshfield Property 07708 809 979 7. Solihull Property Maintenance 0121 745 4422 Building Supplies 6. EH Smith 0121 713 7100 Business Networking 45. LEN Car Mechanic 26. Crossroads Service 01564 703 225 Chiropodist 17. Mark Durrant 0121 448 4430 Cinema 30. Empire Cinema Cleaning Service 3. CleanTheDrive.com 0121 369 2263 17. Crease Line 0800 083 6594

This months Directory is sponsored by: 46

Computer Services 11. Ben the PC Doctor 0800 040 7924 Dance 22. Love2Dance 07812 998 319

Hotels 29. Hogarths 01564 779 988 41. Village Hotel 0121 796 9670

Decorating Services 3. Bill Boyce 0121 744 0040 Dentist 37. Heath Dental 0121 667 8950 Doctors 32. DH Medical Centre 0121 744 9393 Dry Cleaning 17. Crease Line 0800 0836594

Ironing 17. Crease Line 0800 083 6594 IT Solutions 38. Tech Wizard 0121 745 5557 Kitchens & Bathroom 35. EH Smith 0121 713 7100

Estate Agents 5. Kingsman Estate 0121 695 7785

Landscaping 8. Project Paving & LandscapingÀ 0121 652 0145 3. CleanTheDrive.com 0121 369 2263

Fitness 21. Village Gym 0121 701 2908 Golf Club 23. Kings Norton Golf 01564 826789 Hairdresser 17. Salon 335 0121 448 4430 12. Halo Hair & Beauty 0121 459 9104 Health Care and Medical Services 32. Give Blood 19. Home Instead 01564 330395 13. Solihull Health Check 0121 745 7400

Home Improvements 25. Marshfield Property 07708 809 979 7. Solihull Property Maintenance À 0121 711 1166

Library 26. DH Library 0121 744 6078 Parish Council 36. DHPC News Pre School & Nurseries 1.Blossoms Pre School 07944 543 874

Restaurants & Pubs 22. Giovanni’s 0121 744 8088 29. Hogarths 01564 779 988 9. Sweet Chillies 0121 443 2737 31. Tap & Tandoor 0121 711 1166 2. Vita & Greens Solicitors 48. WadsworthsÀ 0121 745 8550 10. The Wilkes PartnershipÀ 0121 733 8000 Travel 15. Carrick TravelÀ 0121 704 3370 Tree SurgeonÀ 8. Shirley Heath TreesÀ 01564 700143 Wine Tasting & Events 33. The Wine Event Co 07949 116744 Windows, Doors 14. Window Fix Solihull 0121 704 1339

Suduko answers (from page 16)

Plumbing Supplies 47. Edwards 0121 764 4626

Next Meeting on Weds 5th February @ Fulford Heath Golf Club, Wythall for Breakfast, 7:30am - 9am Contact: gail@ortonmedia.co.uk to book your place

To advertise please call Gail on 0121 745 8904 or email gail@ortonmedia.co.uk

Call today: 0121 764 4626 When it comes to knowledge, experience, and friendly services, Edwards Bathroom Plumbing & Heating Supplies has the best team in the business. Our company has been providing outstanding services to the Midlands for over 19 years, and we've established a fantastic reputation for reliability and complete customer satisfaction. We take a great deal of pride in the quality of our products, and we can advise you on our range of products. You can count on us for the excellent products and accessories you need to finish your project right.

Stockists of many more

Come and visit us in store or online at www.edwards.uk.com Email: showroom@edwards.uk.com Tyseley Branch, 413 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JR

 HOURS: Monday-Friday: 07:30 - 17:00 | Saturday: 08:00 - 16:00 | Sunday: Closed

WADSWORTHS SOLICITORS

Assisting the people of the West Midlands with their legal matters for over 33 years

Probate and Court of Protection Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Employment and Litigation Residential Conveyancing Commercial Property Personal Injury Clinical Negligence Claims Family Law

0121 745 8550 www.wadsworthslaw.co.uk

325 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull B90 3BL

129 High Street Henley-in-Arden B95 5AU

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