MY location of photo with thanks to Hogarths Hotel, Dorridge
December / January 2016 / 17
SOLIHULL,
KNOWLE & DORRIDGE Your award winning local community magazine
Meet a legend of Soul-ihull
Ruby Turner MBE
Knowle village hall needs YOU!
Bees Beeautiful Bees
Human of Solihull:
St Vaughan
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PLUS
Local business directory inside!
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Editor’s Welcome
MY
SOLIHULL
KNOWLE & DORRIDGE December / January 2017
In this issue Welcome nieghbours, It’s nearly time to say Goodbye to 2016 and a big Welcome to 2017! Ruby Turner is not just a legendary vocalist but a delightful person. It is special to know she’s chosen to live here with us in Solihull.
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7
Saving Knowle Village Hall
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Ever fancied being a beekeeper?
15 Sports Direct employment law blunder 17 Dr Louise on vertigo 19 Andy Peebles’ cricket comments 20 A party with ‘WOW’ factor 21 Mouthwatering food at Waters 23 Has your double glazing steamed up?
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25 Human of Solihull: ST Vaughan
Regulars
Enjoy your read about our wonderful neighbours.
Julia Parsons
07831 395029 juliaparsons @swanpublishing.org www.swanpublishing.org Reach out on social media and tell us what you’d like to see in future issues!
Legend of Soul-ihull - Ruby Turner
13 Heart racing shows at The REP
Bees - precious to everyone because the environmental impact without them has terrible consequences so we’ve found a couple not so different from you and I, who care for them as their hobby and can share some tips on how to do it yourself. We look for people and stories to inspire and interest you, for which there is no shortage in our wonderful Borough of Solihull. Do get in touch if you want a story to be told.
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What’s on Tutor listing Competition page Where to eat Clubs & societies Business directory Advertising rates
Printed by Newman Thomson: 01444 480 700
Ruby Turner with My Solihull editor Julia Parsons Cover photo and main article photo by Seven Star Photography
Meet a legend of Soul-ihull Nationally renowned for her soul singing and partnership with Jools Holland, Solihull’s Ruby Turner is a joy of a person.
Soul isn’t just a style of singing - it’s the core of being and Ruby’s is eloquently expressed throughout her life philosophy and thoughts. Jools said of her “she has this wonderful vibration that when you see her, you know everything’s going to be all right”. Meet Ruby and you’ll get just what he means. Ruby says that it’s a condition of songwriting observing detail and behaviour. She’d love to seriously study what creates the human condition. But this girl is busy… she works. Nearly all the time. Singing and acting, being on stage - it’s what she does in a full time way.
Typical Ruby, she’s a little perplexed about her MBE for services to music, which she went to Buckingham Palace to receive in November. To her - she’s just doing her job. Ruby Turner is no stranger to Buckingham Palace, having performed at The Queen’s Jubilee concert starring alongside some of the biggest world legends in music. It’s fascinating listening to her animatedly recalling that special time when the night ended with a walk across the Palace Gardens with Tom Hanks, Paul McCartney, Peter Kay and Tom Hanks’ daughter, the Royals having gone to bed many hours earlier.
Before injuring her knee, Ruby enjoyed playing badminton in the little spare time she treasured, and still belongs to a local Solihull club, participating socially with quizzes and curry evenings. She can sometimes be seen with her 76 year-old mum, enjoying Touchwood’s shops.
If you meet Ruby out and about in Shirley and Solihull shopping - or see her perform - she’ll touch your life in the best way possible - with tons of soul.
Ruby is currently touring with The Jools Holland Orchestra. And it’s her continuous travelling that cements Ruby’s decision to live in Shirley. She is here in the middle of England which makes connecting to the rest of the UK easier.
Ruby will appear with Jools Holland and his 20-piece rhythm and blues orchestra on Thursday, 15th December at The Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
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A new heart for Knowle’s beloved Village Hall Every village should have a hall community or parish. It’s an essential asset residents benefit from. Knowle’s hall isn’t the prettiest bit of design on the block (well, that is just this writer’s opinion and apologies to Mr Makepeace the original architect) but it’s got great heart. And it’s well-used and busy working hard for its keep. Among the past groups listed in the records are Miss Cranshaw’s Dancing School, Knowle Operatic Society, 1st Knowle Scout Group, Red Lion Angling Club, Knowle Youth Theatre Workshops, Knowle Darby and Joan Club, Knowle Wives, Knowle Ladies, Knowle Church Youth Club... the list continues. Knowle has a few stalwart citizens from its past to thank for this great asset. As is often the case - in a village of more than 2,500 citizens in 1949 when the first association was formed to fundraise for the build, only 200 subscribed and that number fell away over the years until the idea of subscription was scrapped. Eventually built and opened by Mrs Oliver Bird in 1961, it
took decades of to-ing and fro-ing between the village hall’s association, Solihull Urban District council and waiting on grants applied for, to materialise. Extensions have been built and car parking altered but in 2009 a bombshell landed. It would be demolished to make way for a supermarket. A new hall would be built but on a smaller plot of land… somewhere. However, with a remarkable 2,000 people showing up to the public consultation on the vilest of winter evenings, resident’s disapproval was left in no doubt. So now with Knowle Village Hall’s future assured, the need for fund raising continues with essential repairs to the roof and modernisation required. If you are; writing your Will, thinking of wanting to do something for your community, win the lottery, or could hold a fundraising event, giving to the modernisation fund would be doing a terrific thing for your village, helping to keep a treasured, useful and hard working building in its heart. Julia Parsons 7
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Bees Beeautiful Bees Local beekeeper Ian Davidson gives his insight into setting up hives and keeping bees.
I was interested in beekeeping many years ago – but I learned it requires inspecting the bees about once a week during the summer, and my job did not allow me to commit to that. But when I retired I could take the hobby up. An experienced friend advised that it was a good idea for a couple to beekeep together, so my wife became involved too. We began with one hive, a bee-suit each and a ‘beginners kit’ of tools. A ‘budget hive’ costs about £150 in flat-pack form, a bee-suit between £50 and £150, and the basic tools about £50. We joined the Solihull Branch of the Beekeeping Association as this provides education, support and insurance. We were given a swarm of bees and they settled in nicely. That colony produced a huge crop - of swarms – which I attribute to poor beekeeping on my part. That is what the weekly inspections are supposed to prevent! As a result, at the end of the summer, the honey crop was so small it was not worth collecting. After all, when the bees make the honey, they are not thinking of my honey jars at all – it is their food for the winter. But since then, wiser and more experienced, in our best year we harvested 130lbs of honey. Beekeeping though is much more than making honey - you learn about all sorts of other things: the bees’ biology (in particular in relation to swarming), the pests and diseases they are subject to, their life-cycle, and much more. It’s fascinating. Many will have heard about the Asian Hornet – an insect which eats honey bees. Just recently, Asian Hornets have been found in Gloucestershire. Fortunately, the nest has been destroyed, but the fear is that the young queens which would create next year’s colonies have already left the nest. Only time will tell. Other than the expectation of your being an expert on anything with wings and stripes, we thoroughly enjoy every minute of caring for our bees.
To find out more about
beekeeping
contact the Solihull branch of The Beekeeping Association at
warwickshirebeekeepers.org.uk
Christmas Craft Markets
Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec & Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec Free admission
Christmas Food Market Sun 18 Dec
www.macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232 | Cannon Hill Park Birmingham | B12 9QH
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Reg. charity no: 528979. Reg. company no: 718349
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TREECYCL NG
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January 2017 In return for a donation, we’re collecting trees to be recycled from the following postcodes:
B13, B14, B15, B17, B26, B27, B28, B29, B30, B31, B38, B91, B92 Find out more and book your collection today:
www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/treecycling care@christmas.org | 0121 472 1191 | #careatchristmas Registered Charity no. 503 456
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What’s on guide A snapshot of things to do around Knowle & Dorridge in Dec & Jan.
Markets, Fairs & Festivals Solihull Farmers’ Market Freshly grown produce. Where: High Street & Mill Lane When: First Fri every month Info: sol.gov.uk/events Fine and Local Food Fayre Locally sourced food from top quality suppliers. Where: High Street and Mill Lane When: 3rd Sat every month Info: sol.gov.uk/events Bentley Heath Community Market Enjoy tea or coffee and homebaked cake whilst shopping local produce, crafts & plants. Where: Bentley Heath Community Centre When: Every Friday 9.30-11.30 Info: bhcountrymarket.com Christmas Market Handmade gifts from home & abroad, plus Christmas decorations, plants, fine foods & a hog roast also available. Where: High Street and Mill Lane When: 26 Nov - 21 Dec Info: sol.gov.uk/events
Festive fun Meet Santa Santa’s grotto with elves and gifts for good children. Where: Touchwood When: 19 Nov - 24 Dec
Christmas in the park Santa’s grotto with festive trail, entertainment & craft activities Where: Brueton Park When: 4 Dec, 12.00-3.00pm Info/tickets: 0121 704 8000 A Medley of Song Strolling Players annual concert in aid of RNLI Where: Knowle Village Hall When: 10 Dec, 7.30pm Info: 01564 772 071 Christmas Carol Concert In aid of Cancer Research Where: St Alphege Church, Solihull When: 15 Dec, 7.39pm Info: 01675 443 274 Nativity Babies Nature based messy and sensory play. Booking recommended. Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 5, 12, 19 Dec 10.00am12.00noon Info: 0121 704 0768 Festive Fun Crafty Drop-in Make your own Christmas card or tree decoration. Booking recommended. Where: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park When: 7, 14, 21 Dec Info: 0121 704 0768 Sleeping Beauty Traditional family panto, fun from start to finish. Age 5+. Where: The Shirley Centre, 274 Stratford Rd When: 20 & 21 Jan Info: 0121 250 5005
Christmas Market & Santa’s Grotto Craft stalls, festive huts, refreshments, santa letter competition and miniature ponies! Where: Hogarths Hotel, Four Ashes Rd When: 9 - 24 Dec Info: 01564 779988
Charity Lions Festive Walk Walk off your Christmas puds for charity! Entry free, donations voluntary.Aged 2-4 years Where:Finishing at Baddesley Clinton When: 27 Dec, from 9.00am Info: info@knowleanddorridgelions.com
Entertainment The Rat Pack Tribute evening with dinner and dancing Where: Hogarths Hotel, Four Ashes Rd Club, Knowle When: 27 Jan Info: 01564 779 988
Memorial Holocaust Memorial Service Where: Solihull Council Chamber When: 26 Jan Info: http://www.sol.gov.uk/ events
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Set Sail With The REP This Festive Season This Christmas, Birmingham Repertory Theatre is getting ready to set young hearts racing with the thrill of an old-fashioned adventure, as they set sail for the magical Treasure Island from 25 November to 7 January. Last year saw record numbers of theatre-goers flocking to The REP for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, so expectations are high for another festive spectacular at the much-loved city centre theatre. When pirates ransack Grandma Hawkins’ inn, her fearless granddaughter, Jim unearths a treasure map and knows she must follow it to uncover its fortune. Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of adventure and friendship has been given a breathtaking new adaptation by Bryony Lavery, whose version of A Christmas Carol played to packed houses in 2013.
27 JANUARY - 11 FEBRUARY
Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Just for Laughs Theatricals presents
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
So, let your imagination soar and join The REP on a voyage like no other this Christmas, to book visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the box office on 0121 236 4455
10 MARCH - 8 APRIL
31 MARCH - 22 APRIL
ONE LOVE
WINNIE AND WILBUR
Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents
THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL Music and lyrics by Bob Marley Written and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
By Matthieu Delaporte & Alexandre de la Patelliére Adapted by Jeremy Sams
Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents
A new play by Mike Kenny based upon the best-selling picture books created by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul
A riotous comedy featuring Nigel Harman and Sarah Hadland
#OnlyAtTheREP Box Office 0121 236 4455 BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660
Join in the conversation
birminghamrep
@birminghamrep
@therepbirmingham
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Don’t ignore employment law In June this year Sports Direct’s billionaire founder, Mike Ashley, gave evidence to the Business Skills and Innovation Committee following an investigation by the Guardian, that found his company’s warehouse workers were not receiving the national minimum wage.
Mr Ashley admitted a number of breaches of employment law. Sarah Begley, an employment solicitor at The Wilkes Partnership comments; “Sports Direct is facing a multimillion-pound bill in fines and back pay after Mr Ashley admitted his business had broken the law”. This is currently the subject of an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs. Mr Ashley appeared in front of MPs to answer questions surrounding his company’s treatment of his workers. Among the revelations he admitted that the business had become a “victim of its own success” and acknowledged it was “unacceptable” for workers to be docked 15 minutes pay for being 1 minute late for work. Ashley’s admissions surrounding failure to pay the national minimum wage could result in hefty fines. In addition to paying arrears to the workers themselves, businesses found to be in breach of the legislation could face up to 200% of those arrears in fines. HMRC’s investigators will be looking at all areas of the business and this could result in the highest national minimum wage fine since the legislation was first introduced. Sports Direct also required staff to go through compulsory searches at the end of each shift, for which they were not paid. Both measures contributed to an effective hourly rate of pay of £6.50, 20p less than it should have been. Sarah says “Irrespective of Mr Ashley’s admissions with regard to difficulties in controlling the company, it does not excuse breaches in employment law legislation and no organisation is above the law or can opt out of
Sports Direct is facing a multimillion pound bill for breaking employment law
Sarah Begley it. It is precisely this type of legislation that serves to protect some of our most vulnerable workers”. Whilst this example is extreme there are many pitfalls to avoid and it is critical that all employers safeguard the future of their businesses as well as ensure that they are responsible employers by keeping informed and updated with current employment legislation. For advice on any employment related matter and to discuss our Free Employment Health Check for your business please contact Sarah Begley on 0121 733 4312 or sbegley@wilkes.co.uk
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Dr Louise Newson FRCGP
on Vertigo
Vertigo (a type of dizziness) is a common symptom which can really affect people. The length of an episode will vary but some can suffer on and off for years. Besides the unpleasant giddiness, it may also be accompanied by nausea and lightheadedness.
Your inner ear helps the brain to balance your body as it contains three semicircular canals, lined with very fine hairs (called cilia and filled with fluid called endolymph) with nerves connected to a part of your brain governing directional balance. Any slight movement disturbs the fluid which pushes the cilia back and forth to create a motion sensor telling your brain the head’s position. When these fine hairs or the semicircular canals are damaged then your brain cannot sense the position of your head causing the sensation of dizziness and nausea. There are various causes for vertigo. One of the commonest that I see in general practice is an infection of the inner ear called viral labyrinthitis - usually self-limiting so improves with time. Some drugs and medicines can also lead to vertigo occurring, including types of chemotherapy used to treat specific cancers. Other causes of vertigo symptoms include migraine, alcohol consumption and conditions
such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Ménière’s Disease. BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and float into the semicircular canals. They interfere with the fluid movement mentioned above, causing your inner ear to send false signals to your brain. In many cases the condition gets better on its own after several weeks. A simple treatment of moving your head into various positions (Epley manoeuvre), just takes a few minutes. It can often cure the condition. Ménière’s Disease usually causes vertigo with tinnitus and some temporary hearing loss. Depending on the underlying cause there are different treatments for vertigo - medication, lifestyle advice and even surgery. Speak to your GP or an ENT specialist for further advice. Dr. Louise Newson Dr. Louise R Newson is a part-time GP in Solihull and has written medical books. She is an editor of and writer for many medical publications and is often asked to speak on radio and TV regarding her speciality of Menopause & HRT. She has been awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of GPs.
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Edgbaston Stadium
The times they are a changin’ for our Warwickshire cricket team Andy Peebles broadcaster and journalist takes a look back at this year’s cricket season and a look forward to next year’s.
There will be a change at the helm for Warwickshire next season as Dougie Brown departs. What did he do wrong? Maybe that glorious season of 1994 hung like a spectre over him with memories of being a matter of minutes away from winning the grand slam! The hot gossip is around the return of Ashley Giles, a man who may be tiring of life in a Manchester flat and of managing a painfully inconsistent Lancashire team, who only just survived relegation. With a home in the Midlands, contract negotiations will be key for Ashley Giles, but no one is closer to Edgbaston in spirit. I should have sought the views of Jonathan Trott when we met at Euston Station in September. It was a remarkable encounter involving the tie I was wearing. As I walked towards him, having never met previously, he looked up and said; “Did you go to Bishop’s Stortford College?” It transpired that as a South African
schoolboy he had played against my old school and never forgotten the school colours which he said he always liked. On a recent visit to Birmingham’s MAC and without a taxi in sight, I hopped on the number 45 bus back to the station and was able to get a good view of the redesigned Edgbaston ground. What a remarkable piece of architecture! A recent Nobel Prize winner once wrote; “The Times They Are A Changin,” and Bob Dylan’s link with Warwickshire is forever, thanks to Robert George Dylan Willis, one of his greatest fans… Andy Peebles is a well-known broadcaster, journalist, author, interviewer and former BBC Cricket commentator and has been inducted into the Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame
andypeebles.co.uk
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A party with ‘WOW’ factor If you’re going to take the time, effort and money to throw a party you want it to be something truly special, run smoothly and impress your guests by giving them a fantastic memorable experience.
Sundown events is an innovative young DJ and lighting hire company that has already achieved a repuatition for quality. The company’s main focus is on providing talented and dedicated DJs with a strong background in the entertainment industry coupled with state-ofthe-art equipment. This includes impressive lighting displays, seven foot tall gorgeous LED trees and the powerfully athmospheric dry ice machine, and much more, so you can rest assured that your guests will be wowed. Swan Publishing’s Managing Director Amy Watson said ‘We chose this outstanding local company to provide lights, music and funk to our corporate party last month, their upfront affordable prices and willingness to be flexible on logistical decisions gave us peace of mind from the very start’. Sundown events handled all requests prior to the event and kept in communication to assure the Swan team’s frantic party-planning minds were at ease.
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one of Su
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An initially barren room was transformed in a matter of minutes by beautiful pink LED trees, a customized projection saying ‘Happy 10th Anniversary Swan Publishing!’, stunning lit up speakers, and some added twinkle from the modern equivalent of a disco ball. At request, they even brought along some fairy lights to jazz up some of the other decor in the room. Jerome Prosser (Sundown’s director) DJ’d the event and made sure that there were tested microphones for the speeches, he calmly juggled playing the music requests, powerpoint and corporate video throughout the night. Amy was thrilled with the look, feel and professionalism that Sundown Events provided, ‘Everything going right stopped me from being nervous, it all fell into place quite effortlessly in the end and I have Sundown to thank for that.’
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Mouthwatering food at Waters Restaurant In the words of the hit Jamie Lawson song “Wasn’t Expecting That” - my visit to Chef Andy Waters’ restaurant took me by surprise. I loved it.
The Restaurant is ideally located inside the Resorts World complex set between the iMax cinema and Casino. Resorts World is shiny and new, but all the hard edges disappear once inside Andy Waters’ gentle, classily decorated restaurant … which envelops you into its calm and relaxing environment. There are several types of menu options e.g. if you have a show to attend at The Genting Arena - a few minutes walk away, the Menu Rapide is perfect at £14.95 or three courses for £18.95. A no-brainer to enhance a concert going evening with a meal at Andy’s restaurant first. Staff and head chefs work together as a close team. There is pride in every dish served. If a customer gives a little notice with a specific request, the chefs will go out of their way to please. The dinner menu is changed regularly and delights regardless of what you order. From the first taste of the amuse bouche - I was singing that song again - wasn’t expecting that! Simply gorgeous and taste bud sensational.
I chose a wild mushroom & truffle risotto with parmesan tuiles as my starter. It looked wow! and tasted even better. The creamy, nutty texture was perfection. Followed by Moroccan spiced lamb with cous cous enhanced with harissa and a confit of vegetables. The lamb was tender and delicately flavoured. Faultless. Desserts? Nah. I couldn’t possibly - but I did. More artistic wows. An adventure of taste to end a meal of perfection. Awarded a Michelin star for his first restaurant Edmunds in Henley-in-Arden, Andy Waters’ background covers some of the best kitchens in the UK and Europe including Simpsons in Kenilworth, Chewton Glen in Hampshire, plus 18 months working with master chef Paul Bocuse in Lyon. Go. You’ll love it, too, Julia Parsons. Contact Waters Restaurant on 0121 273 1238 and www.watersrestaurant.co.uk
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Johnstan Butchers Christmas Order Form 5% Discount with this form!!! Turkey (FRESH) Barn, Free Range, Organic or Dry Frozen (All English)
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Goose or Duck
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Chicken or Capon
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Pork or Beef or Lamb Joint
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Bacon Joint or Gammon Joint
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Sausage or Sausage Meat (21 varieties)
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Chipolata Sausage or Pigs in Blankets
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Local Venison - all cuts
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advertorial
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the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you
how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Corbyn Wells and he services Solihull and the surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Corbyn a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
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PRIZE:
This is your chance to win a
flight simulation experience!
60 minute
midweek flight simulation experience at Coventry Airport
Answer this question by 16 Dec for the chance to win: What was the registration of the Airbus A320 aircraft which became one of our simulators?
For competition answer visit flyfsm.co.uk to enter the competition visit swanpublishing.org/competitions
The best gift you WIN A FAMILY THE EVER bought TICKET! SNOWMAN The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of
™
Q. Flight Simulators Midlands A. • 3 different aircraft to choose from. • Fly a REAL jet simulator at Coventry Airport.
11 – 15
As seen on TV’s Posh Pawn JANUARY
What is The Snowman’s buttons made of?
a) Stone b) Coal c) Brick To enter, please fill in the competition form at www.swanpublishing.org Deadline for entries is 4 January 2017. Family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children.
STORIES #OnlyAtTheREP THRILLING & BOLD ADVENTURES
www.flyfsm.co.uk Tel:0121 08454 747 737 BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK Box Office 236 4455 £25 Discount voucher using code “SWANS” birminghamrep Join in the conversation
Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660
Would make an ideal Christmas gift!
Snowman Comp Ad 135x95mm - PF1.indd 1
24
@birminghamrep
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07/11/2016 12:04
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Human of Solihull ST Vaughan ST Vaughan is a prolific letter writer and a familiar name to those who read the Letters Page in local and national newspapers including all the Solihull press. Here he tells us what motivates him….
“Why do I write letters? “Let me introduce myself. I’m Syd Vaughan, born in 1943 in Greet. It was at Forman’s Road Secondary I first became aware of how politics matter. My school shared land with a factory and industrial grime was everywhere. My friends had relatives who worked there, some having died from cancers associated with lead. “Leaving school, I was employed as assistant manager for the Rank organisation based at West End Cinema but attended live shows at all the Odeon Cinemas. I had coffee with Brenda Lee, an argument with John Lennon, laughed with Helen Shapiro and kept a wary eye on a volatile Shirley Bassy.
“I write letters because if our opinions are not publicly made known, people in power won’t see another side of their actions.”
“Following an ambition, I joined the Merchant Navy and travelled the world, observing how politics shaped nations, architecture changed moods and the importance of arts in a civilised society. I left the navy and went to London. Things were hard… I slept rough, discovering another benefit to a newspaper as insulation against the cold.
“I write letters because if our opinions are not publicly made known, people in power won’t see another side of their actions. I feel rights are eroded daily, technology is changing language and our political landscape, so the letter pages of the press are one of the few remaining outlets left for people to challenge the establishment, the powerful and corrupt which might not change their actions, but if enough people feel strongly enough to react, then perhaps my letter could make a difference.
“Returning to Birmingham, I worked at Longbridge, attended branch meetings and influenced by Red Robbo became an active trade unionist. I was hooked on the principle of the trade union movement.
“What we do need is the younger generation to pick up the pen and hold our leaders to account, because there is one thing that never changes - with knowledge comes responsibility… that is why I write my letters.” 25
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Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Where to eat
A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull
The Agrabad Balti Restaurant 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW Tel: 0121 743 7883
Hillfield Farm Pub Pub Food 2 Cranbrook Way, Shirley, B90 4GT Tel: 0121 733 8810
The Forest Restaurant Hotel Restaurant 25 Station approach Dorridge, B93 8JA Tel: 01564 772120
Aroma Indian 100a Widney Rd Solihull, B93 9BN Tel: 01564 777 613
Hogarths Restaurant Hotel Restaurant Four Ashes Rd Dorridge, B93 8QE Tel: 01564 779988
The Punchbowl Pub Food Mill Lanwe Lapworth, B94 6HR Tel: 01564 784 564
The Beech House Steakhouse 727 Warwick Road Solihull, B91 3DA Tel: 0121 272 7730
The Malt Shovel Gastro Pub Barston Lane Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 01675 443 223
The Red House Pub Food & Carvery Hermitage Rd Solihull, B91 2LP Tel: 0121 711 8856
The Farm Inn Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull, B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273
Met Bar & Kitchen Modern European 680-684 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 0121 659 8062
Waters Restaurant Fine Dining Floor 1, Resorts World B40 1PU Tel: 0121 273 1238
Fukuoka Japanese 373 Stratford Road Shirley, B90 3BW Tel: 0121 439 6262
Orange Tree Gastro Pub Warwick Rd Solihull, B93 0BN Tel: 01564 785364
The White Lion French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442833
Happy Heart Cafe Organic 26 Richmond Road, Olton, B92 7RP Tel: 0121 706 8674
Pavarotti Italian 2 Hobs Moat Rd Solihull, B92 8JN Tel: 0121 743 3222
Little Italy Italian 156-158 Stratford Rd Solihull, B90 3BD 0121 293 1987
Please mention My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge when responding to adverts
27
OAP + DISABLED
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w w w . A l l A s p e c t s U K . c o . u k
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Clubs & Societies Clubs & Societies
Our community is rich and diverse and there is something for everyone, whatever your interests may be. Blythe Barracudas swimming club Lessons & competitions www.blythebarracudas.com Dorridge Flower Club 01926 484 598 www.southmidlandsnafas.org.uk/dorridge Knowle Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Cafe Tel. 07827 940 844 www.solihullcarers.org Knowle Art Group www.freewebs.com/knowleartgroup Knowle Astronomical Society www.knowleastro.org.uk Knowle Bridge Club 01564 776 498 / 205 363 www. bridgewebs.com/knowle Knowle Camera Club www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk Knowle & Dorridge Ladies Circle www.ladiescircle.co.uk/knowle kanddladiescircle@hotmail.com
KPC’s The Marriage Course: relationshipcentral@kpc.org.uk Knowle Probus Club 01527 529 363 www.knowleprobus.org.uk Knowle and Dorridge Racquets Club www.knowleanddorridgeracqets.co.uk Knowle Ramblers Group www.knowleramblers.tripod.com Knowle Scottish Country Dance Club 01564 779 853 Solihull Speakers Club www.solihullspeakers.co.uk Knowle Women’s Institute 01564 770 485 mbpbknowle@talktalk.net West Midland Bird Club 0121 705 8507 solihull@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk Ye Olde Knowle Bowling Club www.ykbc.co.uk
Knowle & Dorridge Lions 08458 335 894 www.knowleanddorridgelions.com
Solihull Symphony Orchestra www.solihullsymphony.org.uk
Knowle Flower Club 01564 775 899
Solihull & Shirley Bridge Bereavement Support Group 0121 733 1038 enquiries@thebridgeshirley.com
Knowle Local History Society www.knowlehistory.org.uk knowlehistory@yahoo.co.uk Knowle Male Voice Choir www.knowlemalevoicechoir.org.uk kmvc14@gmail.com
Solihull Embroiderers Solihullembroiderersguild.blogspot.co.uk Solihull Down syndrome Support Group lizwilliams193@hotmail.co.uk
Knowle Musical Society www.knowlemusicalsociety.co.uk
If you know of a club or group that is not listed here but should be, please get in touch to let us know: Knowle Parish Council juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org www.kpc.org.uk Please mention My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge when responding to adverts
29 29
Local Business Directory
Support your local community = support your local economy + watch our neighbourhood thrive! Arts Centre Mac Birmingham
10
Butchers Johnstans Butchers
22
Care Services Information Adam Life 3 Charity Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice 10 Lions Festive Walk 16 Cleaning & Ironing Priory Cleaning
14
Clubs & Societies
29
Competition Page
24
Conservatories Harborne Sash Windows 32 Entertainment Flight Simulators Midlands 8 Estate Agents Hunters Estates
2
Fireplace Showroom MD Services
26
Gardening Services Betel UK 6 Central Driveways 12 Home Care Stirling Home Care
16
Painting & Decorating Krean Property Maintenance 12
Plumbing Cullen Plumbing & Tiling 18 DAF Plumbing & Heating 6 Property Maintenance All Aspects Property Maintenance 28 Krean property maintenance 12 Restaurant Guide
27
Restaurants Sweet Chillies Waters Solihull
26 21
Sculptor Spiral Bronze
8
Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership
15
Schools Edgbaston High School 12 King Edward VI Camp Hill 6
Theatre mac Birmingham 10 The REP 13 Tiling Cullen Plumbing & Tiling 18 Tutors Tutor Listing
16
Windows & Doors Harborne Sash Windows 32 Cloudy2Clear 23 Working From Home Opportunities for you
8
Disclaimer - All advertisements delivered by My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge are published in good faith. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of such advertisements, nor is any kind of warrenty or endorsment expressed or implied by such publication. We specifically disclaim all and any liability to advertisers, readers and users of any kind, for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause and whether on the part of My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge our agents or any other person.
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To be in My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge and sister magazines My Solihull Central, My Moseley & Kings Heath and My Harborne & Edgbaston hand delivered to 40,000 homes
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6 Months (3 issues) COST PER ISSUE
12 Months (6 issues) COST PER ISSUE
Eighth
Full
£72 £94 £128 £166 £204 £314
£68 £90 £120 £156 £192 £296
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135 x 62mm
Full
£128 £166 £204 £260 £314 £500
Restaurant / Tutor / Health Listing
£50
£44
65 x 62mm
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12 Months (6 issues) COST PER ISSUE
Eighth
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£188 £250 £312 £404 £488 £768
Restaurant / Tutor / Health Listing
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£72
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Eighth
Full
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Sixth Quarter Banner Half
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Technical Specification
FULL
HALF
135 x 195mm
135 x 95mm
BANNER
QUARTER
SIXTH
65 x 95mm
EIGHTH
65 x 45mm
Premium Pages: Inside cover, Back cover, Page 3, Page 5, Centre Page. All available as full page only with a surcharge of 30%. These get booked well in advance. Please contact our team for availability. All prices are subject to VAT at the current rate. One issue covers a two month period. Payment can be made monthly by standing order.
ign t des r e v Ad £30 l a rtori 0 Adveation £5 ar prep
The Harborne Sash Window Company would like to thank all of our valued customers for their continued support over the past 10 years and wish both them and customers yet to come a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Call us on 0121 427 8800 Or visit our website harbornesash.com 32
Visit our Harborne showroom: Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4pm & Sat 10am-4pm
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org