MY
October / November 2016
SOLIHULL,
CENTRAL
Your award winning local community magazine
Made in Solihull!
Honouring two WWII RAF pilots
Peter Kay’s
BBC1 Car Share persona
Pokemon Go Tresspass
A new phenomenon
PLUS
Local business directory inside!
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Editor’s Welcome
MY
Welcome to Autumn - Diwali, Halloween, Guy Fawkes Night and Remembrance Sunday. . There’s lots to celebrate, to have fun with but also to dwell thoughtfully upon with November 11th’s sombre day of remembrance. Meeting two genuine Solihull airmen - heroes - has been a remarkable experience and I am honoured to share their story with you. We have some wonderfully talented people growing up in our borough. I was thrilled to track down Tim Reid, Car Share’s accoladed scriptwriter for our magazine’s cover story. Enjoy your read about our wonderful neighbours.
CENTRAL
October / November 2016
In this issue 5
BBC1’s Tim Reid - Car Share TV triumph
7
Hauntings? In Solihull?
9
Restoring Solihull’s war memorial
10 An outstanding and excellent school 11 An excerpt from deputy Mayor’s speech 12 Celebrating Bham & Solihull’s finest 15 Luxury train experience
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16 Dr Louise: The lowdown on HRT 18 Dramatic nights and theatrical frights 19 Upcycling ideas for your home 27 Pokemon Go trespassers 28 Honouring two WW2 RAF Airmen 29 Singing for joy
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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!
SOLIHULL,
Regulars
13 21 23 25 26 30 31
What’s on Tutor listing Where to eat Competition page Clubs & Societies Business directory Advertising rates
29 Printed by Newman Thomson: 01444 480 700
Tim Reid, successful screenwriter and Silhillian But … what does he have in common with Peter Kay?
Tim Reid grew up in Knowle and from 1980 - 1985 went to Solihull School. Like many youngsters, he hadn’t a clue what he wanted to do when he grew up. Tim went on to Manchester University to study marketing and on his second day there, met the girl he was to marry. Once graduated they decided to remain living in Manchester. Tim found employment with an advertising agency, working his way through pretty much every department, learning the ropes. He was naturally creative - an ideas man and eventually found comedy was his style. Tim says even when he attended Dorridge Junior School, he enjoyed making people laugh. He began to write with Mancunian Paul Coleman who shared his love of comedy and writing. Paul had been at school with Peter Kay. In 2010 having set themselves the challenge of writing a sitcom, they agreed their key points were that it needed to be cheap to produce and small scale. Eventually they came up with the concept - car sharing. And John and
Kayleigh were created. Kayleigh, affectionately based on a work colleague of the two writers was dead smart, bubbly and vivacious. As a conflicting character - John really just wanted to listen to music. “It’s been said that women speak 30,000 words a day and men, in comparison, just 10,000. By evening, men can become monosyllabic. Perfect comedy material,” Tim says. “Comedy is best when it’s reflecting real life - people will laugh at things they know to be true and when it is reflected back in a new way”. Car Share went on to win many TV Awards for all involved. It was wonderfully successful. Tim has recently won another prestigious award from the British Screenwriters Guild for Best Comedy Writer for Car Share. Tim’s dad owned Polly’s Cards & Gift shop in Solihull High Street. “They sold Snoopy dog toys”, Tim recalls. The Golden Lion was his main hang-out when he should have been attending Sixth Form (now The Beech House Restaurant). “But I got my act together studying, just in time”, he says.
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wich Mano
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Hauntings? In Solihull? (just in time for Halloween…!)
Castle Bromwich Manor
The manor dates back to the 1270s. It is now open as a museum and wedding venue. Paranormal investigations have been run throughout the 2000s and the manor is regarded as an extremely haunted building. Visitors have seen floating balls of light and heard heavy footsteps and slamming doors. Spirits said to have been spotted in the building include a bearded man who longingly looks out windows, a grey-haired woman, a young girl who stands at the top of the stairs and a cloaked figure who glides down the staircase. This timber framed building has appeared on television programmes ‘Most Haunted’ and ‘Great British Ghosts’.
Baddesley Clinton
One of the stories associated with the house is that of Nicholas Brome. In 1438, his father, John Brome, the King’s Under Treasurer, bought Baddesley Clinton. In the War of the Roses, he supported the losing side and made an enemy of the Earl of Warwick. When Nicholas’ father John was murdered, in a pique of revenge he killed the Earl of Warwick’s steward but bought his pardon. Nicolas also killed a priest who he
believed was having an affair with his wife. Its said that the library is still stained by the priest’s blood. When Nicholas died in 1517 he was buried standing up in the entrance to St.Michael’s church so that people would walk over his grave for all eternity - a penance for his earthly misdemeanours. He’s still there today.
The Hermitage & Old Ambulance Station (now a Mosque)
It is said that in the 1970’s and afterwards, a spectre was often seen late at night, of a WW1 soldier in full uniform. The present building stands on land that would have been part of the grounds of The Hermitage built in Victorian days and used as a Sanitorium during the first world war. The soldier is believed to have been an inmate there. It later became a children’s home before being converted into sheltered housing for the elderly.
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Solihull’s unique & precious war memorial As time moves to November 11th Remembrance Sunday, a place of dedication to those who died fighting for our freedom, has a story to tell. Many have driven past our War Memorial precariously placed outside St Alphege Church on the bend of a busy highway. But who has really looked at it? It’s worth stopping for a few minutes - to take in the detail. And silently thank Alex Mackie, whose dedication and perseverance to his cause of restoring the memorial, paid off for all our benefit.
Alex says.… “It wasn’t easy finding someone skilled to take on the job but following recommendations, I eventually met Michael, a German sculptor. We carefully studied the memorial’s four themed depictions, beautifully designed in 1921 … one of hope for the future and for all Silhilllians.
tion before and after restora
Alex, a retired Glaswegian engineer and Rotarian, moved to Solihull over 40 years ago. One day in passing, he saw how badly the war memorial’s four depictions had eroded. He contacted 3 organisations for assistance. Only SMBC responded, passing him to the Highways department. Yes. Highways. Because of the memorial’s location. And fortunately, they agreed to fund the necessary work. But could Alex find the stonemason capable of doing the job?
On each side is a sculpted image. Starting with the soldier - this is the only sad relief of mourning on the memorial. He has reverse rifles and appears crestfallen at the death of an unseen comrade (not shown). In the next is a nurse standing by an empty bed, saying goodbye to a soldier who has survived. And then a pilot, standing in front of his plane gazing upwards (the future) and the fourth is a sailor, the most abstract relief of the four, standing guard over his ship with the air intake, guaranteeing not only life within the ship, but also within Great Britain. I think the bollard depicts a country steadfast and sure in the years to come. The pictures are reassuring that our armed and health services will protect and care for us.” Let us know if you interpret the sculptures in a different way.
‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ Pupils at Edgbaston High School’s Preparatory department are benefitting from a recently completed building development, designed to improve and extend facilities at its Westbourne Road site.
Earlier this year EHS was delighted to announce the awarding of ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ accreditations from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, endorsing its reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the region. Demand for places is high, with numbers increasing every year. Pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum, academic results are outstanding and an extensive variety extracurricular interests are encouraged.
Making an investment of £1.6 million, the year long project has resulted in an extended library, new art studio, medical centre and a large welcoming entrance reception area.
Pupils wishing to apply for Senior School entry in September 2017 are invited to sit the Year 7 Entrance Examination on Saturday 15 October 2016.
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Deputy Mayor, Cllr Glenis Slater, handing over her mayoral parting gift to the Council, a defibrillator, to the current Mayor, Cllr Mike Robinson
Deputy Mayor Cllr Glenis Slater
An excerpt from Mayor’s Speech to annual meeting Many Silhillian’s may not realise how busy our Mayor is and the wonderful people back stage who make it all happen. MY Solihull has been fortunate to be allowed to reproduce a part of the now Deputy Mayor’s parting speech to the formal Annual Council meeting held in May.
“About 15 months ago, when I made my mind up to go ahead with being Mayor of Solihull I had no idea of what it would entail. I thought there’d be 5 or 6 events each week . I remember remarking to friends that maybe I could pop into the gym between appointments and I’d still be attending my Monday morning writer’s group… Who was I kidding? In truth it has been one of the busiest years of my life. Fortunately, I didn’t join the gym and as for my Monday morning group, I think I only managed 2 sessions during my year of office. I was still a Councillor with Ward matters to attend to and case work to keep up with. I’d often work late
into the night sending out emails to residents and council officers. “Neither did I realise that being Mayor is one of the most diverse jobs one can take on. Shortly after I became Mayor the Duke of Kent came to Solihull. I accompanied him on tours of Solihull college’s Woodlands campus which the Duke officially opened. This was followed by a tour of the unfinished New Resorts’ World and at lunch I was placed next to him. Eating peas and speaking at the same time - not easy. Once all the official business was completed and the Duke had left, the mayoral car drove me home and 10 minutes later, with the sun shining, I was hanging the washing out and my husband was cutting the lawn. “There is a very serious side to being Mayor of Solihull. I have met people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Many have done a great deal for our town or by contributing their time and talents voluntarily for the good of others. So many people are quietly helping others. I have seen my theme for the year ‘let your light shine’ in action almost every day.” 11
Celebrating Birmingham’s Finest Congratulations to The Farm for winning the coveted Bar of the Year award and Dorridge Music School’s Leigh Perry who was named Businesswoman of the Year.
Continued from the success of the inaugural awards, Birmingham Awards has done it again. Sponsored by Birmingham City University, the second of Birmingham’s prestigious awards was held on Saturday 10th September at the Vox Conference Arena. Steven Knight, writer and producer of hit show Peaky Blinders, was crowned Brummie of the Year for his passion and commitment to Birmingham, along with Midlands Today’s Nick Owen who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. £600 was raised for charity partner LoveBrum, with the vote on the night going to Baby Ava’s Support Foundation to receive the money raised. Birmingham Awards extends a huge thank you to sponsors, South and City College, Pathway, Vision Print, High Line Bar, Birmingham Updates as well as the judges, ambassadors and photographers.
And the winners are: Restaurant of the Year – El Borracho de Oro Bar/Pub of the Year – The Farm (Solihull) National Retailer of the Year – John Lewis 12
Independent Retailer of the Year – Isaac Charles Bridal House Arts & Culture Award – Ikon Gallery Business of the Year – Trowers & Hamlins Businesswoman of the Year – Jackie Cummins (J21 Coaching) & Leigh Perry (Dorridge Music School) Community Initiative / Charity / Volunteer of the Year – Mosaic (West Midlands) Sporting Initiative of the Year – Aspire Sports Excellence in Media Award – Sameena AliKhan Young Achiever of the Year – Neelam Heera Small Business of the Year – JE Consulting LTD Venue of the Year – The REP Social Enterprise of the Year – The School for Social Entrepreneurs Blogger of the Year – Brum Hour Contribution to Education Award – Dr. Melanie Brown Excellence in Technology Award – LHM Media Brummie of the Year – Steven Knight Lifetime Achievement Award – Nick Owen For more info about the Birmingham Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards visit thebfdhawards.co.uk or contact on 0121 382 8362
What’s on guide
A snapshot of things to do around Solihull in October & November.
Markets, Fairs & Festivals Solihull Farmers’ Market Local produce straight from the farm. 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 Craft Fayre Handmade gifts from home & abroad, plus Christmas decorations, plants, fine foods & a hog roast also available. Where: High Street and Mill Lane When: 5 & 12 Nov Info: sol.gov.uk/events Stamp & Postcard Fair Event run by Solihull Philatelic Society. Free valuations. Midland Philatelic Federation Competition. Where: Arden Academy When: 29 Oct, 10.00-4.40 Info: 01564 776 879 Table Top Sale Where: Arden Academy When: 16 Oct, 10.30 - 12.30 Info: 01564 732 610
Nature RSPB Meetings Where: Oliver Bird Hall, Church Hill Rd When: 2nd Tue every month Info: 012 707 3101
Theatre Rough Justice Courtroom drama by Terence Tisby performed by Revels Drama Group Where: Knowle Village Hall When: 13-15 Oct Info: 01564 779 801
For the kids
Prickly Friends Children’s workshop on hedgehogs Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 24 Oct Info: 0121 704 0768 Halloween Horrors Fun Uncover some haunting Halloween beasties and play some spooky games! Ages 4+ Where: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park When: 25 Oct Info: 0121 704 0768
Monster Mini Beasts for Tots Dress up ghoulishly for the monster mini beast hunt and play some ghastly games! Aged 2-4 years Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 27 Oct Info: 0121 704 0768
Music
60s & 70s Night An evening of live music featuring Prime Numbers Band in aid of Cancer Research UK fisn n chip supper included. Where: Royal British Legion Club, Knowle When: 8 Oct Info: 01564 779 281 Sing-a-long-a-Grease Where: Core Theatre, Solihull Arts Complex When: 21 Oct, 7.30pm Info: 0121 704 6962 Si Cranstoun is The King of Vintage Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll Where: Core Theatre, Solihull Arts Complex When: 22 Oct Info: 0121 704 6962
Events
Wicked Workshop & Terror Trail Spooky terror trail, fancy dress competition with prizes for the most horrifyingly dressed boy and girl! Where: Meeting at Car Park on Tanhouse Farm Road When: 26 Oct
Solihull Round Table Fireworks Display Family friendly event, raising money for local charities. Where: Tudor Grange Park When: 5 Nov Info: roundtablefireworks. co.uk
Haunting Halloween Frightening fancy dress competition, spooky stories. Where: Brueton Park, meeting in the car park When: 29 Oct Info: 0121 704 8000
Arden PTFA Family Fireworks Music, food & drinks, novelty stalls - plus fireworks of course! Where: Arden Academy When: 5 Nov, 5pm Info: arden.solihull.sch.uk
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Looking for the perfect gift? …. Let CARRICK take care of it. How about treating your loved one to an unforgettable fine dining luxury train experience, aboard the famous Belmond Northern Belle? There are many short trips to choose from however we think that a sumptuous five course lunch on Friday 24th March to celebrate Mother’s Day is just the ticket! A round trip train journey to / from Birmingham International station is £245 per person, including lunch, wine, coffee and a few hours of pure indulgence.
So why not pop into our Solihull branch soon – Lisa, Sam and Steve would love to help you plan your next trip. Carrick Travel, 377 Warwick Road, Dovehouse Parade, Solihull, B91 1BQ Tel: 0121704 3370 Email: Solihull@carricktravel.com
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Dr. Louise Solihull’s Doctor Louise Newson is an authority on HRT and Menopause issues. In the last week of August, if you were listening to the national TV or radio news broadcasts, you’d have heard her speaking as an expert when HRT once again, hit the headlines. She has previously been interviewed on health matters on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and BBC 5 Live. In addition, Dr. Louise has been involved with the TV series “Born Naughty” looking into children’s behaviour. The most common issue is the concern that taking some types of HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. Dr Louise asks her patients, “Do you drink alcohol? Do you smoke? Are you seriously overweight? Because all those carry a far higher risk of cancer, than taking HRT…” Reduced oestrogen encourages osteoporosis - loss of bone density. Taking HRT balances hormones, keeping bones stronger. Dr Louise has specialised in a subject she feels passionate about and says that the pros far outweigh the cons. 16
If you suffer with: • hot flushes and/or night sweats • abnormal mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability • tiredness, poor sleep • lack of libido and vaginal dryness, itching or soreness • hair and skin changes • poor concentration and memory Consider going to Dr. Louise’s Menopause Clinic or to your GP for tests and advice. www.menopausedoctor.co.uk email: info@menopausedoctor.co.uk
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Dramatic nights &
theatrical frights
Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s autumn season is crackling with a variety of new plays and iconic classics. One play that encompasses both qualities is the live stage version of the cult masterpiece The Exorcist, which makes its UK debut just in time for Halloween.
This stage adaptation from the original novel by William Peter Blatty, that led to the legendary film which shocked a whole generation, is written by John Pielmeier and unleashed for the very first time in a uniquely theatrical experience from 21 October - 5 November 2016, at The REP. The REP certainly seems to be daring its audiences to try something scary over Halloween, as running simultaneously with The Exorcist is the unnerving immersive experience, Séance. From 18-29 October, a small number of brave souls enter a pitch black shipping container outside
21 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER Bill Kenwright, in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, presents
The REP, and over the course of 15 terrifying minutes attempt to contact the spirit world. The Exorcist and Séance are recommended for ages 18 plus! Book for both productions now . . . if you dare! . . . and receive £5 off each ticket. Birmingham-rep.co.uk Box office: 0121 236 4455
27 OCTOBER – 12 NOVEMBER
Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents
WHAT THE EXORCIST SHADOWS A play by John Pielmeier. Based on the By Chris Hannan novel by William Peter Blatty
Featuring Ian McDiarmid (the Star Wars saga) as Enoch Powell
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25 NOVEMBER - 7 JANUARY
Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents
TREASURE ISLAND
By Bryony Lavery. Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
THRILLING STORIES & BOLD ADVENTURES
Box Office 0121 236 4455 BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660
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Join in the conversation
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REP Season Ad Sep 2016 135x95.indd 1
06/09/2016 16:42
Chalk board
Upcycle ideas: Home
1.
2. Painters tape transformation
A great tired old furniture face lift comes in the form of painter’s tape. You lay down the tape carefully and the hard work is done, pick out some great colours and go for a bold geometric pattern like this, or perhaps something much simpler with block colours, whatever you choose it’s sure to be gorgeous.
If you have nice but tatty frames laying around, you can repurpose them as stunning chalk boards with sticky-back chalkboard sheet, or using blackboard paint on the piece of wood that slots into the frame (remove any glass). Painting the frames will help strengthen them and completes your creative signature.
4.
3. Hogwarts’ style Halloween
Coffee table
Repurposing a metal basket as a modern little coffee table couldn’t be easier. First paint the basket, chic black or electric orange, whatever you feel will make the right kind of statement in your home. Ideally the table top needs to be round so see a carpenter to get your wood into shape, and then either rest it on top or fix it in place using wood glue. Voila!
Halloween is an opportunity to enchant as well as to scare. This creative project reflects the much loved world of Harry Potter and brings it to life in your home. Using the papier mache technique cover toilet rolls and place a mini LED light in the top, paint them white and you have the candles. Now for the magic. Secure fishing wire to the candles and hang them from the ceiling, and they appear to float in the air!
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Glitter Ball Saturday 19th November National Conference Centre Solihull B92 0EJ
Are you seeking accommodation in a caring environment but still wish to retain your independence? Are you considering sheltered housing? At YEW TREES we can offer: • Purpose built single person flatlets with shared communal facilities and gardens. • An independent lifestyle • Warden services • A secure environment • Meals available to order • A variety of activities PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS: 0121 705 9293 OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.raynerhouseandyewtrees.co.uk Rayner House and Yew Trees Ltd, 3-5 Damson Parkway, Solihull, B91 2PP.
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An exciting evening comprising drinks reception, 3 course meal, disco, entertainment plus charity auction Dress code: Black Tie Arrival: from 6.30pm Carriages: Midnight Early bird ticket offer £60 per person available until 16th September. Standard price £70 Sponsorship and exclusive VIP Packages Available Book now at www.glitterball.auction-bid.org Sponsored by
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Where to eat
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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 Solihull 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
Zizi Italian 10 Poplar Rd Solihull, B91 3AB 0121 704 5030
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Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company presents
TREASURE ISLAND
A thrilling, swashbuckling voyage, filled with excitement and adventure
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Who wrote Treasure Island?
a) Robert Louis Stevenson b) Michael Morpurgo c) Rudyard Kipling To enter, please fill in the competition form at www.swanpublishing.org Deadline for entries is 18 November 2016. Family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children. Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660
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Clubs & Societies
Clubs & Societies
Our community is rich and diverse and there is something for everyone, whatever your interests may be. In fact we have so many clubs they don’t all fit on one page so we rotate them issue by issue.
St Alphege Solihull Rotary Club rotarystalphege.org.uk
Solihull Central Badminton Club 01564 777 495 stevearms@gmail.com
Arden Bridge Club 0121 745 1389 bridgewebs.com/arden
Solihull Central University of the 3rd Age sol.centralu3a@gmail.com
Arden Tennis, Squash, Gym and Social Club 0121 704 9451 solihullarden.co.uk
Solihull Canoe Club 08431 895 272
Blossomfield Players Drama Group 0121 705 7432 blossomfieldclub.co.uk
Solihull Chandos Choir solihullchandoschoir.org
Revels Drama Group 01564 775 428 revelsdramagroup.co.uk hello@revelsdramagroup.co.uk
Cycle Solihull cyclesolihul.org.uk
Silhill Bridge Club 01564 782 232 bridgewebs.com/silhill Silhill Morris Dancers 01564 778 270 silhillmorris.weebly.com Solihull (Historic) Athletics Club solihullathletics.co.uk Solihull Archaeological Group 0121 783 8517 siges.google.com/sige/ solihullarcaeology Solihull Blossomfield Townswomen’s Guild 0121 705 7226 Solihull Embroiderers’ Group solihullembroiderersguild.blogspot.co.uk
Solihull Cycling Club secretary@solihullcc.org.uk Solihull Embroiderers Solihullembroiderersguild.blogspot.co.uk Solihull & District Orchid Society 01295 788 159 LaeliaM@aol.com Solihull & District Soroptomist International Club sisolihull@yahoo.co.uk sisolihull.org.uk Solihull Down syndrome Support Group lizwilliams193@hotmail.co.uk Solihull Flower Club southmidlandsnafas.org/solihull
Catherine de Barnes Society of Arts patricia.ritchie@mypostoffice.co.uk
Solihull Indoor Bowls Club 0121 709 2233 solihullindoorbowlsclub. co.uk
Solihull & Shirley Bridge Bereavement Support Group 0121 733 1038 enquiries@thebridgeshirley.com
West Midlands Bridge Club 0121 704 9633 westmidlandsbridge.co.uk christine.wmbc@yahoo.co.uk
Solihull & Shirley Brass Band www.shirleyband.co.uk Solihull Breast Friends (breast cancer support) breastfriendssolihull.org.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: juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org
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: What’s the law on tresspass? PokÊmon Go has taken the world by storm in recent months. Headlines report instances of people walking into moving traffic, walking off cliffs, phone thefts and trespass, the list goes on. Carl Csukas, Partner at The Wilkes Partnership in Birmingham, specialises in Commercial Landlord and Tenant litigation, and other property related issues. Carl shares his views on this as a legal issue: In the main traditional civil law remedies in England and Wales have to be directed towards identifiable individuals; and the prime cause of action will be trespass, but nuisance may also assist. Practically, what can a landowner do to avoid Pokemon hunting problems? Review site security. Ensure that any security requirements imposed by insurers are being met as if they are not any claim against the policy in respect of damage caused by a trespasser may be declined; ensure that your property is safe. If your land is in an unsafe state, and as a consequence a trespasser is injured, you may face a personal injury claim from the trespasser, to whom you will owe a duty of care.
What if you suspect that there may be a trespass? An injunction can be obtained in anticipation of a civil wrong such as trespass. Although in practice there is unlikely to be any notice that there is going to be a trespass. Here we are talking about random, unknown individuals wandering on to private land. The law may have to develop to meet this new phenomenon, or a remedy from an unrelated area of law could be used. It will be interesting to see if the craze persists and how the law responds. If you would like to discuss any of these topics contact Carl Csukas on 0121 233 4333 or ccsukas@wilkes.co.uk
What if there has already been a trespass? If the trespasser has caused damage to property, a claim for monetary damages can be brought. However, in order to issue proceedings you need to be able to identify the trespasser and know where they can be served with proceedings. Will they have money to pay any damages awarded? Will they be a minor in any event? Issuing proceedings may just not be practical, possible or commercial.
The full version of this article is available to read online at www.wilkes.co.uk 27
Honouring two Solihull WWII RAF Airmen Spitfire pilot Ken Wilkinson and pilot Des Main
Spending time with Ken Wilkinson aged 98, and Des Main 92, has made me more star struck than meeting showbiz celebrities. Their extraordinary courage helped save this country from invasion during WW2. Ken says “I saw friends fall out of the sky, their aircraft go up in flames. Terrible things. I’m not sure younger generations realise how close we came to being a suburb of Berlin”.
Ken goes annually to Clarence House for tea with Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall who, he says, is more chatty than was shy Diana. Ken flew in the Battle of Britain. Both men, time and again, night after night, fearlessly climbed into their planes. Ken didn’t think he stood a chance of surviving the war. They lost friends daily. It was kill or be killed. Ken was alone in his plane firing at Messerschmitts. Des had a crew of 4. He went to Solihull School and lived in Ferndale Road, Hall Green. He remembers bombs dropping on Colebank and Southam Roads. Born in Small Heath in 1924 … 28
“which was then considered a very posh area,” his family moved to Hall Green to get away from the bombing! He remembers the BSA Factory in Small Heath, (Birmingham Small Arms) being hit and flattened in 1940. He says, “Many of the workers never got out and their bodies still lie there today under the rubble, as it was eventually all filled in”. Des was in 114th Squadron Desert Air Force from 1942 in the Italian Campaign, flying an extraordinary 78 night fighter intruder missions. Ken flew in 4 different squadrons - 234th, 19th, 616th and 165th. “Flying a Spitfire is joyous until you’re being shot at”, Ken calmly says. >>
Ken met his wife Josephine in 1943 at a dance hall in Corporation Street, Birmingham, Lassiters Pub. They were married for 35 years but Josephine died in 1979. Ken’s sadness is still palpable.
Supermarine spitfire fleet in formation
Des married Maureen whom he met at a church club in 1947. In 1947 she was Birmingham Carnival Queen. (And she is still beautiful.) Together the two men regularly meet friends of the Solihull Air Crew Association at The British Legion Club. “There’s only a dozen of us left now” they shake their heads sadly, “and they’re all in their 90s”. Ken is a cool character, a trait that probably got him home when others didn’t although he credits the lucky charm he always carried with him. The friends live on the same road in Solihull. Can we ever honour them, and those like them, enough? Julia Parsons Extended version of this article can be read online at swanpublishing.org
Singing for joy Are you looking for fun new activities to occupy your youngsters this term? AC Academy has the perfect answer – its brand new after-school choir in Solihull is looking for recruits aged 7-16. Young singers of any ability are welcome and there are no auditions. The children learn a wide range of music from chart-toppers to songs from around the world and classical favourites, in a fun and engaging
way, trained by Armonico Consort’s top professionals. They also enjoy the thrill of performing on the world’s most famous stages alongside special celebrity guests. AC Academy choirs meet weekly during term time and are low cost. AC Academy Solihull meets on Thursdays (5-6pm) at Bishop Wilson Primary School. For more information please visit www.armonico.org.uk/ac-academy and click on ‘After School Choirs’, or contact Laura Bree lbree@armonico.org.uk
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Local Business Directory Support your local community = support your local economy + watch our neighbourhood thrive! Awards Birmingham Awards
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Bereavement Charity Edward’s Trust
Property Maintenance All Aspects Property Maintenance
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20
Clubs & Societies
26
Restaurant Guide
23
Competition Page
25
Restaurants Sweet Chillies
8
Estate Agents Hunters Estates
2
Schools Edgbaston High School 10 St George’s School 17
Film Production Max Films
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Fireplace Showroom MD Services
Sculptor Linda Kieft
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8
Sheltered Houseing Rayner House & Yew Trees 20
Garage Repairs VSF Ltd 32 Gardening Services Betel UK 14 Central Driveways 22 Handyman Blue 22
Smart TV Services IT Visual 22 Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership
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Theatre The REP 18 Travel Agent Carrick Travel
15
Painting & Decorating Krean Property Maintenance 15
Tutors Exam Cental Tutor Listing
3 21
Photographer Seven Star Photography 15
Wood & Laminate Flooring Value Floors 14
Plumber DAF Plumbing & Heating 20
Working From Home Opportunities for you
Kitchens Dream Doors
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