MY
April / May 2017
SOLIHULL,
KNOWLE & DORRIDGE Your award winning local community magazine
The Neales
Solihull’s Britain’s-Got-Talent family
Human of Solihull Annette Meeson
MIND OVER MATTER
What can CBT do for you?
PLUS
Local business directory inside!
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MY
Editor’s Welcome
The Neale family are special. I hope you read Laurie’s story and feel inspired to let nothing stop you following your dreams. I was honoured to attend the Soroptimist Schools’ Speaking Competition and have included the winner’s photo, but it doesn’t do justice to the entertaining, passionate delivery of his speech. Mark my words - in a few years Daniel Harrison will be a household name.
13 Mind over matter
5
15 Rise of the ‘semi splitters’ 17 Finding the right care services 18 Inheritance Tax explained 20 Award winning speech 21 Musical family 23 Skin deep
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28 Heard it on the grapevine
Regulars
07831 395029
Reach out on social media and tell us what you’d like to see in future issues!
Solihull’s Britain’s-Got-Talent family
10 Human of Solihull: Annette Meeson
Julia Parsons www.swanpublishing.org
April / May 2017
5
I’ve had a wonderful time meeting you and being able to share your stories. Hope to meet you on the streets of our wonderful town. Adieu ...
juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org
KNOWLE & DORRIDGE
In this issue
Welcome neighbours, Well - all good things come to an end and this is sadly, my swan song issue as I hand the reins of the magazine’s content back to Amy and Ruby Watson, the amazing mother-daughter team that are Swan Publishing.
SOLIHULL
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Tutor listing Clubs and societies Where to eat What’s on Business directory Ad rates and sizes
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The Neales:
Solihull’s BGT family How to make Simon Cowell cry? Stand in front of him with courage and everything to lose, vulnerable to his renowned scorn and move him with your passion and talent. And then perform twice again in front of 14 million (a BGT record).
That’s the gamble Solihull’s Laurie Neale and his three sons took when they went in front of the judges and, for the first time ever, a live audience on Britain’s Got Talent 2015. The Neales went on to reach the finals For Laurie Neale this had been a long journey following a massive heart attack in 2006. As he said; “the boys and I knew that it was possible, we’d be told my age was the weakest link and to ditch me. We’ve seen Simon Cowell do that to others. I’d have been OK with it as I’d achieved what I set out to do and that was enough for me. But Cowell said “I loved that audition”, and went on to shed a tear at our performance in the semi final.” The Neales’ brilliant story can be watched online as there are many sites featuring them.
‘Cowell said “I loved that audition” and went on to shed a tear at our performance in the semi final.’
Laurie was 22 when he met his stunning wife Joanne, then 17yrs old. He’s recently celebrated his 60th birthday and together with their three gorgeous sons - it’s a family to be proud of. They radiate love and he’s proved that life really can begin again at 60, if you believe and are passionate enough. Surviving the phenomena of watching his whole life pass in front of him as he lay unconscious and close to death in the ambulance racing him to A&E during his heart attack, was the catalyst for change. Since being on Britain’s Got Talent, The Neales have helped raise £85,000+ for charity, which includes income from their Father’s Day single which peaked at No.6 in the UK charts, outselling Adele in physical sales. Laurie says; “everything we expected and more, from being on the show, has happened. We’ve had a fabulous time and life as The Neales continues to be brilliant. Don’t leave it till tomorrow to follow your dreams.” Please mention My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge when responding to adverts
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Annette Meeson
- An Authentic Lady of Solihull
Decades back in Solihull’s past, Mill Lane was a small road connecting High Street to Warwick Road. There were a few shops, a pub, a church and in particular a house, converted from a former coaching inn - the home to our Human of Solihull.
The entire historic area was flattened in the early 1960s to make way for Mell Square, including Annette’s childhood home with its happy memories but no bathroom and an outdoor toilet at the bottom of the garden. This is now the shop New Look. Annette attended St Alphege School and then Lode Heath, leaving at the then normal leaving age to begin her first job at Midland Educational on her 15th birthday. The family moved to Hobs Meadow, close to where her Master Plumber dad worked at The Rover.
e house Annette
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elegant, gracious and popular Mayoress, combining motherhood and civic duties to support her husband. This was whilst still working at M&S, where she spent an amazing 31 years.
Following a marriage breakdown she was left with a small baby and toddler just 14mths apart in age, to support. Being a single mum was a real struggle and husband Ken said “when I met her, she was living on fresh air and water”.
For many years Annette has battled hereditary progressive hearing loss, Meniere’s disease and severe tinnitus, using her period as Mayoress to raise awareness and support others with advice and encouragement. More recently she has undergone surgery for a brain tumour which, with her increasing deafness has been particularly stressful but she faces the difficulties with courage, crediting Ken as her strength.
After their marriage and move to Dorridge, Ken became a local councillor and worked his way through the ranks of Solihull Borough Council, becoming Leader from 1993-96 and again in 2007 until standing down in 2014. When Ken became Mayor in 1990, Annette was an
Soon to become a great-grandmother, her hobbies are gardening and researching her family’s past. This lovely lady with her warmth and inner strength is an inspiration and we love that Annette Meeson’s journey began at the heart of Solihull.
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What is CBT?
...and how can it help with depression?
‘Talking therapies’ is a phrase you often hear but many don’t have any idea why you need a skilled person to do what comes naturally - talking.
help the client to find their own answers. It’s often repeated patterns of behaviour where a Groundhog Day situation is happening time and time again. Grief, loss, a feeling of isolation and loneliness can often be causes of depression.
When things are not right in life we might seek a close friend or family member to talk to - to provide the answer to ‘why’ and to make you feel better. Sometimes though, talking to those closest to you might not be easy, it can be hard to communicate how you feel. You may not want to burden your loved ones and that’s why looking for help outside of your normal support system can be the most effective way to begin to feel better.
Depression can be clinical - where it’s a symptom of a health problem or it’s caused by an overwhelming feeling of being trapped into a situation a person can’t see the way out of. But with help - there’s always an answer - and believe it or not - you have it within you already. CBT in the hands of a highly trained psychotherapist who understands and can see your whole picture, is a good path to take towards the mental lightbulb shining it’s healing light.
One 60yr old former pilot, suffering from depression said “it’s like finding your landing lights. It took a while but my therapist guided me towards them. I was in a fog going from crisis to crisis and not understanding why.
Jennie Spain is a mental health nurse, qualified CBT Psychological therapist with 25 years’ experience working in the NHS and now has her own clinic. jenniespain@hotmail.co.uk www.cbtforyou.net/
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT - skilfully guides by asking questions to gain an understanding of ‘the why’ . CBT challenges current thinking and long held beliefs…working to
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Local private tutors Helen Mills
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The Rise of
the ‘Semi – Splitters’ Divorce rates have fallen to their lowest level for 40 years in England and Wales. Both here and in the USA the divorce rate which peaked in the 1970s and early 80s is in steady decline.
The actress Sienna Miller recently explained that whilst their relationship has ended she spends half her time living with her ex, actor Tom Sturridge, so that their daughter has stability. Several other celebrity couples have advocated this relationship trend which may as a result be having an influence on the general public. Sian Kenkre, a specialist divorce and family law solicitor at The Wilkes Partnership questions whether such an approach is always beneficial. “We see clients who have separated but not divorced many years down the line when serious legal problems can arise. Divorce allows couples to obtain a financial settlement dealing with all assets such as savings and pensions properly and not leaving loose ends,” she said.
Sienna Miller
“Frequently couples believe they have an agreement about how their assets will eventually be split. In reality many couples have simply left their finances open which can often lead to more costly, complex and bitter disputes at a later date. Pensions can be particularly problematic, particularly when one party has the majority of the pension funds.” Sian also questions whether the children of amicably separated couples may find it easier to accept the future if their parents are no longer connected to one another. Seeking early advice from a specialist family lawyer is important so that the right course of action for you and your family can be planned, preventing heartache and problems in the future.
Sian Kenkre, The Wilke
s Partnership
For more information please contact Sian Kenkre at The Wilkes Partnership on 0121 733 8000. 15
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 Knowle Musical Society www.knowlemusicalsociety.co.uk
Solihull Embroiderers Solihullembroiderersguild.blogspot.co.uk Solihull Down syndrome Support Group lizwilliams193@hotmail.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: info@swanpublishing.org
Knowle Parish Council www.kpc.org.uk 16 Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
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Take Lisa, for instance; Lisa was diagnosed at the age of four with an incurable disease. Now 54, she relies on care agencies and personal assistants to enable her to live her life to the full. But when arranging her first care packages, Lisa wasn’t aware of any systems or services to help her: “I was quite fortunate with the first agency I picked. For me, it’s all about performance and standards.” Lisa now has up to seven different care workers, all with different skills and talents. “It’s like a juggling act all of the time. It’s a case of ‘what do I want to do today? Who shall I have with me to do it?’ So one of them came with me because we were picking up a new wheelchair and she would be the one dealing with my chair on a regular basis. There’s another one who’s good at coming shopping with me”.
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17
Taxing Times
- Inheritance tax explained The first question we get asked when clients come to see us is: “Will I have to pay inheritance tax?”. The good news is that not everyone will pay inheritance tax. It will only be paid if the value of your ‘estate’ at the date of death exceeds the Nil Rate Band (NRB). The current NRB is £325,000 per person.
What does my estate include?
Your estate includes all assets held by you at the date of your death. This includes cash, property and investments, along with your share of jointly held assets. It also includes assets held overseas, such as property. If you are a beneficiary of a trust, the trust assets may also form part of your estate. Your estate will also potentially include assets given away by you during your lifetime. Your executors will need to carry out proper investigations to establish whether gifts were made by you during your lifetime, and to make full disclosure of any such gifts. They will need to report what the gifts were, when you made the gifts and who you made the gifts to. The definition of ‘gifts’ includes cash gifts and gifts of personal possessions along with paying for holidays or school fees. 18
“The Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) is a new inheritance tax relief which will be phased in between April 2017 and April 2020. The initial RNRB will be £100,000 in addition to the current £325,000 Nil Rate Band (NRB).” Generally speaking, assets gifted over seven years before the date of death no longer form part of your estate. However, many people do not realise that there are exceptions to this rule. If your executors or beneficiaries fail to make full disclosure to HM Revenue and Customs (‘HMRC’) of all issues relevant to your inheritance tax position, HMRC can and will impose penalties.
What is the new main residence nil rate band (RNRB)?
The RNRB is a new inheritance tax relief which will be phased in between April 2017 and April 2020. The initial RNRB will be £100,000 in addition to the current £325,000 NRB. The RNRB will increase by £25,000 each year for
the following three years until the 6 April 2020 when each person will have a potential RNRB allowance of £175,000 available to them in addition to the £325,000 NRB. The RNRB is only available for individuals who are gifting their property or the proceeds of sale from their property to direct descendants and will only be available in full for estates with a net value of less than £2 million. Estate and inheritance tax planning are complicated and emotional areas. We recommend taking specialist advice to ensure that your wishes are carried out on your death.
If you would like expert and practical advice on any of the above, or on any of our other private client services, please contact Rachael Armstrong on 0121 227 3726
Veale Wasbrough Vizards Instruct specialist lawyers who offer a personal service to meet your needs • Wills & inheritance tax planning • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Estate administration • Challenges to Wills • Family, divorce & children • Conveyancing • Personal injury “Veale Wasbrough Vizards’ superb team has a real emphasis on client care.” Legal 500
For further details, please contact us on 0121 227 3700 or at rarmstrong@vwv.co.uk @VWVPrivClient
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19
Is your child a
budding public speaker? If so then you need to know about The Annual Pictured left to right: Soroptimist International Solihull borough Ann Keepax, Soroptimists Communications schools’ public speaking competition. Ann Hodgson, President Soroptimist The winner of the 2017 competition is Daniel Harrison, age 14, of Alderbrook School. He delivered his speech in Solihull Council’s Civic Chamber - an intimidating space - to a packed audience and won, based on a confident and entertaining delivery. The next competition will take place in February 2018 so your son or daughter has plenty of time to get practicing!
International GB & Ireland Stephen Goldstein, Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands Ann Thomas, President Soroptimist Int, Solihull & District Daniel Harrison, Winner, Alderbrook School Councillor Ken Meeson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services Education & Skills Anne Brereton, SMBC Director of Managed Growth Photo courtesy of: Kinga Kopycinska kinga.kopycinska@rimilia.com
Supporting Parents and Families after a Stillbirth or Neonatal Death
Join us for our Evening Dinner Dance
Following our 8th Annual Golf Day The Belfry, Friday 21st April 2017 With The Neales & The Jarzino Collective
We invite you to attend the eighth annual Lily Mae Golf Day Evening Dinner Dance at the Belfry Hotel and Resort Places for this popular event are on sale now To book your place go to: lilymaefoundation.org
Tickets £40.00 per person VIA THE CORE THEATRE BOX OFFICE: 0121 704 6962 *BOOKING FEES MAY APPLY. ALSO AVAILABLE AT PALMERS, KNOWLE HIGH STREET
TICKETS £8.50 3 course evening meal Evening entertainment from The Neales and The Jarzino Collective
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20
COMMUNITY CHOIR
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Nurturing musical ability from birth to forever From pregnancy to birth and throughout childhood, hearing music and participating in making sounds has been shown to help with developing social skills and self-esteem.
Read stories that have a strong sense of rhyme and emphasise the rhythm with actions - clapping or toe tapping.
It can give children a super sense of achievement, learning new skills and showing off what they’ve practiced. Learning to listen has been shown to help with memory skills and singing develops and advances speech skills and vocabulary.
Do Your Ears Hang Low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow? Can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier? Do your ears, hang, low….?
Most music teachers will give one-to-one instrumental tuition only when a child reaches 5yrs old. However, important groundwork can be done at home during those important early years. Try some of these ideas to nurture musical development: First, listen regularly to a variety of musical styles in your home and the car. Encourage a discussion about how music or a song, makes your child feel, hearing it. Use rhythm whenever you can. Clap along to music, tap different rhythms and use different sounds to create patterns.
Sing nursery rhymes with actions and songs that your child can join in with. For example:
Build a treasure chest of simple, colourful instruments - shakers, tambourines and sleigh bells. By encouraging your child’s musical education you give them a gift which they’ll love all their lives and may even support a future career. They will flourish from it. Lauren Elliott MA BMusc(Hons) is cofounder of Elegie School of Music, and mum to 6-month old Jack. Follow her simple 10-step program to create a home that is filled with music, laughter and happiness. www.musicalmum.com 21
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ve Fe rtis at em ur e e nt
This month Dickens Heath Village has a brand new addition: sk:n, the UK’s leading, award-winning skin clinic, has opened its forty fourth UK clinic in Dickens Heath opposite Mortons Kitchen Bar & Deli.
sk:n has acquired what was formerly known as Waterside Aesthetics and now offers residents of Dickens Heath and the surrounding areas an even wider range of clinically proven skin health and wellness solutions, right on their doorstep. sk:n’s heritage dates back to 1990 when it was founded in Harrogate in a private clinic. Initially specialising in port wine stain birthmark removal, sk:n invested in the highest grade medical lasers on the market and operated in partnership with the NHS. Before long, sk:n doctors were treating NHS patients for broader dermatological needs and an ongoing, exclusive partnership emerged. A stand-alone clinic was opened in Birmingham City Hospital in 1993 followed by a private clinic on Harley Street the same year. Fast forward two decades on and sk:n’s treatment mix and clinic portfolio has expanded dramatically. We caught up with sk:n Dickens Heath’s regional manager, Phil Scott, to tell us a little bit more about what to expect from the brand new, state of the art clinic… “As the nation’s skin expert, we pride ourselves on providing the best service to our clients. Medical expertise is at the heart of everything we do; we understand that skin is precious and demands the most expert treatment from individuals who only specialise in skin.” “Here at sk:n Dickens Heath, we will continue to offer direct access to expert doctors, nurses and practitioners for in-depth consultations. What’s more, our new clinic is governed by a Medical Director and will bring an additional range of high-grade, cutting edge dermatology treatments to help local residents discover
better, more radiant skin, whilst also offering the latest in; laser hair removal, anti-ageing injectables, dermal fillers, facial treatments including microneedling, a range of peels for rejuvenation and to combat acne and the award winning HydraFacial treatment.”
READER OFFER: To celebrate the launch of sk:n Dickens Heath, the clinic are offering My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge readers 50% off their first treatment*. Visit www.sknclinics.co.uk/ dickensheath to find out how to claim your 50% off saving. Call: 0121 516 9788 Web: www.sknclinics.co.uk/dickensheath Visit in clinic: *For full terms and conditions please visit www.sknclinics.co.uk/dickensheath 23
Established in 1974
Experts in high efficiency heating A family-run business working in Solihull, Knowle and Dorridge for over 40 years Most new business comes through referrals and existing clients A reputation for: professional approach,
attention to detail, quality of delivery
Boiler installations Boiler breakdowns Boiler servicing
Woodburning stoves
Landlord gas safety certificates Radiators & valves Underfloor heating Unvented hot water cylinders Gas fires
01675 481010 24
General plumbing
steve@stevenrbarnes.co.uk www.stevenrbarnes.co.uk
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
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 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
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
836 Yardley Wood Rd Kings Heath, B13 0JE
Open 5.30-11.00 Every day Ample FREE parking
Nothing beats a
delicious warming curry
www.sweetchillies.com
Call or book a table NOW on 443 2737 “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.� Iqbal Hussain, proprietor
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Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
What’s on guide A snapshot of things to do around Solihull in April/May.
Markets, Fairs & Festivals Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce. Where: Solihull High Street, B91 0NA When: 1st Fri every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org Fine & Local Food Fayre Locally sourced food & produce - top quality suppliers. Where: Solihull High Street When: 3rd Sat every month Info: 0121 704 8001 Solihull Spring Craft Fair Handmade items from home and abroad + street food. Where: Solihull High Street When: Sat 22 Apr Info: 0121 704 8000
Family fun Spring Sing Sing Bentley Heath Choir concert. Where: Christ Church, 741 Warwick Rd When: Sat 8 April Info: 0121 704 6962 Robert Wilkinson’s Funfair Rides suitable for all ages, prizes and refreshments. Where: Meriden Park, B37 5SH When: 20 - 22 May Info: 07956 994199
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Easter Adventure Games and nature activities for children age 2+ Where: The Parkridge Centre When: Tuesday, 11 April Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk
Octavian Droobers’ Orienteering event Outdoor adventure orienteering with easy to advanced courses for all abilities. Where: Elmdon Park, B92 9EJ When: Wednesday 17 May Info: www.octavian-droobers. org or 01926 632 189
Easter Egg Hunt Follow clues around the park, crack the password and win a chocolate egg! Where: Elmdon Park, B92 9EY When: Good Friday 14 April Info: 0121 704 8000
Hedgehogs and their Homes Nature activity for kids age 2+ Where: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park When: Wednesday 19 April Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk/whats-on
Easter activities
Great Easter Fair Crafts, home-made food, brica-brac, up-cycled furniture and face painting. Where: Oliver Bird Hall When: Sat 15 April Info: bfiddaman117@gmail. com
The great outdoors Shelters and Survival Den building activity age 6+ Where: The Parkridge Centre When: Tue 30 May Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk
Charity Charity Fashion Show Enjoy a glass of fizz and see what’s ‘hot to trot’ this season Where: John Lewis, Touchwood When: Thur 11 May Info: 0121 704 7842
School reunion Lode Heath School Reunion For the classes of 1972 - 1977 Where: Land Rover Sports & Social Club, Solihull When: Fri 19 May Info: skiddle.com
Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Heard it on the grapevine Local magazines are the next best thing to word of mouth - the most effective form of advertising. They can be found in every town and city across the country and are read by local people keen to find out more about their neighbourhood. At Swan Publishing we put our heart and soul into making this magazine interesting and useful for our readers and it also offers an excellent platform to reach a wide audience for local businesses.
1. Effective marketing to be proud of Most people in our neighbourhood are proud and protective about where they live. It feels comforting to be part of a community, and local magazines serve as an important information source. Feedback has enabled us to develop the magazine’s usefulness and we now have a solid readership. We focus on the positive aspects of local life, leaving the negative stories for the newspapers and TV news. 2. Trust - valuable in every way As consumers we spend an increasing amount of time on social media, but i’s a statistic that most people will only scan a website for 15 seconds before moving on. People interact differently with printed magazines. They tend to spend a bit more time reading a local magazine, fully interacting with the content, including the advertisements. 3. Your Ad Will Stand Out There is a myth that print is dead. The fact that you’re reading this shows that’s untrue! Many businesses have migrated their marketing online vying for the visitor’s attention in a sea of other digital ads. Often these are just an irritation and by clicking on a link one never knows if it will result in receiving unsolicited email or something that will infect a computer. It’s a risk. An advertisement in print has no threats - no links to another website. It’s easy to read and relevant details are accessible quickly.
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Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
4. A Longer Life While newspapers and digital ads come and go quickly, these magazines have staying power. For instance, a magazine left in a doctor’s office will be read by countless patients for many months, and your ad can be seen by a majority of them. These magazines also serve a dual purpose, providing interesting local information alongside a useful directory of local businesses. 5. Brand recognition When you advertise regularly in a reputable local magazine, people become familiar with your company. This recognition is then reinforced when they see your van livery, or premises, or meet you in person. This not only builds brand recognition, but in time, brand loyalty. 6. Credibility Local magazines are highly valued and respected publications that strengthen a sense of community. Many people use them as their primary way of sourcing local tradespeople and services - alongside asking their friends and family for recommendations of course.
If you or someone you know owns a business and would like some advice on how to get the most out of a marketing budget then call Amy Watson on 0121 689 0432.
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Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Local Business Directory Support your local community = support your local economy + watch our neighbourhood thrive! Beauty Therapy sk:n Ltd 22 Bike Shop Bike Pro Racing
12
Building & Construction Resin Drives 32 Facelift GB Ltd 11 Care Services Information Adam Life
17
Charity Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice 12 Edwards Trust 11 Clubs & Societies
16
Entertainment Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival
14
Estate Agents Hunters Estates 2
Gardening & Landscaping Betel UK Gardens & Treeworks 8 Central Driveways Ltd 8 Changes UK 11 Dimension Driveway and Landscapes Ltd 11 Plumbing Cullen Plumbing & Tiling Steven R Barnes & Son
4 24
Property Maintenance All Aspects Property Maintenance 6 Restaurants Restaurant Listing 25 Sweet Chillies 26 Solicitor Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP Wilkes Partnership LLP
18 15
Tiling Cullen Plumbing & Tiling
4
Events Chocolate 5k run Great Easter Fair Lily Mae Golf Day Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival Spring Sing Concert
12 26 20 14 20
Tutor Listing 14
Garage Specialists Danmarque Garages
7
Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear 9
Video Marketing Swan Publishing 8 What’s on guide
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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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Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | swanpublishing.org
Advertising rates 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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LEAFLETS
VIDEO MARKETING
Want to be welcome on the doormat?
If a picture tells a thousand words - how many does a video tell?
- come in with us! Design: £60 (A5 double sided on 130 gsm) Distribution: £35 per thousand Print: £200 (5,000 x A5 double sided) Prices subject to VAT
Affordable packages for local business starting from £500 + VAT See website for more details
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