g n i n n i w d r a w a The
APRIL/MAY 2019
MAGAZINE MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE
THE COST OF FASHION Practical tips to be more sustainable
HEALTH
TIPS
40,000
Spr
Over local readers
g n i n e k a w A i ng
SCHOOL STRIKE
4CLIMATE Local reader, Olivia Wainwright tells us in her own words about joining the fight for a greener future.
Discover some of the spices that heal!
Reader survey
FREE PRIZE DRAW
Win prizes from: • Birmingham Botanical Gardens • Midlands Arts Centre • Hippodrome
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSIDE
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30
FOOD • EVENTS HOME & GARDEN KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY • 2019 1 & DRINK •MYLIFESTYLE
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
APRIL / MAY 20192019
Contents
COVER STORY
HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVIST: OLIVIA WAINWRIGHT
20/21
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY 9
WORD ON THE STREET LEISURE & RETAIL SUSTAINABLE FASHION PRACTICAL TIPS
22
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
12/13
HOME & GARDEN PLANT A TREE
25
COOL IDEAS FOR YOUR SPARE ROOM
27
LEAGAL & FINANCIAL WOULD YOU TRUST A ROBOT TO WRITE YOUR WILL?
16/17
GET CREATIVE POEMS & ART BY LOCAL TALENT
29
HEALTH SPICES THAT HEAL
14
FOOD & DRINK WHERE TO EAT
28
ROSEMARY GREYHOUND COCKTAIL
10
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON PG
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
30 5
EGG-CELLENT
EASTER ACTIVITIES
Eggmerse yourself in our Easter Sunday egg hunt. Then, come and join us for a whole host of wonderful activities* this Easter week.
21st - 26th April 2019 11am - 3pm *Some activities will incur a small charge **When you sign up between 21 - 26 April 2019
For more information or to purchase general admission tickets, please visit: birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
18
months ip rsh membe for the
price
of 12
**
Find us on:
Your support keeps the Gardens growing AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY
6
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
We’ve been busy! In our determination to make this magazine every bit as woven into the fabric of our society as each person in it, we have made some exciting changes. Don’t blame us for wanting to be more beautiful and popular, it’s been instilled in us through trashy American sitcoms for decades and it’s too late to turn back now! So take note of our makeover and updated style. Take a peek through our competitions and prize draws. And take us up on our invitation into the spotlight! We are officially celebrating local authors, artists, and poets every issue in this absolute cornucopia of neighbourhood delights. We want to know what you think of the magazine and to reward you for telling us we have some amazing prizes from the Hippodrome, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Midland Arts Centre. See page 22. Happy reading,
Ruby, Amy and Julie
www.swanpublishing.org @TheMYMagazines @SwanPub
If you have an idea for a future article please let us know by emailing
EDITOR’S WELCOME
Hello Neighbours!
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
Amy Watson
Managing Director
amywatson@swanpublishing.org
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Ruby Prosser
Designer & Editor
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Julie Wilkins Advertising
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7
07815 460786 01827 892952
Hand Problems Be Your Own Hand Detective
Do you feel symptoms of pain, clicking, numbness or tingling in your hands? Have you noticed any signs of hand lumps, swellings, or muscle wasting? If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be suffering from a hand condition and should seek medical attention.
Common Hand Conditions Carpal Tunnel – Common symptoms include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger, with occasional thumb muscle wasting. Trigger Finger – Signs of finger locking and clicking are seen - the finger may flick up from a bent position. Dupuytren’s Contracture - A thickening of skin in the palm and fingers are experienced, along with a fixed bending of the fingers meaning hands cannot be placed comfortably flat on a table. Arthritis of the Thumb – Signs include a general dull ache around the thumb base, which may mean sufferers struggle to open tight jars. The thumb position may change. If you detect any signs or symptoms of a hand condition, let the Midland Hand Clinic help you to reach the correct diagnosis and receive the right treatment!
Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon. All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying. Ask us about our self funding prices for minor hand surgery.
Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952 www.midlandhandclinic.com
25/02/2019 09:55
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
WORD ON THE
STREET BUNGALOW SCHEME IN SOLIHULL’S GREEN BELT THROWN OUT Solihull’s planners, in late March, found themselves in the highly unusual position of having to vote again on a scheme they had previously awarded planning permission.
MILD WINTER LEAVES GRITTING WAREHOUSE IN SURPLUS Gritting crews in Solihull went out to treat the roads 20 times over the winter - which was less than half the number of runs completed the year before. Far milder conditions meant that the lorries based at the council’s Moat Lane depot were called into action much less frequently. By contrast in 2017/18, particularly ferocious weather meant that gritters were dispatched 53 times in total. The amount of salt used over the past few months was also well down on last year - 1,010 tonnes, compared with 2,765 in the previous year.
TWO MONTHS OF ROADWORKS AROUND NEC Get ready for some serious delays around Solihull in the coming weeks. Solihull Council has revealed details of major roadworks planned on the southbound A452 Kenilworth Road. The main part of the work will be between the Stonebridge and Hampton Lane roundabouts, which will be closed. It’s not far from the NEC and Resorts World Birmingham and is likely to cause major delays. Diversions will be put in place via the A45 and B4102 Hampton Lane.
Back in 2017, councillors had approved plans for a four bedroom bungalow to the rear of 27 Lowbrook Lane. But the decision was later quashed by the High Court, where a judge found that the council had failed to take the harm to the green belt into account. Having reconsidered the evidence, in light of the judicial review, Solihull planning officers this time recommended that the application, in the village of Tidbury Green, be thrown out. newslocker.com
Works began in mid March. It is thought the roadworks will continue for eight weeks, causing a headache for commuters right through to the middle of May.
coventrytelegraph.net
TO FEATURE A LOCAL INTEREST STORY ON
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INGREDIENTS 50ml Rosemary gin 15ml Simple syrup 120ml Grapefruit juice Sprig of rosemary and/or slice of grapefruit for garnish
SIMPLE SYRUP METHOD Pour one cup of caster sugar and one cup of water into a pan and heat it until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat and allow to cool before useing in the cocktail.
COCKTAIL METHOD In a glass filled with ice, combine the rosemary gin, simple syrup and grapefruit juice and add garnish of your choice.
Rosemary Greyhound
Do you have something to shout about?
Something to tell the local community? We want to be for the community, by the community, so we’re looking for local people have something to share about our special corner of the world. So if you’re that guy in all the neighbourhood watch groups with a big mouth, or that girl who’s always pinning cool stuff to the noticeboards, this is perfect for you! We like to publish stories about important changes that are going on in the community, changes that should be going on, things that make us unique, and things that will make people smile. There’s plenty of death and despair on the news, we like to keep things positive. All articles go through a proofing process, and we do not guarantee your piece will be published. Articles must be between 200 - 400 words, and include your name and neighbourhood.
10
If you are interested, send your articles to info@swanpublishing.org
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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11
LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on APRIL / MAY 2019
Markets & Fairs
Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce Where: Solihull High Street When: First Friday every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org
Fine & Local Food Fayre Locally sourced food and produce from top quality suppliers. Where: Solihull High Street When: Third Saturday every month Info: solihull.gov.uk/events Bentley Heath Country Market A cross between a farmers’ market and a craft fair all under one roof. Where: Bentley Heath Hall When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com
Festive Fine & Local Fayre Christmas version of this market. Where: Solihull High Street When: 15 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk/events
Classes
Vicki Gorman Weekly Art Classes for all abilities. Where: The Core Courtyard Gallery When: Thursdays Info: vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk
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Seasonal Events
Hogarths Easter Sunday Easter is a great time to gather together friends and family and enjoy the very best foods and wines, so why not celebrate at Hogarths with an indulgent three course meal. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 21 Apr Info: hogarths.co.uk Easter Egg Hunt The Easter bunny has hidden clues around the park - crack the password and win a chocolate egg! You may even spot the Easter bunny as he hops around the park. Entrance is £2 per child. Punch and Judy shows, face painting and other entertainment are also available. Where: Elmdon Park When: 19 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Build A Scarecrow! Get the family together to design and build a scarecrow at this popular family event. There are prizes for the top three scarecrows. Pre-booking is essential - contact 0121 704 8000 for your copy of the equipment list and to book your place. Where: Knowle Park When: 25 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Music A 90’s Night Tribute to Westlife and Boyzone A musical evening that is tailor made to satisfy all of your Irish boyband cravings. Feel the nostalgia as the group (featuring performers direct from the West End) perform all of the greatest hits and execute all of those iconic dance routines. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 7 Jun Info: hogarths.co.uk
The Beatles Revolution The Beatles Revolution are a “copy conform” to the original Beatles, using original 60’s VOX amplifiers, original guitars etc. and also costumes as worn by the Fab4 all these years ago. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 12 Apr Info: hogarths.co.uk
Whitney: Queen of the night A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This award winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and artistes, and together with a breath-taking performance in the spirit of Whitney, deliver a show that exceeds expectation on every level. Where: Core Theatre, Solihull When: 25 May Info: thecoretheatresolihull
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
nd
LEISURE & RETAIL
to do in a s g in th f ot o A snapsh d KNOWLE & aroun h E throug G ID R R DO May April and
For The Kids
Get Crafty in the Wild Off you go to get arty in the wild! they’ll be making massive stick pictures and getting muddy with a special mud paint recipe. Suitable for children aged 2+ Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 16 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Dizzy Duck Race Pick a duck and wish it luck as it races along the river. There are prizes for the first three to reach the finish line. This event is popular with visitors of all ages Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 17 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Teeny Tiny Den Building Why should den building be just for the older kids?! Head out with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and help us make dens for teddies and maybe even a toddler or two. Suitable for children aged 2-5. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. For more information visit enquiries@ wkwt.org.uk or to book tickets go to www.wkwt.org.uk/whats-on. Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 23 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Fashion Show
Solihull Style Weekender Discover Solihull’s fashion secrets at Solihull BID’s fashion event, celebrating what’s available in the town’s retail and beauty outlets. Personal consultations with hair and beauty experts can be booked online, and ITV newsreader Sameena Ali-Khan will be styled as she interviews various retailers. Where: Mell Square When: 27 Apr Info: solihull.gov.uk
Theatre
Tell us what YOU think of the MY Magazine to enter our prize draw! Win tickets to Midlands Arts Centre!
A Midsummer Nights Dream 5-6 July Oddsocks Productions presents another high-energy, feel-good, family theatre show. This summer the company invite you to join them for a festival of music, magic and mayhem as they bring that Shakespearean favourite “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, to life as you have never seen it before.
Win free annual membership to Birmingham Botanical Gardens! Swan Lake by Ballet Theatre UK Ballet theatre UK have a fantastic following offering exquisite small scale ballet shows in local venues at a fraction of the price of the big city venues where audiences are often seats a very long way from the action. An ideal introduction to new or younger ballet fans - once seen you will become a fan! Join Ballet Theatre UK with one of the most enchanting love stories of all time Swan Lake. Where: The Core Theatre When: 31 May Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Win tickets to the Hippodrome!
A thrilling portrait of army life telling the stories of men and women serving on the front line. Choreographer Rosie Kay joined the 4th Battalion The Rifles, participating in full battle exercises and visiting the National Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. What came of these observations was the award-winning, five-star work 5 Soldiers.
Enter via our Facebook page or our website swanpublishing.org
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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HEALTH & WELLBEING Based in the Harbore and Edgbaston Area!
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SPICES THAT HEAL Once upon a time, imparting wisdom on the healing properties of plants was a dangerous business, you ran the risk of being labeled a witch. So let’s all appreciate the sacrifices of those who practiced natural remedies and discovered some of these simple solutions to common ailments.
GARLIC
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Combats colds Fights type 2 diabetes Eases a cough Can help prevent cancer
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
Reduces cholesterol
GINGER
Calms nausea
Lowers blood pressure
Improves memory
Helps arthritis pain
Curbs inflamation
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Win Prizes! All this communication is starting to feel very one-sided! We want to know what you think. Please complete our very short survey to enter into our prize draw by 10 May.
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Tickets to see 10 Soldiers,
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LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Would You Trust a Robot to Write Your Will?
More than seven out of ten people would not want their Will to be drafted using artificial intelligence (AI). This is according to our latest survey, in a context where artificial intelligence is sweeping through the law and other professions. The British public gave a cautious welcome to other types of technology. For example, 52% of respondents said they would like to have a digital Will, accessible online. At present, the law of England and Wales requires a Will to be in hard copy and strict formalities must be followed in relation to the Will’s execution. However, fewer than 5% of respondents thought that it should be possible to make a Will using text message. This is despite a recent Australian case where an unsent text message was accepted as a valid Will. Creating a Will by email was more popular, with 48% of respondents saying it should be possible.
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Fraud was a concern in relation to Wills made online and nearly 60% of respondents said they would be more concerned about fraud with a digital Will. With most of the law relating to Wills dating back to Victorian era and the Wills Act 1837, the Law Commission is currently reviewing whether the formalities should be relaxed and has acknowledged a need for modernisation, which should take account of the changes in society, technology and medical understanding that have taken place since the Victorian era. Following a consultation launched in 2017, the Law Commission is currently preparing a report as well
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
WWW.VWV.COM as some recommendations for Parliament. When it comes to administering the estates of people who have died, more than half of those who had acted as an executor or administrator said they found the process of swearing the oath old-fashioned. With more than 95% of respondents agreeing, there was a great deal of support for the idea that it should be possible to apply for a grant online, something that has been possible since last year. In short, what the survey shows is that whilst technology has its place, individuals are understandably anxious about ensuring that their Wills are drafted, and estates administered, by human beings.
accordance with legal principles to be valid and to avoid it being challenged after death. It is therefore sensible to seek legal advice when preparing your Will, including advice on effective tax planning.
Would you like to speak to an experienced solicitor about making or updating your Will? Contact Rachael Armstrong, at award-winning law firm VWV, at rarmstrong@vwv. co.uk or on 0121 227 3726.
Despite the advance of digital technology, a Will must be prepared in strict
Need Legal Advice? We offer a personal service to meet your needs: • Buying or selling a house • Estate administration • Family, divorce & children
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Contact Rachael Armstrong at rarmstrong@vwv.co.uk or on 0121 227 3726.
vwv.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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THIS ISSUE’S LOCAL READS THE LOST SOUL ADELE MORRIS
Enjoy this issue’s round up of recent releases from local authors...
Adele Morris, a pseudonym for Katryn Hannock, was born in Glasgow and grew up in the northern suburbs of Australia, The Lost Soul is her first novel.
Are you a local author? Send us a 100 word summary and cover image to be included here.
Black eyes. Seeing eyes. Death eyes. As keeper of the dead Sondra Carstairs can see, hear and feel the souls that no longer walk among the living. But as an eighteen year old Sondra ran from everything that it meant to be keeper, including Anona island, the home of generations of keepers. Twenty-two years since Sondra ran from being a keeper, she recieves an appeal from a lost soul which forces her to return and face the darkness of Anona.
info@swanpublishing.org
£10.99 Paperback £14.99 Hard back
VENGEANCE IS MINE JANE MAXWELL A brutal killer is on the loose targeting young men across three continents. The plot thickens when a body is found in a game reserve, a teenage boy with a shady background arrives on the scene, and a fashionable housewife struggles with her wealthy meaningless life. South African Police Captain, Solomon Nduli, is given the task of piecing together the scattered evidence to find the murderer. This gripping thriller starts out in a cheap Bangkok hotel and reaches its dramatic conclusion in South Africa. £7.00 Paperback £5.50 Kindle Edition
JUST ANOTHER AFRICAN ADVENTURE JANE MAXWELL Just Another African Adventure is a love story set in Zimbabwe about how a woman deals with her husband’s alcoholism. Set against the background of wartorn Rhodesia in the 70s this is the story of how one woman survived extreme adversity with courage and love against all odds. £7.99 Paperback £4.99 Kindle Edition
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CRASH J.M.HULME On a wet Monday morning a thoughtless driver unwittingly causes an accident involving several vehicles. He drives away oblivious to the carnage he has left behind but his actions have been recorded on camera. After the accident people are forced to take stock, resulting in radical changes to their lives. For some the changes are positive, for others tragic. Tension builds as one person takes their own life and another stands trial for murder. £7.99 Paperback £5.99 Kindle Edition
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
HEALTH & WELLBEING
ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY REFUND? Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) member Sophie Fenn of The Wilkes Partnership in Solihull is urging Solihull residents to check eligibility for an LPA refund after almost two million people were overcharged by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) between 2013 and 2017. Claimants can expect to receive a refund of up to £54, with any accrued interested since the registration was made.
So far, only 200,000 of the 1.8million people owed have claimed their refund, meaning that there’s £77million still owed to customers. To apply for a refund visit: http://gov. uk/power-of-attorney-refund. The exact amount will depend on when the registration was made, and claims must be made by 1st February 2021. An LPA is an important document that gives a loved one the power to make decisions on your behalf when you can no longer do so. There are two types of LPA: a health and welfare LPA, and a property and financial affairs LPA. Recent research from SFE found that there are only 7% of LPAs in place across the UK, meaning that millions of people are currently unprepared for later life. SFE urges anyone planning for their future to consider setting up an LPA and seek advice from a specialist lawyer.
Lakshmi Turner, Chief Executive of SFE, said: “Whilst it’s comforting to know that people are making provisions by putting in place LPAs, millions of families, many of whom may have been going through a tough time with elderly relatives, will have been needlessly overcharged. “It’s good to see the OPG addressing the error, and with the deadline for applications approaching, we’re urging people to check their eligibility for a refund soon.” Sophie Fenn said: “It takes about ten minutes to claim online. You’ll need the donor’s bank details and a copy of the LPA, if you have it. If you need help or more information about making a claim, there’s a Refunds Helpline you can contact, either via telephone on 0300 456 0300 or email poarefunds@justice.gsi.gov.uk.”
credited lawyer near you go to: www.sfe.legal If you would like more information about LPAs please contact Sophie Fenn at The Wilkes Partnership sfenn@wilkes.co.uk
The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House 54 Stratford Rd Shirley, Solihull B90 3LS
0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk
If you need assistance, speak to your local SFE lawyer. To find an SFE ac
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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School Strike4Climate By Olivia Wainwright
My name is Olivia and I am 14 years old. I am full of hope, having just got back from my second School Strike4Climate. Just hours ago I was stood outside Birmingham’s Council House shoulder to shoulder with more than 1000 children to protest the lack of government action regarding climate change. It was amazing to see so many students striking, inspired by Greta Thunberg, the 16-year old school girl who ended years of inaction six months ago when she said that she wouldn’t go to school on Fridays until the Swedish government met its climate obligations. The movement has grown massively since then as thousands of students joined her in responding to scientists’ warning that we only have 12 years left to stop the worst effects of climate change. This news should have pushed climate change to the top of
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governments’ agenda, but they just kept on with business as usual. So now it is up to the younger generations to make them do something about it. This is a state of emergency and it’s time to act. I first decided I had to so something when I realised that despite papers being full of stories about record temperatures and melting ice-caps - the government response has been silence. Then I read about students striking in Sweden, Belgium and Australia and realised I had to do something here in Birmingham. My opportunity came when my grandfather told me that the school strikes were finally coming to the UK. I knew I had to be involved. I arranged a meeting with my headmistress and convinced her to give me an authorised absence. Five days later I found myself outside the Council House with 30 other children from schools across Birmingham and Solihull. >>
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
I had headed to Victoria Square with my friend Harvey via Friends of the Earth Birmingham where I met with an amazing lady called Libby who gave me advice about how to make the day as effective as possible (how to talk to councillors and get the strike recognised on social media). Her advice was invaluable, because as soon as we got to the Council House we were met with reporters from BBC Midlands Today and Free Radio Birmingham. Having been filmed, and having our pictures taken we went in to speak with the Councillors. The British strike has several demands, including lowering the voting age to 16, but we have also come up with specific requests for Birmingham City Council. First and foremost, we want them to join cities like Bristol and Manchester and declare a climate emergency. This would mean finding ways to be Carbon Neutral by 2030 and calling on the government to take the issue seriously. Secondly we want them to think about how schools deal with climate change - recycling should be compulsory, global warming should be a key part of the curriculum and public transport to be cheaper and more easily accessible. These may seem like small steps, but if each city takes climate change seriously, the government will have to follow through. The next strikes are 12th April and 10th May. We hope even more children will take part, and those who can’t please write to your councillor and ask them to support the motion being put forward in April for Birmingham to declare a climate emergency. To get involved follow: #fridays4future and #schoolstrike4change on Facebook Twitter and Instagram
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FASHION
The Cost Of Fashion
This issue Dawn Marriott takes a look at the fashion industry’s unfortunate pitfalls metric tonnes of coal are used to produce new fibres as well as dyeing and bleaching fabrics. And then there’s the damage that chemical water is causing to families who live on the River Citarum in Indonesia where polluted water from garment factories is pumped daily making it the world’s most polluted river.
People are talking about sustainable fashion for the first time out loud. On TV, in magazines and on every social media platform, everyone is talking about the impact the fashion industry is having on the planet. In the recent Stacey Dooley documentary- Fashion’s dirty Secret, the real truth about the fashion industry’s impact on the environment and humanity was unveiled – all driven by our apparent hunger for fast fashion. We were shown a place in Kazakhstan where the increased growth of cotton to supply the industry’s demand, has resulted in the disappearance of the Aral Sea. The waterways that once ran to the sea have been blocked and rerouted in a bid to water the ever growing cotton plants. A whole community changed and landscape evaporated for our increasing thirst for fast fashion. It takes 1800 litres of water to grow enough cotton for 1 pair of jeans and in total around 8 trillion litres of water are used each year to grow and produce enough fabric and fibres to support the fashion Industries. Additionally 132m
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It’s not just 100 billion new garments that are produced each year that are having an impact on the environment – unwanted clothes are becoming one of the world’s biggest landfill problems. Each year an average person throws away around 80 pounds of clothes. In America alone 12.8 million tonnes of textile are disposed of annually. It’s not just our desire to buy new that’s driving this force, the retailers are encouraging our shopping patterns. High street retailers launch on average 62 new ranges each year – with each new products they launch a new campaign – all enticing us to buy now! But how can you make a change? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be big; every little really will make a difference. Buy better – really think about what you are buying and chose longevity over buying a statement piece that will only be worn once. Livia Firth co-founder and creative director of Eco – Age works by the 30 wear rule. If you can’t imagine yourself wearing an item 30 times then don’t buy it. Investigate brands – be aware of their philosophies. There are lots of retailers really making a difference with their production and sourcing of fabrics. H & M have their conscious range,
People Tree is one of the UK’s first ethical brands, Madewell, J Crew and Veju are all working hard to ensure their products are made with minimal impact on the environment. Buy trans-seasonal items – instead of buying a brand new summer wardrobe, invest in key pieces, a good jacket, timeless coat, great jeans and classic dresses – work your wardrobe cross season, buying less and reducing your own footprint. Donate your unwanted items – don’t throw them away, charity shops or clothes banks are a great place to start. Or try a clothes swap with friends, a great way of getting new items with zero energy needed to produce your new swaps! Shop Vintage – this isn’t for everyone but the same rules apply – buy well and consider your purchase, buy quality over quantity to ensure they last longer. And lastly, repair any item that need attention, a good repair will give more life to your favourite items. We may not be able to help the Aral sea or stop the chemicals being dumped into the Citarum River, but we can choose to buy less throw away fashion and work the clothes that we already own. The fashion industry has to change but in order to do that we need to change our mindsets and shopping habits.
x Dawn
www.dawnmarriottstylist info@dawnmarriottstylist.com 07725 538 829 Instagram: Dawnmarriott_stylist Facebook: Dawn Marriott Stylist
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
HOME & GARDEN
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
23
HOME & GARDEN
SOLAR PANELS Last issue we ran an article advising buyers of the potential pitfalls of buying a house with solar panels on the roof. Whilst there were no inaccuracies, we would like to add to the story that solar panels can provide reduced energy costs and a lower carbon footprint for the homeowner. Our article highlighted the issues which can arise when the roof space is leased to a third party. These issues do not apply if the panels have been bought outright.
Summer Bargains Coming Soon!
www.amblesidelandscapes.co.uk
& TREEWORKS 01564 820 170 24
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
PLANT A TREE If every person in the West Midlands planted a tree we would be making ecological changes to our home nothing short of heroic. We are getting ill far more often than we used to. We are suffereing from terminal illnesses more than ever. We are eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water. And all because we have more value for efficiency than our health. Pollution is reaching record highs, we need to make changes like, yesterday. But fear not, the saviour of our dire straits has been patiently waiting in the wings for us to come to our senses, we must plant trees!
But how will trees help with the contamination of food and water I hear you ask! Well, trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rainwater, the water in the ground feeds into our plants and wildlife and the benefits travel up the food chain to us. And, how will they improve our immune systems to better fight off illnesses? There’s no complete guarantee that the effects pollution has already had on our bodies can be reversed, but trees can consume the harmful chemicals our bodies can’t cope with and pump out oxygen, giving our children a chance to grow up with strong immune systems. Two mature trees can provide the oxygen for four people. But if we’re planting new trees they take years to mature.
Get planting!
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Dimension
Groundworks & Driveways • Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance
T: 0121 733 1463 (Solihull) T: 01926 827 645 (Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington) T: 01789 270 869 (Stratford) M: 07799 428 557 E: dimensiongroundworks@icloud.com W: www.dimensionpathways.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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HOME & GARDEN
14-16 School Road, Yardley Wood, B14 4BJ
Houses • Gardens • Offices • Sheds • Garages Full and part properties cleared and tidied
0121 663 1565 we also need donations of furniture Please support our charity by calling for collection of furniture, electrical items, bric-a-brac and clothing Betel UK has been helping restore broken lives for over 22 years, help us continue to heal the hurting. furniture@notts.betel.uk • www.betel.uk • reg. charity no. 1081462
Find Greg the Gnome! Enter the prize draw
Each issue Greg the Gnome will be hiding in our pages, and it’s up to you to find him for a chance to win in our prize draw. We have exciting things to give away such as tickets to shows, delicious meals and more. Enter by submitting Greg’s location to: info@swanpublishing.org // email subject: I found Greg!
This issue’s prize:
Tickets to The Flying Bath, 23 June @ Midland Arts Centre When everyone has left the house in the morning, the bath toys spring into action and head off on exciting adventures in their magical flying bath! Julia Donaldson and David Roberts’ playful and adventurous story splashes into life in this adaptation featuring catchy songs, quirky bath toys and everyday heroes. Show aimed at ages 2-5.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
SPARE ROOM? It’s wonderful to have a spare room - not have to worry about the logistics of putting guests up in the livingroom or on someone’s bedroom floor - but what about the other 364 day of the year? You could add something to your home that would become a very special place to your family without losing that handy extra bedroom. Here are some exciting ideas for you to consider...
MUSIC STUDIO
To step this idea up a notch you could invest in some proper equipment, a microphone to encourage young blossoming talents, or an amp and electric guitar to reawaken a dormant rockstar.
Whether you just have some instruments knocking around the house without a proper home or you dabble in a little producing, it feels amazing to have a special space dedicated to your creativity. With some decent storage you can very quickly turn the spare room from beat labratory to cosy guest bedroom and back again without any fuss.
Keep the balance between creative outlet and tasteful bedroom by framing some lyrics that mean something to you and hanging them up. Mix it up with funky prints to help channel some artist energy. Plants and greenary help our bodies feel peaceful but also re-energised, so they certainly have their place in the home music studio. Just have fun with it!
HARDIMAN
CONSTRUCTION
Furniture Commissions Undertaken Wardrobes, Home Studies, Media Units, Bookcases & Cabinets, Bespoke Furniture, Traditional & Contemporary Designs
01564 782732 www.pmfurniture.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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Where to eat
A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull
The Agrabad
Balti 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW Tel: 0121 743 7883
Aroma
The Forest
Pub Food 2 Cranbrook Way, Shirley, B90 4GT Tel: 0121 733 8810
Hotel Restaurant 25 Station Approach Dorridge, B93 8JA Tel: 01564 772 120
Indian 100a Widney Rd Solhull, B93 9BN Tel: 01564 777 613
Hotel Restaurant Four Ashes Rd Dorridge, B93 8QE Tel: 01564 779 988
Hogarths
The Punchbowl
The Beech House
The Malt Shovel
The Red House
Steakhouse 727 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DA Tel: 0121 242 7730
The Farm Inn
Gastro Pub Barston Lane Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 01675 443 223
Pub Food Mill Lane Lapworth, B94 6HR Tel: 01564 784 564
Pub Food & Carvery Hermitage Rd Solihull, B91 2LP Tel: 0121 711 8856
Met Bar & Kitchen Waters Restaurant
Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull, B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273
Modern European 680-684 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 0121 659 8062
Fine Dining Floor 1, Resorts World B40 1PU Tel: 0121 273 1238
Fukuoka
Japanese 373 Stratford Rd Shirley, B90 3BW Tel: 0121 439 6262
Orange Tree
Gastro Pub Warwick Rd Solihull, B93 0BN Tel: 01564 785 364
The White Lion
Happy Heart Cafe
Pavarotti
Little Italy
Organic 26 Richmond Rd, Olton, B92 7RP Tel: 0121 706 8674
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Hillfield Farm Pub
Italian 2 Hobs Moat Rd Solihull, B92 8JN Tel: 0121 743 3222
French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442 833
Italian 156-158 Stratford Rd Solihull, B90 3BD Tel: 0121 293 1987
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
creative corner
GET CREATIVE!
Showcasing a photo, painting or drawing & a poem by a talented local reader every issue!
We want to celebrate you. Get your creative juices flowing and enter our competition each issue for the chance to be seen here in all your creative glory. Send your entries to info@swanpublishing.org with your name, a bit about yourself (around 50 words) and a short title for picture entires. If your entry is too personal we can publish it anonymously. We look forward to seeing what this amazing corner of the world has to offer! Photos need to be over 1MB, and poems need to be 25 lines or less.
Ruby Prosser, 28 Hi! I’m the MY Magazines editor, and I wanted to kick off our creative corner with a little something of my own. I drew this inspired by some old rave posters from the 90s. I wanted some to put on my wall and I couldn’t find what I wanted anywhere on the internet, so I created my own.
Tiger lady Anonymous
Listening to lies
Writing poetry is like free therapy for me. I get a chance to look more closely at what I feel, why I feel, why I react in certain ways to certain things. It’s valuable me-time.
I smile, although you won’t believe it, Nobody believes my fake smiles. But your silly little stories, You weave them into a third person More likely to ignore these.
When you wrote your part, And gave birth to yourself, And agonised in labour, You were so wise to leave out the fear. If you didn’t write it, it isn’t here.
I spend hours sitting in your palm Pecking at the seeds you want to Plant inside my head And I’ve learnt to not look Too eager to be fed.
I will close this fiction, I promised myself that much. Perhaps not by my own hand, But I will shake myself awake And you will understand.
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY Building & Construction
Hardiman Construction 27
Charity
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice
4
Events What’s on page
11 12
8
Amy Price Dance Fitness
Peter Mertens Carpentry
11
Shutter Doors
6
Solicitor
The Wilkes Partnership 19 Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP
27
Gardening & Landscaping
Ambleside Landscapes 24
24 Central Driveways 31 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 25 JH Garden & Property Services 25 Resin Drives 32 Betel UK Garden Treeworks
23
Garolla Shutter Doors
14
Furniture Maker
Plumbing Cullen Plumbing & Tiling
3
Fitness Instructor Lifelong Wellbeing
Healthcare Services Midland Hand Clinic
Fireplace Showroom MD Services
6
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Cleaning & Ironing Mopheads
Gardens
16/17
Tiling Cullen Plumbing & Tiling
Windows & Doors
Adore Doors Cloudy2Clear
23 4 11
Upcycled Furniture
Betel UK 26
Would you like to recommend a service you found in the MY MAGAZINE?
Or are you a local business who has had some great feedback? If so, get in touch! You can call us on 0121 689 0432 or email amywatson@swanpublishing.org
Disclaimer - All advertisements delivered by the MY Magazines are published in good faith. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of such advertisements, nor is any kind of warrenty 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 the MY Magazines, our agents or any other person.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2019