August / September 2018
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MIDDLE EARTH FESTIVAL
The amazing volunteers who bring Tolkien’s world to life
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
Festival season is upon us and we are spoilt to have two exciting ones right here on our very doorstep. We met a few of the characters from behind the scenes at the Middle Earth Festival who help make it happen and bring it to life. And of course not forgetting the annual Moseley Folk Festival which this year headlines The Levellers. This issue we also bring you a special back to school feature with a helpful list of all the local secondary school open days next term. And we begin the first in a series of foraged food recipe pages. Check out our home and garden pages too, which bring you some exciting and quirky ideas to try out yourself. And if you are still stuck for something to do, the best in local events are brought together for you in our what’s on guide. Remember, you can sign up for our free weekly ‘Hello Weekend’ guide to local events because there are too many to fit into our pages here. Happy reading
Ruby & Amy
www.swanpublishing.org @MYSolihull @SwanPub
If you have an idea for a future article please let us know by emailing
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Hello Neighbours,
Amy Watson Managing Director amywatson@swanpublishing.org
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CONTENTS
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
ss usine e! B l a Loc ory insid ct Dire e page Se
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COVER STORY Middle Earth Festival: Bringing Tolkien’s World To Life 6/7
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 25
LEISURE & RETAIL White: The summer classic everyone can get right 9 What’s on guide 12/13 Competition to win a luxury hamper 11
HOME & GARDEN
LEGAL & FINANCIAL Protecting our personal data 24
EDUCATION Local private tutors 15 School Open Days 19
HEALTH 5 Health Benefits Of Running 8
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FOOD & DRINK
Secret Bar 23
Where to eat 10
Outdoor Living Room 22
Foraged food: Raspberry Recipes 21
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MIDDLE EARTH FESTIVAL
Bringing Tolkien’s World To Life “When you get here, you can see the looks on peoples faces of just sheer enjoyment” - Bob Hawtin,’ The Gaffer’
I
n the midst of a heat wave, sat in the vast yellowing field behind Sarehole Mill, it’s becoming clear just how much work must go into the Middle Earth Festival. Though it reaps all of the benefits of being set in the original inspiration of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, ‘The Gaffer’ Bob Hawtin explains that it also takes a lot of money, support and devotion to bring it to life. Bob has been the curator of the festival for four years now and acts as the leader of a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time for the sheer love of all things Tolkien. He
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and his team took up the reins of responsibility when it became too much for the Tolkien Society, who continue to lend their support in other ways. Middle Earth Festival attracts thousands of people each year, sometimes from as far as America, and gets everyone in the spirit of fun with its costume pageant, craft tent, axe throwing and plenty of exciting stalls. It’s not just the volunteers who show their dedication to the festival Bob tells us, “last year it tipped it down!” says Bob, “But saying that people still turned up in their
thousands, I couldn’t believe it”. Other than the festival, small pockets of unspoilt wilderness and preserved buildings are all that remain from Tolkien’s day and pay homage to our most impressive ex-resident, whose influence has reached across the globe. “This is one thing that’s always frustrated me.” Says Bob “Because this is where Tolkien played as a child, we’ve got something that nobody else has got, and it’s proved that he played here and taunted the millers and everything. We’ve got the site of his childhood… I don’t think this area makes enough of Tolkien”.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
Having never heard stories of Tolkien’s youth and his early involvement in the area we were eager to hear more. Bob explained “Along this river there were something like 13 mills in its time, and there were two millers in this one, and a couple in the next one down, and Tolkien and his brother used to go in and taunt them.” he continued “They called this one (at Sarehole Mill) the dark ogre, because they ground all sorts of stuff, and the one further up they nicknamed the white ogre because he would come out with flour and stuff all over him, so that’s where the white and dark ogres comes from”.
Soon we’re joined by a dwarf of Erebor, a Gondorian ranger, an orc and an uruk hai scout (pictured below) who are stopped several times on the short distance to meet us by stunned passers by, they hadn’t expected such an encounter in The Shire, a typically Hobbit inhabited area. “People have been making costumes for the last year” Bob tells us, and it certainly shows! The attention to detail is incredible, they all look as though they have stepped straight out of the cinema screen and into our world. It becomes such an immersive experience when you are stood face
to face with characters you’ve seen in the movies, anyone who has been knows just how thrilling it is. The Galactic Knights are the non profit organisation who are responsible for those incredible characters who give the festival something truly magical. The organisation travels all over the country supporting charities and helping them to raise money, and they have found a worthy cause here. Without passionate volunteers we wouldn’t have such a fantastic event to look forward to all year long. So don’t be shy this year, get on your costumes and get involved!
“We put on a costume show and mini skirmish for the kids, also an orc camp and living fantasy camp - as opposed to a living history camp...” - Rhys Hennessey / Erebor Dwarf
Middle Earth Festival FREE EVENT
1 - 2 Sep @ Sarehole Mill
Check out The MY Magazine’s Youtube channel to see them in action!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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MOPHEADS
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* Overall mental health
The body releases endorphins when you exercise which make you happy.
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The body sends essential minerals to strengthen bones when they are stressed, so running helps to strengthen ligaments, tendons and bones.
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Running helps you to suffer less from minor illnesses.
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You burn 705 - 865 calories / hour
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
WHITE
FASHION
THE SUMMER CLASSIC everyone can get right Life’s too short to be worrying about stains!
To capture the fresh, carefree look of summer it’s time to go back to basics with all white attire. Simple it may be, be plain it most certainly is not. This is an opportunity to emanate light, meanwhile you have the perfect opportunity to get creative with hair, makeup, and accessories. You don’t need to contend with the sun, you can be it.
The fedora, black heels and red lipstick add an element of grunge to this otherwise dainty look, it keeps the balance beautifully.
Yellow shades, hoops and a bumbag make this flouncy dress decidedly 70s but in an adorable, understated way.
British actor, Idris Elba, keeps it classy and sophisticated in a simple cotton shirt and linen trouser combo.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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FOOD & DRINK
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
EDUCATION
DRIVEWAYS • LANDSCAPING PROPERTY REPAIRS
Garden Maintenance
Pressure Washing
Soft Landscaping
Lawn Mowing
Hedge Cutting
Jungles Cleared
Fencing
Planting
Turfing
jamescoote@changesgardening.org.uk www.changesgardening.org.uk www.facebook.com/changesgardening 0121 796 4080
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‘Tis the season to throw a garden party!
F
orget the stale sarnies – impress your garden party guests with local delicacies and plump for the ultimate opulent picnic with this full-tobursting hamper and BBQ Meat Pack from Walter Rose & Son. Fancy a summer hamper that’s been tailor-made to your specific foodie requirements? A chock-full basket of bespoke treats from Devizes-based deli and butcher, Walter Rose & Son, is in store for one lucky reader who fancies a spot of luxury alfresco picnicking this season.
Choose from a cracking range of charcuterie and hams, including sumptuous local offerings like the Wiltshire honey roast ham from Sandridge Farm. Montgomery cheddar and Delice des Cremiers are just a couple of of the drool-inducing cheeses available – perfectly paired with rosemary crackers. Give our competition a whirl for the chance to have Walter Rose & Son craft you a hamper of gorgeous gastronomic treats worth £100 with a BBQ meat pack thrown in for good measure!
To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question:
In which English market town is Walter Rose & Son based? walterroseandson.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on August / September 2018
Markets & Fairs
Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce Where: Solihull High Street When: First Friday every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org
Classes
Vicki Gorman Weekly Art Classes for all abilities. Where: The Core Courtyard Gallery When: Thursdays Info: vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Seasonal Events
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
High Summer Craft Fair Crafts from home and abroad Where: Solihull High Street When: 25 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk/events Food Market Local artisan and specialist foods Where: mac Birmingham When: Last Sun every month Info: macarts.co.uk
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Fun in the park The annual charity fundraising event returns. Featuring entertainment including a dog show, classic car show, cycling events + more Where: Tudor Grange Park When: 23 Sep Info: Solihull.gov.uk/events
Super Sports Day Getting fit can be fun and this event proves it! With sporting activities galore, including school sports races and much more. Where: Lavender Hall Park When: 8 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk Solihull Summer Fest The Solihull Summer Fest returns to Tudor Grange Park. The Summer Fest 2018 line up includes; Sister Sledge, 10cc, Rak-Su, Blue, Alesha Dixon and Roland Gift. Where: Tudor Grange Park When: 25 - 26 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk
Friends of Damson Park Dog Show popular fundraising event, where proceeds go towards improving the park. Featuring the much-loved Dogwatch dog show, children’s rides, entertainment and stalls. Where: Damson Lane Park When: 1 Sep Info: Solihull.gov.uk/events Summer Holiday Who needs the seaside when you can take a holiday in the park? Come and enjoy some beachthemed entertainment in this celebration of the summer. Where: Meriden Park When: 15 Aug Info: Solihull.gov.uk/events
For the Kids
Music Mayhem! Dress up as a pop star for a chance to win the fancy dress competition, take part in a music-themed treasure trail and dance along to your favourite pop hits with the resident DJ at this musical finale of Shirley Parks summer events for children. Where: Shirley Park When: 22 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk Den Building Discover how to make your very own shelter in the woods. Will you be able to make it waterproof using just what you find in the woods? Ages 6+ Where: Brueton Park When: 15 Aug Info: Solihull.gov.uk/events
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
LEISURE & RETAIL
o ings to d h t f o t o h LL A snaps SOLIHU d n u o r in and a August & h g u o r h t er Septemb
Pirates & Princesses Do you fancy your chances at trying to walk the plank or see yourself in a beautiful castle? If so, come along as we build dens fit for a princess and secret pirate hide outs. Age 4+ £3.50 per child Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 30 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk
Nature Babies Drop in session for babies and toddlers with messy and sensory play. Suitable for children aged 0-2. Where: Brueton Park When: 20 Aug Info: wkwt.org.uk
Queen Tribute In 1993 QEII formed to pay tribute to the World’s No.1 band. The arduous task of coordinating lighting, image, clothes, make-up, mannerisms and not least, by any means, the harmonies and music of the greatest band in the world. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 14 Sep Info: hogarths.co.uk
Live Music
The Dolly Show Officially Voted UK’s No.1 Dolly Parton Tribute and crowned the U.K’s best Dolly tribute (as voted by the Agent’s Association of Great Britain). She has sung at the Singapore Grand Prix, Australia Country Music Festival, Monte Carlo Casino and even for Michael Buble’. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 7 Sep Info: hogarths.co.uk
The Beatles Revolution These guys are a “copy conform” to the original Beatles, using original 60’s VOX amplifiers, original guitars etc. and also costumes as worn by the Beatles all these years ago. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 21 Sep Info: solihull.gov.uk Music in the park: Some like it hot Join the George Huxley Hot Five at this year’s finale of our ‘Music in the Park’ series. The band will be performing their tasty brand of Dixieland jazz classics. Where: Malvern Park When: 12 Aug Info: solihull.gov.uk
Stay in the loop! New events will keep popping up throughout the next couple of months and details may change, that’s why we send out our weekly ‘Hello Weekend’ email to let you know the very latest info. • Live music • Live theatre • Charity events • Conservation • Cinema screenings • Art exhibitions • Craft workshops • Courses • Festivals • Special offers • Markets & street food ...All straight to your inbox every week, with links to websites where you can buy tickets / reserve places.
Sign up via our Facebook page
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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EDUCATION
School Feature W
For those going into year 6 there is the prospect of moving to ‘big school’ just around the corner - one of the biggest steps in their young lives. With the choice between grammar, state and private schools, finding the right one for your child is likely to be a major focus for you this year. We all want what’s best for our children and what suits one down to the ground may not suit another. It’s not just about results and Ofsted reports, it’s about the feeling you get when walking around the place, the feeling your child gets too. So, to give you a helping hand in making this momentous decision we’ve put together the open day dates of schools in and around the area. See page 19 for school open days.
Created by Awesomecontent - Freepik.com
ith the summer holidays stretching before us into the distance the new school term seems such a long way off, but it will come round as quick as a flash. And with it will come exciting new opportunities and experiences for children moving up in their schools.
King Edward VI
Camp Hill Schools
Music Departments The Schools provide good resources and a wide range of performing opportunities. Experienced and enthusiastic teaching leads to excellent results. An outstanding music education free of charge. Places for A level music are available. Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7QJ King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys (0121 444 3188) www.camphillboys.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls (0121 444 2150) www.kechg.org.uk
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
EDUCATION
Take a step back
- How to encourage good learning habits.
R
ecent research by US sociologists, Keith Robinson of the University of Texas and Angel L Harris of Duke University, NC, proposes, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, that hoveringly close parental involvement in a child’s education has little impact on school performance and no measurable influence on exam grades. That does not mean to say that parents do not play a vital role: “Parents are critical to how well children perform in school, just not in the conventional ways that our society has been promoting,” say Robinson and Harris. So, how do we lay the foundations for good learning and create this encouraging environment? Here are five achievable ways to help your child do well at school. 1. Teach the magic word ‘yet’: as in “I haven’t learned to ride a bike, yet”. Seeing learning experiences optimistically really can help develop independence and resilience.
Local Private Tutors
2. Bring bedtime forward. Research shows that C/D students get 25 minutes less sleep than A or B grade achievers. Agree a time and stick to it. 3. Lead by example and learn something yourself. Show that learning can be fun, enjoyable and at times, really difficult. But, overcoming difficulties is possible! 4. Do nothing: if your child fails to complete homework, let them be responsible for the consequences. Shielding your child from the results of their actions, or lack thereof, will create a passive, dependent learner. 5. Value effort over results: not everyone can achieve top grades, but everyone is capable of trying their best. Overall, the best thing that you can do for your child is to help teach them ‘grit’, and this comes from experiencing both the highs and lows of learning.
Sharon Wall
Clarinet Teacher GBSM (Hons) ARCM ABSM PGCE Highly experienced teacher with excellent success rates from beginner to diploma level. Contact Sharon on 0121 449 4423 sharonmcwall@gmail.com sharonwall.com
Sarah Edkins is a former Head of English, having worked in both the independent and state sectors, including several years at a leading grammar school. She now runs the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Olton, Solihull.
165a Warwick Rd Olton Solihull B92 7AR call Kip Mcgrath on
0121 389 9760 or visit kipmcgrath.co.uk/solihull-olton facebook.com/kipmcgrathsolihullolton/
Hazel Buller BSc
Guitar tutor All ages, abilities and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home or Solihull. Special rates for JLR employees. DBS certified. hazelbuller.co.uk Tel: 07847 557765
ting
Helen Mills
Flute & Intensive Grade 5 Theory BMus; GBSM Hons; ABSM Over 30 years flute teaching experience. All abilities, ages and levels taught. Excellent results record. ALSO Aural Training Member of ISM Blenheim Road, Moseley Tel: 0121 449 2135
Kerry Spencer
English, History and 11+ (Maths & English) Tutor All abilities, ages and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home during the week and weekends. Brilliant results. Call or text: 07891 055 220
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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LEISURE & RETAIL
E
School offers girls a 21st century education based on traditional values
dgbaston High School for Girls (EHS) was delighted to host ‘Language and Literature Day’, a series of workshops and talks held with the aim of demonstrating the range of academic disciplines and careers available to young women interested in pursuing the subjects. The school was delighted to welcome award-winning actress Meera Syal to open the event. Her refreshing, frank and funny perspective on life was well-received by the girls who took away with them Meera’s inspirational words of wisdom to follow their passions and be true to who they are. The actress also took part in a special Q and A session with A level English and Drama students. Throughout the day, students in Years 9-10 enjoyed a superb range of activities including Arabic and Portuguese workshops, poetry writing with the Birmingham Poet Laureate and further language and linguistics sessions. Girls also took the opportunity to visit the Careers Fair which had attracted a wide range of exhibitors from universities and employers.
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This event is just one aspect of a broad and balanced educational offering at EHS, where girls aged 2 2½ - 18 years benefit from a 21st century education based on traditional values. Pupils across all departments achieve high academic standards under the guidance of supportive teaching staff, and our all-round approach means that, from the outset, your daughter is actively encouraged in the development of her abilities and interests. Year 13 leavers go on to study a diverse range of competitive degree courses at some of the country’s most sought-after universities. All girls benefit from the onsite facilities including a swimming pool, multi-purpose performance space, flood-lit sports field and a fitness suite. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded EHS ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ accreditations, endorsing its reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the area.
Senior School Admissions: Girls entering Year 7 in September 2019 are invited to sit the Senior School Entrance Examination on Saturday 13 October 2018. The application deadline is Saturday 22 September 2018. Preparatory School Admissions: Girls applying for entry to Prep are asked to make an application by Saturday 26 January 2019. Assessment days takes place on various dates in February and March 2019 and there are a range of open days throughout the year. Girls can be accepted into the school at any point in the school year, subject to satisfactory performance in an entrance examination and place availability.
0121 454 5831
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
Westbourne Rd Birmingham B15 3TS
EDUCATION
An independent school for girls aged 21/2 -18 years
Register now for entry in Autumn 2019
WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 22 September 2018
9.30am - 12.00 noon
On this day, all departments - Westbourne (EYFS), Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form - will be open to showcase how our pupils benefit from an EHS education. * Senior and Sixth Form - Dr Ruth Weeks, Headmistress, will give a talk in the Senior School, starting at 10.30am. * Westbourne and Preparatory School - Mrs Sally Hartley, Head of Prep, will give a talk in Prep Library at 9.45am and 10.45am. Email admi admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk now to reserve your space
‘Outstanding and Excellent’ - ISI Inspection 2015 We st b o u r n e . P re p a rato r y . S e n i o r . S i x t h Fo r m THE FIRST STEPS IN YOUR DAUGHTER’S ADVENTURE Academic, Music, Sport, Art Scholarships 0 1 2 1 4 5and 4 583 1 a dfor m i s yourself sions@edg b a s t omakes n h i g h . can o.uk www . e d g b a s t o nso h i gspecial h.co.uk Come see what EHS education
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
17
EDUCATION
Hallfield school edgbaston An independent co-educational day school from 3 months - 11 years
Happy . Secure Purposeful Tuesday Open. MOrnings Call 454 1496 To 0121 find out more for callmore 0121information 454 1496
www.hallfieldschool.co.uk 0121 454 1496 admissions@hallfieldschool.co.uk Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3SJ
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
School Open Days Alderbrook School
John Henry Newman Catholic College
www.alderbrook.solihull.sch.uk 17 Sep, 6.30pm - 9.00pm
www.johnhenrynewmancatholiccollege.org.uk Date to be confirmed, see website for details
Arden Academy
www.arden.solihull.sch.uk 27 Sep, 6.00pm - 8.30pm, all welcome, 28 Sep 10.45am 12.00noon, parents / guardians only
Langley School
CTC Kingshurst Academy www.kingshurst.ac.uk 26 Sep, 4.00pm - 6.00pm date to be confirmed, see website for details
Grace Academy
www.langley-sec.solihull.sch.uk 20 Sep, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, 21 Sep, 9.15am - 10.15am
Light Hall School
www.lighthall.co.uk Date to be confirmed, see website for details
www.graceacademy.org.uk Date to be confirmed, see website for details
Lode Heath School
www.lodeheathschool.co.uk 19 Sep, 9.15am - 10.45pm and 6.15pm - 8.30pm
Lyndon School
www.lyndonschool.co.uk 18 Sep, 6.00pm - 8.00pm, 21 & 28 Sep, 9.15am - 10.15am
EDUCATION
Smith’s Wood Sports College
www.smithswood.co.uk 21 Sep, 4.00pm - 6.30pm, 21 Sep, 8.30am - 1.00pm
Solihull School
www.solsch.org.uk 22 Sep, 9.30am - 12.00noon
St Martin’s Girls School www.saintmartins-school.com 15 Sep, 9.30am - 12.00noon
St Peter’s Catholic School www.vle.st-peters.solihull.sch.uk 20 Sep, 5.30pm - 8.00pm, 24 & 25 Sep 9.00am - 12.00noon (open mornings by appointment only)
Tudor Grange Academy
www.solihull.tgacademy.org.uk Date to be confirmed, see website for details
If you’d like to list your school open days on this page in future please contact us on info@swanpublishing.org
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
19
FOOD & DRINK
Nothing beats a
836 Yardley Wood Rd
delicious
Kings Heath, B13 0JE
Open 5.30-11.00 Every day
warming curry
www.sweetchillies.com
Ample FREE parking
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
Introduce yourself? Want your business to meet the neighbourhood? Your ad should be here. Visit swanpublishing.org or call 0121 689 0432
20
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
RASPBERRY JAM
Foraged food Each issue we are picking recipes that utilise ingriedients that can be foraged locally, and are in keeping with what can be found that season.
INGREDIENTS 750g of raspberries, fresh 1 vanilla pod 500g of granulated sugar 250g of vanilla sugar METHOD
* Forageing Tip There are many local sites for forageing, try pathways alongside rivers, canal towpaths, woods and parks.
INGREDIENTS 55g caster sugar 125g raspberries 60ml vodka handful mint leaves small pinch of dried chilli flakes 125ml prosecco METHOD
RASPBERRY COCKTAIL
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 140°C Step 2 Place the raspberries in a large pan and cut the vanilla pod down the centre. Scrape all of the seeds into the pan with the raspberries. Step 3 Cut the pod into small pieces and add to the pan. Simmer the fruit and vanilla gently for about 10 minutes. While the fruit is simmer ing, warm both sugars together in the oven. Step 4 Remove the pieces of vanilla pod from the raspberries and add the sugar to the fruit in the pan. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then bring to a rolling boil, boiling hard until setting point has been reached. Start testing for the setting point after 4 minutes, using the cold plate, flake or thermometer test. Step 5 As soon as setting point has been reached, remove the jam from the heat and allow to sit for a few minutes. Remove any scum that has risen to the surface with a metal spoon, pushing it to one side. Step 6 Gently stir the jam and pour or ladle into warm, sterilised jam jars, filling the jam right up to the brim. Seal the jars immediately and label when cool
Step 1 Place sugar and 60ml boiled water in a cup and stir to dissolve. Then cover and chill until needed. Step 2 Whiz half the berries in a food processor until smooth. Strain, discarding any solids. Step 3 Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, torn mint leaves, chilli, raspberry puree and 2 tbs sugar syrup. Shake well, then stir in prosecco. Step 4 Fill glasses with ice, strain over cocktail and serve with remaining mint and berries.
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HOME & GARDEN
I
OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM
f spending more evenings in your garden is on the cards this summer it’s well worth making your outdoor spaces feel more ‘homely’. This may sound counterintuitive but a few basic elements can transform a simple yard into an open-air living space.
Earth Don’t pave over every bit of land you own! While a small paved area is called for in an outdoor living room, the rest of the garden is needed for run-off during the rainy seasons. So bring the greenery right up close and personal, have trees and bushes overhanging, but keep the paving clear for your garden furniture.
Wind To feel the comfort of a living room and the tranquillity of the outdoors there needs to be a loose framework of a structure that gives the impression of a room without trying
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to be one. It shouldn’t be blocking out the natural elements you wish to be closer to. Try not to shut in the space with high walls either, the breeze feels like a godsend on sweltering summer days.
Water The sound of running water has calming effects on us, and immerses us a little more in the outdoors without being invasive. A water feature is a wonderful way to enjoy water through the hot season while we scarcely see a drop of rain.
Fire The natural focal point of social gatherings, fire is the most important element to consider to prolong the life of your outdoor living room late into the night. A big stone fireplace will not only provide a beautiful source of light, but will also radiate heat, maintaining a comfortable temperature as the sun’s heat fades.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2018
HOME & GARDEN
Back-lit shelving will give your secret bar an inviting allure, and will be sure to get a big response from everyone who sees it.
How to make your own
Putting some special seating tucked away near your bar will make it feel like a real occasion when you use it.
SECRET
BAR
Your bar sign is a must to finish the look.
In a world where the 9-5, the school run and maintaining your house rule supreme it’s absolutely essential to your sanity that you invite a bit of magic into your home. Something special, unexpected and fun that makes your home feel like a destination, not just four walls and a roof. There are many creative ways to do this, but on this occasion it’s the secret bar. Here are the basic components you need to turn an unassuming cupboard or cabinet into your secret bar...
Locks are a great investment if you want to keep your stock safe!
23
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Protecting our personal data
B
usinesses have been gearing themselves up to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) for some time now, but do they realise there are huge employment law implications to this new directive? Jas Dubb, employment law specialist at The Wilkes Partnership sheds some light on this can of worms that has been causing businesses a major headache for the last year or so with the lead up to the new GDPR rules. “The penalties for non-compliance has now significantly increased and can carry criminal sanctions in extreme cases”, he warns. Personal data comes in many forms. It is likely that employers will hold a lot of personal data about their employees and former employees. This could include next of kin details, benefit details and bank details. If the employer operates CCTV or monitors emails, internet use or records telephone calls, then this will constitute personal data for the purposes of GDPR.
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Under GDPR employers need to ensure that where data is held it is properly protected. There is a greater emphasis upon security and the control of data within the employer’s possession. Employers should also consider how long they legitimately require to hold employee data and regularly check the accuracy of the data held.
may apply for a job, workers the business may engage from time to time as well as direct employees.
Employees have previously had the right to seek copies of the personal data held via a Subject Access Request. But under GDPR employees also have rights under certain circumstances to erase personal data, to restrict data processing and object to processing of their personal data, amongst others.
The original employer data protection obligations come from the 1998 Data Protection Act following EU regulations. These were related to obtaining, processing and securing personal data. This has now been replaced by the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 which came into force on 25 May 2018.
As part of the road to compliance, employers need to have a privacy notice. The notice needs to cover such things as what data it expects to gather, whether or not they ever share this data and if so with whom, amongst other matters. This notice must be provided to all those whose data is held. As such this, in an employment law context, would include prospective candidates who
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the body which oversees this new legislation. Disgruntled employees can raise their concerns and complaints directly with the ICO.
We provide advice to both employers and employees. For advice on any employment related matter and to discuss our Free Employment Health Check for your business please contact Jas Dubb at The Wilkes Partnership on
0121 233 4333
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
WORD ON THE STREET Here we bring you the low down of local happenings, all the stuff you need to know. To contribute to next issue’s WORD ON THE STREET page please email info@swanpublishing.org or call us on 0121 689 0432 Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid’s Young Women’s Refuge celebrates first birthday in style Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid’s young women’s refuge, Seerose, celebrated its first anniversary with an exclusive event at Hazel & Haydn in the Jewellery Quarter. Dale Hollinshead, Manager of Hazel & Haydn, opened his doors to the young women based at Seerose, aged between 16-25, offering them a range of services including: having their hair washed, cut and styled by his talented team.
Contract awarded at 750 home scheme Womens’ Aid and Birmingham City Women’s Football Club join alliances We’re thrilled to announce that Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BSWA) have entered into a partnership with Birmingham City Women’s Football Club, allowing the charity to not only advertise and fundraise with the club, but also permit the team to become more engaged with BSWA’s day-to-day work. BSWA are the largest, holistic provider of support services to women and children who have experienced any form of violence across the Birmingham and Solihull region, having supported 7,019 women and 4,135 children in the past year. Staff at their centres work with each woman to create an individual support plan, which can include: ‘Money Management’ and ‘Understanding your Rights’ courses, as well as self-esteem and confidence workshops. They even go as far as help with shopping, cooking and cleaning, ensuring that everyone they work with has the skills to move forward and create a successful life for themselves after they have left refuge.
A Birmingham-based groundworks and civil engineering company has been appointed on the infrastructure works for IM Properties’ 750-home development within Blythe Valley Park. M Lambe Construction will work on the Solihull scheme after being handed the contract by Bloor Homes. full story at Insider Media www.insidermedia.com
Many of the women that attended have never been to a professional salon before, making this celebration even more meaningful. Part of BSWA’s work is to present the women in their care with new experiences, exposing them to opportunities which may even start them on a new career path. BSWA are the largest, holistic provider of support services to women and children who have experienced any form of violence across the Birmingham & Solihull Region, having supported 7,019 women and 4,135 children in the past year. Seerose is a unique refuge that has been developed by BSWA in response to the experiences of the young women in their other five refuges; building and establishing life skills as many have never lived alone. For more information on Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid and how to support them please email supportus@bswaid.org or call 0121 685 8687
Find out more at: bswaid.org
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
25
Local Business Directory
Support your local community = Supporting your local economy + Watching our neighbourhood thrive!
Beauty Therapy
Restaurant
Chauffeur Services
School
Sk:n 4
4
Kingsmarque
8
Credit Control
UK Central Credit Management
Edgbaston High School Hallfield School
Cleaning & Ironing Mopheads
Sweet Chillies
2
Gardening & Landscaping
2 Central Driveways 11 Changes UK 11 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 8 Betel UK Garden Treeworks
Health Club
King Edward VI Camp Hill School
16/17 18 14
Smart Alarm Systems
Smart Install Limited 28
Solicitor
The Wilkes Partnership 24
Tuition
Kip McGrath Solihull Olton Centre
Windows & Doors
14/15
Cloudy2Clear
North Solihull & Tudor Grange Leisure Centres
20
27
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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.
26
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
HOME & GARDEN advertorial
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace
the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you
how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Corbyn Wells and he services Solihull and the surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Corbyn a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
27
‘Burglars target homes where there is no visible sign of protection’ Crime Reduction Manager, West Midlands Police.
Burglar Alarms We offer a standard wireless system or choose the ‘smart’ option that can send alerts directly to your mobile.
CCTV systems For added security our CCTV system, which also links to your mobile device, protects your property day and night.
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and I have already ago. Very happy with the process Had alarm fitted by them a while A Leem ily. fam and nds frie my to d recommende customer e. The service was excellent and the hom my to ed fitt v cct and rm ala I had an Colin T mend SmartInstall to anyone. care was unbeatable. I would recom ing. ation to installation and commission Brilliant service from initial consult Terry M y. nt and credit to himself and compan elle exc s wa er ine eng tion alla inst Our
Call your local installer now on 0121 634 8081 or visit SmartInstall.com
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