December / January 2017/18
40,000
DAVID HAREWOOD
Over local readers
MY
SOLIHULL CENTRAL
From Birmingham to
Hollywood!
Making your home a
Winter Wonderland Delicious Tiramisu
Cocktail recipe 1
siness Local Bu side! y in Director e See pag
26
Food & Drink | Entertainment | Fashion | Home & Garden | Legal & Financial | Health
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
Welcome to your December / January issue of My Solihull Central. This issue we have a few fabulous wintery fashion tips to share with you and a couple of fun ideas for transforming your home into a winter wonderland for the festive period. Also, look out for some great suggestions for making the most of your garden during the dormant season, as well as the indulgent festive recipes on our food page. Our cover story focuses on homegrown talent David Harewood who has risen to stardom in America, yet continues to join the conversation on important British issues and be a part of positive change in our culture. In other local happenings we have some juicy nuggets of news in our word on the street page and a whole range of things to do in your spare time over the next couple of months, whatever you’re into. As ever, don’t hesitate to get in touch and let us know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter. Bye for now,
Ruby & Amy
www.swanpublishing.org @MYSolihull @SwanPub
If you have an idea for a future article please let us know by emailing
info@swanpublishing.org
EDITOR’S WELCOME
Hello Neighbours,
Amy Watson Managing Director amywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
Ruby Watson Designer & Editor rubywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
Max Carlish Videographer maxcarlish@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
3
HOME & GARDEN Open Tues-Sat 10.30-5pm
Open Mon-Sat 10.30-5pm
A Painted Room 136 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham,B13 8EE
Stockists of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan, a range of painted furniture, designer/maker homewares and unique gifts We also offer a picture framing service and chalk paint workshops
Garden Maintenance
Pressure Washing
Soft Landscaping
Lawn Mowing
Hedge Cutting
Jungles Cleared
Fencing
Planting
Turfing
CHRISTMAS TREECYCLING
jamescoote@changesgardening.org.uk www.changesgardening.org.uk www.facebook.com/changesgardening 0121 796 4080
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th January 2018
“Professional and very tidy” “WOW, So So pleased” “Absolutely delighted” “Awesome Team”
In exchange for a donation, we’ll collect and recycle your Christmas tree Our volunteers will be collecting from selected postcode areas. Book your collection at www.careatchristmas.org or call 0121 472 1191 In Partnership with
Registered Charity No. 503456
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
CONTENTS
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
ss usine e! B l a Loc ory insid ct Dire e page Se
26
COVER STORY David Harewood, celebrating Brummie talent 8/9
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 25
LEISURE & RETAIL Time for Tartan 12/13 What’s On Guide 14/15
HOME & GARDEN
LEGAL & FINANCIAL Divorce: The curse of social media 23
EDUCATION Local private tutors 24
HEALTH 5 triggers that prevent sleep, and 5 solutions 10
Sign up to our FREE e-mag to also recieve our ‘Hello Weekend’ mailer helping you stay in the loop with local events - just another great tool to make your life easier! swanpublishing.org
FOOD & DRINK
Winter Wonderland 20
Where to eat 16
Christmas garden cheer 19
Flavours for the season 17
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
Win Hippodrome tickets to see Cinderella We’ve teamed up with Birmingham Hippodrome to offer a pair of tickets to the most magical pantomime of them all, Cinderella on Tues 9 Jan at 7.15pm. Soul-diva Beverley Knight will make her pantomime debut in this year’s Hippodrome spectacular, alongside Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac, Birmingham panto-favourite Matt Slack, pop and television star Suzanne Shaw, comedy duo The Grumbleweeds, and the most faaaaabulous Ugly Sisters in show business, Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall. Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect Hippodrome pantomime: a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy! Competition deadline is 15 December. To enter please go to our website competition page
www.swanpublishing.org/competitions
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
7
David Harewood as
8
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
J’onn Jon
From Brum To
Hollywood
nzz in Supergirl
T
noist
r Melissa Be
pergirl co-sta
ood with Su David Harew at Comic Con
he credentials of this talented Brummie have continued to impress right the way through 2017, most recently starring as a major cast member of the hit US TV show Super Girl as Marshan Manhunter / J’onn J’onzz, and a recurring role on The Flash. It’s also hard to forget his powerful performance in 2006 blockbuster ‘Blood Diamond’ in which he co-starred with the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio - it’s safe to say we have a true Brummie in Hollywood. Despite being a bonefide star in the American TV and movie scene David Harewood continues to show constant interest and input into UK issues and successes via Twitter. Stardom it seems has not changed Harewood from the ambitious young Small Heathan who spent his teen years bartending in town, who was (and is to this day) a Birmingham City FC fan. He has recently opened up on Twitter about a difficult stage in his 20s when he experienced a mental breakdown. He shared intimate details of this and his subsequent sectioning on World Mental Health Day, reminding tweeters of the vulnerablities we all face and the importance of identifying them, as well as being aware that reaching low points in life is nothing to be ashamed of. When celebrated actor Samuel L Jackson recently commented on Black British actors taking over the American scene Harewood was quick to jump to their defence. Jackson’s
point, which has struck a nerve in the British acting community was that American directors have been outsourcing to England as a ‘cheaper option’ but Harewood assures that having worked hard for many years in the industry he is certainly not a ‘cheap option’! He has also put forward his opinion that American directors have been favouring Black British actors (over African American actors) for their skill and also for their detachment from American history, which he explains makes it easier to play a role without the centuries of historical baggage weighing on their presentation of a character. So, what’s next for David Harewood? We can certainly expect to see more of him in future episodes of Super Girl, and here’s hoping his performance is on the radar of Justice League director Zack Snyder to pave the way for Marshan Manhunter on the big screen!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
9
Tips Corner
Health
5 triggers that cause restless sleep
... and 5 solutions!
1. Chemicals close to bed time - Caffeine/ sugar/ nicotine
1. Read a book before bed, it will rest your eyes and relax
2. Hormones - Pregnancy/ menopause
2. Stop all stimulating activities a while before bed, no horror
3. Life Stress - dwelling on anxieties at bed time
3. Chat to your partner and put to rest your worries for the day. 4. Don’t keep getting up if you can’t fall to sleep right away -
4. Too much screen time before bed 5. Environmental - excess noise / light / heat / cold.
MY
your body ready for sleep.
films or late-night gameing!
it’s a bad habit to get into.
5. Set yourself a regular bedtime and wake-up time, your
body will naturally become used to the schedule.
THE
Do YOU want to be on the mat?
welcome
MAGAZINES
...Then come in with us!
Get your leaflets delivered cosy inside our next issue Only £35 +VAT per 1000. Contact us on 0121 689 0432 visit swanpublishing.org or email us at info@swanpublishing.org
Visit
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swanpublishing.org or give us a call on 0121 689 0432 for honest & free advice
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
Accessories
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TARTAN
IS
S S O
B
ack...
ho’s b Guess w
in
aga k c a b . ..
tan r the tar fo s in g blic t be The hun ominate the pu d piece to catwalk. >>> t more > u o d in F
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
LEISURE & RETAIL
Tartan FOR HIM Tartan: It’s for everyone Tartan is so versatile that it manages to simultaneously compliment men and women without being a gender neutral style. Its bold patterns evoke the spirit of the sturdily built Scottish Highlander as well as lending itself beautifully to a more petite frame. If you’re clueless when it comes to tartan check out these classics for inspiration: - Royal Stewart - Hebridian Heather - Wallace - Macdonald Dress
Tartan FOR HER Bring on the drama... Nothing quite says winter chic like a tartan statement piece. High fashion and highstreet fashion alike seem to be engaged in an ongoing affair with these simple yet stunning Scottish patterns. This season tartan isn’t playing second fiddle to any other winter styles, so now’s a good time to get on the hunt for a dramatic tartan piece to spice up your winter wardrobe.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on December / January 2017/18
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
Burns Night Dinner & Dance Enjoy the best of Scottish food and a wee dram or two. Bagpipes and a Ceilidh band and lots of dancing. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 27 Jan Info: hogarths.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: 329 Widney Rd, B93 9BQ When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com
Christmas Food Market Fine foods, organic farm produce and arts and crafts from regional artists. Where: Mell Square When: 15 & 16 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk/events Dorridge Christmas Gift Market Unique and stylish presents not available on the high street. Where: Dorridge Village Hall When: 9 Dec, 11.00am - 2.00pm Info: familiesonline.co.uk
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Christmas Crafts Have a go at making your own Christmas Crafts to take home. Where: Brueton Park When: 8 Dec Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Aladdin Spectacular traditional childrens’ panto. Let Chaplin’s Pantos take your children on a spectacular journey across time and space to visit the magical city of Old Peking. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 21 Dec Info: hogarths.co.uk
Lions’ Festive Walk Walk off your Christmas pudding. Bring friends and relatives. Just turn up and make a donation. Routes are 3, 6 or 9 miles. Where: Baddesley Clinton When: 27 Dec, 9.00am Info: knowleanddorridgelions.com
Jack and the Beanstalk Malcolm Stent’s fab panto finale celebrating 27 years in panto land! Where: The Core Theatre When: Throughout Dec Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Lily and the Snow Bear A glittering snowy tale about a a little lost bear and a brave little girl. 3 + Where: The Core Theatre When: 20-24 Dec Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk Santa’s Grotto Visit Santa in his enchanting grotto to get into the spirit of Christmas. Where: Atrium, Touchwood When: up to 24 Dec Info: touchwoodsolihull.co.uk Santa’s Grotto Santa and his animal friends will be in his fabulous grotto. Plus there will be hot food stalls and rides. Where: Earlswood Garden Centre When: up to 23 Dec Info: earlswoodglc.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
o ings to d h t f o t o h LL A snaps SOLIHU d n u o r and in and a cember e D h g u thro January
Treecycling In exchange for a donation, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice will collect your tree from your doorstep. Funds raised help provide vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness. Where: Selected postcodes across Birmingham and Solihull When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January Info: careatchristmas.org/treecycling
Just 4 Kids
Holly Jolly Christmas Tinsel Tots festive outdoor activities and craft for little ones. Where: Brueton Park When: 14, 15, 21, 22 Dec Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Laughing Sole Comedy for Kids An exciting comedy club where the laughs are loud and shared across all ages! Our comedy club is specifically for children and their families, bringing together some of the best acts on the circuit performing family friendly jokes. Recommended age 5+ but younger siblings are welcome Where: mac Birmingham When: 17 Dec Info: macarts.co.uk
LEISURE & RETAIL
More great shows
Cinderella Soul-diva Beverley Knight will make her pantomime debut in this year’s Hippodrome spectacular, alongside Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac, this is the fairy godmother of all pantomimes. Where: Birmingham Hippodrome When: 19 Dec - 28 Jan Info: birminghamhippodrome.com
Closer Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre Company perform Patrick Marber’s multi-award winning play Closer. This play is a brilliant exploration into the brutal anatomy of modern romance where a quartet of strangers meet, fall in love, and become caught in a web of sexual desire and betrayal. Where: The Crescent Theatre When: 13-16 December Info: crescent-theatre.co.uk The Nutcracker BRB’s production of The Nutcracker has been part of the City’s Christmas tradition for over 26 years and has returned to the Hippodrome. Where: Birmingham Hippodrome When: 24 Nov - 13 Dec Info: birminghamhippodrome.com
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, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
15
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
16
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, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
FOOD & DRINK Method
Tiramisu Cocktail Add a splash of sophistication to your drinking experience this Christmas with a delicious dessert inspired cocktail.
No shaking required, just pour the ingredients in one by one starting from the top of the list, thus creating the layered effect just like the dessert.
Ingredients: Ice Espresso shot 30ml Amaretto 30ml Mozart Gold 30ml Mozart White Dusting of cocoa powder
Toad In The Hole In the lead up to Christmas day you’ll want a few recipes that act as a drum roll before the season’s feast, and this certainly fits the bill. Toad in the hole is a classic winter warmer and absolute crowd pleaser. Ingredients: 4 eggs 300ml milk 220g flour 100g butter A splash of oil 3 onions 1tbsp caster sugar 200ml stout 3 whole sprigs of thyme 600ml chicken stock 8 apple or onion sausages 100g lard
by half. 3. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees C fan / 180 degrees C gas. Next heat a medium baking dish on the hob and fry the sausages in a little oil until coloured. Remove the sausages and set aside. 4. Add the lard to the dish and carefully pour in the batter. Arrange the sausages in the batter and bake for 35 - 40 mins until batter is cooked. When ready to serve, sprinkle with thyme and serve with the onion gravy made in step 2.
Method: 1. Whisk the eggs and milk together, then whisk in the flour. Place in the fridge. 2. Heat a heavy based saucepan, add butter and oil, melt and add onions, fry until dark. Then stir in the flour and sugar. Add the stout and thyme sprigs and simmer until reduced
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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HOME & GARDEN
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
HOME & GARDEN
CHRISTMAS C H E E R
Spread a little extra this year with a festive display of your own. You can find great prices on outdoor decorations that will add a dash of magic to your neighbourhood.
D.I.Y Spruce up your street with some festive accessories such as red ribbons and fir tree garlands.
WILKO This delightful character is only £40 and looks stunning lit up at night on the lawn.
m
m
m
WAYFAIR.CO.UK Wayfair has a great selection of outdoor decorations, from beautiful lit up statues of reindeers to its more humble wicker alternatives.
D.I.Y Wreath making classes get booked up early so if you’ve missed out why not try your hand at a solo craft activity?
m
m MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
19
HOME & GARDEN
Living in a
Winter
Wonderland B
ack in the 1600s all the way through to the 1980s in winter blankets of snow would cover the UK and transform it into another world, often staying put for months on end! It’s where the traditional scenes on all of the Christmas cards came from, the blizzards of snow that made roads impassable and schools close for weeks. This year it’s time to stop pinning all of our hopes on that most magical and rare of things: snow at Christmas. Not because we’ve been driven to pessimism by its absence but because there are so many other ways to make the holidays special, and it starts in your home.
Kitchen
Livingroom Winter wonderland theme is all about the beauty and innocence of the woodland decorated with the glow of fresh powdery snow. Bring this into your livingroom with snow-dusted woodland creatures, pinecones, white tinsel and fairy lights giving that twinkle of winter sun on frosted land.
Bedroom Keeping cosiness in mind - a valuble commodity in the depths of winter the bedroom can take on the guise of a woodland refuge and become your own holiday log cabin, Throw on some tartan covers and a couple of faux fur blankets, and complete the picture with some pinewood scented candles.
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With any luck (and some serious elbow grease) the kitchen will spend Christmas decorated with festive snacks, drinks and wonderful smells... but we can do more. Create a stylised scene of falling snow with a homemade snowflake chandelier and bring the woodland inside with some fir tree inspired foliage. So no more glum faces if Jack Frost doesn’t finish the job this winter, we can do it ourselves!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 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.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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VIDEO MARKETING
MY THE
MAGAZINES
If a picture can tell a thousand words,
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Traffic
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Increase brand awareness by establishing the tone of your company and giving it a clear and approachable personality.
First impressions take mere moments to form, create the best first impression with video marketing.
Visit swanpublishing.org or give us a call on 0121
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
Divorce:
The curse of Social Media
I
n what seems to be a sign of the times, social media is playing a huge role in the breakdown of unhappy marriages. The rise of social media is manifesting itself in a number of ways in divorce cases. Local specialist divorce solicitor Sian Kenkre of The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors sheds some light on the issue. “As family lawyers we are finding the use of social media as an argument for unreasonable behaviour, becoming more common,” she said. “I think that social media use, as grounds for unreasonable behaviour, is something that we will continue to see over the next few years. “We are also seeing the impact of ‘over-sharing’. Divorce and separation, as with many other aspects of our lives, was once something kept firmly behind closed doors for all but a handful of celebrities willing to share their most private battles on a public stage. Increasing numbers of ordinary couples are opting to go through public divorces, trading accusations on line. “In some cases that I have dealt with in recent years, the court has had to
step in, in an effort to curb the volume and unpleasant nature of exchanges across various social media platforms.
term outcome. If social media issues arise, it is better to take early advice to understand options in the short and long term,” said Sian.
“Whilst the aim is to resolve cases in an amicable manner, frequently some clients are so focussed on attacking each other that they do not comprehend the impact until too late. Clients can often forget that their children will hear of the deterioration of their relationship which has become the topic of conversation at the school gates. “Finally, a recent survey has found that nearly a third of Brits admit to using dating apps whilst in a relationship. Previously these apps would not have been involved in relationships, but again we are seeing a steady rise appearing in divorce proceedings. “Naturally, the impact of social media has also shaped the way we are advising clients. I would urge clients to think before reacting to social media issues and not react online. Anything published online could be there forever and whilst it can be deleted in seconds, a screenshot of it cannot. “Divorcing with dignity rather than discord tends to be a far better long
If you need advice on divorce or any other family related matters contact Sian Kenkre at The Wilkes Partnership skenkre@wilkes.co.uk The Wilkes Partnership Solicitors Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS 0121 733 8000 / www.wilkes.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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EDUCATION
Local Private Tutors
Sharon Wall
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY ‘Knowle Fun Run’ – and were presented to the Hospice at a recent reception at the Greswolde Hotel.
WORD ON THE STREET
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, which provides vital care and support to individuals and families living with terminal illness, was chosen as partner as it’s a local charity benefiting local people. The other two charities selected were Prostate Cancer UK and Motor Neurone Disease Association together with local causes.
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
Hogarths wins top award Hogarths Hotel has won the award for the Best West Midlands Countryside Hotel - for the second year in a row - at the prestigious Lux Hotel & Spa Awards 2017. Steve Quick Group General Manager for Hogarths Hotels and Restaurants commented, “this accolade is due to the hard work and dedication that all of our team put into making our hotels the very best. We are a genuine provider of hospitality and our team are true professionals who give 100% to the customer. If you have not yet visited Hogarths, then you are really missing out on a treat, our door is always open and you are guaranteed a warm welcome.” For more information visit www.hogarths.co.uk
To find out more about Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice or Knowle & Dorridge Lions Club, visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk or www.knowleanddorridgelions.com
Lions raises £11k for hospice
‘Stratford’s helping to drive West Midlands economy’
Knowle & Dorridge Lions Club has raised an impressive £11k for local charity, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON has a key role to play in the on-going revival of the West Midlands economy.
The Midlands-based club, which supports charities by hosting fundraising events, donated the generous amount after selecting the Hospice as one of its three charity partners last year. The vital funds were raised by the Lions’ popular charity fundraising events – the ‘Lions Festive Walk’ and
That’s the message from the region’s first directly elected mayor, Andy Street. Stratford District Council initially voted against becoming a non-constituent member of the WMCA in 2015, citing risks outweighing the benefits, before a U-turn after a second vote was forced. As a result council’s leader, Chris Saint, sits on the board, and although Mr Street has no direct influence over matters in Warwickshire, he did say funding that has been secured from central government would still be made available to strategic projects in the county.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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Local Business Directory
Support your local community = Supporting your local economy + Watching our neighbourhood thrive!
Bike Shop
Bike Pro Racing
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Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice
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Macphersons Appliances Direct
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Flight Simulators Midlands Ltd
Estate Agents Hunters Estates
11 4 11 6
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18 Central Driveways 18 Changes UK 4 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 18 Resin Drives 28 Betel UK Garden Treeworks
Interior Design A Painted Room
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All Aspects Property Maintenance
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The Repair Specialists
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Sweet Chillies
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Birmingham Hippodrome
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Cloudy2Clear
7 7 21
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18
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