g n i n n i w d r a w a The
DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2019/20
MAGAZINE MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL
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THE SECRETS BEHIND
DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE FOOD • LIFESTYLE • EVENTS • 2019/20 HOME & GARDEN MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 1 & DRINK
14-16 School Road, Yardley Wood, B14 4BJ
Houses • Gardens • Offices • Sheds • Garages Full and part properties cleared and tidied
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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CHRISTMAS TREECYCLING 11th & 12th January 2020 In exchange for a donation, we’ll collect and recycle your tree
Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work throughout the summer to ensure your child is constantly learning and developing their ability.
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Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.
9 - 20
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Book your collection before 6th January Our volunteers will be collecting from selected postcodes
Solihull, Tudor Grange Study Centre Stefania Cocosila 07770 167792
Book today at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/treecycling or call 0121 752 8779
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
22/10/2019 11:50
Contents
DECEMBER / JANUARY COMMUNITY ACTIVITY 24
WORD ON THE STREET LEISURE & RETAIL
10/11
WHAT’S YOUR SHAPE?
13
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
?
FIND GREG THE GNOME TO WIN FAMILY DAY OUT! HOME & GARDEN
26/27
GET INSPIRED TO LIGHT YOUR HOME
19
HOT TIPS FROM BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS LOCAL INTEREST
14
MAYOR PRAISE FOR RECENT LOCAL AWARDS EDUCATION
25
TUTOR LISTING PAGE HEALTH
7
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON PG
30
FAMILY BONDING TIME FOOD & DRINK
28
LITTLE FESTIVE TREATS
29
APPLE CIDER COCKTAIL LEGAL & FINANCIAL
21
WILKES - LPAS MORE FLEXIBLE
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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We were super excited to recently be finalists in the Birmingham Awards 2019 for ‘excellence in media.’ Read about it and how we have grown as a community lifestyle magazine with a focus on the power of keeping it local - promoting local events, organisations and businesses. If you know anyone who wants to grow their business in 2020, ask them to give us a call. We are bursting with good advice as well as brimming with pride that our magazines have generated significant new business for our advertisers over the last 13 years. We are always pleased to hear from readers (old and new) so get in touch and let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to feature in your MY Magazine. We’re now off shopping to by some glitzy clothes for the party season and our diaries are already packed full with local events, so grab a cuppa, or a mulled wine maybe, sit down and enjoy an issue packed full with local, local, local!
Bye for now,
Ruby, Amy and Julie www.swanpublishing.org @TheMYMagazines @amyMYMag email info@swanpublishing.org Our reader survey found...
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Find Greg!
All you need to do to enter our prize draw for the perfect family day out at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is find Greg the pesky gnome who is hiding somewhere in our pages. Enter through the website swanpublishing.org
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HEALTH & WELLBEING
SERVING UP HAPPINESS
CENTREPEICE
Family bonding time for psychological wellbeing. Creating an intimate moment in the day where the family comes together and feel peaceful in each others company works wonders for the family bond. These little moments have a huge impact on the broader picture of mental wellbeing. Here are some easy and simple components to setting the tone for a beautiful family moment.
SET THE TABLE Setting the table brings family together before the food is ready, and gives you a chance to communicate without the spotlight being on any one of you.
Make it feel like you’re always celebrating with a decorative centrepiece. A small flower in a vase or small potted candles, it sounds so simple but these little touches make us feel special when we eat out, and will too when we eat in.
SERVING UP Sometimes, for no reason in particular, it’s fun to get out the fancy bowls, or perhaps just plate up the food in an unusual way to keep things interesting. Try serving up pizzas on a wooden chopping board, or popping your pasta on slate plates.
MUSIC The music shouldn’t be too disruptive to the flow of conversation but will keep the evening feeling lively and fun. There’s nothing worse than a silent restaurant, so why would a silent dining room be any different?
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
7
HEALTH & WELLBEING HEALTH
|
07815 460786 01827 892952
June receives an early
Christmas present
“It is amazing how just being able to brush your own hair can change your whole outlook on life,” according to great grandmother June Shakespeare. Eighty-four-year-old June had been gradually losing the use of her fingers over the past few years until it reached the stage where she could hardly use her hands at all. But, following surgery to reattach tendons that had become worn away by wrist arthritis June, who lives in Great Barr, has been able to grab back the many day-to-day skills that most people take for granted. “Opening doors, taking lids off jars, holding a cup or taking money from my purse – even brushing my hair, had become almost impossible. You can’t imagine just how much that impacted on my daily life,” she explained. As the condition continued to deteriorate June met with specialist hand and wrist surgeon Mr Gunaratnam Shyamalan at Spire Hospital. He explained that not only could he help her get movement back to her hands but he could also perform the surgery while she remained completely awake. He said: “Years of arthritis in the bones of her wrist meant that the tendons to her fingers had been severed or ruptured – it is not an uncommon condition in elderly patients. “What I did was use sections of healthy tendons to repair the torn ones while carrying out repairs to the badly damaged ones. I used a technique called WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet) which meant
June was able to stay awake throughout the entire operation." “Not only does this seem to put patients at their ease, it also means they don’t have to recover from the effects of a general anaesthetic which speeds up their actual recovery process.” Now, following a series of physiotherapy treatments, June is delighted to have ‘excellent movement’ back in her wrist.
She said: “The operation went very well and I was delighted to be able to chat to people in the operating theatre as Mr Shyamalan carried out his work. It really put me at ease both before and during the actual surgery. “It really is beyond my expectations to be able to do some everyday things that most people take for granted and, as a bit of a bonus, there is hardly a scar to show for the surgery he carried out.” June is delighted with the results of her wrist surgery.
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
Cornfield Magazine | 15
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24/10/2019 11:32
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Introduce yourself? Want your business to meet the neighbourhood? Your ad should be here! Visit swanpublishing.org or call 0121 689 0432
Complete antenatal education Hypnobirthing
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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FASHION
WHICH BODY SHAPE ARE YOU? This issue Dawn Marriott shares her expert advice on how to dress for your shape, embracing all the variety our bodies offer! Here’s my guide to the 4 basic body Shapes.
Apple
Celeb – Catherine Zeta Jones
Our bodies come under a lot of scrutiny and we are usually our own biggest critics. “My arms are too fat, my tummy too squidgy, my legs are too short” are just some of the things I hear when I’m with my clients. We can be so hard on ourselves focusing way too much on the bits we don’t like whilst forgetting about our good bits! This is why I share my knowledge on body shapes and how to dress your shape confidently with all of my clients. Understanding what shape we might be and why some things just don’t work on us is key when it comes to knowing exactly what to wear in order to feel your very best. Style gurus like Gok Wan and Trinny and Suzannah have talked a lot over the years about body shapes and shown us endless programs on how to dress - but do you know which body shape you are?
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A slash neck or wide neck is perfect for creating balance across your slimmer shoulders. You can go wild with top details, big shoulders, puff sleeves, ruffles, embellishment you can have it all.
If you are an Apple you will carry your weight around your bust and tummy. You will probably have great legs and good bust too! Draw attention away from your middle area by layering but do avoid patterns across your tummy area where possible, a plain block of colour is way more flattering. Size up in a shirt or top, as clingy fabrics will only make you look bigger across the chest.
Going for a darker colour on your bottom half is the perfect way to balance your top half, keeping the focus on your upper body. Wider leg and boot cut trousers are ideal to add balance to your curvy hips.
Emphasise your great shape bust by opting for V-necks, plunging necklines and scoop necks, this will not only enhance your shape but also draw the eye upwards.
Try to avoid adding volume across the hips where possible, steering away from pleats, pockets and thick fabric.
A-line dresses and swing shape tops are the perfect style for you. And lastly show off your legs they are one of your best assets!
Pear
Celeb - Holly Willoughby If you are a Pear you will carry your weight on your hips and thighs. Your hips will be notably bigger than your bust. You may have a flat tummy and this must be enhanced. Ensure your dresses and tops are nipped in at the waist, Bright colours and bold prints work great on your top half.
An A line skirt or dress nipped in at the waist is perfect for showing off your shapely figure.
Rectangle Celeb - Zoe Ball
You will measure pretty much the same across your bust, waist and hips if you are a Rectangle. Your waist although it may be small usually isn’t very prominent. There are only a couple of rules here and the biggest one is to avoid anything belted. Belted garments won’t enhance having little waist definition; it will simply make you look shapeless. Dresses are best suited in a straight shift shape showing off your slim physique.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
FASHION
Trousers can be skinny, crop, or wide and the same goes for tops any shape will work well for you. You can create the illusion of a smaller waist by adding a tuck into your trousers or skirt, showing a glimpse of your waist drawing the eye to this smaller detail. High waisted is usually a no no too and this can make your tummy area look wide (even though its not). Instead opt for defining arm or legs (not both together), as these are usually one of your best assets.
Nipping in at your waist is the hard fast rule for you. Showing off your tiny waist is paramount. Hiding behind shapeless items of clothing will only make you look square and ultimately bigger.
accept the ones we don’t love so much is a great place to start!
Opt for V-neck, boat neck and scoop neck tops, avoiding high necks and polo necks as they can create a block feeling across your chest. Fit and flare dresses are perfect for the hourglass fitting in all the right places.
x Dawn
Hourglass
Celeb Kirstie Allsopp
Lastly the belt is your new best friend – belts on skirts, trousers, belted dresses and belted coats, highlight that tiny waist!
The Jessica rabbit shape. Your hips and bust will be of similar measurement and your waist much smaller if you are an Hourglass - highlighting your waist is key.
Just remember though that whatever shape you are, we are all different - very different, understanding your body shape and identifying your best assets along with having the confidence to
If you need any further help with body shapes please don’t hesitate to give me a call!
www.dawnmarriottstylist info@dawnmarriottstylist.com 07725 538 829 Dawnmarriott_stylist Dawn Marriott Stylist
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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LEISURE & RETAIL
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019
Monthly Markets & Fairs
Seasonal Events
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
AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS
Festive feast & outdoor cinema Find last-minute stocking fillers and enjoy a tasty bite to eat for lunch. Also look out for the return of the free Christmas outdoor cinema. Where: Mell Square When: 16 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk
Shirley Band Christmas concert Join Shirley Band at this special Christmas concert. Where: Shirley Baptist Church, Stratford Road When: 7 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk
Classes
Vicki Gorman Weekly Art Classes for adults who want to learn or develop drawing and painting skills. All abilities and ages welcome. Where: The Core Courtyard Gallery When: Thursdays and Fridays Info: vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Festive Fun Father Christmas is making a special appearance in the park so follow the festive trail to meet him in his grotto and receive a small gift! Face painting and a Christmas craft activity is also available on site. Where: Meriden Park, 12pm - 3pm When: 7 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk
Santa in love Interactive family show in Studio includes child gift and meet Santa! Where: The Core Theatre When: 20-24 Dec Info: thecoretheatresolihill.co.uk Oct 9-10 11 12
Joe Brown - 60th Anniversary Crooners - Comedy music show Hound of The Baskervilles hit farce
26 28 30
And Finally... Phil Collins tribute Legends of American Country Show The Wizard of Oz - Ballet
Nov 1-2
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
5 8 12 13
Witty Ditties - Green & Matthews Box of Frogs - Comedy Improv Shackleton’s Carpenter drama The Pitmen Poets
shows at 2.30 & 7.30pm
shows at 2.30 & 7.30pm
shows at 3.30pm & 1pm & 3.30pm
Nov Cont.. One Night in Dublin 14 15 Twist and Shout 60s hits 16 Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties 26 Malcolm Stent’s Christmas 27 28 29 30
Songs of Praise Show Blake harmony trio The Lock in Christmas Carol MYJO Christmas Concert Lucy Worsley - Queen Victoria
Dec 20-24
Santa in Love
to 5�1
Various shows start times
Robin Hood Pantomime
See details below
Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Robin Hood! From the team behind last year’s Sleeping Beauty comes a brand new pantomime adventure that targets your funny bone! Where: The Core Theatre When: 13 Dec - 5 Jan Info: thecoretheatresolihill.co.uk
Volunteering Tree Planting Help the Conservation Volunteers to plant trees at Bills Wood. Times will be agreed by those taking part. Where: Bills Wood, Shirley When: 15 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk Kingshurst Literary Litter Pickers Set up in 2018, meeting once a month to do littler picks. Kingshurst Literary Litter Pickers are very keen for parents and particularly primary age children to be involved and try and include all members of the community. It is hosted in the library to also help promote their services. Where: Kingshurst Library When: 28 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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Mayor Andy Street with Joseph Vaughan of 1683 Chocolate Place.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street praises Knowle High Street as businesses pick up top awards
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says Knowle businesses are setting the standard when it comes to creating a vibrant high street – after two picked up major accolades at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards. Mr Street, who heads up the West Midlands Combined Authority, was guest speaker at the annual awards ceremony at the Marriott Forest of Arden hotel near Meriden earlier this month. The former Managing Director of John Lewis, who grew up in Solihull, told local business leaders about his plans to rejuvenate town centres, which include lobbying for tax cuts for high street businesses and encouraging public services to share premises with commercial businesses. But after the ceremony he was full of praise for Knowle’s High Street, after
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local businesses scooped two of the biggest prizes on the night.
Chocolates using the best and freshest ingredients.
“Before becoming West Midlands Mayor, I spent three decades working in retail at John Lewis, so I understand the challenges faced by traders and what is needed to stand out in business,” he said.
Mr Street said the two award winners showed Knowle High Street at its very best.
“Knowle High Street faces the same challenges as everywhere else, but it is punching well above its weight to beat businesses from across Solihull to pick up these awards. It’s very encouraging indeed.” Eric Lyons Fine Food Specialists won Outstanding Small Business of the Year at the awards. The family-run firm has been a fixture of Knowle High Street since 1903 and is proud of its reputation as a trusted, local retailer.
“Any successful High Street needs traders and shops that stand out from the crowd and really connect with the local community. “In Eric Lyons, Knowle clearly has a long-standing firm that takes great pride in not only its products and customer service, but in its place in the community. Joseph Vaughan’s success shows that new businesses can also flourish if they take the same approach. “Judging by the results of the Chamber of Commerce Awards, Knowle High Street is leading the way.”
The shop has undergone major renovation in the past year, including the installation of a dedicated pie kitchen, a window fridge, and a ‘grab and go’ counter.
While Eric Lyons has been a mainstay of the High Street since the start of the 20th Century, a business launched less than a decade ago picked up another of the evening’s major awards.
Since the revamp the business has enjoyed a welcome upturn in sales and a hoard of new customers.
The trophy for Outstanding Young Achiever of the Year was picked up by Joseph Vaughan, owner and founder of 1683 Chocolate Place.
The firm is a big supporter of its local community, and every year hosts a BBQ for the Knowle and Dorridge Lion’s annual fun run. Joseph had a simple goal in mind: he wanted to make Luxury Artisan
Joseph opened 1683 Chocolate Place in September 2015, just two weeks after he turned 16 years old, making him the UK’s Youngest Chocolatier. Keep up to date with Andy Street at www.fb.com/andy4wm
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HEALTH & WELLBEING
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust
Show Homes
Now Open!
Discover Solihull Village Solihull Village, due to open in spring 2021, will give you a completely new outlook on retirement. Exclusively for over 55s, these beautifully-finished spacious apartments offer all the home comforts you could ever need, with a choice of social and leisure activities right on your doorstep.
Visit us Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm to take a tour of our beautiful show homes. Solihull Village Haslucks Green Road Shirley, Solihull B90 2EL Register your interest now 0121 272 4088 solihull@extracare.org.uk solihullvillage.co.uk facebook.com/ solihullvillage Homes available to rese now frorve £139,97 m 5* All images for illustration purposes only. Registered Charity No. 327816. *Shared Ownership
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
THIS ISSUE’S LOCAL READS Enjoy this issue’s recent release from a local author...
THE SPACE RACE The Space Race is the debut offering from local author, Liz Butler, and illustrator, Kate Gallagher. Released on 28th October, the Space Race is a humorous rhyming story aimed at young children up to the age of eight.
A perfect stocking filler for your little ones this Christmas!
Beautifully illustrated throughout, The Space Race follows the extra-terrestrial adventures of Cat and Dog as they fight like only a Cat and Dog can, as they complete in the ultimate challenge - a race to the moon! However, in their quest to prove once and for all who is the best, the duo soon learn the importance of working together to achieve their goal. Liz uses the traditional depiction of cats and dogs as two common adversaries who then come together to form an unlikely alliance. The story promotes the importance of working together and persevering to achieve our goals - a valuable lesson for all young children. Kate’s bold and bright illustrations accompany the story beautifully bringing the story to life. Price: £.9.99
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR Both Liz and Kate live locally in Solihull and have been friends since school. Due to their respective love of writing and art they have always dreamt of publishing their own book. They both work within education and hope that The Space Race may be the first of many books to come! A perfect stocking filler for all young readers, The Space Race is available from Troubadour Publishers troubador.co.uk/bookshop Follow Liz Butler on Facebook (Lizbutlerbooks), Instagram (Lizzie_411) and Twitter (@lizbutl57860113)
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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HOME & GARDEN
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HOME & GARDEN
GARDENING TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Even though daylight is reduced, there are jobs you can do in the garden, even in the depths of winter. Here are some tasks to consider:
* * *
We’ve had a lot of rain recently, so you may have noticed if you need to improve drainage and aeration in your garden. If you do, spike your lawns with a garden fork. If we get a mild, dry period, it’s fine to continue cutting the lawn but just make sure that the mower blades are raised.
If, like us, you’ve been cleaning up the shed and greenhouse, you might have noticed that some of your tools aren’t as good as they once were. So, if you haven’t made your festive wishlist yet, you may want to drop hints about replenishing some of them! You can never have too many pairs of good gardening gloves. If and when the weather’s really bad – sometimes even the hardiest of gardeners prefer to stay inside with a cup of tea – have a browse through the gardening catalogues to see if there are any flowers or shrubs that take your fancy for next year. And if you’re a vegetable grower, plan your scheme so that you introduce essential crop rotation.
There’s still some pruning to be done: fruit trees, climbing roses, acers and wisterias can all be pruned in December. Leave any faded hydrangea flower heads, though, as they provide protection for the new buds.
* * *
You can also take hardwood cuttings from dogwood, mock orange, viburnum and climbers including honeysuckle in December. In January, make sure your pots and tools are all clean, ready for the new gardening season (if you haven’t done them already). Start to force rhubarb – just think of the amazing crumble you can make!
* * * *
Tidy up the old stems on perennials, but be careful not to disturb new growth. Deadhead winter pansies to stop them setting seed. Cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses to about a few centimetres from the ground. Make sure you keep your bird feeders topped up with much-needed nutritional goodies, including fat balls and seeds. They really need our help at this time of year. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2020! Here’s to a great gardening year.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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LPAs more flexible Following a judgement made by Senior Judge Hilda earlier this year, Lasting Powers of Attorney can now be made more flexible to allow for regular payments to beneficiaries other than the subject of the LPA, according to Ann-Marie Aston from Solihull law firm The Wilkes Partnership. Earlier this year Senior Judge Hilda went through cases and concerns raised by the Public Guardian highlighting the desire of the donor for funds to be used to benefit someone other than the donor. After reviewing these cases the judge came to the decision that an LPA can allow flexibility as long as it is worded as optional rather than mandatory. Within the preference box it should say ‘my wish…’ For example, ‘I have been paying school fees for my grandchildren, it is my wish that this
continue…’ This enables the attorney to make a decision as to how long this can continue based upon the level of funds available. As set out in section 12 of the Mental Capacity Act, up until now it has been possible to make regular ‘gifts’ such as small birthday or Christmas presents but in the main all financial decisions made by the attorney had to be in favour of the donor. If you have an LPA in place you may wish to review the wording in light of this judgement. And if you are considering putting one in place it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified solicitor who can help you ensure that your wishes will be met. If you would like more information on Lasting Powers of Attorney please contact Anne-Marie Aston at The Wilkes Partnership - aaston@wilkes.co.uk.
The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS
0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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GET CREATIVE
creative corner Showcasing a photo, painting or drawing & a poem by a talented local reader every issue!
We want to celebrate you! 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. Photos need to be over 1MB, and poems need to be 25 lines or less.
Love and MS We met on a sunny Sunday morning but the cloud was there, We make plans for Christmas and future holidays but the cloud is still there, It defines our lives in everywhere we go, it has a life of its own, MS is its name. When I look at the cloud I think of love and pain, As when it erupts I will be standing there. Alone I will face the storm but you won’t be there. Tears and rain will be the one like love and pain, I’m always gonna be there. by Katerina Chamberlain
About the author Katerina Chamberlain is a local reader of The MY Magazines.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
Dimension
Groundworks & Driveways • Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance
MOPHEADS DOMESTIC CLEANING & IRONING
SPRING CLEANS AVAILABLE NOW Regular cleans. Removal cleans. Builders cleans. or just the in-laws are coming cleans.
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
Washing collected ironed & returned. Service washes. Dry cleaning. Simple alterations.
Curtain cleaning service. We will take your curtains down, get them dry cleaned and put them back up.
HOUSE CHECKING SERVICE AVAILABLE Tel:-0121 605 2322
LOCAL COMPANY - NOT A FRANCHISE www.mopheads.co.uk - mail@mopheads.biz
170 Yardley Rd. Acocks Green. Birmingham. B27 6LR
‘TREECYCLE’ YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE... ...and raise vital funds for a local hospice!
Take the hassle out of recycling your Christmas tree this New Year by allowing a local hospice to pick it up from your doorstep. Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s ‘Treecycling’ campaign will see volunteers collect thousands of used Christmas trees from across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, in return for a donation to the charity. The initiative takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January, and will see trees recycled into compost and biomass fuel.
All funds raised from Treecycling will go towards the Hospice, which Picturedvital above, Hutton provides careCaroline to local people of Martineau Gardens watches who are living with life-limiting Andy Street, CBE Mayor of the illness. West Midlands cut the ribbon with Charlottethat Nicholson of Jowill The postcodes Treecycling Malone be collecting from,London. are: B13, B14, B15, B17, B25, B26, B27, B28, visitB32, the Martineau B29,Please B30, B31, B38, B45, website for more B47,Gardens B62, B67, B68, B90, B91, B92, B93 & information: B94. Collections will needmartineau-gardens.org.uk/ to be booked by Monday 6 January.visitor-information’
To book your collection, visit: birminghamhospice.org.uk/treecycling
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
WORD ON THE
STREET NEW SUPPORT WORKER SERVICE COULD HELP SAVE BABIES LIVES
£20M FUNDING FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES STILL TO BE SECURED
A new support worker service that could potentially save babies’ lives has launched in Birmingham.
Papers from this week’s resources overview and scrutiny committee show that only £54 million of an expected £75 million in ‘partner contributions’ has so far been raised by the council.
Link support workers have been introduced by Birmingham and Solihull United Maternity and Newborn Partnership (BUMP) to help women vulnerable and disadvantaged pregnant women to access and use maternity services provided by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. The support will also be available at Heartlands Hospital and other locations across the city. Traditionally, women who live in areas of high deprivation and non-English speaking women are at a much greater risk of complications during pregnancy and birth. It is believed that this is because many do not have access to the right information in a format they can understand. Link support workers encourage women to access their care early, help them to understand the wide range of choices that are available to them within the Birmingham and Solihull maternity system, and are on hand to attend clinics and provide essential information and support for these women. Lola Sief is one of six link support workers and works alongside community midwifery teams at Heartlands Hospital. She said: “This role bridges the gap for some women between them and their maternity care team. Women feel they have someone on their side to help them understand the information and to help them feel less alone when they go to appointments and classes. One lady rang me because she hadn’t felt her baby move and her mother in law told her to leave it for a few days. I was able to give her the correct advice and she came into the hospital to get checked out and her baby was ok.”
birminghamupdates.com
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LANDMARK SCHEMES CELEBRATED AT WEST MIDLANDS PROPERTY AWARDS Landmark projects such as the redevelopment of Birmingham’s Centenary Square and Stoke’s Tunstall Arrow were in the spotlight at last night’s West Midlands Property Awards, with architecture practices, commercial developers and housebuilders across the region also celebrated. Insider business editor Ian Griffin said it is “the most exciting time in a generation” to be involved in property in the West Midlands. Billions of pounds are being pumped into our region by investors from across the UK and overseas to seize a slice of the superb opportunities which will come from an expanding Metro, Coventry City of Culture 2021, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and HS2,” he added. insidermedia.com
Partner contributions makes up nearly half of the £184.7 million that the region is expected to stump up to help pay for the Commonwealth Games, and was due to come from a variety of sources including Local Enterprise Partnerships, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and local universities. However, it has now been revealed that the region is still some way short of achieving its total, with a £10 million contribution from the Midlands Engine and £10 million from local universities some of the largest sums still yet to be secured from organisations. Papers note how “discussions with the various identified partners have been progressing at different speeds, with the main focus being on securing the two largest individual contributions, from the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP and the West Midlands Combined Authority,” which have now been secured. However, the council also admitted that it would have to incur any costs for the time being, stating: “For those partner contributions where formal agreement has not yet been fully secured, dialogue will continue over the coming months with a view to reaching positive conclusions at the earliest opportunity, and it should be noted that the majority of expenditure to be funded through these contributions will be incurred by the council in 2020/21 and 2021/22.” expressandstar.com
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HOME & GARDEN “Laurence is a miracle worker and he has reaffirmed my faith in the power of good teaching.”
English GCSE Tutor I am a local, qualified English teacher. I have experience of exam marking, working in several local schools and my tuition has resulted in 16 years of outstanding results for many students locally.
- Nitu, Parent
My particular field of expertise is working with students who are studying for their English Language and Literature GCSEs. CRB form, proof of qualifications and references supplied on request.
Contact Laurence Dalton at Learn More 4 A NOW to arrange your free initial assessment - quote ‘The MY Magazines’ to qualify. w: englishgcsetutor.co.uk e: learnmore4a@hotmail.co.uk t: 07525 206 388
Local Private Tutors 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
Sarah Nation
Maths & English tuition Key Stages 1 & 2 (age 5-11) Highly experienced local tutor, qualified primary school teacher. DBS checked. Tel: 0121 446 6468 sarah.nation@btinternet.com
Hazel Buller BSc
Guitar Tutor All ages, abilities and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home or Solihull. Special rates for JLR emloyees. DBS Certified. hazelbuller.co.uk Tel: 07847 557 765
Laurence Dalton Learn More 4 A* B.A.P.G.C.E. English Tutoring
Specialising in GCSE language and literature Contact: www.englishgcsetutor. co.uk / 07525 206 388
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and l tutor a loca etails re a u ud If yo like yo se email: would plea re e h .org lishing printed
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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LIGHT UP YOUR
LIFE
When the days are so short and gloomy, lighting up our homes in beautiful ways becomes more important than ever to happy home life. Here are some tips inspired by the lives of our incredible ancestors, the hunter gatherers... - Written by Ruby Prosser
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
HOME & GARDEN
LET IT GLOW FIRE
DAWN TILL DUSK
Such an alluring element, fire is undeniably inviting! What kind of idyllic winter-home scene is complete without a fire to huddle around?
The sun was once our wake up call, a great ally in the midday hunt, and our timepiece to help get us to safety before dark. Our connection to the sun is still embedded in our consciousness which is why we should endevour to follow its lead as much as we can.
Fireplaces offer more for our inner primal being than we give them credit for, they’re our natural focal point for social gatherings. Our species has spent more time as hunter gatherers than doing anything else, for nearly 2 million years! It was when we were at our most connected within our societies from time spent huddled together around the fire at night, gossiping about the day’s events. We’d do well to bring that into our living spaces.
Low, soft lighting eases us into the day with table lamps and ground level spotlights. Mid level lighting ushers it in further with floor lamps and low hanging ceiling lights. Bright overhead lighting brings us to the sun’s apex with warm spotlights and bright ceiling lamps. And then the day slowly eases back down to sunset. If we want to wake up gently, be productive and alert through the day, and feel relaxed and ready for sleep in the evening, this is how we tell our bodies.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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FOOD & DRINK
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Rose Apple Pie
Mini rose apple pies with cinnamon & powdered sugar INGREDIENTS
METHOD
1 roll shortcrust pastry 2 pink lady apples 100g brown sugar 60g unsalted butter 3 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tbsp icing sugar
1. On a well floured surface, roll out the pastry and use a biscuit cutter or cup to cut it into small circles. Butter the cupcake dish and push your circles of dough into each hole. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling. 2. Pre heat the oven to 190 degrees
3. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, cut the apples to remove the core and then slice the apple into very thin half moon slices. Toss the apples with the lemon juice. 4. Melt half of the butter and combine with half of the brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss the apples in this mixture and put in the microwave for about 1 minute (until apple is soft enough to roll). 5. Melt the remaining butter and combine with the remaining brown sugar, dust the bottom of each dough cup with this mixture.
6. To form the roses, lay about 10 apple slices on a flat surface horizontally with each overlapping the next one by half. Tightly roll from one end to the other and place into the dough cup, adding extra ‘petals’ where you see fit.
7. Put an apple rose in each cup of the muffin tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, when you remove, glaze the roses with jam and a dusting of icing sugar.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
{
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Ingredients
Method
85ml bourbon 15ml vanilla extract 355ml apple cider 15ml honey pinch of cinnamon cinnamon sugar apple slices
Spread honey around the rim of the glasses and dip into cinnamon sugar. Put bourbon, vanilla extract, apple cider, honey and cinnamon into cocktail shaker with ice and shake! Strain into glasses with fresh ice and garnish with slice of apple. (optional garnish with a sprig of rosemary)
APPLE
PIE
CINNAMON
COCKTAIL MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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Local Business Directory Antenatal Support
Sophrosyne Birth
Bike Shop Bike Pro Racing
9
12
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice
4
23
Mopheads
Computer Support Net Clicks
Entertainment
Betel Furniture
Roofing Enterprise Roofing
Property Maintenance JH Garden & Property Services
Cleaning & Ironing
Furniture
Solihull Village
Rawlings Roofing Solutions
Charity
CBSO
Retirement Properties
15
18 7
16
Shutter Doors
Garolla Shutter Doors 4
12
Solicitor
32
Theatre
Birmingham Hippodrome
3
2
Tutor Listing
25
Gardening & Landscaping
16 Central Driveways 31 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 23 JH Garden & Property Services 16 Betel UK Garden Treeworks
Healthcare Services Midland Hand Clinic
8
The Wilkes Partnership 21
Tutor Kumon Solihull Learn More 4 A*
4 25
Windows & Doors Cloudy 2 Clear
18
Window Cleaner
Deluxe Window Cleaner
2
Upcycled Furniture Betel UK
2
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
SPECIALISTS IN BLOCK PAVING, TARMACING AND LANDSCAPING
Clay or Block Paving • Tarmacing (red or black) • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance • Facias • Soffits • Guttering (Pressure cleaning & sealing - weed free)
ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
FOR 5 YEARS
No deposits taken - No subcontractors used Check out samples of our work on our website
www.centraldrivewayslimited.com CALL US FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
T: 0121 702 1456 M: 07748 577 687 Email: michael.central@icloud.com 1310 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YB - 75 Station Road Kenilworth CV8 1JD
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20
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WITH THE CBSO at Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Wed 18 Dec, 7.30pm, Thu 19 Dec, 7.30pm, Fri 20 Dec, 6pm Fri 13 Dec, 7.30pm FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS
STAR WARS
A CHORAL CHRISTMAS
with guest presenter HUGH DENNIS
Coming soon in 2020
Sun 5 Jan, 3pm
VIENNESE NEW YEAR
Wed 29 Jan, 2.15pm Thu 30 Jan, 7.30pm
MIRGA’S BEETHOVEN
Call 0121 780 3333 or book online cbso.co.uk/christmas
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2019/20