Amaretto Truffles
iness s u B l a c Lo ! y inside r o t c e r i D e See pag
10 ways to take a break;
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40,000
Mother’s Day
February / March 2018
Over local readers
MY
SOLIHULL CENTRAL
Looking after your mind
CHRISTINE MCVIE
Homegrown talent back with Fleetwood Mac for their world tour
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Food & Drink | Entertainment | Fashion | Home & Garden | Legal & Financial | Health
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
In the midst of this wildly unpredictable weather messing with the smooth running of our lives, we have sought out some solace for you in our health feature. There are also some exciting 70’s throwbacks to peruse in our fashion pages, celebrating one of the most iconic decades for music, politics and of course style. Our cover story this issue is all about the incredibly talented Christine McVie, who hails from our fabulous corner of the world. We look at how she became a fundamental part of Fleetwood Mac with her flair for lyrical composition and the romantic turmoil the band were embroiled in resulting in some truly historic albums. This year sees Fleetwood Mac’s return to the stage in all their former glory as they kick off their world tour. Bringing it back to our neighbourhood, we have a local feature about the sustainable future of urban growth and how to make it work best for the natural habitats close to us. And as always, we’ve plenty of fantastic local events for you to get stuck into, particularly some answers to what will make your loved ones feel special on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. We hope you enjoy it!
Ruby & Amy
www.swanpublishing.org @MYSolihull @SwanPub
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
ss usine e! B l a Loc ory insid ct Dire e page Se
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COVER STORY Christine McVie, homegrown star making a comeback 8/9
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 23
LEISURE & RETAIL Seventies chic 13 What’s on guide 14/15
HOME & GARDEN Walk-in closet makeover 20 Starting your edible garden 19
LEGAL & FINANCIAL Inheritance tax changes 25
EDUCATION Local private tutors 11
HEALTH 10 Ways to take a break 24
FOOD & DRINK Where to eat 16 Tasty treats for your loved ones 17
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LOCAL FEATURE
Why and how to build nature-friendly housing developments
Photograph by David Dunlop
N
ew guidelines have been published showing how new housing developments can be built in a way that provides people with greener, inspirational homes which help to reverse decades of wildlife and habitat decline. ‘Homes for people and wildlife - how to build housing in a nature-friendly way’ is published at a time when the government has recently committed to building a further 300,000 homes a year until 2022. This means that about 36 square miles will be given over to new housing developments annually – that’s an area larger than Brighton & Hove every year*. The Wildlife Trusts believe that the natural environment must be put at the heart of planning in order to give the government a chance of meeting its commitment to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, and to build new homes and communities that people enjoy living in. Rachel Hackett, Living Landscapes Development Manager for The Wildlife Trusts says: “A huge challenge lies ahead – thousands of new houses are to be built yet we need to restore the natural world. We’re calling on the
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government and local authorities to build beautiful, nature-friendly communities in the right places. Over the past century we have lost natural habitats on an unprecedented scale. Yet nature has its own innate value. It also makes us happy and we depend on the things that it gives us. Our new guidelines show that it’s possible to have both, so people can enjoy birdsong, reap the benefits of raingardens which soak up floodwater, and plants that bees and other pollinators need to survive. With good design the costs of doing this are a tiny proportion of the overall cost of a housing development, but represent a big investment for the future.” Locally Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has been working with other stakeholders to produce guidance documentation on best practice to housing developers with the aim of influencing design at an early stage. Nationally The Wildlife Trusts are calling for the current focus on numbers of new homes to be replaced by a visionary approach to where and how we build. Rachel Hackett continues: “We should prioritise places for new housing that are already well served
by infrastructure. We should avoid destroying wildlife sites and locate new houses in places where it can help to restore the landscape and aid natural recovery. It’s possible to create nature-friendly housing by planting wildlife-rich community green spaces, walkways, gardens, verges, roofs, wetlands and other natural features. These gains for wildlife improve people’s health and quality of life too.”
To find out more about the work Warwickshire Wildlife Trust are doing to create a greener future visit: warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
LEISURE & RETAIL
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and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art. Still Life To Landscapes By the end of the course, students will have created a minimum of 12 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes. Fun, Easy Classes Learn to draw faces, friends,
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“And if, you don’t love me now You will never love me again I can still hear you saying You would never break the chain” - Fleetwood Mac, The Chain
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
Never break the chain
L
egendary band of the 70s and 80s, Fleetwood Mac, are back together for a world tour and are planning to perform the album that both catapulted them to stardom and emphasised their deep and damning fractures, Rumours. Christine McVie, credited with writing many of Fleetwood Mac’s hit songs, singing and playing keyboard in the group, grew up a mere stonesthrow from Solihull and received most of her musical training in Birmingham. Back then she had not yet married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and was still known as Christine Perfect, and any thoughts of being a rock star in America were entirely fantastical. Yet, upon joining the band in 1970, life changed very quickly for McVie. Within four years she was married, had jetted off to the rock and roll capital of the world, welcomed new members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and written the band’s first ever hit song ‘over my head’. Fleetwood Mac were onto a winning formula from the start, they weren’t afraid to pour their personal life into their music, which paved the way to success and some very turbulent times. Rumours was written during a time when all members were going through breakups and divorce, and there was so much raw emotion being weaved into their music. The only song on the album that all five members were credited with contributing to was also their most iconic,
‘The Chain’. This song, more than any, epitomises the internal fracture in the group, while being a testament to their power as a combined force. Although they went on to produce several more hit albums together through the 80s and 90s Christine McVie finally called it a day in 1998 and has been in semi retirement up until her shocking return to the band in 2014. Now, at last, after a few years easing back into the lifestyle (though not quite as wild as before) and with an impressive side project with Lindsey Buckingham under her belt, the iconic band are back in full force ready for their world tour kicking off this June.
For more information on Fleetwood Mac’s upcoming world tour visit:
fleetwoodmac.com
The ultimatum posed in ‘The chain’ is still as relevant today as it was in the 70s, after all, the chemistry and clashing within the group is what made their music reach so deep. When asked recently about the reformation of Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie had this to say; “The chemistry was still there. To me, that was the biggest thing: Would the chemistry be there? Can we really go ahead and do this? And it was obvious within the first moment of plugging in the instruments that the magic was still there. It was a fantastic feeling”.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
Local Private Tutors
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
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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
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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
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‘Shocking’ Increase in Burglaries Across The UK F
igures released by UK Crime Stats show that in November 2017 there was one burglary every minute in the UK. That’s almost 40,000 burglaries reported across the country during that time. That works out as almost 90 extra burglaries in the month compared to the same period the year before. However, there are measures that can be used to make sure homes are safe and secure. West Midlands Police recommend several ways to protect your home, including having an alarm system installed. Crime Reduction Manager for West Midlands Police, Mark Silvester, said: “One of the main benefits of intruder alarms is that they create noise and the last thing that a burglar wants is to be seen or heard. That makes them very effective. They also provide a visible deterrent on the outside of your property.” Mark added: “Burglars target homes where there are no visible signs of protection such as alarms or security lighting.” James Moreton from SmartInstall, which offers a range of easy to use smart home security devices that send text messages and calls if they detect an intruder, said: “All the research shows that burglar alarms are an effective tool. Police state that homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled – which is a shocking statistic. Having a SmartInstall alarm installed could dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to intruders”.
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West Midlands Police say burglary rates have increased recently in parts of the region - in line with the national trend. Criminals are focusing on homes with poor security to steal jewellery, phones and tablet computers - all of which are easy to sell on - or cash. James says: “A Smart Home Alarm from SmartInstall is easy to use and great value for money. Starting from just £349, the system is fully installed and demonstrated to the customer by one of our friendly engineers. The SmartInstall technical support team are then on hand for you should you need any further help – and the feedback we have had has been outstanding!” “The SmartInstall service was excellent, the installation team left my house without any mess having fitted the system and shown me how to use it. It’s so easy to use with the app and remote controls.” P.S. Dorridge, West Midlands.
“Real value for money and so easy to use. We added extra motion detectors to our order, as well as a CCTV system for the front and back of our house.” E.V. Moseley, Birmingham. “Quick and professional service from start to finish. Great value for money too. Not to mention the peace of mind we now have that our home is protected.” M.M. Stourbridge.
For more information, call SmartInstall on
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
LEISURE & RETAIL
70s FOR HER What made that decade so special? A plethra of new musical genres? Check! The awakening of social consciousness? Check! The 70s seem to represent a turning of the tide in so many areas of life. Many 70s bands continue to be iconic cultural leaders today. TV and film are still celebrating that facinating era in shows like ‘The Deuce’ and ‘The Get Down’, and in films like ‘American Hustle’ and ‘Anchorman 2’ to name a few. How to create some classic 70s outfits: Afro + flares + crochet top Fedora + knit jumper + shorts Suede jacket + thigh boots or tassels + tassels.
70s FOR HIM Vintage styles will never die 70’s style can be a little tricky for men when bringing it into a modern setting. It all depends on how flamboyant you are comfortable with being. The central themes that will keep the look decidedly 70s are the autumnal colours, adventurous knitwear and of course, funky sunglasses... You also can’t go wrong with a pair of rugged leather boots. There are two distinct directions to go in... 70’s rock star Silk scarf + band tee Jacket with tassels + shades 70’s punk All black, everything + studs Rugged boots + Leather jacket
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on Feburuary / March 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: 329 Widney Rd, B93 9BQ When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com
Arden Academy Table Top Sale Arden Academy PTFA are holding another one of their very popular Table Top Sales. Where: Arden Academy When: 4 Mar Info: arden.solihul.sch.uk/
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Valentine’s Day Decadance Looking to impress your loved one this Valentine’s? Why not take them to Hogarths Solihull on February 14th and enjoy a four course meal in their recently refurbished Brasserie. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 14 Feb Info: hogarths.co.uk
Easter Feast Easter Sunday is a great time to gather together friends and family and enjoy the very best foods and wines, so why not celebrate at Hogarths with a delicious 3 course meal. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 1 Apr Info: hogarths.co.uk Easter Egg Hunt The Easter bunny has hidden clues around the park - crack the password and win a chocolate egg! Where: Elmdon Park When: 30 Mar Info: solihull.gov.uk
Family Fun
Hogarths Mother’s Day Treat Set in 27 acres of beautiful woodlands and landscapes grounds. Hogarths provides a wonderful place to treat your mother to a delicious 3 course lunch or afternoon Tea. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 11 Mar Info: hogarths.co.uk
Sing-a-long Beauty & The Beast A screening of the hit 2017 film with lyrics on screen. Where: The Core Theatre When: 23 Feb, 2pm & 7pm Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Mother’s Day at The Limes Join us at The Limes Country Lodge Hotel on Sunday 11th of March 2017 and make your mum feel special this Mother’s Day! Where: Limes Country Lodge When: 11 Mar Info: limescountrylodge.co.uk
My Fair Lady Musical Much-loved musical for all ages returns performed by award-winning Knowle Musical Society. Where: The Core Theatre When: 6 - 10 Mar Info: knowlemusicalsociety.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
LEISURE & RETAIL
o ings to d h t f o t o h LL A snaps SOLIHU d n u o r nd in and a bruary a e F h g u o thr March
The King Elvis Presley Lives On Gordon brings the majesty of the voice and the electrifying power of Elvis’s performance back to life. He will be performing with his live band singing well known songs such as Blue Suede Shoes and much more... Where: The Core Theatre When: 17 Mar 8pm Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Just 4 Kids
Charity Events
Knowle Village Hall Association Fashion Show. The show is in aid of the fund for the refurbishment of Knowle Village Hall. Ex High Street fashions, a Grand Raffle, and refreshments on arrival. Tickets £7.00 must be purchased in advance. Where: Knowle Village Hall When: Saturday, 24 Mar, 2pm Info: 01564778163 / 01564779898
Nature Tots Sensory Explorer Explore the outdoors using the five senses, make smelly potions, play fun games and hunt down different textures. Suitable for children aged 2-4. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. Where: Brueton Park When: 23 Feb, 10:30am & 1:30pm Info: warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
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
Volunteering
Hedge Laying in Brueton Park Get involved in hedge laying and help to create a living fence which encourages new growth. To contact Solihull Conservation Volunteers for more info or to book onto the event, email davidcollins1@aol.com or ring Dave Fernie on 0121 459 1697 Where: Brueton Park When: 18 Feb Info: solihullcv.org.uk
Stay in the loop!
Let’s Danceathon Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back, in which participants will dance for six hours straight to a number of different styles, including BollyTone, SwingTrain and Clubbercise. All funds will go towards the Hospice, which provides vital care to local families living with terminal illness. Where: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Kings Heath When: 3 Mar Info: birminghamhospice.org.uk
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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Where to eat
A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull
The Agrabad
Balti 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW Tel: 0121 743 7883
Aroma
The Forest
Pub Food 2 Cranbrook Way, Shirley, B90 4GT Tel: 0121 733 8810
Hotel Restaurant 25 Station Approach Dorridge, B93 8JA Tel: 01564 772 120
Indian 100a Widney Rd Solhull, B93 9BN Tel: 01564 777 613
Hotel Restaurant Four Ashes Rd Dorridge, B93 8QE Tel: 01564 779 988
Hogarths
The Punchbowl
The Beech House
The Malt Shovel
The Red House
Steakhouse 727 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DA Tel: 0121 242 7730
The Farm Inn
Gastro Pub Barston Lane Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 01675 443 223
Pub Food Mill Lane Lapworth, B94 6HR Tel: 01564 784 564
Pub Food & Carvery Hermitage Rd Solihull, B91 2LP Tel: 0121 711 8856
Met Bar & Kitchen Waters Restaurant
Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull, B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273
Modern European 680-684 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 0121 659 8062
Fine Dining Floor 1, Resorts World B40 1PU Tel: 0121 273 1238
Fukuoka
Japanese 373 Stratford Rd Shirley, B90 3BW Tel: 0121 439 6262
Orange Tree
Gastro Pub Warwick Rd Solihull, B93 0BN Tel: 01564 785 364
The White Lion
Happy Heart Cafe
Pavarotti
Little Italy
Organic 26 Richmond Rd, Olton, B92 7RP Tel: 0121 706 8674
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Hillfield Farm Pub
Italian 2 Hobs Moat Rd Solihull, B92 8JN Tel: 0121 743 3222
French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442 833
Italian 156-158 Stratford Rd Solihull, B90 3BD Tel: 0121 293 1987
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
MOTHER’S DAY AMARETTO TRUFFLES
Show your mother how much she means to you this Mother’s Day with homemade irresistably delicious Amaretto truffles!
Ingredients:
M M M M M M
125g Dark Chocolate 5tbsp Double cream 2tbsp Maple Syrup 40ml Amaretto Cocoa Powder Freeze dried rasberries - optional
Method: 1. Bring cream slowly to the boil in a saucepan. 2. Place the broken up chocolate, syrup and Amaretto in a bowl and pour the cream over. 3. Stir gently to dissolve the chocolate. 4. Leave to cool. 5. When the mixture is set, use a spoon to scrape teaspoon sized balls. 6. Use your hands to roll them into balls, then roll them in cocoa powder.
Now all you have to do is hand them over to mum before you end up scoffing them all!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
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Get in touch today for your FREE quotation!
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
HOME & GARDEN
I
Tips to start your own Edible Garden
t’s hard not to be affected by the pressures and anxieties of world politics and one major issue on a lot of people’s minds is what the future looks like for the UK’s trade deals. But instead of waiting to find out what is being decided for us it’s a great time to see what we can do for ourselves, time to try the ‘edible garden’.
Growing your own food is just one of many ways to become a self sustaining household, and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great way to cast any doubt or suspicion out of your mind about the conditions your food was grown in and the chemicals it was exposed to. Anyone who has tried their hand at growing fruit, veg or herbs can tell you it’s not rocket science so don’t be put off by past failures with house plants! We live in a climate that is very kind to many varieties of edible plants. If you’d like to start from a positition of greater education there are courses popping up all the time at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Winterbourne gardens and more, but for those ready to dive right in, we say “Go for it!”, trial and error is after all a highly effective method of learning.
Annuals Annual plants are plants with a life cycle that lasts only one year. They grow from seed, bloom, produce seeds, and die in one growing season. They then need to be replanted each spring. Perennials A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. Here are some great food yeilding plants for beginnners that aren’t particularly needy to get you started.
1. Herb Garden
Annuals: Basil, Coriander, Dill Perennials: Chives, Sage, Thyme, Mint, Rosemary.
2. Vegetable Patch
5 key tips to set you off right • Start small • Get good soil • Choose easy crops • Label your crops • Stay on top of weeds
Annuals: Garlic, Potatoes, Sweet Peas, Beetroot, Beans, Tomatoes Perennials: Salad Leaves, Onions, Globe Artichokes, Asparagus.
3. Fruit Bushes & Trees Perennials: Apples, Rhubarb, Figs, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries.
Get in touch to show us your home grown crops on Twitter and Facebook, and don’t be embarrassed, the more unique and misshapen the better!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
Walk-in closet makeover!
Y
ou could have the most fabulous collection of clothes and accessories but without proper organisation it’s likely 2/3rds of it will get lost and forgotton at the bottom of the pile. Of course, a walk-in closet isn’t exactly a novelty concept, but perhaps the ways you can realistically make it happen will be news to you. There are many ways to encorporate a walk-in closet into your home, we have picked our three favourites to explore their potential...
1. Box Room Having a guest room is a great convenience for that one week of the year when you have someone to stay, but what about daily convenience for the other 51 weeks? If you can bear the thought of putting guests up on a sofa-bed downstairs, the box room could be doing so much more for you.
2. Large Master bedroom If the space in your bedroom easily accommodates all the wardrobes and drawers you need but the feng shui is all wrong, there is an answer. It is such a waste of a large room to clutter it up with too much furniture, but
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closing off a space can allow you to make the most of two spaces. Your bedroom can be clean, clear and simple while the new space you’ve created can be organisational bliss.
3. Loft Conversion If your shopping habits have brought you to a point of chaos, where a few square meters of storage space just won’t cut it, you could claim the unused and unloved space above your head. It’s an easy sell if your cascading clothes are encroaching on the effeciency of daily life, not to mention if it’s a hobby that hasn’t won you any popularity awards, what’s the phrase? “Out of sight, out of mind!”
If you have any great storage solution ideas to share with us get in touch on Twitter and Facebook and we’ll share them with our followers.
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.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
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Landscape & Driveways • Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance
T: 0121 733 1463 (Solihull) T: 01926 827 645 (Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington) T: 01789 270 869 (Stratford) M: 07799 428 557 E: info@dimensiondriveways.co.uk W: www.dimensiondriveways.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 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
Boston Tea Party to open in Solihull Boston Tea Party, the purposeful café chain is opening its latest café in Solihull this March. The Bristol-based company will unveil its 21st cafe in the former Ebb & Flow site on Herbert Street. Renovations are underway to complete the new café and it is due to open in March creating 30 new jobs for the town, and offering a spacious, 130-seated restaurant with a further 30 seats in the outside courtyard. Boston Tea Party’s family-friendly cafes serve up a range of ethically sourced food and drink, including its award-winning brunch and breakfasts, homemade cakes, lunches and main meals alongside speciality coffees and loose-leaf teas. John Lennon’s bike is going under the hammer
Revolution Bars Group had a trio of December 2017 openings The openings will increase the group’s portfolio to 72 across the UK and employ approximately 180 new staff. The openings include Revolution Solihull, an 86-cover bar and restaurant which opened on 1st December. The Revolution Solihull bar has taken over the former Jimmy Spices premesis with stunning new decor throughout.
Lennon’s Honda Monkey-Trail Z50A bike is set to be sold at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands, on March 4. The late singer used the bike to get around his 72acre Berkshire estate where he lived during the break-up of The Beatles. According to auctioneer H&M Classics, it is estimated to go for more than £30,000.
Invitation from Knowle and Dorridge Lions Well known for being the organisers of the Knowle Fun Run, Heart of England Bike Ride and Lions Festive Walk and raising and distributing over £70,000 to charity every year, the Lions also take elderly residents on an annual coach trip and invite them to a tea party at Knowle British Legion. Visit knowleanddorridgelions.com and you will note a core theme of serving the community, young and old and a lot in the middle. They can only do this through a small band of ladies and gents that make up our Club. To continue their work, which we have been doing for 41 years, they need new members. So if you are 18 or 80, male or female please email info@knowleanddoridgelions.com or phone 08458 33 58 94.
A spokesman from Revolution Solihull said: “We’ll be doing what we do best - bringing the finest cocktails, delicious food, and late-night parties like you wouldn’t believe.” More info: www.revolution-bars.co.uk
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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10 Ways to Take a break Our lives move at a pace that often feels out of our control and makes our minds feel cluttered and frantic, but there are many small activities that can restore an easier pace and provide some clarity through the chaos. Here are a few for you to try whenever stress is getting the better of you...
1. Watch the stars 2. Sit in nature 3. Colour with crayons 4. View some art 5. Find a relaxing scent
6. Learn something new 7. Write a letter to a loved one 8. Listen to music 9. Engage in a small act of kindness 10. Take a bike ride
Credit control is one of the most important features of a well run business...
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
for a free quotation
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Could you be at risk of paying
up to
£80,000 more
inheritance tax than you need to?
C
hanges to inheritance tax (IHT) that came into place in April 2017 mean that those with an estate between £650,000 and £2million could leave their loved ones with an IHT bill of up to £80,000 more than necessary, according to Eleanor Holland from The Wilkes Partnership, Solihull.
This additional Nil Rate Band (RNRB) has been introduced where a residential property is left on death to direct descendants. It is being phased in over the next four years bringing the potential tax saving up to £140,000 by 2020/21.
“Putting properties into trust has long been a tax efficient way to pass it down the generations, but these new rules mean that an alteration to the will may be required in order to benefit from this tax break.
The tax saving can only be set against residential property, not other assets within the estate. And the property needs to have been used as a residence by the deceased at some point, although not necessarily be their residence when they died. Only one residence can be taken into account. If there is a liability charged against the property such as a mortgage that will reduce the value of the property available for the enhancement to be set against. Unused portions of the reduced RNRB can be transferred between spouses and civil partners.
“But not everyone is entitled to it. It only comes into play when passing properties between direct descendants such as spouses, civil partners, children, step-children, adopted children or grandchildren”, said Eleanor.
The Wilkes Partnership offers their clients an efficient, friendly service where they can see somebody face to face who will handle their wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and trust and probate needs from beginning to end.
“As a simple example… if dad died before or after 5 April 2017 and mum died after 5 April 2017 with an estate worth between £650,000 and £2m and if the current will contains a trust you could potentially lose the additional allowance.
Eleanor Holland TEP,
Partner at The Wilkes Partnership
If you would like any more information you can contact Eleanor Holland at The Wilkes Partnership to discuss in person eholland@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, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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Local Business Directory
Support your local community = Supporting your local economy + Watching our neighbourhood thrive!
Art Class
The Seasons Art Class
Conservatory Insulation
Green Space Ltd
Credit Control
UK Central Credit Management
Domestic Appliances
Macphersons Appliances Direct
Entertainment Moseley Folk
Events Mayor’s Ball What’s on Guide
24 4
11 14&15
Betel UK Garden Treeworks Changes UK
27
2
Gardening & Landscaping Central Driveways
7
Restaurant
10
Sweet Chillies
Smart Alarm Systems SmartInstall Limited
12&28
Solicitor
The Wilkes Partnership
Stairlift Specialists
Stairlift Express Ltd
Tuition
Kip McGrath Solihull Olton Centre
Windows & Doors
Cloudy2Clear
25 22 11 21
18
18 4
Dimension Driveways & Landscapes
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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.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
HOME & GARDEN
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES 2 FREE PANELS THIS MONTH * Quote Ref SWANP0118
“It’s the best home improvement we have ever made. Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.”
TEN GUARANTEE
Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea
AR
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YE
Before
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Your conservatory that was too cold to eat breakfast in, could be nice and toasty by teatime Our lightweight insulated panels can make your conservatory: • Warmer in winter • Cooler in summer • Quieter in bad weather • Installed in less than a day • Usable all year round For more information call:
CONSERVATORY ROOFS
0800 65 25 157
www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk
As seen on
*Orders placed by end of Feb 18. Applies to orders over 8 panels. Smaller orders receive calculated discount. Not valid for use with any other offer.
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018
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FULLY INSTALLED SMART HOME ALARM SYSTEM FROM ONLY
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essional Quick and prof to finish. t ar st om fr service money too. r fo e lu va at re G the peace Not to mention have that w of mind we no ected. our home is prot Mike Morgan
’