S ee
26
40,000
ess n i s u lB Loca ry inside: to Direc page
April / May 2018
Over local readers
MY
&
KNOWLE DORRIDGE
WIN TICKETS WORTH £50 TO SEE MARTINE MCCUTCHEON LIVE!
Up Close & Personal with Martine McCutcheon Easter Feast Mediterranean Roast
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Food & Drink | Entertainment | Fashion | Home & Garden | Legal & Financial | Health
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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Hooray for the spring! It’s been a long and crazy winter but finally we are seeing longer days and the flowers are starting to come out. And what a great time of year for the lovely Martine McCutcheon to come visiting our neck of the woods! Her show at The Core Theatre in Solihull could well be sold out by now (do check!) - but you can still get a chance to see her if you enter our competition. This issue we also bring to you a flavour of the season with our Easter Feast Mediterranean roast recipe. And you can find out about the psychology of colour in our garden page and we have 10 handy life hacks for you in our home page. Don’t miss the fabulous choice of events going on locally gathered together for you in our what’s on guide and check out what’s new in word on the street. Happy Easter from all of us here,
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
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EDITOR’S WELCOME
Hello Neighbours,
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
Amy Watson Managing Director amywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
Ruby Watson Designer & Editor rubywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
Julie Wilkins Advertising juliewilkins@swanpublishing.org
07914 145 638
APRIL / MAY2018
CONTENTS
ss usine e! B l a Loc ory insid ct Dire e page Se
26
COVER STORY Up Close and Personal with Martine McCutcheon 8/9
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 25 Launch of Solihull Radio 9
LEISURE & RETAIL What’s On Guide 10/11
HOME & GARDEN 10 handy life hacks 21 Psychology of colour 19
LEGAL & FINANCIAL Spring - a great time to sell your house 14
EDUCATION Local private tutors 12
HEALTH 5 easy mindfulness exercises 8
FOOD & DRINK Where to eat 17 Easter feast ideas 16
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
5
Up Close and Personal
with Martine McCutcheon
After a break of more than ten years from the limelight she’s back with a bang! You can see her perform at The Core Theatre in Solihull on 18 April and she will also be performing in Redditch on the 17 May if you don’t get to see her in Solihull. Martine said: “Coming back has been exciting, nerve-racking, scary and liberating all at the same time. Not many women my age get to have a second chance in this industry so I feel incredibly lucky and keep having to pinch myself! “As a working class girl it’s ingrained in me to make hay while the sun shines so I felt I couldn’t turn down any opportunity and in the end needed to take a break to smell the roses again! I was taking stock of my life, taking care of what really mattered and this album evolved over those ten years. “During my time out I wrote everything down - well I’ve been doing that since I was nine years old actually. My husband Jack encouraged me to write songs because I love it and that’s just what I did. Then my son Raffy came along and it is really a case of family first and he’s three now so still young enough to take on tour with us so I’m hoping we’ll have time to visit some of the local attractions with him. “I’m really looking forward to performing in The Core Theatre. I wanted the tour to be of smaller venues so that it would feel more personal - the audience can ask questions and it feels a lot more intimate.”
Martine McCutcheon first found fame as Tiffany Mitchell in Eastenders in the 1990s, before releasing her platinumselling debut solo album ‘You, Me & Us’ in 1999 containing the No. 1 single ‘Perfect Moment’. West End and TV roles followed and along the way she became the nation’s sweetheart. In 2003, Martine memorably played Natalie opposite Hugh Grant in ‘Love Actually.’ Now 41, happily married, mother of a 3 year old, the time felt right to return to the studio. Martine has co-written most of the songs on the new album ‘Lost and Found’ with her husband, the multiinstrumentalist/vocalist Jack McManus, and she has never sounded better! Martine is back not only musically; she also reprised her role in the Comic Relief reunion of ‘Love Actually’ earlier this year and has just wrapped a film with Alan Davies called ‘The Bromley Boys.’ However it’s music that’s her main focus. First single ‘Say I’m Not Alone’, is a song like nothing Martine has ever recorded before; big, bold, brash, merging clanging guitars, thumping drums and a hard hitting lyric. Other album highlights include the rocky ‘Any Sign Of Life’, the beautiful ‘Stay With Me’ (which is a duet with Jack) and album closer ‘Rebellion’.
The album is a deeply personal record that deals with everything from relationships to Martine’s debilitating illness that saw her unable to work. “Life brought this album about very gradually,” explains Martine. “It was a really unconscious thing; I started writing the songs at a time in my life when I’d lost everything.” For the full list of tour dates go to iammartine.com and to buy tickets to see Martine in Solihull go to: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/ about/box-office-tickets/
WIN TICKETS! To see Martine live at The Core Theatre Solihull on 18 April. Free prize draw to win two tickets (worth £50) but hurry... closing date is 5pm Friday 13 April. Visit www.swanpublishing.org/competitions.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
“Coming back has been exciting, nerve-racking, scary and liberating all at the same time.”
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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5 Easy Mindfulness
Excercises
Mindfulness is the practice of clearing out a cluttered mind, and what better time to do that than spring? If your life is a series of problem solving and strategising about how to possibly fit in all of your obligations and make your money stretch to cover all the things it has to then mindfulness can definitely help you. Here are some basic excercises to give you an idea of how it works.
1. Savour your meals
Really focus on the smell, texture and taste
2. Breathe
Sit and breathe in a quiet room for 10 mins
3. Observe
Take a moment each day to stop and observe
4. Visualise 5. Body scan
Empty your mind by envisioning your thoughts as solid objects, focus on each one before pushing them away. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to think about each part of your body, slowly from head to toe.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
earluded Y r 2 Inc o 1 nty rra a W
Solihull Radio Goes Live It began last summer. Two hospital radio presenters, Geoff O’Brien and Nick Whitehouse developed a plan to create Solihull Radio. After recruiting Duncan McIntosh as a technical manager, the research found that Solihull needed a local radio station. Geoff set about building relationships with local businesses, Nick developed the social media network and Duncan created the studio. Now, with an amazing group of volunteers growing daily and over 100,000 minutes listened to in 3 months - the potential to challenge much bigger commercial stations is there. From hearing news about your local shops e.g. the delightful Knowle correspondent Jackie, on the weekly Friday show presented by Geoff O’Brien with the news “that the popular pet shop in Knowle precinct isn’t closing after all, and that there will be a Knowle and Dorridge Beer Festival”, which followed on from Coleman, the Shirley correspondent’s news of their own Beer Festival, to interviewing and chatting to local politicians and councillors, visiting
celebrities and locals with something to say - it covers lots of bases. There is a regular Sunday morning children’s show as well. Listeners are encouraged to ring in. Have a say about the matters important to them. It’s great Radio! Nick Whitehouse featured The Brit Awards Show with fun facts and an interview with a key person who had worked on The Brits for 15 years with plenty of inside stories. Duncan celebrates the American songbook, Leigh Perry brings new, local musicians into the studio. Cerberus Velvet and Debs Donnelly chatter to you playing outstanding new and old tracks. There is gardening, legal and health experts amongst many others, to phone in and ask questions of, all with local knowledge and understanding of Solihull’s needs. What could be better?
Listen online
to catch up as hundreds of others are doing, or listen live every evening from 6-8pm. Find them on www.solihullradio.com or the ‘TuneIn radio app’ for mobile phones.
Community radio is a great asset to a town, helping shape it and inform. Most importantly, it gives residents and businesses a voice.
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on April / May 2018
Markets & Fairs
Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce Where: Solihull High Street When: First Friday every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org
Live Music
Solihull Chandos Choir Singalong and Concert A performance of inspirational music with choir and orchestra. Pre-concert opportunity to learn and perform Rutter’s Requiem Rutter Singalong Where: Shirley Methodist Church (21 April) Where: Solihull School (19 May) Info: solihullchandoschoir.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 Community Hall When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com
Solihull Spring Craft Fair Crafts from home and abroad. Where: High Street, Solihull When: 28 April Info: solihull.co.uk/events Vintage Antiques Fair Up to 150 stalls of preloved goods Where: Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre, B90 4LE When: 9 July Info: b2bevents.info
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Spring Sing Modern community choir Sing! Bentley Heath invites you to welcome spring with an evening of popular songs from ‘across the pond’. The singers will be sharing favourite hits from stars as varied as Jackson 5, Ed Sheeran, John Denver, Bryan Adams, The Three Degrees and the Beatles. Where: The Core Theatre When: 21 April Info: 0121 704 6962
The Dolly Show Two course meal, live show and dancing until 1am. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 20 April Info: hogarths.co.uk
An evening with Eddie the Eagle Fun and inspiring evening with Eddie, raising money for age uk. Where: The Core Theatre When: 3 May Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk And Finally Phil Collins Popular tribute show - an evening of reminiscing with outstanding musicians. Where: The Core Theatre When: 20 April Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Martine McCutcheon An acoustic evening with Martine singing songs from her latest album Lost and Found. Where: The Core Theatre When: 18 April Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk Whitney Queen of the Night Share in Whitney Houston’s life and get ready for the greatest love of all in Queen of the Night. Where: The Core Theatre When: 5 May Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
f things o t o h s p A sna d nd aroun E a in o d G o t RID E & DOR KNOWL and May il r p A h throug
LEISURE & RETAIL
Theatre
Michael Jackson HIStory Show A world class production showcases all of Micheal Jackson’s greatest hits live on stage, complemented by his famous dance moves. Where: The Core Theatre When: 26 May Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Spamalot Monty Python’s Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the holy grail. Where: The Core Theatre When: 10-14 April Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Sporting Activities
Discovering Nature
Knowle Fun Run Run 2 laps (10k) or 1 lap (5k) through traffic-free roads of Knowle. Great atmosphere with 2,000 runners, many in fancy dress, being cheered on by residents. Where: Knowle When: 20 May Info: 2018@knowlefunrun.org.uk
Magical Forest Visit a magical woodland, learn all about the fairies and tree trolls. Age 2+. Where: The Partridge Centre, Brueton Park When: 9 April Info: solihull.co.uk/events
Entertainment
Bingo & Balti Night A fun night to raise money for Arden Academy PTFA Where: Arden Academy, Station Rd, B93 0PT When: 5 May Info: www.jumblebee.co.uk/ ardenbingo
Den Building Discover how to make a survival den in the woods. Age 6+ Where: The Partridge Centre, Brueton Park When: 9 April Info: solihull.co.uk/events
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 KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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EDUCATION
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 http://sharonwall.com
David Parman
Solihull Maths Revision BA Hons A specialist provider of maths tuition and revision courses. www.solihullmathsrevision.co.uk Tel: 07836 672 187
ting
Your Lis e could b
here
Helen Mills
Flute & Intensive Grade 5 Theory BMus; GBSM Hons; ABSM Over 30 years flute teaching experience. All abilities, ages and levels taught. Excellent results record. ALSO Aural Training Member of ISM Blenheim Road, Moseley Tel: 0121 449 2135
Kerry Spencer
English, History and 11+ (Maths & English) Tutor All abilities, ages and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home during the week and weekends. Brilliant results. Call or text: 07891 055 220
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Clothing
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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Accessories
EDUCATION
Outstanding Academic results: • 83% Pass rate to Select Entry LA Grammar Schools • 37 Scholarships to Independent Schools – a record number! (For September 2017)
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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Spring is in the air, A
nd did you know this can be one of the best time of year to sell your home? Amanda Holden from The Wilkes Partnership explains why. Firstly your house looks so much better with the sun shining and the garden coming into bloom. The interior is light and you can have windows open to freshen the air. Secondly, buyers often time their move to coincide with the end of the school year and so are looking in earnest in the spring. This in turn leads to more buyers viewing properties at the same time which increases competition for the houses available and tends to push up the prices. And this year looks like being better than ever for those selling as the Midlands saw the biggest rise in house prices over the previous year ending in November 2017. Property values grew by 7.2% in the West Midlands compared with London, which saw a growth of only 2.3% according to the Office for National Statistics. At The Wilkes Partnership we pride ourselves on providing a reliable friendly high street service with a
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strong knowledge of the local market. This means we are able to deal with sales and purchases through far more efficiently and can answer the myriad of questions that first time buyers inevitably have. In particular, leasehold apartments and new build properties can prove far more complicated than people realise and those types of properties tend to appeal to first time buyers. This will be their first experience of the conveyancing process and it can be difficult to understand all of what is involved. Included in our service is at least one face to face meeting which is invaluable in cutting straight to the heart of the issues and saving lots of to-ing and fro-ing that an email conversation would inevitably have. We build a relationship with our clients and will deal with their wills, their powers of attorney and any other legal need they may require. We often act for the children of our clients when they are purchasing their first property having acted for the parents previously and so the relationships continue and grow.
Amanda Holden If you would like any advice on residential conveyancing you can contact Amanda Holden at The Wilkes Partnership to discuss in person - aholden@wilkes.co.uk The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS 0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
BUSINESS & FINANCE
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15
FOOD & DRINK
EASTER FEAST MEDITERRANEAN ROAST
Spring is in the air! As we start to see some warmer weather and the return of blossoming flowers it finally seems appropriate to be tucking into a mediterranean feast. This delightful recipe exhibits all of the comforting elements of a winter roast, but this time with a bit of a kick to it.
Ingredients:
M M M M M M M M M M M M
4 tbsp olive oil 2 large aubergines sea salt and pepper 2 red peppers cored and chopped 2 large onions diced 2 large potatoes chopped 1.4kg chicken cut into 8 pieces 3 tomatoes cored and chopped 4 cloves garlic peeled and chopped oregano and thyme seasoning 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 3 bay leaves
Method: 1. Preheat oven to 200ºC/ 400ºF/Gas 6. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil into a large baking dish. Add the aubergines, potatoes and salt, place in oven and allow to colour, stirring occasionally. 2. Add the red pepper and onions; allow to bake 10 minutes longer, stirring often. 3. Add the chicken pieces, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, cayenne, pepper, and 2 remaining tbsp olive oil; mix well. Return baking dish to the oven and bake until chicken is done, (for about 30 mins longer) turning pieces once during cooking. You can make this dish on top of the stove in a cast-iron pan; however, the oven is preferable because it dries the vegetables and doesn’t allow a lot of moisture to accumulate. If you’re entertaining a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just be sure you have enough baking dishes and oven space.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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
Hillfield Farm Pub
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
Italian 2 Hobs Moat Rd Solihull, B92 8JN Tel: 0121 743 3222
French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442 833
Italian 156-158 Stratford Rd Solihull, B90 3BD Tel: 0121 293 1987
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
HOME & GARDEN
Psycology of
Where to eat
Colour
G
rey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties, it is however quite suppressive. Living in the regularly overcast Midlands can give one a deep yearning for colour and excitement especially outdoors. If we can’t have clear skies and blazing sunshine every day we can at least find a way to inject some vibrancy into our gardens and invite in the birds and butterflies. We are most fortunate to have lush, rich soil here in Brum and it seems a shame not to take full advantage of it, so take a gander at these fantastically bright and beautiful flowers and the psychological benefits that they can have for your garden.
Yellow Yellow is the strongest colour psychologically. The right shade of yellow will lift the spirits and even boost self esteem, it is the colour of confidence and optimism.
Red Red has been proven to raise the pulse rate, and to stimulate
excitement. It is quite a confrontational colour, having the property of appearing closer than it truly is, but it is usually psychologically perceived as thrilling rather than frightening.
Pink Pink has a similar effect to red, being a tint of red, but it soothes while it stimulates. This softening of the attention grabbing red makes it a more relaxing colour for the iris.
White White is the colour of purity, innocence, wholeness and completion. Walking out into a garden filled with blossoming Gypsophila has the feeling of clarity, freshness and peace.
Violet Violet is known to take awareness to a higher level of thought, even into the realms of spiritual values. It encourages deep contemplation, and affords us a significant break from daily routine. Wisteria is a popular violet choice in English gardens and grows enthusiastically with very little attention.
Blue Blue is a mentally soothing colour and calms our minds. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought while soft blues will aid concentration.
Share your colourful garden snaps with us on Twitter & Facebook!
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
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10 L
ife Hack is a term that has come into popular use in the last few years and refers surprisingly not to any computer based know-how but to any trick, shortcut, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency in life. In honour of this new-ish trend of sharing creative life enhancing tips we have compiled a list of our favourites, we hope you find them useful!
handy
Life
Hacks
If you have any handy life hacks to share get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook and we will share them with our followers.
1.
Waterproof any pair of shoes by applying bees wax.
2
. Use a hanging shoe rack to store cleaning supplies more efficiently.
3. Place a rubber band over an
open can of paint to wipe off the brush and therefore avoid spills and drips down the side of the can.
8. Wine racks make fantastic towel holders!
4. Stack clothes vertically to see
them all!
9.
Dry erase marker on glass makes an attractive alternative to a white board.
5. Do something unusual when
locking your door before a long trip in order to remember that you’ve definitely done it.
6.
7.
Pour a can of coca cola into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning wash it out with the toilet brush and flush for deep clean.
10.
Freeze grapes and put them into your wine to keep your beverage cold without watering it down.
Paint the top of each key with different colours to quickly and easily differentiate between your keys. Some pretty neat ideas huh? Happy hacking...
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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HOME & GARDEN
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
HOME & GARDEN advertorial
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HOME & GARDEN
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www.sweetchillies.com
Ample FREE parking
Call or book a table NOW on 443 2737 “You will be tempted by an unrivalled fusion of authentic and imaginative dishes, each freshly prepared and presented by our Chef, using only the highest quality ingredients. Our approach to healthy eating demands that no artificial colours, stocks or additives are used in our dishes. Indeed, most of our cooking uses olive oil, and the spices we use are freshly ground in our kitchen.” Iqbal Hussain, proprietor
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
WORD
Give sailing a go this May
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
There’s something for everyone as the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Push The Boat Out to give you the chance to try sailing and windsurfing for free or low cost in Birmingham and Solihull this May. If you’re on the lookout for something completely different, whether you’re bored of the gym and want some outdoor health and fitness, are a bit of an adrenaline junkie, need something to switch your brain off from everyday life or simply want a sociable new activity you can enjoy with your partner or family, pop down to your local sailing club or centre during Push The Boat Out and have a go.
Solihull Summer Fest returns
Solihull Summer Fest is returning to the region later this year. Music fans looking for a nice day out in the sun enjoying some tunes can expect Radiohead and Razorlight among other acts. The event is back in Tudor Grange Park on August Bank Holiday weekend, 25 - 26 August. Solihull Summer Fest 2017 - Sunday 2, they quickly became one of the key guitar bands of the following decade, selling four million albums, playing sold-out arena tours and headlining festivals. Each day of the festival will run from noon to 10pm with 10 hours of live music. Street food vendors will be providing a wide range of tasty refreshments alongside a choice of over five bars, including real ale and prosecco. A little bit of Brazil
Rio Steakhouse has opened in the heart of Knowle, bringing with it a latin festive vibe. A traditional steakhouse with a Mediterranean twist, you will find Rio at the heart of this historic village in the St John’s Shopping Centre. View their menus and look out for offers on their website www.riosteakhouse.co.uk
Over 22,000 people regularly go along to their local sailing club every month across the Midlands, sailing small sailboats or windsurfing on the region’s reservoirs, lakes and rivers. In 2017 a whopping 31,000 people ‘pushed the boat out’ at over 500 sailing and windsurfing taster sessions across the UK. At least seven venues across Birmingham and Solihull are hosting Push The Boat Out events throughout the whole of May. All kit and safety equipment is provided so just bring a pair of old trainers you don’t mind getting wet and your sense of fun. Refreshments will be available with a host of shoreside activities and entertainment to enjoy too. Find your nearest event at www.rya.org.uk/ptbo Talk about a revvv-olution A motorcycle once owned by late Beatles star John Lennon has fetched £57,500 at auction. The 1969 HondaZ50A ‘Monkeybike’ was sold for close to double the estimated £30,000 when it went under the hammer with H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull. Lennon had used the Monkey-Trail bike to get around his Tittenhurst Park estate in Ascot, where he lived from 1969 to 1971. The vehicle was sold by John Harington, who had owned it for 47 years and displayed it at various shows.
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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Local Business Directory
Support your local community = Supporting your local economy + Watching our neighbourhood thrive!
Bike Shop Bike Pro Racing Buy & Sell Website ebuygum
12 3
Plumbing Cullen Plumbing & Tiling
27
Restaurant Sweet Chillies
24
Carpentry & Joinery Peter Mertens Carpentry
20
School Hallfield School
13
Conservatory Insulation Green Space Ltd
22
Smart Alarm Systems SmartInstall Limited
28
Solicitor The Wilkes Partnership
14
Credit Control UK Central Credit Management Ltd Entertainment Lunar Festival
15 2
Gardening & Landscaping Betel UK 18 Central Driveways Ltd 24 Dimension Driveway & Landscapes 18
Stairlift Specialists Stairlift Express
8
Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear
23
Tiling Cullen Plumbing & Tiling
27
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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Cullen
17 Whitacre Rd, Knowle cullenplumbingandtiling@gmail.com
Tel: 07896 862 916 Established in 2005
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Qualified
Showroom Finish Wall & Floor Tiling for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and conservatories
Specialist in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone tiling
Business built on recommendation and
Central Heating & Radiators General Plumbing Maintenance & Repair
reputation
All Work Guaranteed Reliable Honest Service References and Portfolio of Work Available
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NOW on 07896 862 916 For a free no-obligation quotation MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, APRIL / MAY 2018
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